Creating a Regional Vision

Creating a Shared Upstate Growth Vision will provide a picture of what matters to the residents of the Upstate as the region continues to grow. While building for the future is essential, without a vision for what is important to current residents, it will be difficult to create a desired future that builds on the strengths of the region while targeting the weaknesses for future improvement.

For a regional vision to be successful, it must truly encompass the values of the citizenry and include input from people from all geographic and demographic areas within the Upstate. This survey is designed to provide an understanding of "what matters most" as we look toward the future. The results will be used to formulate the elements for a Shared Upstate Growth Vision that will also include an implementation guide designed to help cities and counties identify and implement the pieces of the vision that fit for their community.

The Upstate in 2010 is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It is up to all of us to ensure that the region remains a great place where our children and grandchildren will always be able to live, learn, work and play.

June-August

Step 1: Community Education and Input:

February - April

Presentations to Elected Officials and Business/Community Leaders
Meetings with Media Outlets across the Upstate
Development of growth themes into regional scenarios
Development of survey questions

May

Intense three week campaign with public on-line survey that asks residents "What Matters Most" as they look at growth and the future of the Upstate
Engage community partners, media and social media networks to virally create awareness within the community and ensure that all voices are heard

Step 2: Developing the Vision through Additional Community Input:

June - August

Review and analysis of survey results by the USC-Upstate Metropolitan Studies Institute and the Ten at the Top Vision and Values Committee
Potential for regional focus groups if needed
Development of draft vision statement and regional vision principles
Meetings with elected officials from across the region to engage them in the development of the Shared Upstate Growth Vision
Preparation for Regional Summit

September - November

Presentation of initial vision statement and regional vision principles at Regional Summit (Sept. 28) and Community Forums (Oct.-Nov.)
Community Feedback on vision statement and principles at Regional Summit and Community Forums
Review of additional community feedback by Vision and Values Committee
Development of build out scenarios for current trend and preferred regional vision land use by Clemson University Graduate Students
Development of regional vision "tool kit" that provides best practices and strategy for implementation of the regional vision

Step 3: Finalizing the Vision and Implementation Strategy:

January - February 2011

Review and analysis by the Vision & Values Committee of community input from Regional Summit and Community Forums
Development of final Vision Statement, Principles and Map
Development of final "Tool Kit" and Implementation Strategy

Step 4: Unveiling of Regional Vision & Implementation Strategy:

March - April 2011

Unveil Regional Vision & Implementation Strategy at Regional Summit
Present Implementation Strategy to Elected Officials, Business/Community Leaders and Community Organizations across the region
Develop mechanism for tracking, reporting on implementation
Identify issues within the Shared Regional Vision for Ten at the Top and other community organizations to address
Potential for future Regional Forums on specific elements of the vision