executive summary - colorado.gov · web viewthe srl is dedicated to assisting individuals and...

2017 Central City Resident and Business Survey Report

September 2017

Prepared by

Social Research Lab at University of Northern ColoradoJosh Packard, Executive DirectorJessica Espinosa, Research AssociateAshleigh Pulling, Research Associate

This report was prepared by the Social Research Lab at UNC at the request of Mr. Zeke Keeler. All identifying information has been removed and identified data is stored securely at the SRL only. The SRL is dedicated to assisting individuals and organizations in all stages of data collection and analysis. Any questions about this report and/or inquiries about specific data should be directed to Josh Packard at [email protected] or 970-351-3385.

2017 Central City Resident and Business Events Report

ContentsExecutive Summary....................................................................................................................... 3

Findings..........................................................................................................................................5

Benefits of Town Sanctioned Events....................................................................................5

Relationship with Age..........................................................................................................6

Qualitative Assessment.......................................................................................................7

Tables..................................................................................................................................9

Executive Summary..................................................................................................................... 20

Findings........................................................................................................................................21

Benefits of Town Sanctioned Events..................................................................................21

Qualitative Assessment......................................................................................................23

Tables................................................................................................................................24

2017 Central City Resident Report

2017 Central City Resident Survey

Executive Summary

OverviewThe following report provides a summary of the findings from a survey administered to Central City residents in the summer of 2017. The survey assessed resident’s views of the benefits of special events in Central City. This report will be broken into three parts, including a section that will report on the qualitative findings. Please note that Appendix A includes all raw qualitative responses and has been edited for major, visible spelling errors, but has not been edited for grammar, style or content. Additionally, the report for the business survey for Central City can be found in Appendix B.

How to Read this ReportThis report contains tables demonstrating responses to each question on the resident survey. Tables 1-6 correspond with questions from the survey in which participants chose one answer (as opposed to writing in their answer). For example, Table 1 expresses each respondent’s age. The “Percentage” gives the percentage of total respondents for a given answer in relation to the total participants who answered the questions. The ‘n’ below each table is the number of respondents who responded to each question. In Table 1, which depicts answers given for the question regarding age, 7.0% of the 57 residents selected the age group 23-34. This shows that out of the total respondents, 4 individuals selected this choice.

Table 5 is laid out a bit differently than the other tables because it depicts resident views of the benefits of each special event. The rows identify the special event, while the columns are presented as a Likert scale from no benefit (1) to huge benefit (5). For example, 64.9% of residents felt the opera event was a huge benefit to Central City. From this, we can infer that the opera has many elements that residents see as beneficial to the town. The mean score is included with each variable for comparability. Any variable with a mean above four (4) indicates that the event is perceived as a great benefit to the town.

DemographicsA total of 58 residents completed this survey. 38.6% of residents who took with survey were 65+ years old, with 29.8% being 55-64 years old. 24.1% of residents who took this survey reported having lived in Central City for 21 years or more. More results regarding age and length of residency can be found in Tables 1 and 2 on the next page. From these results as well as through open-ended responses, we can infer that the residents who participated in this survey are invested in the success of the city.

3


Table 1. What is your age?

Percent25-34 (1) 7.0%35-44 5.3%45-54 (3) 19.0%55-65 29.8%65+ (5) 38.6%

n=57Mean: 4.88

Table 2. How long have you been a resident of Central City?

n=58

Recommendations and Highlights1. Central City should be commended for establishing a culture of assessment. In order to

further cultivate that culture, we recommend issuing a report to residents thanking them for their participation and letting them know some of the actionable items which have been developed from their responses to this survey along with an implementation plan. We find that when organizations and municipalities close this feedback loop, along with utilizing an independent survey organization, like the SRL, participation in future assessments is greatly improved along with a general culture of accountability.

2. In general, residents felt that special events were a benefit to the town regardless of whether the events impacted their quality of life. For example, a few residents noted that they are unable to attend events due to their work schedule, physical ability or some other reason, but recognized that the events are beneficial for Central City as a whole.

3. Central City may want to pay close attention to the open-ended questions regarding suggestions for future events. Residents overwhelmingly suggested performing arts events and historical events more often than other suggestions.

4. Resident responses regarding their preferred and least preferred events were highly polarized. From the responses to open-ended questions, it seems residents either love or hate an event. For example, many residents cited the Hot Rod Hill Climb as their favorite event and encouraged more events like it, while just as many residents cited the event as their least preferred, saying the racing/racers block the street and that the cars are loud.

Percent0-1 year 8.6%2-10 years 48.3%11-20 years 17.2%21 years or more 24.1%I am not a resident 1.7%


5. Central City officials should consider opening up some sort of forum in which residents can express their opinions and offer suggestions. Based off of the responses to open-ended questions, residents have a lot of suggestions for future events and are interested in increasing tax revenue and property value in Central City. For that reason, allowing residents a chance to share these suggestions with officials outside of a survey could be beneficial.

