Florence County Charts a Bright Economic Future with New Strategic Plan
FLORENCE — As the sun shone brightly over Florence County, leaders gathered to discuss an exciting new chapter for the area’s economy. With the recent success stories like the launch of Buc-ee’s and AESC, everyone is wondering: what’s next for Florence County? The county’s leaders are eager to attract the next wave of businesses while ensuring that the existing growth doesn’t lead to challenges like rising housing costs or crowded utilities. A newly minted strategic plan aims to provide guidance as they move forward.
Setting the Stage for Future Growth
On August 28, 2024, Heather Simmons Jones from the MRB Group presented this strategic roadmap at an event attended by around 100 local leaders. The plan is not just a list of suggestions; it’s a detailed blueprint outlining how Florence County can continue to thrive over the next decade. Gregg Robinson, CEO of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP), remarked, “You have to know where to aim before you shoot,” emphasizing the importance of a well-defined direction.
Keys to Economic Success
The plan is rooted in doubling down on strategies previously employed—like expanding industrial sites and improving access to utilities. However, it also emphasizes addressing newer challenges, particularly the urgent need for affordable housing. Florence County has enjoyed a period of economic growth that is rare among its neighbors in the Pee Dee region, where many areas have grappled with declining populations and stagnant economies.
According to the report, Florence County boasted a total of 75,273 jobs in 2023, with sectors like government, healthcare, and retail leading the charge. Remarkably, jobs in the transportation and warehousing sector have skyrocketed by a staggering 107 percent from 2013 to 2023, proving that Florence’s economy is indeed on the rise. Robinson believes this success is a result of both existing companies expanding and new businesses finding their way to Florence.
Community Engagement is Key
The strategic plan was developed through months of hard work, data collection, and listening sessions held throughout Florence County. These sessions showcased the voices and concerns of a diverse group of stakeholders. Robinson highlighted the importance of listening to all areas—urban and rural alike, ensuring that everyone’s perspective matters in determining the future of economic development.
He explained, “We wanted them to know how important it is for rural areas to have a say in economic development.” This inclusive approach is crucial, especially considering the differing needs of areas within the county.
Challenges Ahead: Housing Concerns
Housing emerged as a prominent topic during discussions with stakeholders. Many voiced strong concerns that people, especially those from low-income backgrounds and first-time homebuyers, might struggle to find suitable homes. Data indicates that a higher percentage of residents in Florence rent their homes compared to the rest of South Carolina. This fact highlights an urgent need for more affordable housing options.
A breakdown of subdivision data reveals that as of July 2024, there are 1,911 subdivision units either underway or planned, showing a mixed approach toward single-family and multifamily units. However, with nearly 41 percent of renter households in Florence County being cost-burdened, meaning they spend a large portion of their income on housing, the need for more affordable options is undeniable.
Pathway to Progress
Among the strategic plan’s recommendations is the organization of a housing summit, which aims to pinpoint areas for potential housing construction. Jones noted, “Best just to go ahead and say, let’s all agree where the housing needs to be,” indicating that unity among planners and developers will pave the way for future success.
While the strategic plan is intended to guide Florence County over the next ten years, both Robinson and Jones emphasized the necessity for flexibility. As circumstances change and new opportunities emerge, the county must be ready to adapt its approach. “What (the plan) does is it creates a pathway so that people understand that if we stick to these core functions, we will be successful,” Robinson said, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and adaptability.
As the community rallies around this strategic plan, there’s a hopeful spirit in the air. With a focus on expanding manufacturing, improving housing conditions, and enhancing quality of life, Florence County is poised to shine even brighter on the economic stage.
