A survey conducted by the leaders of Pullman 2040, a community initiative, found that respondents want to see the city become more vibrant, innovative and business-friendly in the next 20 years.

The initiative, which collaborates with Pullman residents, workers and students, used information collected in early 2017 to create task forces devoted to the city’s improvement. The questionnaire asked respondents to identify what they believe the city should preserve and what they would like to see change by 2040. Respondents also said they hope to retain Pullman’s safety, outstanding education and small-town feel.

The six 2040 task forces focus on community identity, downtown’s visual appeal, environment and recreation, education, healthcare and economic development. Each task force will recommend action plans to the initiative’s steering committee by the end of the month, according to the 2040 timeline.

Founded in August, the steering committee is headed by Co-Chairmen Francis Benjamin and Garren Shannon. The committee hopes to develop a comprehensive action plan by September, after which concrete projects can begin.

Benjamin, who is also the information systems coordinator in the WSU Department of Psychology and facilitator of the task force on visual appeal, said he’s encouraged by the community’s excitement in the project.

“Overwhelmingly, people want to be a part of visioning and shaping our community,” Benjamin said. “We’ll get so much further if we actually have planning and direction.”

Marie Dymkoski, executive director for the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, helped initiate the Pullman 2040 process a year ago after she read that 65 percent of the people who work in the city do not live here. Dymkoski said she hopes to bring multiple city groups together to accomplish similar goals.

“At the same time, we had a new president at WSU that was also very encouraged by an initiative to collaborate town and gown,” Dymkoski said. “It’s really all working very hand-in-hand.”

Dymkoski, who facilitates the task force on economic development, said she was not surprised by the survey’s findings.

“If you’re in the community long enough, you hear the talk about pros and cons and this and that,” Dymkoski said. “However, having the community reiterate [its values] is important so that you know you’re on track.”

Shannon, IT director for the Pullman School District, said the goal of 2040 is to consider as many viewpoints as possible.

“So far, the challenge has been canvassing the entire community and getting the input from them,” he said. “What a diverse community we have, [with] a lot of absolutely fantastic ideas.”

However, Shannon acknowledged the committee has had difficulty gaining input from WSU students.

“It turned out to be quite challenging just to connect with them in a meaningful way and get them to participate,” he said.

Shannon, who facilitates the task force on environment and recreation, encouraged students to get involved with the visioning process, even if their stay in Pullman is temporary.

“Most of them believe that they are disconnected from our community,” he said, “but they are as much a part of our community as the folks who live in Moscow and work here, for example.”

Benjamin said if the community stays engaged, Pullman 2040 is on track to make lasting contributions to the city.

“Together, we’re going to do some incredible things that we wouldn’t have done on our own,” he said. “Our biggest challenge is going to be we want to do it all, so where do we start?”

To join a task force, fill out an application on the initiative’s website or contact its steering committee at [email protected]. Though the original surveying period has past, the committee is still accepting input online. Community meetings focused on reviewing the initiative’s accomplishments are set to begin in October.