Florence County Unveils Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for the Next Decade

Florence County’s Roadmap for Economic Development Unveiled

FLORENCE, S.C. — Exciting times are on the horizon for Florence County! On August 28th, community leaders, eager citizens, and key stakeholders gathered at the Francis Marion University Freshwater Ecology Center to unveil a comprehensive plan aimed at steering economic growth over the next decade. This comprehensive strategy, brought to life by the Florence County Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP), promises to address critical areas that affect daily life in our vibrant community.

A Comprehensive Framework for the Future

The FCEDP isn’t just aiming to throw a dart in the dark; they’ve developed a detailed strategic plan that focuses on several key issues over the next 10 years — notably housing, land use, transportation, workforce development, collaboration, and enhancing quality of life.

As part of the planning process, the team at MBR Group, a Columbia-based firm specializing in engineering and municipal planning, gathered valuable insights through stakeholder interviews and community surveys. Heather Simmons from MBR Group stated, “We needed a baseline of where we are today,” underscoring the importance of community participation. Lively town hall meetings took place in places like Timmonsville and Lake City to hear directly from residents about their concerns and ideas.

Key Areas of Focus

The strategic plan is structured around a two-pronged approach. It looks not only at internal aspects of the organization but also at external strategies that guide the economic development initiatives in Florence County. The recognition that establishing a “Florence County Promise” scholarship program for higher education – especially for high-demand career pathways – was emphasized by CEO Gregg Robinson. This program prioritizes pathways that do not strictly require academic certificates, focusing instead on necessary real-world skills.

Another important aspect tackled in the meeting was the constant need for a robust workforce. Robinson points out, “Education, that’s workforce development, and that doesn’t stop. We have to ensure we’re creating a pipeline for success.” It’s about nurturing local talent and securing meaningful employment opportunities within the community.

Housing and Quality of Life

Housing was a hot topic, and it became clear from community feedback that it definitely needed addressing. Robinson concluded, “We need big lots, small lots, we need patio homes, townhomes, we gotta have it all.” To tackle this, there is a plan to conduct a housing summit, ensuring that policies and developments meet the diverse needs of residents.

The meeting also emphasized collaborations with multiple entities to support various initiatives. “We acquired over 2,000 acres in the last two and a half years,” Robinson stated, sharing excitement for the development possibilities that lie ahead. This large acquisition aims to create sites ready for industrial growth, complemented by essential infrastructure and access to transportation routes.

Community Engagement is Key

The importance of community engagement shone brightly throughout the meeting. Residents and officials mingled, eager to discuss how the development plan might shape their lives. Florence interim City Manager Scotty Davis and Police Chief Allen Heidler were seen chatting with attendees, showcasing a united front aimed at fostering collaboration.

As the event wrapped up, people gathered to share ideas and thoughts in a relaxed setting, reinforcing the community spirit that Florence is known for. “Having that private sector investment along with public sector contributions is the model of choice,” remarked Freida Jemison from FCEDP, reflecting on the partnership’s 25-year legacy of success.

Looking Ahead

The unveiling of this comprehensive plan marks a hopeful new chapter for Florence County. With a clear strategy laid out and community engagement actively underway, there’s a lot to look forward to. As Florence County continues to grow, residents can look ahead to a future that prioritizes collaboration, quality of life, and sustainable economic development.

For those interested in diving deeper, a summary of the comprehensive plan is available on the Florence County Economic Development website.