Meet the Team: Land Policy Manager Allie Martinsen

This is a feature from the Fall/Winter 2024-2025 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Upstate Forever's twice-yearly publication. To read a digital copy of the complete publication, please click here.

When I first visited Spartanburg in the winter of 2022, I was immediately charmed by the city’s bustling downtown. The City of Spartanburg has done a wonderful job to foster a shared sense of community through events and placemaking.

Beyond the streets of downtown Spartanburg, there are 13 municipalities in the County, and each city or town has something special to offer and discover! I love antiquing in Landrum, grabbing coffee in Spartanburg, or eating crepes in Inman. I also appreciate the opportunities for agrotourism in the county — Thompson Family Farms is a favorite.

Prior to joining UF, I worked as a special education teacher and, after receiving a Master of Social Work, conducted research related to food policy and nutrition insecurity.

My work in education taught me to break down complex issues into bite-sized pieces, while my experience in social work strengthened my skills in relationship-building and communication. Although seemingly disparate, these experiences have made me a much more effective advocate.

Now in my role as Land Policy Manager at Upstate Forever, I work to advance local land use policies that prevent sprawl, conserve green space, and preserve the distinct character of these unique communities, with a particular focus on Spartanburg County.

One thing I truly love about my job is that every day is different. I might meet with planning staff, community partners, or county councilmembers one day, then spend the next day glued to the computer analyzing policy proposals.

It can be hard to communicate the importance of proactive land use planning and mobilize residents until the threat of development is already at the door.

Our Land Planning & Policy team works to address this challenge through advocacy trainings, community outreach, planning academies, and presentations to elected officials. This work can be challenging and fastpaced at times, but it is certainly never boring.

Land policy impacts every aspect of our daily life. The policies we pass today will indelibly affect our future. From walkability to tree canopy to city vibrancy, land use policies play the largest role in determining our quality of life and sense of place. My work on UF's land policy team allows me to help lay the foundation for a brighter future.

I want to see stronger natural resource and agricultural protections in the Upstate through my program’s work. I hope our work can help ensure that the Upstate will continue to be a place where green spaces, clean water, and special places thrive.