6. Additionally, the responses on open-ended questions often referenced other problems residents had, but it seemed this survey was the only avenue residents had to express those frustrations. In those cases, the comments were outside of the scope of this survey and not included in the analysis, but a forum could help alleviate some of the frustrations more regularly so that when a survey like this asks residents to focus on one aspect of the city, like its events, residents can do so.

Findings

Benefits of Town Sanctioned EventsTable 3 (below) shows the results of a question asking about the overall value of special events to Central City. There is no missing data for this question, meaning that all 58 residents who participated in this survey answered this question. 75.9% of residents felt that the special events in the city were beneficial. Though some residents felt that the special events had no impact on their quality of life (24.6%) or slightly decreased their quality of life (8.8%), 40.4% of residents who participated feel the events greatly increase their quality of life, often citing increased tax revenue, high property value, more opportunities to be social and events bringing life back to the city as reasons why the events increase their quality of life. The following quotes are taken from the responses to the open-ended question asking residents to explain why they feel Central City’s special events impact their quality of life:

“I love the special events because it brings in a diversity of people, increases the demand for goods and services, benefits the local businesses, and helps expose more people to the Central City being more than just a gaming town. It also increases our property values because people want to visit and live in a fun, vibrant town.”

“Always something to look forward to.”

“Social events are great places to get to know the people who live here, meet visiting tourists, and have fun. How boring without them!”

Among the residents that felt the special events did not impact their quality of life or slightly decreased their quality of life, a few common reasons emerged: the traffic from events, specifically the traffic involved with the Hot Rod Hill Climb event, as well as the volume of the music coming from the events.

Overall, Central City residents seem to enjoy the events and Central City is in a favorable position to increase its number of special events. Below are tables depicting the results of resident responses to the questions regarding benefit to the city and resident quality of life.

5


Table 3. Do you see special events, such as those listed in the table below, as a benefit to Central City?

PercentNot a benefit (1) 0%Slightly a benefit 8.6%Neutral/no benefit (3) 0%Somewhat a benefit 15.5%Definitely a benefit (5) 75.9%

-n=58Mean: 4.59

Table 4. What impact do special events have on your overall quality of life?

PercentGreatly decreases (1) 1.8%Slightly decreases 8.8%No impact (3) 24.6%Slightly increases 24.6%Greatly increases (5) 40.4%

-n=57Mean: 3.93

Relationship with AgeRegardless of age and length of residency, residents of Central City view special events as beneficial for the town. As indicated in Tables 1 and 2, 38.6% of residents who took this survey were 65+, while 48.3% had lived in Central City for 2-10 years. Of the 57 participants who answered both questions (age and length of residence), 8 participants who indicated they were 65 years old or older have lived in Central City for 21 years or more. The remained 14 residents who indicated they were 65 years old or older also indicated they had lived in Central City for anywhere between 2 to 20 years. Of those 65+ folks, 63.6% believed the special events in the city were definitely a benefit. Further, 45.4% of 65+ residents reported that special events slightly increased their quality of life, while 18.2% felt special events greatly increased their quality of life.

Special events are also seen as beneficial to the city among younger residents. As indicated in Table 1, 7.0% of residents who completed this survey were 25-34 years old, 5.3% were 35-44 years old, 19.0% were 45-54 years old and 29.8% were 55-64 years old. The majority of these residents indicated they have lived in Central City for 20 years or less, with most having indicated they had lived in Central City between 2 and 10 years. 100% of 25-34 year-old residents indicated special events were definitely beneficial; 90% of 45-54 year-old residents indicated special events were definitely beneficial; 82.3% of 55-64 year-old residents indicated special events were definitely beneficial. 50.8% of residents who indicated they were between 25 and 64 also indicated that Central City’s special events were definitely a benefit. Responses to the question asking residents about what impact special events have on their quality


of life varied among age groups, but 32.5% of residents between the ages of 25 and 64 reported that special events greatly increased their quality of life.

From looking at the relationship between age, length of residency and perception of town events’ benefits, we can infer than over time, residents only become more invested in the success of Central City’s special events, as shown in both closed in open-ended responses. The fact that special events were seen to not only benefit the town, but also increase quality of life, across all age groups, indicates that Central City should continue fostering a culture in their town that involves special events of all kinds.

Qualitative AssessmentThis survey included four areas designated for participants’ comments. The first was towards the beginning of the survey and asked participants to explain why they believe special events have impacted their quality of life. 43 respondents provided responses to this questions and can all be read in Appendix A. The comments had a great deal of variation and were generally split between positive and negative responses. However, there were some summary findings:

Most residents felt that special events impacted their quality of life positively by bringing in tax revenue, income, employment, as well as boosting property value in Central City.

Many residents said that special events impacted their quality of life positively by bringing energy into the city.

Many residents noted that special events could be more successful if Central City had more restaurants, shopping etc. to keep people in Central City even after the event.

The next qualitative response asked residents if there were any events, other than those mentioned in the survey, that Central City should be involved with. Resident responses were varied, but there were a few trends in responses:

Events catering to the performing arts like the opera were often mentioned, specifically music festivals of any kind.

