What matters most to the future of Northwest Missouri? Residents, business owners, community leaders, and organizations across the region are encouraged to share their perspectives by completing the annual Great Northwest Day Priorities Survey.

Representing 19 counties – Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Putnam, Sullivan, and Worth –the region works together each year to identify shared priorities and bring a unified voice to state legislators and policymakers in Jefferson City.

The annual survey is the primary method for gathering input and determining the regional priorities that will guide Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.

“Great Northwest Day is about bringing our communities together to make sure Northwest Missouri has a strong, unified voice at the Capitol,” said Joe Hegeman, chair of Great Northwest Day. “We want to hear from the people who live and work throughout our region. The more input we receive, the better we can represent our communities and focus on the issues that will make a meaningful difference in our future.”

Your voice can help shape the region’s priorities. From workforce development, childcare, and housing to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development, the survey provides an opportunity to identify the issues that deserve attention at the state level.

“Everyone has a stake in the future of Northwest Missouri,” Hegeman said. “Whether you live in a small rural community or one of our region’s larger towns, your perspective matters. We encourage residents, business owners, employees, and community organizations to take a few minutes to complete the survey and encourage others to do the same.”

Survey responses will help identify shared concerns across county lines, build consensus on regional needs, and establish the priorities that representatives will carry forward during Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.

Residents throughout the 19-county region are invited to participate.

The survey is available online at  https://bit.ly/4zE1DHL.  Participants may also scan the QR code below to access the survey directly.

The survey deadline is November 17, 2026.

Taking a few minutes to participate can help ensure Northwest Missouri’s priorities reflect the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the people who call this region home.