SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Promoting economically, socially and environmentally sound
growth in the Upstate

OUR VISION FOR THE UPSTATE

• The Upstate is a national model for how regions can accommodate rapid population growth and change, while protecting quality of life
• The Upstate provides infrastructure and services in areas where growth is desired and appropriate
• Counties, municipalities and special purpose districts regularly communicate with each other and coordinate their plans for providing infrastructure and services
• Green building standards are the norm for new commercial and residential construction and for renovation projects
• The Upstate is among the most progressive regions in the Southeast on a per capita basis in terms of:
  • trips made by means other than cars; and
  • the number of traditional neighborhood and clustered developments
• Trails link all major communities with parks and green spaces within easy walking distance of every resident in urban areas
• When people speak of the Upstate, they use terms such as “cool,” “well planned,” “diverse,” “vibrant,” “comfortable,” and “a great place to live”—affirming that this is a region committed to protecting and improving quality of life*

*By quality of life, we mean a region that has good jobs, good schools, affordable housing,adequate health care and cultural opportunities and retains its overall natural beauty and environmental quality 

Green Development

Parks and Natural Areas

Active Living

Land Use and Infrastructure Planning

Adaptive Reuse and Revitalization