Events that are rooted in the town’s history was also mentioned quite a few times. Residents often mentioned the importance of cycling races, running races, bike paths,

running/walking trails and generally making the town more biker/runner friendly. Residents often mentioned flea markets, craft fairs, street fairs and farmers’ markets as

events Central City could be more involved with.

The next qualitative response asked residents about their preferred type of event. Resident responses were varied, but there were a few trends in responses:

Music events (like the opera, jazz festivals, etc.) were often listed as preferred types of events.

Family friendly events were also among the most preferred events. Historical events were also often mentioned by residents as their preferred type of event.

The next qualitative response asked residents about their least preferred type of event. Resident responses were varied, but there were a few trends in responses:

Residents most often listed racing events or car events as their least preferred type of events.

7


Residents listed events that block the road or parking spaces as their least preferred type of event.

Residents also listed alcohol themed events as their least preferred, but not nearly as often as racing or car events.

The last item on the survey asked residents to write any additional comments. Responses to this question, which can be read in Appendix A, were varied, even more than previous qualitative response questions, but there were a few trends in the responses:

In general, residents felt the current events in Central City could be improved if there was better promotion/communication about the events. Further, residents felt the events would be better capitalized on if there was more shopping and restaurants in town.

In general, residents felt strongly about the city capitalizing on location and creating biking and running paths.

Residents often felt that Central City should capitalize on its history. Many residents mentioned the sound level and crowd control of the special events as

being problematic.

Finally, many participants took the time to provide responses to the qualitative response questions. The qualitative response questions received anywhere from 25-40 responses out of the 58 total participants. From this, we can infer that the residents of Central City feel strongly either way about special events in the town and their benefit to Central City. Further, many responses indicate that residents are prepared to support more special events in Central City in hopes of bringing in revenue, creating jobs and increasing property value.


Tables


PercentNot a benefit (1) 0%Slightly a benefit 8.6%Neutral/no benefit (3) 0%Somewhat a benefit 15.5%Definitely a benefit (5) 75.9%

n=58Mean: 4.59

Table 6. What impact do special events have on your overall quality of life?

PercentGreatly decreases (1) 1.8%Slightly decreases 8.8%No impact (3) 24.6%Slightly increases 24.6%Greatly increases (5) 40.4%

n=57Mean: 3.93

9



Mean n No Benefit (1)

Slight Benefit

Neutral (3)

Significant Benefit

Huge Benefit (5)

Opera (Performing Arts) 4.39 57 0% 10.5% 5.3% 19.3% 64.9%

Lou Bunch Day (Historic) 3.95 55 3.6% 9.1% 14.5% 34.5% 38.2%

Stills in the Hills (21+ Event) 4.02 53 5.7% 1.9% 17.0% 35.8% 39.6%

Beat the Heat Wing Fest (Food and Beverage)

3.77 53 7.5% 5.7% 18.9% 37.7% 30.2%

Hot Rod Hill Climb (Auto Event) 3.89 53 7.5% 5.7% 17.0% 30.2% 39.6%

Creepy Crawls and Beer Fest (History/21+ Event)

4.17 55 3.6% 7.3% 7.3% 32.7% 49.1%

Overall 4.17 54 3.7% 5.6% 3.7% 44.4% 42.6%

Table 8. In which season would you most like to see a special event?

PercentSpring (1) 5.5%Summer 27.3%Fall (3) 18.2%Winter 3.6%No preference (5) 45.5%n=55Mean: 3.5


Appendix A: Qualitative Responses

Q9: Please explain why you believe special events have the indicated impact on your overall quality of life.

1) Bringing in people to experience the beauty of Central City increases awareness of the area, stimulates the economy and helps the overall city.

2) We enjoy the opera and having it in Central City makes it special with all the singers and students here for a few months. It is nice to be able to have this caliber of talent come into our town and draw people into it for the festival.

3) It depends on the event. For example, the Opera is very beneficial to the City and great entertainment for me. The Hot Rod climb has little interest to me and if it interferes with traffic such is not beneficial to the City.

4) I love the special events because it brings in a diversity of people, increases the demand for goods and services, benefits the local businesses, and helps expose more people to the Central City being more than just a gaming town. It also increases our property values because people want to visit and live in a fun, vibrant town.

5) It is important that Central be a destination for events and special activities. We need more stores and places to visit. These are only supported by special events.

6) Fun stuff to do without a lot of travel.7) My wife and I own two businesses in Central City that rely on guests.8) Special events bring people together which in return creates community

awareness, social interaction and serves as a promotional platform for the city. All events are good for the city and the city needs to encourage events of all types to come here.

9) My quality of life is extremely high already. These events are part of that, but not to the extreme.

10) The special events have no impact on my quality of life. I enjoy going to them and even when I can hear music from my front porch it is not a bother.

11) Because we are a family with small children, many of these events aren't appropriate for our family. They have little impact on our quality of life, good or bad. I feel like these events are geared toward attracting people from outside of the community, as opposed to providing activities for the community itself.

12) When they block the one road to my house and I have to drive half an hour out of my way it is totally ridiculous.

13) I enjoy the music and seeing new people. Also my visitors enjoy them as well.

