Bridging the Gap: Assessing and Addressing Community Sentiment.
by Jonathan Schechter
Since the Great Recession, the economies of mountain towns are stronger than ever. Fueled by factors ranging from remote work to transnational capital, and then accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities are experiencing unprecedentedly high incomes, home prices, and other indicators of prosperity.
So why do we feel so anxious? So unhappy? So concerned about the future? Why, in short, do we fear the loss of our communities?
“How might residents answer such questions?” Wondering that led Jonathan Schechter to conduct the first-ever scientifically valid public opinion survey of the attitudes of people living in the Greater Tetons region.
Rather than focus on the economy alone, Jonathan’s survey also explored residents’ views on the community and environment. The results made it clear there’s a significant gap between what residents care about and what gets measured. To address that gap requires not just new indicators, but new approaches towards thinking, acting, and collaborating by all sectors of our communities: public, private, and non-profit.
This talk will seek to capture the essence of this year’s MRTPS theme of the Ethos of Planning, the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. In this context, Jonathan’s talk promises to suggest new ways for attendees to view their jobs, their communities, and their futures.
So why do we feel so anxious? So unhappy? So concerned about the future? Why, in short, do we fear the loss of our communities?
“How might residents answer such questions?” Wondering that led Jonathan Schechter to conduct the first-ever scientifically valid public opinion survey of the attitudes of people living in the Greater Tetons region.
Rather than focus on the economy alone, Jonathan’s survey also explored residents’ views on the community and environment. The results made it clear there’s a significant gap between what residents care about and what gets measured. To address that gap requires not just new indicators, but new approaches towards thinking, acting, and collaborating by all sectors of our communities: public, private, and non-profit.
This talk will seek to capture the essence of this year’s MRTPS theme of the Ethos of Planning, the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. In this context, Jonathan’s talk promises to suggest new ways for attendees to view their jobs, their communities, and their futures.