A new year, a new start to Hesperia’s future.

Division Street in downtown Hesperia.

A new year, a new start to Hesperia’s future.

HESPERIA — A new year is also a new start to Hesperia’s future. The Hesperia Community Assessment, held in August, was the third area assessment funded by the Community Foundation for Oceana County in its community development work.

Led by the foundation and consultant Julie Hales-Smith, the assessment was also supported by key area partners, including the Village of Hesperia, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce, the Right Place, and the Oceana County Economic Alliance.

The results of the community assessment were shared in November with 30 invested residents who came out to discuss Hesperia’s economic development and priority areas as determined by the study. Meeting attendees further volunteered to join committees around the focus areas, who are charged with moving the work forward.

“We were very encouraged by the enthusiasm of the community to come together and plot their future. The foundation and its donor partners look forward to opportunities to contribute towards new projects identified by committees as top priorities,” said Community Foundation CEO Tammy Carey.

The August assessment brought out over 60 residents to participate in focus groups and a large town hall visioning session. The consultant recorded a snapshot of Hesperia’s strengths and opportunities for growth, while uniting residents to develop shared goals.

The five priority areas included revitalizing the downtown, attention to the needs of youth, accessible and varied housing types, and enhancing natural spaces and recreation development. The focus groups and follow-up committees generated the idea of seeking collaboration between the schools and young residents with the beautification committee. Folks showed an overwhelming interest in improving communication methods within the village and surrounding areas, such as with the establishment of an e-newsletter or an events board. Attendees also showed great interest in capitalizing on existing assets such as the dam, with the natural spaces committee planning to focus their time on a parks plan.

“The assessment was a fantastic opportunity to connect with residents about their vision for Hesperia. We are thankful to the residents, the foundation and community partners for their participation, interest, and commitment to improving their community,” said Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Scott Rumsey.

The chamber is taking the lead in making the full results of the assessment available to the community, gathering volunteer sign-ups and sharing volunteer opportunities. Any interested community member is highly encouraged to sign up and be a part of making Hesperia an even more amazing place to call home. View the report or sign up to get involved at the new chamber website, www.hesperiachamberofcommerce.com/. To keep up to date on committee work in the five priority areas, check the website frequently.

The Community Foundation for Oceana County promotes an Oceana where everyone has access to resources to thrive. It receives and manages contributions from people and organizations and has provided nearly $8 million in grants and scholarships back to the community since 1989. If you would like more information on how to help support Hesperia projects or programs, call CEO Tammy Carey at 231-869-3377.

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