New Survey Results Offer Insight Into Priorities for Downtown

Published on September 15, 2026

New survey results are helping shape the direction of the Downtown Master Plan, giving city leaders a clearer picture of what residents and business owners want to see as the plan moves toward a final draft.

The survey was conducted by ETC Institute, an independent research firm that specializes in community surveys for cities across the country. As part of the Downtown Master Plan process, ETC mailed the survey to 4,000 randomly selected households and businesses in Merriam. The survey drew 471 responses, a strong return rate that makes the results statistically valid for Merriam as a whole. Because the sample was random, the results reflect the views of the broader community, not just those who attended a meeting or event.

What the Survey Found

Results show general support across several major elements of the draft plan:

78% support the overall downtown vision.
91% say they would use new restaurants and cafes.
90% support protecting homes and businesses from flood damage and keeping people safe during floods.
84% would visit an expanded or year-round farmers market.
81% support dedicating a quarter-cent sales tax to downtown improvements.
71% favor a moderate flood solution that balances cost and benefit.
77% support incentives and private partnerships to attract private investment downtown.

No final decisions have been made. These results are one part of a bigger picture. Combined with pop-up events, interviews, two open houses, and previous surveys, they'll help shape the final Downtown Master Plan. The goal is to have a plan that reflects what the community has said it wants, while balancing cost, feasibility, and long-term impact.

The full survey report is available for review online.

For more information on the Downtown Master Plan, visit merriam.org/downtown.