Community Success Panel Recap: September 24, 2026
On September 24, 2026, the Community Success Panel (CSP) convened key Midland County stakeholders from business, government, education, and non-profit sectors to align local economic development and community initiatives. Established in 2010 and utilizing the Communities of Excellence Baldrige framework, the Community Success Panel drives collective impact across health, education, the economy, and quality of life through four core focus areas: Building Our Livelihood, Developing Our Talent, Caring for Our People, and Enriching Our Community. The meeting featured updates on critical county issues along with updates from individual organizations on upcoming events and programming.
The Midland Business Alliance provided an overview of its role as Midland’s central business and economic development organization, highlighting how its work supports all four Community Succes Panel focus areas. Alliance leaders discussed efforts to support business retention and attraction, market available development sites and facilities, improve infrastructure, and advance major community priorities such as flood mitigation and broadband access. Updates also included Talent X workforce initiatives, MYPros programs for young professionals, Housing Forward’s efforts to address local housing needs, and the Farmers Market’s role in strengthening food access and community connections. Leadership Midland and Midland Blooms were highlighted as longstanding examples of community engagement and leadership development, while discussion also focused on opportunities for community members to help welcome prospective businesses and support future investments in community assets such as a permanent Farmers Market.
The panel also reviewed results from the latest ZenCity community satisfaction survey covering April through June 2026. Approximately 73% of respondents reported satisfaction with Midland County’s quality of life, although younger residents and lower-income households reported lower levels of satisfaction. Survey results reinforced housing availability as a significant community challenge, with only 24% of respondents satisfied with available housing options. Access to quality healthcare and strengthening community connections emerged as additional high-impact priorities. At the same time, residents continued to identify safety, cleanliness, education, arts and culture, and overall community character as key strengths that contribute to Midland County’s high quality of life. New survey questions regarding belonging revealed that residents feel most connected at home, with friends, and in outdoor spaces, while many expressed a desire for stronger connections within neighborhoods and the broader community.
Max Loves Midland shared updates on efforts to strengthen community awareness, engagement, and talent attraction. Recent communicators meetings have focused on aligning messages around community priorities, expanding collaboration among local organizations, and exploring shared communication opportunities. Upcoming outreach efforts include new digital content highlighting housing, childcare, workforce development, and talent retention, as well as expanded resources for current and prospective residents. Leaders also noted increased community familiarity with Max Loves Midland and previewed new video content designed to connect residents with local opportunities, events, and resources while advancing the shared vision of Midland County as an exceptional place where everyone thrives.
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