On September 19 local leaders assessed the benefits and challenges of growth. Jan Betts, President of the Teton County EDC, spoke to the benefits of the recent hospital renovation, the new high school, and more people wanting to get involved. Gordon Wooley talked about the increased budget available and the ways that newcomers increase exposure to the outside world. Also mentioned were the improved economy and increased opportunities for work. Coping with that growth, on the other hand, has been a huge challenge.
Needs develop suddenly and overwhelm resources, so there is the feeling of trying to catch up.
For instance, new schools fill up immediately. Funding for overstressed infrastructure is a pressing question. Panelists wished that planning had begun sooner, and offered this as a tip for other towns anticipating growth. A huge difficulty is the resistance to infrastructure needs on the part of the established residents. There is the danger of losing those things people value most, the kinds of things that draw people to the area in the first place.