14) IT WILL BRING IN MORE REVENUE THAT SHOULD DEFINITELY INCREASE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CC.

15) Having a bunch of nut cases with loud cars racing by your door and blocking your street is not a benefit!

11


16) Especially the Opera, the Opera people are for the most part rude, the speed limit on our road is 15, they go well over that, they block the roads both ours and Eureka. You cannot see around the cars parked 1/2 way into the street to actually turn on Eureka. The downtown events seem to be ok. The music is super loud but usually ends by 8 at the latest. We do enjoy going down to some of the events.

17) Get to have BBQ and fries!18) I work grave shift periodically. We live close to downtown so

sometimes the bands can be a little loud. Also, the biggest impact is our parking. We have limited parking at our home and participants park in our spaces.

19) Helps to bring people here to increase tax revenue and to make people aware of the history of Central City. Promotes local business.

20) Special events bring not only financial benefits to town, but also brings residents out to meet each other making our town a great community to live in.

21) Promotes our city. Bring people in. Main Street is the perfect location for music and activities. Should be done more frequently.

22) Attending events in Central City brings people to our community but I am usually working during the entire event. Having activities until 9 or 10 pm would greatly facilitate participation for those of us who work in the area.

23) We attend them occasionally and enjoy them. But, they have no impact on my quality of life

24) They make the town livelier and more fun outside of the casinos. They provide income, value and employment for me and my neighbors.

25) Town has nothing else going for it. There should be more events of all kinds to bring tax revenue into town and people. Terrible they won't have anywhere to shop, eat, or get a drink for children. This town is wanting to stay in the past. Sadly, the past is gone and so too will the town be. The mayor, council & city manager need to get real as to what will be lost.

26) We live in Prospectors Run. We might run into a slight traffic delay but nothing serious, we want to see Central City & its casinos & businesses succeed so any minor traffic delay is well worth bringing people to enjoy our events!

27) Being more social28) Social events are great places to get to know the people who live here,

meet visiting tourists, and have fun. How boring without them!29) As a 25-year resident, the lack of entertainment is sad-these events

add interest in our city...thank heaven for summer!30) Opera is very significant. Wish you would plan and provide venue for

more arts-e.g. plays, performers, art shows, tours of CC.31) Not enough return on investment32) Always something to look forward to.33) These events bring life into Central City. They bring in possible new

people who will open up a business or move here. They bring more into casinos as my guests when attending an event go in and try their luck.


34) More money = more taxes Goodwill of the city Support for local businesses.

35) I think these events are a benefit as they bring people into town and hopefully revenue is generated. I cannot participate in them as they occur on weekends and I work weekends. With that said, I believe they are a definite benefit still.

36) Gaming has been a boost and a curse Special events keeps Central City in the spot light and brings new customers to town.

37) I am 100% serviced and connected disabled veteran which does not lend me to attend these events. As an artist, I do know that the performing arts and other events is a strong awareness of this historical town.

38) The city needs to offer residents and visitors something in addition to gaming.39) Separating personal preference from community (economic) interests is not possible, which

renders survey of little value.40) Brings energy to the town!41) Brings life to city.42) Overall, special events decrease quality of life. The opera increases quality of life. I enjoy the

opera. It is a plus to bring in more cultural events. Central City is becoming expensive to live in. If the "expenses" to Central City increases, it stands to reason that it [event] is "not" a benefit. It only benefits casinos, not residents.

43) Sales and businesses and food served.

Q4: Other than the events mentioned above, is there an event you think Central City should be involved with?

1) Oktoberfest the last two weekends of September 2. Weihnachtsmarkt - Christmas Market for two weeks leading up to Christmas

2) I would love to see the Jazz Festival come back to Central City. Maybe if the Belleveder were renovated then it could be held there.

3) Greater involvement with the Gilpin Historical Society, e.g. the Creepy crawl. And other events such as the Tommy Knockers sale in December. Also greater support for the Arts community.

4) Bring back the Jazz Festival! Bring in some type of musical "battle of the bands" or any other type of showcase of local music. Work with the Opera to get heat installed so the season can be extended and so that we can have more events such as musicals or anything associated with theater during the off season. The Opera House would also be a great place to show movies until the Belvidere restoration is complete. The City needs to do whatever is possible to help the Opera grow and flourish. I think Central should work more toward promoting outdoor recreation events. Bike races, 5ks, etc.

5) How about vendors selling crafts, flea market, farmers market - locals selling goods.6) Wine tasting, ghost tours, inside look at some of the old buildings7) The Easy St/Bonanza Casino event was a huge success but limited to them Motorcycle Event any

genre of music type festival work with the opera for a winter and or spring show in addition to the summer

8) the city should encourage a wide range of events. Music and Art Festivals. Balloon festivals. Poker tournaments, slot machine tournaments. BBQ Cook offs. Imagine promoting Car Rally Weekends where you encouraged car clubs to come and use the Central City Parkway for events, a weekend each for the Ferrari Club, Porche Club, Corvette Club, Mustang Club. Allowing them

13


all access to the Central City Parkway. Motorcycle and ATV weeks would be draw a large audience. You could even have food vendors/food trucks paying a percentage to the city to operate within these events. Events can generate tremendous revenue for municipalities if managed and organized properly.

