Respondents were asked an open-ended question: What changes most concern you about Jasper’s direction and future?

When it comes to concerns about current direction, ongoing changes, and the future, respondents were most worried about the Mid-States Corridor, government spending, taxes and fiscal sustainability, and loss of small-town community character due to overgrowth. Respondents also express concern about traffic and pedestrian safety, local business and downtown vitality, as well as housing affordability and the rise of cost of living. Economic security concerns (jobs, costs, taxes) rank consistently high. Some respondents have concerns that growth could adversely affect the environment and greenspace and could also potentially increase crime and impact public safety. There is a desire for government transparency, accountability and inclusion with respect to decision-making and planning. Also of concern is the well-being of community youth and the need for more things for them to do, and to a lesser degree there is a concern for local connectivity and the lack of sidewalks and walkability.