Earlier this year, Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards set out on a listening tour along with a survey to ask residents what they would like to see improved. K R P S’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more. 

Nearly 1,400 Joplin residents completed the survey, which allowed participants to respond to a handful of questions in their own words. Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards wanted residents to quote, dream a little when considering what the city will look like in the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Joplin residents had plenty to say; the report was compiled into a 180-page executive summary. According to Edwards, they were two main concerns from residents. “So one is this desire to have, better job opportunities, things that can help improve economic mobility, the other the section was this thought of, more retail development, there’s a desire from the residents to have better, better retail choices and not have to drive to other major metros.” The report was presented to the city council and discussed briefly earlier this month. During a retreat that is taking place today, the Joplin city council will more thoroughly discuss turning the resident’s concerns into action. You can view the listening tour and survey results by clicking this link.