9) Please find a way to revive the Jazz Fest and introduce other multiday music events.10) Bring back the Central City Parkway race!11) I recognize the difficulty in attracting people to come here, especially in the winter months. It

would be nice to see less events that are totally about alcohol. I enjoy the events when I go, but I would like to see more events that utilize our amazing buildings that go unused all winter long. Movie night at the Teller House or Opera House. Workout groups that could use the open buildings. Maybe a parents group or kids group. Keep the costs low, so that people will actually attend. Charge enough to cover the building upkeep, etc.

12) FARMERS MARKETS -LOCAL ARTISTS SHOW (GREAT FOR THE UNUSED SPACES) -I THINK THE OPERA HOUSE SHOULD BE USED FOR OTHER SHOWS/MUSIC VENUE, IT SHOULDN'T REMAIN VACANT MOST OF THE YEAR. -CENTRAL CITY SHOULD START EVOLVING INTO A MUST SEE DESTINATION IN COLORADO. WITH THE RIGHT CITY PLANNING AND RENOVATIONS/RESTORATIONS I BELIEVE WE CAN ACCOMPLISH IT. MAYBE DEVELOPING A RESEARCH COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE OTHER HISTORICAL SITES (WHAT WORKED AND WHAT DIDN'T) WOULD GET US ON THE RIGHT TRACK FOR THIS.

13) I know we are a gambling town but I think adding an event that includes something for children of all ages would be nice. Something kids love to do. We liked the bourbon and bacon event. Or have you ever had just the restaurants in Central City and Blackhawk have an event like taste of Colorado?

14) Tour bus to all different historical places. Should have more bands playing even without a special event. Flea market would be a great event.

15) Perhaps an old western day.16) Beer festivals. Wine tastings. Music festivals. Historical events. Tours of old buildings.

Barbecues.17) Fall foliage viewing/ music festival18) Cycling race and running race on the Parkway. More related to mining history! Also look into

Book Holidays as in England.19) All20) Biker porker runs to help casino's21) I think anything we could do to make our city more bicycle friendly would bring more people to

town including bike racks, a section of Century Parking structure on Main w/ nice racks, casinos could have a coupon rack w/ bike racks, bicycle events, special rates on food, rooms

22) Classic car shows23) Food festivals or farmer’s markets?24) Animal rescue events and parades. City garage sale25) Yes, all those listed on other page26) Book signings - Local artists exhibitions/sales - charity fundraisers (walk-a-thons, concerts, pot

lucks, chili cook offs, baking competitions, etc)27) Encourage casino development so the city can pay its debt28) More music fest during year, Theater at opera-all year29) Historically themed events, more family interactive activities which future nongaming businesses

could survive by them purchasing products. Dixie Jazz Band used to attract many.


30) Music festivals31) Like what? Maybe a co-op events with Denver32) Maybe bike races33) A spring event would be beneficial coming off the no activities in winter. Heritage history works

well across the country but since the advent of gaming has declined here. The travesty of the 1994 moratorium allowed Blackhawk to crush Central City. We need to play to our strengths.

34) Blue grass-use to have one-follow Telluride's lead or backroad bicycle paths-brought a lot of ghost towns to life

35) Winefest Foodfest36) Don't know37) Attracting grocery businesses! Attracting more private business and lowering the water bill. All

of these activities only benefit the casinos.38) Chili cook off BBC

Q5: What is your preferred type of event?1) 1. Celebration of the beginning of Fall 2. Celebration of the Christmas season2) Opera, jazz festival, cemetery crawls, creepy crawl, beer fest3) Entertainment such as the opera4) Outdoor recreation, anything relating to music or theatre. I LOVED THE HOT ROD HILL

CLIMB LAST YEAR! It was amazing and the Rockabilly Music on the main street was phenomenal. I also like the paranormal events and the cemetery crawls.

5) Street fairs.6) Beer (wine) festivals7) Any8) I like all events but especially art, cars and food.9) Yes.10) Something that involves alcohol and live bands.11) Family friendly events.12) Music and events highlighting the local merchants.13) ANYTHING BRINGING IN REVENUE14) Alcohol tasting events but ones that include food. We also like that at the events my husband

(who doesn’t drink hard alcohol) can go in a casino and get a beer and bring it outside. We do like the listening to the bands.

15) Historic based events16) I like the road rally, which they are not having this year. Huge disappointment that it is not

coming this year.17) No preference. Enjoy all the events.18) Music festivals with popular known bands.19) Food or music20) Outdoors, colorful, fun to watch.21) Any kind. Look at other towns.22) Event that bring people up to casino's23) Family friendly. When Belevedere is ready to go I know acts like Michael Martins Murphy make

many appearances at small towns in preserved, historic theaters at rifled other western slope towns. Also cowboy poetry/singers like Susie Knight who lives in Confer and has a large

15


following of people who go to wherever she is appearing. They will have cowboy poetry/singer event (2-3 day) in Golden, CO in Jan 2018. Would be great if city council members or city manager could attend some of it and see how popular it is and also very wonderful entertainment.

