Shaping Our Future

The Shaping Our Future Growth Scenarios Analysis kicked off with its first steering committee meeting in August 2016. Roughly ten months later, the results of the analysis were released. Scenario planning tools — specifically CommunityViz software — were used to evaluate the impacts of the Upstate’s trend growth trajectory as compared to three hypothetical alternatives. 

The study built on previous projects carried out by Upstate Forever and other partnering organizations including the Upstate Growth Study, Upstate Reality Check and the Upstate Shared Growth Vision and lessons learned during the 2015 Shaping Our Future Speaker Series.

Documents and Links

• Study timeline (PDF)

• What is CommunityViz Software? (PDF)

• What is scenario planning? (PDF)

• Upstate Growth Study (PDF)

• 2015 Shaping Our Future Speaker Series Highlights

Shaping Our Future Forum

The preliminary results of the Growth Alternatives Analysis were presented by City Explained and Urban3 at a public forum hosted by Ten at the Top on May 25, 2017. Note — the final report, completed in June 2017, includes additional public safety cost information that was added to all four scenarios after the May 25th public presentation. 

Documents and Links

• Event Powerpoint (PDF)

• Event video

• Final Shaping Our Future Growth Alternatives Analysis (PDF)

Steering and Technical Advisory Committees

The study was guided by a Steering Committee representing the business and economic development sector; local governments; utility providers and community organizations. A Technical Advisory Committee, made up primarily of local planners, provided key recommendations that influenced the study’s direction. Meeting materials for these groups can be found below:

Steering Committee Meeting Materials

• August 24, 2016

• November 30, 2016

• February 8, 2017

• April 27, 2017

Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Materials

• August 24, 2016

• November 30, 2016

• March 30, 2017