By Lisa Hallo – UF Director of Land Planning & Policy
Do you live or work in Greenville County or just care deeply about its future? If so, read on for updates on how to stay informed and actively engaged in shaping future growth.
County to host community meetings in February
Land development regulations and zoning laws are policy tools that impact nearly every aspect of our daily lives – how and where our neighborhoods are built, whether we must drive to every destination, the diversity of home types within our communities, and more.
At the foundation of these policy tools is the “comprehensive plan” – a shared vision for how and where the county should grow in the future. Of course, that vision can only be “shared” if citizens actively participate in the planning process.
Greenville County is hosting a series of community meetings at various locations this February. These meetings will give citizens an opportunity to provide input to inform the comprehensive plan. Dates, times and locations for all meetings can be found on the county’s long range planning website.
Your participation in these meetings is critical! Greenville County is projected to grow by 160,000+ new residents by 2040. The impacts of that growth – positive and negative – will largely depend on our ability to effectively manage it.
Greenville Civic Project to hold first “teach-in” event
Interested to know where your tax dollars go and why? The Greenville Civic Project — an effort of the League of Women Voters and the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) — is hosting a Community Budget “Teach-in” — the first in a series of events to increase civic knowledge and action in Greenville County.
Register here for this free workshop, which aims to increase understanding of how local government budgets work. The workshop will be held Saturday, February 9 from 10:30 am – 1 pm, and lunch will be provided.
For additional details, see the registration link or contact Lindsey Jacobs with questions at lindsey.jake@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Lisa Hallo
UF Director of Land Planning & Policy
Additional Information
Why Is Local Land Use Planning Important?
Greenville County is growing, with more than 160,000 new residents projected by 2040. Our community is changing. Planning processes in both the city and county are key opportunities to influence what that change will look like.
The County Needs a Plan to Slow Sprawl
As it stands, we are consuming land at an unprecedented rate in an incredibly inefficient way. Our own plans and policies are effectively limiting our housing options and mobility choices, and eating up our working farms and open spaces unnecessarily.
The City Needs a Plan to Expand Housing Choices and Transportation Options
As the City of Greenville grows, we must look for ways to expand opportunities for walkable, affordable urban living and strategies for wisely accommodating well-planned density that supports public transit.
We Want to Hear From You
Please email me at lhallo@upstateforever.org and let me know the issues that matter most to you and why you want to get involved in planning.
