Alabama Extension launches statewide survey to identify community needs

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has launched a statewide survey to better understand the educational and community development needs of Alabamians—and is inviting citizens across all 67 counties to take part.

The survey, developed by a team of Extension agents, county directors, specialists and administrators, is designed to gather input on local priorities related to agriculture, youth development, natural resources, community health, economic development, and more.

Residents are encouraged to share what programs and services would make the greatest impact in their communities.

“This effort is about listening,” said Eve Brantley, associate director for Alabama Extension. “Whether you’re a farmer, a parent, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to improve your community, your voice can help shape the future of Extension programming where you live.”

The needs assessment survey is part of a two-step approach. Extension professionals across the state first identified emerging and ongoing needs based on their direct work with Alabamians. Those insights helped shape the public-facing survey now being launched.

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“Each county in Alabama is different,” said Beau Brodbeck, assistant Extension director for field operations. “By asking residents to rank and identify their most pressing needs, we can prioritize the right programs for the right places—and ensure we’re using our people and resources where they’re needed most.”

The results will inform both local and statewide planning processes, including Alabama Extension’s Program of Work (POW) development.

The survey, which can be found at https://www.aces.edu/go/stakeholdersurvey, takes just a few minutes to complete and is open to all Alabama residents.

For more information about Alabama Extension, contact your local Extension office or visit aces.edu.

Media Contact: Mike Clardy, Alabama Extension Communications and Marketing, clardch@aces.edu