Poll Shows Residents Want Economic Development Focus to Be on Manufacturing
Our recent poll showed that economic development is the number one concern among Johnson County residents, so we dug a little deeper to find out what kind of economic development residents want to see.
Johnson Countians left little doubt about their economic priorities. Creating more good-paying jobs topped every other goal by more than 35 percentage points, while manufacturing and industrial development emerged as the clear favorite for how to get there, leading the next option by more than 20 points.
When asked what county leaders should consider when evaluating new development, long-term stability (26%), the number of permanent jobs created (22%), and demands on infrastructure such as roads, power and water (18%) topped the list.
When asked to weigh manufacturing against tourism, residents again showed a strong preference for manufacturing—but with an important qualification. Higher-paying manufacturing and industrial jobs received 34% support, compared with 11% for tourism, recreation and visitor spending. But the largest group, 41%, said both approaches should receive equal emphasis.
Manufacturing and industrial jobs also led when respondents were asked which types of economic development should receive the most focus. Retail stores and restaurants followed at 32%, with locally owned small businesses close behind at 30%. Tourism and outdoor recreation ranked fourth at 20%.
When the focus shifted specifically to tourism, downtown revitalization emerged as the leading priority, selected by 58% of respondents. Restaurants, shops and entertainment were selected by 49%, while 41% pointed to festivals, music and cultural events as potential tourism drivers.
Opinions were more divided over what downtown revitalization itself should accomplish. Restoring buildings and storefronts was the leading choice at 20%, followed by attracting restaurants and retail at 16%. Supporting locally owned shops and businesses and better serving local residents were tied at 14%.
The poll also revealed a more fragmented picture of what residents consider Johnson County’s greatest economic assets. Small-town character and quality of life led at 60%, followed by mountains, trails and natural resources at 49% and Watauga Lake at 43%.
But some of the assets typically associated with attracting manufacturing employers ranked much lower. Only 9% identified Johnson County’s location as a major economic asset, 11% selected the existing workforce, and 20% selected available land.
When asked what stands in the way of economic development in Johnson County, the picture was considerably clearer. Local government policies and leadership were selected by 45% of respondents, resistance to growth and change by 44%, and the lack of a clear economic-development strategy by 38%.
Overall, respondents were receptive to growth, although most wanted it balanced with preserving Johnson County’s character. Forty-eight percent said growth is welcome but rural and small-town character should be protected. Another 23% said Johnson County should actively encourage growth, while 20% said economic growth and preservation do not necessarily conflict.
Respondents were far less positive about the county’s current direction. Thirty-nine percent said they were very dissatisfied with Johnson County’s economic growth, while 33% were somewhat dissatisfied. Another 26% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Fewer than 1% said they were satisfied.
In addition to the polling questions, we asked residents one open-ended question: What is the ONE thing Johnson County could do that would make the greatest difference to its economic future?
The answers were wide-ranging, but several themes appeared repeatedly. Affordable housing was mentioned by multiple respondents, as was the need to encourage and support local stores and restaurants. Calls for different or better leadership appeared multiple times, as did opposition to data centers and bitcoin mining operations. Several respondents also cited increasing the number of liquor-by-the-drink permits as a way to help local restaurants succeed.
Johnson County still believes in a future built in part on good-paying manufacturing jobs. But residents aren’t putting all their hopes in one basket. They see opportunity in what we make, what we have, where we live and who we are—and plenty of reasons to believe Johnson County’s best days can still be ahead.
