Continuing Education Workshops

This training series, made possible through a partnership with Ten at the Top and Appalachian Council of Governments, was designed to engage elected and appointed officials and planning staff to explore strategies and tools to successfully manage growth and development in their local communities. The series stemmed from a shared desire among partners to integrate lessons learned and best practices into local decision-making processes across the Upstate.

Workshop themes drew from case studies featured in Growth Choices, Challenges and Opportunities (pages 37-87) in the Shaping Our Future Growth Alternatives Analysis.

Past events

Preferred Development Patterns, Who Chooses?

January 11, 2018

Keynote speaker: Carol Rhea, FAICP, founding partner Orion Planning + Design and past president of the American Planning Association.

Introductory Overview: Sherry Barrett,Community Design and Land Planning Manager, Upstate Forever

Click here to access Preferred Development Patterns, Who Chooses pages 64-69 in Shaping Our Future Growth Alternatives Analysis.

The Intersection of Land Use, Communities and Social Equity

May 3, 2018 - This workshop explored neighborhood and community revitalization, with a focus on access to affordable housing, including the successes and challenges of "61 Hills", a neighborhood west of downtown Anderson, SC.

Keynote Speakers: Don Oglesby, President Homes of Hope; Maurice McKenzie, Planning Director City of Anderson; and Chip Bentley, Deputy Director Appalachian Council of Governments.

Click here to access Maurice McKenzie's presentation from this workshop, here to access the introductory overview of the Shaping Our Future Growth Alternatives Analysis study presented by Upstate Forever's Sherry Barrett, and here to access The Intersection of Land Use, Community, and Social Equity on pages 82-87 in Shaping Our Future Growth Alternatives Analysis. 

Exploring Transit Oriented Development - Who, What, When, Where, How & Why?

Aug. 23, 2018

Keynote Speaker: Jason Lawrence, Sr. Transportation Planner, Charlotte Area Transit, Charlotte, NC

Click here to access Jason Lawrence's presentation and here to access the introductory overview by Sherry Barrett.

Exploring Missing Middle Housing

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018

Keynote Speaker: Karen Parolek of Opticos Design

Click here to see a recap of the event, along with speaker presentations.