24) Street fair25) Events that are historically related or that promote the uniqueness of this town. Artistic events are

good too.26) All those mentioned27) Music28) Opera, musicals, magic shows, plays29) Family-oriented30) Music/food31) Music32) Anything that puts Central City in the spot light33) Definitely musical events. If Central City is ever going to become financially stable and attractive

to residents and non-residents it will be through hosting a series of festivals AKA Telluride34) Central City Opera The 100+ cast, staff, musicians, who live in Central City for 2+ months do

more for the economy than all the other special events combined. If we had some good restaurants instead of "casino food" opera patrons would spend more in the city.

35) Bands and food/alcohol Bluegrass Jazz Rock & Roll36) Wine37) Liked Halloween party at Opera house several years ago38) Opera. Having a Safeway. We take our business to Evergreen. "Hate" the way the racecar racers

leave the parkway. Racing hurts the parkway!39) Short events with music and food

Q6: What is your least preferred type of event? 1) N/A2) Hot Rod Hill Climb, Stills in the Hills3) Hot rods and anything that uses the roads and causes traffic issues, closing Main Street excepted.4) Lou Bunch Day. Anything to do with ATVs.5) Those targeting only a certain race.6) Country music7) None8) Marijuana smoke in events. These events don't typically draw the type of person who spends

freely on food, gambling, hotel rooms or gifts.9) No.10) Kid friendly.11) Events that bring in a crowd that causes problems, fighting, drunk driving accidents, etc.12) I don't know if you consider the Opera an event but that would be at the top of the list for us. Plus

whatever event we just had where the porta potties were set up near the parkway. Cannot even imagine what visitors to our city thought about that! There seems to be alot of variety of events here. I cannot really say there is a least favorite.

13) Late outdoor bands14) Ethnic monoculture. Multiculturalism isn't just Hispanic, we should include Asian, Scottish/Irish,

German etc.15) Events that are not promoted


16) The Hot Rod Race17) Hispanic18) Events that block the road to my house19) Opera20) Liquor21) Road events22) Those involving alcohol23) Races24) The Hispanic deal put on by Easy Street. The musica is much louder than other events and goes

on later into the night (10pm this year).25) Drinking26) ?27) Cars28) All events have positive benefits for the city. My least preferred is no event.29) The so called "gun fights"! Guns are not toys! A bunch of wanta be cowboys play acting death

scenes is not historic. No one comes up here to watch grown men play good guys and bad guys. Doesn't put one dollar in a till or a slot machine.

30) None really31) I do not enjoy blocking off the downtown Main Street. No benefit to residents! Only

inconvenience.

Q7: Additional comments: 1) While I generally can support the Main Street events, they should be limited to no more than six

for the summer season. Also the audio amplification for Main Street events needs to be controlled. For example, the Hispanic Festival on July 29 was way too loud. If any event is going to be that loud, I do not support having the event.

2) On the website and the Central smartphone app, there are mentions of "hiking" and yet there are no maps or signed trails in the City. Visitors coming to Central have no indication of where the trails are. There are great trails above Barrett Road on Winneago Hill, in Prosser Gulch, between Central and Black Hawk along the old Tramway Line, etc. There is a great opportunity to construct a pedestrian / bicycle path between downtown and the cemeteries along Eureka Road. Great Outdoors Colorado or a ColoradoParks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant would be a good source of funding for this. Please look at the Leadville Mineral Belt Trail. There are significant opportunities to do the same thing in Central. Colorado is the 2nd fastest growing state and recreation is a 13 billion dollar industry in Colorado. There are TONS of potential opportunities in our town, but leadership has historically completely missed the opportunities. Unfortunately, as I have already witnessed, many of the oldtimers look at bike paths as a waste of money and don't understand the economic development benefit of them. The most successful small mountain towns are the ones that have embraced outdoor recreation.

3) Find a way to make the CC Beerfest more crowd friendly. It's way too restrictive/crowded and hard to move around.

4) More events would be good. Schedule on other weekends than other local events. Any event provides recognition to the city.

5) Central City is a very unique city in a perfect location to draw a wide range of people to a variety of events. CC must organize an effort to promote the city as an event friendly city. It will ultimately be good for all business owners and the city can make a very nice annual profit by

17


receiving a percentage of all food, alcohol, and souvenirs sold by outside vendors. I understand that the city desperately needs income. I am confident that to promote the events all you need to do is make phone calls to people who organize the individual events and invite them to Central City to see what you have to offer. Those people will do the rest.

6) It's difficult to find events that will really bring people in. I feel pretty strongly that the biggest issue we have is communication. Central City and Gilpin County are TERRIBLE at communicating events to the community. Hanging a flyer in the door of the post office is not effective communication in this day and age. Utilize social media more. Ask people if they want to be notified of events via email. Give community members a discounted rate to larger events. Create groups that bring different community members together. If you want the community to care about events, do better at bringing the community together, the entire community. There is too much ridiculous animosity in this community. If people are being shunned because of the street the live on, they won't care about the success of the city as much. These types of things are obvious at City Council meeting and city events. Create a community feel and you will get a community, otherwise we are just a bunch of people living in the same general area.

