Strategies that Work
The advantage of using scenarios is that we can pick strategies that work. Sometimes strategies are very dependent on other actions, such as investments on toll roads or rail transit that require corresponding land uses to make them work. Other strategies will
work in a variety of futures, such as developing a well educated work force.
The importance of a vision is that it articulates the future that matches our region’s values, and provides a common ground for people to work together. Other regions that have developed a common vision have found that it helps to break down barriers and obstacles that often develop between cities and counties. While we all strive for unique communities, we need to have a forum and a means to cooperate on items of common interest.
By developing a vision that is backed by specific strategies, we will ensure that the vision will not just be a document that sits on a shelf, but is one that is used to put ideas into action. Our vision can be compelling and bold, but without action it will remain a lofty ideal. In keeping with the Upstate Region’s can-do attitude, our vision will have a strategic action plan that will provide a guide to the most critical actions we need to pursue. The advantage of a strategic approach is that it provides quick action and near term results to ensure that our livability, our transportation systems, our economic development and our environment will continue to be improved.