What does the future of Allegan County look like?
It's a question that Allegan County leaders are asking residents through the 2025 Allegan County National Community Survey, which will help shape public services, economic development, and community programs for years to come.
The county and partner agencies are working with the community engagement platform Polco on the survey, which will collect direct input from residents on key issues such as public safety, health services, infrastructure, and education. Higher participation will provide more accurate, representative results, ensuring that policy decisions reflect the county’s needs.
“This survey is a critical opportunity for Allegan County residents to make their voices heard,” says Michelle Van Dyke, president and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way. “It will directly influence our funding areas for the next three years, ensuring we align with the county’s most pressing needs.”
The survey is being conducted in two phases:
- Mailed survey: A randomly selected sample of 3,000 households began receiving postcards notifying them that a paper survey was on the way. These surveys, which started arriving on Jan. 29, allow for a representative sample of county residents.
- Open online survey: Beginning Feb. 24, all residents who did not receive a mailed survey can participate online at www.allegancounty.org/communitysurvey . The survey will remain open for three weeks.
“We want as many people as possible to participate,” Van Dyke says. “It’s really important, not just for United Way, but for all of our partners, including the county itself, to understand what residents need.”
For those selected in the random sample, each survey includes a unique code that allows them to complete it online or in paper format. Officials stress the importance of filling out the mailed version rather than waiting for the open survey, as this ensures an accurate, controlled data set.
![]()
Courtesy of Allegan CountyAllegan County leaders urge all residents to complete the survey, whether by mail or online.
Guiding county’s direction
County officials say the survey results will guide funding decisions, shape plans, and help allocate resources efficiently. It will also help leaders benchmark Allegan County’s progress against other communities with similar demographics.
“The county has progressively developed an ongoing strategic, operational, and financial planning process. The addition of the National Community Survey in 2019 and 2022 was extremely valuable in engaging the public into the process," says Robert Sarro, county administrator. “I look forward to incorporating the new results into the county’s current plans.”
The 2025 National Community Survey is not just a routine questionnaire, says Stephanie Calhoun, president and CEO of the Allegan County Community Foundation; rather, it is a crucial tool for shaping the future of Allegan County.
“The insights gained will help us address health disparities, economic stability, and overall quality of life for Allegan County residents,” Calhoun says.
“This survey provides the data we need to create solutions tailored to our community’s needs,” Calhoun says.
Allegan County partners have used past survey data to implement key improvements, including expanded work-based learning opportunities for students; new school safety measures; better access to behavioral health services; and targeted economic development programs.
The partner organizations using the data include:
- Heart of West Michigan United Way – Determines funding priorities for community programs.
- Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (ESA) – Uses results to inform education and student safety initiatives.
- Allegan County Community Foundation – Identifies areas of economic and social disparity to drive funding strategies.
- Allegan County Health Department & Multi-Agency Collaborative Council (MACC) – Develops the next Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
- OnPoint (formerly Community Mental Health) – Addresses behavioral health needs based on survey responses.
“The survey allows us to determine what’s working and what isn’t,” says Bill Brown, superintendent of Allegan Area ESA. “We use this data to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our students and families.”
Brown adds that past surveys have influenced work-based learning programs, school safety measures, and partnerships between businesses and local schools.
“For us, education is about preparing students for a successful future,” Brown says. “This survey helps us see where we need to focus our efforts, whether it’s expanding career training programs or increasing mental health support in schools.”
The survey will also shape responses to pressing issues such as mental health services, job opportunities, and access to health care.
“This year’s survey includes questions about behavioral health needs and challenges,” says Mark Witte, CEO of OnPoint. “This information helps us better respond to community concerns and track progress in improving mental health services across the county.”
![]()
Courtesy of Allegan CountyPast Allegan County surveys have influenced work-based learning programs, school safety measures, and partnerships between businesses and local schools.
Collaboration builds connection
Witte adds that the survey’s collaborative approach — bringing together nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses — creates a stronger, more connected support system for residents.
“Having a shared set of data means we can align our efforts, avoid duplication, and ensure that every dollar invested in the community is used effectively,” he says.
County leaders urge all residents to complete the survey, whether by mail or online.
“We strongly encourage every household selected for the survey to complete it as soon as possible,” Van Dyke says. “For those who didn’t receive a mailed survey, the online version will be available starting Feb. 24. The more participation we have, the better the data, and the more effective our community solutions will be.”
Allegan County has used past survey data to implement key improvements, including expanded work-based learning opportunities for students; new school safety measures; better access to behavioral health services; and targeted economic development programs.
Once the surveys are collected, Polco will analyze the results, compare them with data from similar communities, and provide a detailed report to county officials and community partners. The final results will be published in April 2025.
Residents will be able to review the findings on the county’s National Community Survey webpage at
www.allegancounty.org/communitysurvey once the report is released.