More than 130,000 people live within the 321 square miles of Johnson County. Despite our differences, we share many common dreams and aspirations for our community and its future.
Over the last several years, Johnson County Public Library and Aspire Johnson County have spent time with many local residents and groups conducting a series of conversations to determine what those aspirations are, and how we might come together to make them a reality.
The method we used was developed by the Harwood Institute, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities work together. The Harwood method does not seek to impose an agenda or predetermined outcome, but instead offers a series of open-ended questions that can be used to facilitate small-group discussions within communities.
The first question, “What kind of community do you want to live in?” focuses on the participants’ vision for where they live, and the questions that follow help clarify how that can best be achieved.
We met with more than 160 people from many local and county-wide organizations throughout the process, and after compiling the notes from our many conversations, we were able to identify three common aspirations that appeared again and again:
Communication: Residents want opportunities to proactively connect and communicate with leaders and decision-makers about the issues that affect their lives. Where to find and how to share information are significant issues. Many residents feel they don’t know what is going on in their community and throughout Johnson County.
One resident commented, “Decisions are made … but how do you find that information? How do you know what will affect you?”
The overall impression was residents do not understand how to influence their local government and community. They want to be involved but do not know where to start.
Transportation: Residents want connected, walkable communities that offer a variety of affordable options for residents to travel to and from work and recreation. Having a vehicle is necessary to fully engage with the amenities Johnson County offers. If you cannot afford reliable transportation, you often cannot easily work, access childcare, get to resources or secure food. The Access Johnson County bus system is very helpful but cannot meet the needs of residents who work evening shifts.
Getting around Johnson County is another significant issue. Residents are concerned about how roads have not kept up with the population growth leading to extremely heavy traffic on most major roads. Though many of the suburban areas in the county are working to improve roads and prepare for growth, many worry it isn’t progressing fast enough, or they are simply not aware of the work being done, which is an example of the first issue, a lack of communication.
Housing: Residents want a wide variety of affordable housing options that match local income levels and other community needs. In the northern part of Johnson County, it seems like every time you turn a corner, more homes are being built. Demand is so strong that you currently cannot build a home, or seldom find an existing home, for under $250,000.
Building more doesn’t solve all the problems. One group member said it “causes more problems just to stack housing upon housing.”
The unemployment rate in Johnson County is low, and we hear a lot about new employers coming to the county. Just as building more houses can create new problems, adding jobs increases the demand for housing and drives up costs.
One employer feels concerned that “as a small employer I can’t pay people a wage that allows them to live in this county.”
Though these three topics present challenges to be solved, they also represent great opportunities for our community.
Everyone that participated in these conversations shared a great love and commitment to making Johnson County an outstanding place to live, work and play, and the findings reflect that belief that while we live in an outstanding community, there are opportunities to make it even better.
We welcome continued conversation about these topics and the future of Johnson County. If you’d like more information about the conversations we conducted, including a printable report suitable for sharing, or to schedule a conversation with your own group or organization, contact us at http://bit.ly/JoCoComment.
Davin Kolderup is the Clark Pleasant Branch Manager for the Johnson County Public Library. Library staff members share in writing this bi-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
