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- 2024-2028 Strategic Plan
New Hanover County is in the process of developing a new five-year Strategic Plan that will help guide the county’s operations, services, and initiatives from Fiscal Years 2024-2028.
Community Survey Results
A community survey was opened to county residents in early 2023 for feedback. Input from the community survey will be used by the Board of Commissioners to help shape the goals and focus areas of the strategic plan, to ensure the county is moving forward and creating a strong foundation for our community to thrive. Results from the community survey identified the issues most important to our residents.
1. Public school education
2. Community safety
3. Environmental stewardship
4. Access to healthcare
5. Water and sewer infrastructure
6. Quality, high-paying jobs
7. Being prepared for a natural disaster
8. Workforce housing
9. Access to mental health and substance use disorder resources
Freeform, supplemental responses also identified a number of topics important to our residents, including growth and development, public/pedestrian transportation, infrastructure, social justice, and public amenities.
Residents were also asked to rate their sentiments on a number of statements related to health, safety, housing, employment, and education in New Hanover County.
| On a scale of 1 – 7, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements related to New Hanover County? (1 – Strongly Disagree to 7 – Strongly Agree) | Average |
|---|---|
| I am able to live a healthy lifestyle, with nearby access to fresh foods and outdoor activities. | 5.16 |
| New Hanover County provides a supportive environment for businesses to grow and thrive. | 4.44 |
| New Hanover County is prepared to respond to and recover from natural disasters. | 4.29 |
| We have quality-of-life amenities that help make New Hanover County a good place to live. | 4.30 |
| I do not worry about crime or my personal safety in my neighborhood. | 4.16 |
| I can find a job in my chosen career path. | 3.90 |
| Mental health and substance use disorder services are readily available and accessible in New Hanover County. | 3.65 |
| Students are equipped and prepared to enter the workforce in New Hanover County. | 3.39 |
| I can live affordably in New Hanover County. | 3.18 |
| Our local natural resources are being preserved for future generations. | 2.55 |
Stay tuned to this page for the next steps in the strategic planning process, updates on our progress, and other ways you can engage in planning for New Hanover County's future.