Downtown Ellsworth Experience Survey Opens August 15

Heart of Ellsworth is inviting the people who spend time downtown to share their perspectives through the 2026 Downtown Ellsworth Experience Survey. The survey opens Saturday, August 15, and will remain available through November 15.

This annual survey is conducted as part of Heart of Ellsworth’s continued accreditation through Main Street America. It helps our Economic Vitality Committee better understand how people currently use, experience and connect with downtown. That includes people who live or work downtown, own a business or property, visit regularly, or only stop by occasionally. Each of those experiences contributes to a more complete picture of downtown today.

The survey asks about how and why people come downtown, what they value about the area, and what shapes their experience while they are here. Responses will provide a broad community snapshot that can inform future conversations, partnerships and committee work.

To be clear, the survey is not connected to a specific development proposal, tax increase or immediate investment decision. Its purpose is to help the committee recognize shared experiences, better understand where perspectives differ, and carry more current community information into its work.

The Economic Vitality Committee will lead outreach throughout the survey period, connecting with downtown visitors, residents, business and property owners, and others who interact with Main Street. Printed survey cards and posters will also spread throughout downtown businesses.

After the survey closes, Heart of Ellsworth will share how many people participated, a general description of who responded, and a timeline for reviewing the information. A later update will summarize the major themes that emerge.