County releases survey results, prepares for Strategic Plan Update

The economy is the number one issue in a recent countywide survey of Mariposa County residents. While 27 percent of residents rated the overall economic health of the County as excellent or good, 89 percent indicated it is essential or very important for the County to focus on economic issues in the next two years. More than two-thirds of residents also indicated that they somewhat or strongly supported proactive development of recreational amenities, visitor amenities like hotels and attractions, stores and restaurants, light industrial businesses like call centers or warehouses, and housing.

A representative sample of 547 residents responded to the community survey between May 10 and June 21, 2023. The results provide valuable feedback for the County and its mission to “improve the quality of life in Mariposa County through active community engagement and the efficient delivery of outstanding public services.” The results also include benchmarks comparing the data to similar communities across the county and comparison data from when the survey was last taken in Mariposa County in 2018.

“We want to be focused on our residents and meeting their needs and making their lives better,” said current Board Chair Miles Menetrey. “This survey helps us understand what the community thinks about County services, where we can continue to make improvements, where we need to make sure the community knows about what is being done, and how we can make sure we’re moving in the direction that the folks who live here want us to be going.”

In addition to the economy, two-thirds of respondents indicated they did not feel safe from fires, floods and other natural disasters. 64 percent of respondents rated ambulance or emergency medical services positively, a result that was below the national benchmark, and 72 percent indicated they would support efforts to shorten response times for medical and fire-related services even if additional taxes or fees were required. Public perceptions about the natural environment, general governance, short-term rentals, and code enforcement are also noteworthy in the results.

The community survey results will be presented to the board of supervisors for discussion at their meeting on September 12, 2023. Following that meeting, staff will host several community meetings to continue gathering input from residents and update the County’s strategic plan to focus on the identified priorities. Community groups interested in hosting a presentation for their members can schedule a meeting through the administration department by calling Lynn at (209) 742-1230 or emailing [email protected].

Planned Community Meetings
September 12, 2023 at 9 AM
Presentation to the Board of Supervisors
September 14, 2023 at 9 AM
Stag Hall (Hornitos)
September 14, 2023 at 2 PM
Greeley Hill Community Center

September 15, 2023 at 2 PM

Wawona Community Center

September 16, 2023 at 9 AM
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Chambers
October 3, 2023 at 6 PM
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Chambers
October 4, 2023 at 6 PM
Hacienda Pavilion (Lake Don Pedro)
October 5, 2023 at 6 PM
El Portal Community Hall