7) I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE EMPTY BUILDINGS BEING USED, IT SEAMS TO BE SUCH A WASTE TO HAVE THEM SIT VACANT! ALSO AS A RESIDENT OF PROSPECTORS RUN (OH NO NOT THIS AGAIN!) I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ATV AND MOTORCYCLE TRAFFIC DISAPPEAR ALL TOGETHER, AND IS THERE A WAY TO DIVERT CAMPING TRAFFIC TO ANOTHER ENTRANCE? PEOPLE FLY UP THE DIRT ROAD CAUSING ALLOT OF DUST TO GO INTO THE AIR AND INTO OUR HOMES. THANK YOU FOR WHAT HAS BEEN DONE ALREADY IT HAS MADE A GREAT IMPACT ON THE NOISE REDUCTION. THANK YOU! THANK YO! THANK YOU!

8) Would be great to see more smaller businesses...not more pot shops but cafes, candy shop, etc....much like Idaho springs

9) I wish we had more on Sundays as I work on Saturdays.10) I don't understand why Beer fest and Creepy Crawls are lumped together.11) All the events are enjoyed by us. Thank you12) Central City is unique, beautiful and important to Colorado history. I was on the Opera board for

years and saw the excitement when people came to visit.13) The council, mayor & city mgr need to start looking and achieving what is good for the overall

city and residents not just what they want. Your historical buildings and status are nothing more than a dilapidated bunch of buildings that are crumbling around the town. Once those buildings fall what do you have left? Nothing! Perhaps we need a mayor and council like Blackhawk. They come for the opera and leave as nothing to do before or after. Stills in the Hills could be a great tax revenue if people also as somewhere to eat/shop. Here again, nothing here. All events have the opportunity to bring money (tax revenue) into towns where there are other things to do and purchase. Look at Estes, Winter Park, Breckenridge

14) Events every other week from May to Sept and once a month in other months, but promoted and those that bring in gamblers. We live off devise fee's not sale taxes.

15) You are prob. already doing this, but is there any way to compare the $ dollars spent by visitors and time they remain in town for each indiv. event. If so we would what most attracts people to this town, my opinion, the small, personal friendly atmosphere, not in favor of large, flashy type events. People w/ opera very rude, walk down middle of street, stand out in middle of street talking, no respect for our city, our traffic laws, our residents. Thank you for having this survey!

16) I love CC17) Quit looking for ways to spend money the city does not have


18) Lou Bunch Day is very popular. Opera - huge benefit. I don't participate in the others so have no opinion. If the business is increased, then its a benefit. It would be nice to see a local event at the park geared to families. The opera welcoming program was fun this year. It is also nice to see the Gilpin reunion at the park.

19) I don't like having my house shake with the base...we are also a residential neighborhood...20) Multi-day events should also be considered for the impact they could have on increased hotel/

B&B traffic. Marijuana friendly events are currently a huge missed opportunity. The local hills and many historical locations present tremendous opportunity for bike and foot race/walks off all levels/distances.

21) Special events are inefficient marketing tools.22) The bed races get boring-change up somehow Change zoning? Fill empty buildings (retail?)

Blackhawk has gambling-focus on family fun and young adult fun -they spend money TM and get toll if parking -if they spend in Central City it goes towards their purchase/gambling-get them to stay in town and not go directly to Blackhawk! Get along with Blackhawk! Work together!

23) Need to support more historical events like the cemetery crawl. Need to show case the history past more!

24) I think its nice for people to come to CC to see what is here and hopefully spend some money.25) Would like to see more stores and maybe a drive in to help city26) I do not enjoy "gambling" any more. I almost ended up in the "poor house". Business other than

casinos should be encouraged. It is not a benefit to bring in visitors. The only benefit to residents is the "opera".

19


Appendix B: Business Survey Report

2017 Central City Business Owner Survey

Executive Summary

OverviewThe following report provides a summary of the findings from the survey administered to Central City business owners in the summer of 2017. The survey assessed business owners’ view of benefits of special events in Central City. This report will be broken down into three parts including a section that will report on the qualitative findings. Please note that Appendix C includes all raw qualitative responses and has been edited for major, visible spelling errors, but has not been edited for grammar, style or content. This report is shorter than the resident report due to the low response rate.

DemographicsA total of 4 business owners finished this survey. 50% of business owners who took this survey indicated they were 25-34 years-old, while 50% of participants indicated they have lived in Central City for 10 years or more. More results regarding age and length of residency can be found in Tables 1 and 2 below.

Table 1. What is your age?

Percent25-34 50.0%35-44 0.0%45-54 25%55-65 0.0%65+ 25%

n=4Mean: 3.50

Table 2. How long has your business been in Central City?

n=4

Percent1 – 3 years 25.0%5-10 years 25.0%10 years or more 50.0%


Recommendations and Highlights1. Responses to the question regarding to what extent business owners see town events as

beneficial to their business varied from no benefit to definitely a benefit (which can be further reviewed in Table 3). However, open-ended responses indicated that events involving the performing arts as well as historically based events were seen as beneficial to the town’s businesses.

