Kandiyohi and Renville County Public Health - Health Data Compilation

This project worked with Kandiyohi and Renville County Public Health to compile a comprehensive health narrative of the region. The narrative explored issues related to various health factors in the region, including demographic and economic factors. The final product was used to develop a list of priorities for health issues and initiatives.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1067/thumbnail.jp

Lac Qui Parle Computer Commuter Content Analysis

In the spring of 2013, the Center for Small Towns created an analysis of Lac qui Parle County\u27s Technology Education Project called the LqP Computer Commuter System. The analysis reviewed the system\u27s role in promoting computer and internet literacy in the community. The goal of this analysis was to help the EDA better understand the effectiveness of the program while also generating ideas that could be added to the current model.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1004/thumbnail.jp

City of Morris - Chloride Discharge Assessment

This project involved assisting the Office of Sustainability and the City of Morris to understand the use of softeners and the amount of chloride put into the city’s waste water treatment plant. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently presented new regulations for chloride levels being discharged into rivers from municipal waste water treatment plants. The students measured current chloride levels and estimated the amount of chloride that would be discharged if the community switched to high-efficiency softeners. This information is being used to inform the community on whether the city should invest in a municipal water softening system.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1062/thumbnail.jp

Workforce Housing in Pope County

The University of Minnesota Morris | Center for Small Towns and the University of Minnesota Extension worked with Positively Pope County and the Pope County Housing Redevelopment Authority to explore and examine housing issues linked to employment recruitment and retention within the County. This survey was distributed to employees of selected businesses in the county. Participants were asked questions about their current housing situation, demographic information, as well as their preference to live in Pope County and whether it is difficult to find appropriate housing.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1074/thumbnail.jp

Highway 68 Corridor -- Public Input on Safety and Transit

The University of Minnesota, Morris | Center for Small Towns worked with the Highway 68 Corridor Coalition to gather input from citizens and publicly available data relating to safety and transportation issues along Highway 68 from Canby to Marshall, MN. The compiled information in this report will be used to inform the Minnesota Department of Transportation concerning future changes to the Highway.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1077/thumbnail.jp

Appleton Area Recreation Park Survey

In the spring of 2012, citizens associated with the Appleton Area Recreation Park contacted the Center for Small Towns at the University of Minnesota, Morris to develop and implement a survey. The purpose of the survey was to collect data from park users relating to the amount of money being spent in Appleton, riders who are staying overnight in the area, and overall satisfaction with the park.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1071/thumbnail.jp

Otter Tail County Tourism Association - Brand Equity Study

This project worked with the Otter Tail Country Tourism Association to develop, implement and analyze a tourism branding survey which informed efforts to re-brand Otter Tail County as a place based destination.The Center for Small Towns partnered with University of Minnesota Extension to conduct this study. The results of this survey directly influenced the re-branding of Otter Tail County and the Otter Tail Country Tourism Association.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1063/thumbnail.jp

Grow Grant County - Consumer Survey

The Center for Small Towns and the University of Minnesota Extension worked with Grow Grant County to design, implement and analyze a consumer survey sent to households in Grant County. Results helped stakeholders understand their retail and service shopping habits, garner their views on shopping in Grant County, and collect their ideas for business opportunities. These results are being used by the County to recruit new business owners, and inform current businesses how to better connect with their customers.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1068/thumbnail.jp

Wastewater Challenges in Small Minnesota Communities: Wastewater Treatment Operator Survey Results and Affordability Analysis

Well-maintained and properly functioning wastewater systems are critical infrastructure because they protect public health and make local economic development possible in small communities. Such systems, however, can also be expensive and difficult for small communities to keep up with. The purpose of this study was to assess regulatory, structural, operational, and affordability challenges associated with municipal wastewater infrastructure in small Minnesota communities. The findings of this study are based on data from three major sources: 1) a survey of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operators, 2) the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (MPCA WINS), and 3) the 2011-2015 American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau).https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1080/thumbnail.jp

Business Climate for Resorts in Otter Tail County

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, resorts started popping up among Otter Tail County’s wooded hills and 1,048 crystal clear lakes. Those early resorts are responsible for much of the County’s early infrastructure and economic development. Today, tourism and hospitality remain Otter Tail County’s second largest industry. However, resorts are disappearing. Since 1985, over 50% of Otter Tail County’s resorts have closed. Given the cultural and economic significance of resorts in Otter Tail County, it is important to better understand the implications of their decline. The Center for Small Towns worked with the University of MN Extension and Otter Tail County Tourism and Economic Development to survey and interview resort owners to 1) better understand why resorts are closing, 2) examine the economic impact of the declining resort industry in Otter Tail County, and 3) identify strategies for curbing the decline of resorts and/or mediating the impact of their disappearance.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1073/thumbnail.jp