Strengths, challenges listed during community assessment

WHEATLAND - Comments were heard from 183 Wheatland residents during a community assessment that took place Oct. 3-4.

An assessment team interviewed the people, ranging in ages from youth to adult, during 13 listening sessions.

Some strengths and assets listed by community members included:

• People

• Small town atmosphere

• Community support

• Low cost of living

• Giving community

• Hospital

• Nursing home

• Location

• Community pride



Some challenges listed by community members included:

• Nothing to do

• Empty buildings

• Lack of recreation center

• Aging infrastructure

• Jobs for young families

• Drinking

• Lack of growth

• Dating opportunities



The team that performed the community assessment - made up of Jackie Bredthauer, Jo Ferguson, Sue Taylor, Adam Johnson and Kristin Phipps - will come back in eight to 10 weeks and will facilitate a priority setting meeting. The next step in the process will be to set priorities.

The assessment was sponsored by the Town of Wheatland in partnership with Platte County Economic Development, Platte County Chamber of Commerce, Platte County Health Department and Missouri Basin Power Project.