2. Central City may want to pay close attention to the open-ended questions regarding suggestions for future events. Business owners who provided an open-ended response indicated that performing arts events and historical events were preferred, which aligns with responses from residents.

3. Similar to residents’ responses, business owners indicated that events would be more beneficial if there was more shopping, restaurants etc. that kept visitors in town for longer than the length of the event.

4. Central City officials may want to consider re-administering this survey or hold listening sessions, lunch and learns or focus groups after communicating the importance of it to the city and business owners. This may aid in increasing survey response rates.

Findings

Benefits of Town Sanctioned EventsResponses among Central City business owners varied regarding whether they saw town events as beneficial to business, as can be seen in Table 3. Because no clear trend emerged among business owners on whether or not events are beneficial, Central City is in a favorable position to establish and cultivate a culture that values town events such as those listed on this survey. From Table 4, we can see that of the four reasons given, 75% of business owners who completed this survey indicated that increasing the profile of Central City for tourists was the most compelling reason for their businesses to participate in town events.

Table 3. Do you see special events as a benefit to business?

PercentNot a benefit (1) 25.0%Slightly a benefit 0.0%Neutral/no benefit (3) 25.0%Somewhat a benefit 25.0%Definitely a benefit (5) 25.0%

-n=4Mean: 3.25

21


Table 4. Which of the following are compelling reasons for your business to participate in community events?Mean n Not at all

Important (1)

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

(3)

Very Important

Extremely Important

(5)Being a Good Community Partner

3.50 425% 0% 0% 50% 25%

Increase Revenue during Events

3.75 4 0% 0% 50% 25% 25%

Exposure/Advertising 4.00 3 0% 0% 33.3% 33.3% 33.3%Increase profile of Central City for tourists

4.75 4 0% 0% 0% 25% 75%


Qualitative AssessmentLike with responses to closed-ended questions, business owners’ responses were varied, but a few trends did emerge. Similar to responses from residents, business owners also expressed what a benefit more businesses, shopping and restaurants would be to the town as tourists would stay for longer than the length of the event. One business owner specifically highlighted the Opera event as an example when asked about their least preferred event and which they felt would have a negative impact on sales:

Opera. Not enough parking/financial benefits for other Central City businesses.

Additionally, also much like the residents’ responses, business owners suggested more support of the performing arts, the addition of music festivals and historically based events (for example a mining tour or event)

23


Tables

Table 5. Rate the impact that events have had on your business revenue.Mean n Substantial

Reduction(-100% to 50%)

Reduction (49% to 1%)

No Change

Increase(1% to 49%)

Substantial Increase

(50% to 100% or more)

Opera (Performing Arts) 3.50 4 0% 0% 50% 50% 0%Lou Bunch Day (Historic) 3.25 4 0% 25% 25% 50% 0%

Stills in the Hills (21+ Event)

2.67 3 0% 33.3% 66.7% 0% 0%

Beat the Heat Wing Fest (Food and Beverage)

3.25 4 0% 25% 25% 50% 0%

Hot Rod Hill Climb (Auto Event)

3.50 4 0% 0% 50% 50% 0%

Creepy Crawls and Beer Fest (History/21+ Event)

3.25 4 0% 25% 25% 50% 0%

Overall 3.25 4 0% 25% 25% 50% 0%


Table 6. In which season would you most like to see a special event?

PercentSpring (1) 0%Summer 25.0%Fall (3) 50.0%Winter 0%No preference (5) 25.0%

n=4Mean: 3.25

Appendix C: Business Survey Qualitative Responses

Q4 Other than the events mentioned above, is there an event that you are supportive of because of the overall impact to your business? Why?

1) The Staged Gun fights on Main Street, Carriage Rides- (in past). Parades, outdoor music on Main St. Outdoor live music, Food Fairs- Farmers market, Outdoor BBQ Stands. Coffee shops. Locals in periods Dress. Art work in Windows\, Christmas// Holiday Light in and on Buildings. Why: Generates people on the Street and cars stopping to be in Central City.

2) Spanish themed Main Street event because it attracts customers to my business.

Q5 What is your preferred type of event? Which would increase sales and vitality?1) Live Music and Live action events with People Horses and period costume events. We

missing the Guy from Bonanza who used to do cards tricks and gun play on Main st. Need More Mine Tours and Local area tours promoting Central City and the Surrounding area.

2) Any event that attracts people to Central City who are willing to add money to the economy. Too many events/operas where people only come for that and leave.

Q6 What is your least preferred type of event? Which would have a negative impact on sales?

1) Opera. Not enough parking/financial benefits for other Central City businesses.

Q7 Additional Comments1) We've got a Great town//City, anything to get the word out to Channel 9 and Channel 2

News will help.* Also Free Gov’t or private sponsored Wi-Fi.2) Minimum budget required to close Main St. or Parkway for an event.

25

executive summary - colorado.gov · web viewthe srl is dedicated to assisting individuals and...

Documents