The Ocean Pines Association's Strategic Planning Committee meeting on December 5, 2024, spotlighted a concerning trend: a significant drop in community survey responses. With only 628 responses collected, the turnout was markedly lower than the 1,800 responses received three years prior. Committee members discussed potential reasons for this decline, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to engagement.

One key factor identified was the timing of outreach efforts. Committee members noted that social media promotion for the survey was implemented too late in the process, which may have hindered participation. Additionally, the absence of pressing community issues—unlike previous years when hot-button topics like short-term rentals sparked greater interest—was seen as a possible contributor to the low response rate.

The committee acknowledged a sense of complacency within the community, attributing it to the current stability in financial and board matters. This perception may have led residents to feel less compelled to voice their opinions. As the committee prepares to analyze the survey data further, they plan to reconvene on January 1 to discuss strategies for improving future engagement and ensuring that community voices are heard.