Heart of Jasper: Investment, Activation, and a Thriving Downtown

Heart of Jasper is celebrating six years since its formation and has presented its annual report to the City. 

Heart of Jasper has a working board model with four subcommittees, each of which is responsible for certain projects. The first, Economic Vitality, includes the Facade Grant Program. 12 projects were completed in 2025, and 3 additional signs were added, totaling over $640,000 in private investments into the downtown area. The program has generated over $3 million in private investment since 2021. The new business incentive program, funded by an anonymous donor, received 24 inquiries in 2025. Three applications were completed, with one approved business (The Social Pour) set to open at the River Center in March. In the last year, 8 businesses opened in the district, and 3 relocated within it. There are currently no spaces available. 

The Design Committee has focused on alley activation since the Courthouse Square was remodeled. The final update for Piano Alley is the installation of sensor-activated music this Spring. Beautification efforts were reinforced with volunteer-driven community cleanups, adding perimeter lighting to downtown buildings, and joining Avenue of Flags. 
 
The Organization Committee works behind the scenes on budget, volunteer recruitment, and community appreciation events. The board completed a strategic planning workshop, emphasizing “Alive After 5” events to encourage downtown activity on Friday evenings. 

The Promotion Committee focuses on Downtown activation. Last year, they coordinated 6 Chowdowns with food trucks and entertainment. Next year, this will be reduced to 3 Chowdown events, held during the summer months. 200 guests attended the annual “Mingle on Main” fundraiser. HOJ hosted 8 “Shop and Sip” events, which will transition to the “Live After 5” Friday event series with live music. Live music was performed on the square during Music on Main, which will continue with some slight schedule adjustments. The Committee introduced a new mini-activation grant to support downtown event funding for businesses and nonprofits, encouraging broader community involvement. 

An annual report with detailed statistics and five-year data is available on Heart of Jasper’s website. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.heartofjasper.org 

 - Drew Hasselbring