We can't stop growth from happening across the Upstate, but we can help shape the policies that affect our daily lives. Smart land use policies and thoughtful planning can help create a more resilient, equitable, and vibrant future for the Upstate.
See what’s taking shape below.
In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Spartanburg City Councilwoman Ruth Littlejohn shares her memories of growing up in Spartanburg, how she has watched the Southside community change over the decades, and why it's important to work together to make the City of Spartanburg remain vibrant and equitable in the decades to come.
Directly engaging with Upstate SC's elected officials is the most effective way to ensure your concerns on conservation, energy, and other issues in your area are heard. Here are some best practices for contacting state and county elected officials in South Carolina.
Wofford College professors, student fellows, and community context experts recently set out to evaluate the quality of and access to greenspaces within various Spartanburg communities, with a particular focus on the prevalence of high quality parks in areas with higher concentrations of Hispanic and BIPOC residents.
To help demystify land-use planning, our Land Planning & Policy team is breaking down 10 core principles of smart growth and how rapidly growing Upstate communities can benefit from these embracing these concepts.
Land Policy Manager Sherry Barrett reflects on how moving to a walkable Greenville neighborhood has improved her quality of life.
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, Director of Environmental Studies at Furman, explores the economic value of our region's natural resources.
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.
As our region grows, it’s more important than ever to protect water quality in the Upstate.
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Spartanburg, SC 29302
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