NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2026
Contact: Tana Collins-Allred
Community & Economic Development Director
tcollins@jaspercity.com
September 22, 2026 - CITY OF JASPER RELEASES FOCUS 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN
JASPER, AL - The City of Jasper has officially released FOCUS 2030, a five-year strategic plan that establishes priorities and provides a roadmap for the City's continued progress through 2030.
The completed plan was introduced during Doughnuts & Discussion on Tuesday, September 22, a community event hosted in partnership by the City of Jasper and the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County. FOCUS 2030 was developed with extensive community input, including feedback from more than 1,200 residents who participated in the FOCUS 2030 Community Survey and a public community meeting held in June to discuss survey results and priorities for Jasper’s future. The completed plan is now available to the public.
“Jasper is in a great position. We have a strong foundation, tremendous community assets, and people who are working to move this city forward. FOCUS 2030, Jasper's Strategic Plan, takes those strengths and gives us a clear path for what comes next. It’s about growth, not reinvention. We’re staying true to our roots while being ambitious about our future, making smart investments, expanding opportunity, and positioning Jasper for what comes next. We want to build a community where people want to live, work, raise a family, and build a business. We have a vision, we have a plan and we’re hard at work,” Mayor Josh Gates said.
FOCUS 2030 is organized around five strategic priorities:
- F – Fiscal Responsibility: Strengthening long-term fiscal resiliency while improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across City government.
- O – Opportunity & Economic Development: Strengthening alignment among economic development partners and resources to support a thriving and sustainable local economy.
- C – Community & Quality of Life: Investing in safe neighborhoods, accessible recreation, cultural amenities, and compassionate community solutions.
- U – Upgraded Infrastructure: Investing in resilient infrastructure that supports growth, safety, and long-term community needs.
- S – Schools & Services: Supporting educational success, leadership development, and effective delivery of essential services through strong partnerships and coordinated planning.
The plan identifies objectives, action items, anticipated outcomes, timelines, and performance indicators for each priority. Among the areas addressed are infrastructure investment, economic and workforce development, recreation and public spaces, homelessness response, education and youth leadership, essential City services, grant funding, and government efficiency.
FOCUS 2030 is designed to be a living document. Progress will be reviewed regularly, with updates provided to City leadership and the public. Strategic priorities may be adjusted as needs and opportunities emerge while remaining aligned with the goals and long-term direction established in the plan.
Community involvement played a significant role in developing FOCUS 2030 and will remain important as implementation continues. The City will use the plan as a framework for decision-making, investments and partnerships while continuing to pursue opportunities that strengthen Jasper and position the community for long-term growth.
The complete FOCUS 2030 Strategic Plan is available on the City of Jasper website at jaspercity.com/FOCUS2030. For more information about the City of Jasper, visit jaspercity.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Tana Collins-Allred, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Jasper, at 904.383.2082 or tcollins@jaspercity.com.