Spurred by sagging retail trade and the need for future planning, the Fort Madison (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce initiated a community survey to determine attitudes of residents towards various community characteristics. A 7-section questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 411 area households, of which 268 or 72.2% responded. Over 75% of the respondents had lived in Fort Madison for at least 11 years and 64.2% were employed full- or part-time. Generally, their image of the city and its residents was very positive, especially among older respondents. They rated the quality of community services positively except for street maintenance, housing availability, and youth programs. Transportation was rated poorly as was school discipline. Respondents rated recreation opportunities positively but faulted available entertainment, especially dining and movies. Many respondents shopped elsewhere for wider selection and better quality, service, and prices, especially when purchasing furniture or clothing. Respondents voiced support for new department and clothing stores; 66% favored a shopping mall. One third also obtained medical care elsewhere and 71% perceived a need for another physician in Fort Madison. Respondents were satisfied with available dental and pharmacy facilities but not with available hospital care or costs. An appendix contains complete survey results. (SB)