Culture. The community leader survey results shown in the chart below illustrate well what we heard time and again about the people of Howard County. People in need are treated with respect and generosity. The community is welcoming and inclusive. To a lesser degree, key institutions adapt well to changing circumstances. The community has seen as much failure as success at uniting around a common vision and collaborating across organizational boundaries. Acceptance of innovations comes hard.
Priorities. Further reflecting the community's compassion are the priority groups and issues recommended for special attention: These are the top choices of respondents to the Survey of Community Leaders:
| Demographic Groups | Personal and Family Challenges |
| 50% Low income families with infants & small children 34% Low income seniors (ages 65+) 31% Low income adolescents (ages 13-17) 30% All Seniors (ages 65+) 28% Low income children (ages 6-12) 24% All families with infants & small children (ages 0-5) |
37% Substance abuse 30% Mental illness or emotional issues 32% Parenting issues 32% Family violence |
