Wildwood committee approves expanded economic‑development survey, adds housing‑preference question

The Wildwood Economic Development Committee voted on July 22 to approve a 20‑question economic‑development survey that uses an interactive mapping tool to collect location‑based resident feedback and to add a housing‑preference question requested by a committee member.

Staff described the survey as a follow‑up to the city master‑plan outreach, designed to pinpoint where residents see needs for improvements and what types of businesses, services and housing they would like. The survey asks ZIP code and ward information and can accept ward lookups via a linked mapping tool; staff said it will not require a direct street address.

“It's designed to show where improvements, projects, and priorities are most needed across the community,” staff said. The committee agreed to two changes during discussion: include a question about housing preferences (starter homes versus villas/senior living and other types) and give staff limited authority to refine question wording and weighting before the final rollout.

Committee members urged care in phrasing and question order to avoid biased results. One member suggested the survey be timed and promoted to coincide with Celebrate Wildwood to increase participation; staff said the survey will be posted on the city website, included in the Gazette mailing, and amplified on social media and at events via QR codes.

The motion to approve the survey as amended passed by majority vote. Staff said the survey will be published once final editing is complete and that summarized results could follow in one to two months.