2021 Jonesboro Community Survey

Thank you in advance for taking our brief survey!

Jonesboro Unlimited is renewing our economic development strategic plan to help ensure the continued growth and resilience of our economy. As a member of the Jonesboro community, YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT for developing a strategy that benefits all residents and businesses.

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* 1. How has Jonesboro's economy performed over the past five years from your perspective?

The economy has grown (there are more than enough job opportunities with adequate compensation)

The economy has remained flat (it has not gotten better or worse)

The economy has underperformed (there are not enough jobs with adequate compensation)

Please share any comments:

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* 2. To what extent has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your employment and economic security at present? (Please check all responses that best apply).

The pandemic has contributed to my current unemployment or underemployment (loss of employment and difficulty finding a full-time job with a family-sustaining income)

My employment and financial situation is not currently being impacted by the pandemic

I lost my job during the pandemic, but have been able to find a new full-time job

I have been able to increase earnings and improve my financial situation during the pandemic

Other (please specify)

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* 3. How do you rate economic development and job creation as a priority for Jonesboro?

High priority

Medium priority

Low priority

Not sure / Need more information

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* 4. What does successful economic development in Jonesboro mean? (Please check up to 3).

Recruiting new businesses and expanding existing industries

Recruiting and expanding retail and entertainment

Cultivating more startups and entrepreneurial companies

Increasing tourism

Improving quality of life (including lifestyle amenities)

Enhancing and increasing educational and training assets

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Rank Jonesboro's top three (3) competitive strengths (advantages). (Please check only 3.)

Business climate

Business sites / commercial real estate

Utilities and energy

Job and career opportunities

Colleges and Universities

K-12 public schools

Diversity of residents

Economic diversity (industry variety)

Entrepreneurial mindset and support

International presence (businesses and people)

Cost of Living

Lifestyle

Transportation infrastructure

Talent (workforce)

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Rank Jonesboro's top three (3) competitive weaknesses (disadvantages). (Please check only 3.)

Business climate

Business sites / commercial real estate

Utilities and energy

Job and career opportunities

Colleges and Universities

K-12 public schools

Diversity of residents

Economic diversity (industry variety)

Entrepreneurial mindset and support

International presence (businesses and people)

Cost of Living

Lifestyle

Transportation infrastructure

Talent (workforce)

Other (please specify)

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* 7. What three (3) words best describe Jonesboro in terms of its positive identity (what would you like Jonesboro to be known for)?

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* 8. Name two (2) specific things Jonesboro leaders can do to make the community a better place for residents.

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* 9. Name two (2) specific things Jonesboro leaders can do to make the community a better place for businesses.

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* 10. What should be Jonesboro's top economic development priorities for the next three (3) to five (5) years? (Please pick up to 5.)

Helping small businesses recover from COVID-19

Investing in public transportation infrastructure and transit infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, public transportation) and other mobility options

Creating higher-paying jobs / raising income levels

Providing upskilling (in-demand technical skills) to experienced workers

Attracting remote workers who are in a position to live anywhere

Growing our manufacturing, agribusiness and logistics/distribution base

Recruiting new businesses to the region

Creating stronger collaboration and partnerships between local government (city and county), education institutions and businesses

Supporting entrepreneurs and high-growth startups

Diversifying the economy (e.g. growing more jobs in small but emerging sectors like technology and professional services)

Retaining and attracting young people to live and work in Jonesboro

Connecting college students to local businesses and careers

Increasing availability of business sites and commercial real estate

Enhancing quality of life for residents

Improving the K-12 public education system

Other (please specify)

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* 11. What area of the Jonesboro region do you live in?

City of Jonesboro

Craighead County

Poinsett County

Other (please specify)

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* 12. How long have you lived in Jonesboro?

Less than 5 years

5 to 10 years

11 to 15 years

16 years or longer

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* 13. If you were not born in Jonesboro, why did you relocate here?

Career opportunity

Education (university or college)

To be closer to family

I retired here

Other (please specify)

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* 14. Please choose the option that best reflects your living and working status in Jonesboro.

I live and work in Jonesboro

I live in Jonesboro, but am not working

I live outside of Jonesboro, but work in the city (or Craighead County)

I live in Jonesboro, but commute to another area

Please share what city you commute to if applicable

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* 15. How did you hear about the survey?

Jonesboro Unlimited or Jonesboro Chamber

Arkansas State University

ASU-Newport

My employer

My church

Radio

Television

The Jonesboro Sun

Social Media

Word of Mouth

Other (please specify)

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* 16. In what age-group do you fall?

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-64

65+

Prefer not to say

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* 17. What is your gender?

Male

Female

If other, please self-identify in the comment field below

Prefer not to say

self-identify

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* 18. What's your race or ethnicity? (Check all that apply.)

Hispanic / Latino

Black / African American

White

Asian American / Asian

Native American / Indigenous

Multiracial / Multiethnic

Prefer not to say

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* 19. In what range is your household income?

$0 - $25,000

$25,001 - $50,000

$50,001 - $100,000

$100,001 - $200,000

$200,001 +

Prefer not to say