Held on April 8, 2009, Upstate Reality Check engaged more than 500 community leaders from across the 10 county Upstate in a discussion about future growth within the region. Where should it be? How should it look? How can it be sustainable? What are the challenges and barriers? Those were among the questions discussed during the all-day event.

It also helped leaders from across the region gain a better understanding of some of the challenges faced across the region and how communities look to address those issues.

Upstate Reality Check:

· Supported by ULI South Carolina
· Funded through local funding support and matching Advance SC Grant
· 375 “Game” participants
· 500 total attendees
· Received significant media attention
· Provided opportunity to look at where and how the region should grow
· Created clear growth themes and principles
· Serves as a launching pad for creating a Shared Regional Vision

Four Patterns of Growth:

· Dispersed Growth
· Corridor Development
· Compact Development
· Rural Village

Dispersed Growth:

· Similar to the current trend model
· Add growth throughout the region
· Place less development in existing city centers
· Separate job centers and residential areas
· Infrastructure dependent development pattern

Corridor Development:

· Develop along existing road and transit corridors
· Concentrate development near transit stops
· Encourage mixed-use development combining residential and commercial
· Seek a balance of jobs and housing

Compact Development:

· Concentrate new growth in existing city centers
· Place mixed-use development in areas of growth
· Conserve open space and maintain existing rural character

Rural Village:

· Support development in small towns
· Focus on preserving rural character
· Provide goods and services on Main Streets
· Combine residential and commercial development in town centers

What Did Participants Say?

Reality Check participants did not want the trend and instead are making other choices for how they want the Upstate to grow.

Top 5 Regional Principles:

1. Increase education opportunities and job creation
2. Improve Regional Transportation
3. Leverage existing infrastructure & promote regional linkages
4. Promote sustainability (quality of life)
5. Create/promote infill development and mixed use

Top 5 Barriers For the Future:

1. Lack of effective regional collaboration
2. Lack of funding for infrastructure
3. Lack of regional leadership
4. Lack of political will
5. Lack of education and qualified workforce

Top 5 Potential Solutions:

1. Regional/Community Coordination and Collaboration
2. Funding Mechanism
3. Visioning, Planning and Ordinances to Implementation
4. Strategic Economic / Marketing / Workforce Development Plan
5. Build Leadership Capacity