Land Planning & Policy

How a walkable neighborhood changed my life - June 30th, 2020

Land Policy Manager Sherry Barrett reflects on how moving to a walkable Greenville neighborhood has improved her quality of life. read more

Hear from a city planner why GVL2040 matters - June 15th, 2020

Courtney Powell, Senior Development Planner with the City of Greenville, talks with Upstate Forever about the GVL2040 plan, why it’s important for citizens to get involved, and what happens next. read more

Dr. John Quinn: We should see waterways & forests as economic assets - June 10th, 2020

The environmental aesthetic of the Upstate is something most, if not all, of us value. But how does that relative value translate to dollar value? Dr. John Quinn, an associate professor of Biology at Furman, explores the economic value of our region's natural resources. read more

Our commitment to racial justice - June 3rd, 2020

Upstate Forever envisions a future that is healthy, vibrant, and prosperous, that offers a high quality of life now and for future generations. That vision cannot become a reality for all who call the Upstate home while racial violence and systemic injustices exist in our communities and across the country. read more

We should all have access to clean and safe outdoor spaces - May 20th, 2020

Land Policy Director Lisa Hallo reflects on what easy access to nature has meant for her during difficult times. read more

By Lisa Hallo

Why does sprawl impact water quality? - May 13th, 2020

As pressure to develop more and more land across our region increases, so do the threats to the Upstate's water resources. read more

How development impacts water quality - April 23rd, 2020

As our region grows, it’s more important than ever to protect water quality in the Upstate. read more

By Erika Hollis

Seeking solace in uncertain times: How Upstate Forever is responding to COVID-19 - March 18th, 2020

Our Greenville and Spartanburg offices closed this week while Upstate Forever staff work from home to help protect the health of each other, our families, and our communities. Find the rest of our response to the developing COVID-19 situation here. read more