Neighborhood Environment in Morgan County

The Neighborhood Environment category encompasses structural features of communities such as roads, sidewalks, housing, and utility services, which are each associated with public health and safety. This category also explores community land usage, such as public spaces, parks, and walking and bike trails, which are community features that increase quality of life by facilitating physical activity, fostering a sense of community, and increasing home values.

What We’ve Learned

During the 2019 community survey and outreach initiative, CFMC learned that there is countywide demand for improved road conditions, internet access, and public utility services. Many communities would also like to see investment in sidewalks to increase accessibility and pedestrian safety. Property maintenance, both public and private, is a concern for many residents, as it affects community safety and property values. Upgrades to or construction of new public recreation areas are of key importance countywide, especially for places that provide youth with healthy after-school activities.

As we were collecting responses from the 2019 community survey, CFMC held a number of community conversations and focus group discussions to add context and understanding to the data. These conversations were open to the public, and included formal and informal community leaders, business owners, teachers, public servants, and the general public. Together we discussed key concerns for each community, and gained a better understanding of how CFMC can support priority-based progress in each of Morgan County’s hometowns.

CFMC’s Neighborhood Environment initiatives will continue to be informed by these survey findings and community conversations.