It has been estimated by the Brookings Institution that when you drive around the Upstate in the year 2030 more than 50% of the ‘built environment’ that you see (residential, commercial, institutional) will not have existed in the year 2000. That is a tremendous amount of growth and construction!
The purpose of this series of events is to raise the awareness of how other communities are approaching the issue of significant growth and to create more local dialogue about how our area might deal with the issue. Together, the events will offer an overview of major issues related to land use. Each event will feature an individual recognized as a leader in a particular aspect of business, planning or development. In addition to a Q&A session, each event will conclude with ample time for open discussion by all the attendees.
The “Building Our Future” Series is designed as a vehicle to bring together a diverse group of public and private leaders to establish a foundation for helping to assure that the future we build over the next 25 years is consistent with the collective vision for the Spartanburg Area. Emphasis will be placed on participation from local elected officials, public officials and private citizens involved with planning, transportation and infrastructure decision-making. Also, strong involvement will be promoted within the business community, particularly residential and commercial development representatives.
Rethinking Outdoor Recreation
January 18, 2008
Conservation of green space and development of active recreation destinations is essential to improving the quality of life in Spartanburg County. As active-living, sustainability, and livability movements have gained steam nationwide, more and more communities are learning to protect, invest in, and promote their recreation amenities. Studies are now showing the important role those places of outdoor recreation and activity play in the health of our children and in the economic growth and wellness of our entire community.
This presentation will focus on the benefits of parks and recreation facilities, best practices in designing and promoting them, and their overall economic impact.
Speaker: Fran Mainella, former director of the National Park Service; current visiting scholar at Clemson
Moving Our Transportation System Forward
March 14, 2008
Theories on both the form and function of modern transportation systems are rapidly changing. After fifty years of serving an auto-dominated society, many national leaders are now seeing the adverse effects of that singular approach and are pursuing a more comprehensive approach to moving people, not just cars. As a result of this shift in thinking during the last decade, the federal government has prioritized alternative transportation funding through the Surface Transportation Program (currently SAFETEA-LU).
This presentation will discuss national trends in transportation and infrastructure spending, the case for alternative transportation, and implementation strategies.
Speaker: Dr. Robert Burchell, Co-Director, Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University
The Economic Case for Smart Growth
May 9, 2008
Cities across the United States are facing the reality of a new economic framework. Society has shifted from an economy based on natural resources and institutionalized structure to a knowledge-based economy that finds innovative solutions to the unique issues of the 21st century. In today’s economy, a city’s long-term success is largely based on its ability to attract and retain creative talent that will be inventive, entrepreneurial, and productive. To capture that resource, cities must find ways to persuade a very mobile population of modern, young professionals to “choose them.”
This presentation will explain the many ways that a city’s quality of life and sensible growth patterns can lead to increased economic growth.
Speaker: Parris Glendening, Former Governor of Maryland;
Current President of Smart Growth Leadership Institute
