Heart and Soul Project Coordinator Kristin Schlawin said the organization is a community initiative focusing on the assets in the city and what people love about the city, This is a four-step process.

Heart and Soul is a national program that comes to small towns to help plan for the future. The organization has been working in Muscatine for a few years. A lot of surveys were available for residents to answer. The organization has also hosted community events with cards for people to fill out saying “I love Muscatine because …” and they had a voting activity at National Night Out. The surveys were available online to answer and some events were held.

All the comments from the survey were printed out to be reviewed by Heart and Soul organization members. There were a lot of similar answers from community members that were put into six statements.

• Businesses: We appreciate Muscatine for the business opportunities it offers from our global companies to locally owned one-of-a-kind businesses. Together they provide a strong employment environment and support entrepreneurial initiatives. The strong economic base provides the foundation for a giving and caring community.
• Education and Opportunities for Young People: We appreciate Muscatine for quality education choices at every stage of learning. Dedicated volunteers and professionals provide a variety of in school and out of school activities and programs, creating a solid foundation that contributes to the growth and longevity of the city.
• People and Community: Muscatine is a welcoming, caring, and friendly community that is service-oriented and engaged. We form connections with other people in town to create a strong sense of community, and we have strong familial roots while still being welcoming to newcomers.
• Size, Growth, and Opportunities: The size of Muscatine allows people to feel safe and connected to each other, while also having access to resources, activities and opportunities they need and want. Muscatine is a community always seeking to be a hometown for all residents.
• Nature, Outdoors and the River: The Mississippi River is an important part of Muscatine’s identity. It provides recreation and scenic beauty. Residents enjoy a variety of activities along the river, in our parks, and on our trails. Muscatine is a healthier and happier place due to our access to nature and outdoor spaces.
• Events and Things to Do: Muscatine cherishes its events, variety of activities and the facilities that make them possible. People of all ages are able to experience fun, engaging community opportunities.

The organization is now trying to determine if they are right about the statement categories. Meetings were held Sunday, Aug. 13 and Tuesday, Aug. 15, to discuss these answers with residents. If you missed those meetings, you still have a chance to provide input. A new survey is available online at https://www.muscatineheartandsoul.org/statements-survey or you can find the survey link on the organization’s Facebook page.

Muscatine Heart and Soul encourages residents to answer the survey because the leadership of the organization wants to make sure they got the statements right. Once the feedback is finished, a presentation will be made to the city council so they can have the information for their long-term plans. If there is something not mentioned in the survey or statements, Schwalin encourages you to let them know.

Additional information on Muscatine Community Heart & Soul can be found at https://www.muscatineheartandsoul.org/, or on the City of Muscatine website at Heart & Soul.