BCDCOG, Charleston Metro Chamber, CRDA and more partner to lead
comprehensive economic recovery and resiliency plan focused on real change.
The most comprehensive partnership of business, government, academic, nonprofit and community leaders in our region’s history today announced the launch of One Region Roadmap: Opportunities for All. The Roadmap
is an economic recovery and resiliency plan that will define a healthy greater Charleston while offering real solutions, implementable actions and measurable results.
The effort is supported by a broad array of stakeholders from across Berkeley, Charleston, and
Dorchester counties, and will be guided by public input. The plan — built on action and
outcomes — will also outline a pathway to economic security, stability and opportunities for
all in our region.
Your Voice Matters
Please fill out the survey below to help us understand what challenges you are facing and opportunities the tri-county region should pursue. All survey responses are voluntary and anonymous. We greatly appreciate your time and input.
“This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to work together to address deeply rooted and
systemic problems, while developing both short-term and long-term regional priorities,” said
Dr. Kendra Stewart, One Region Chair and Director of the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable
Communities at the College of Charleston. “Public input is critical in creating the most
comprehensive plan our region has ever seen. Each of us is responsible for moving our
community forward,” she added.
One Region Roadmap: Opportunities for All is the next evolution of the One Region
Strategy launched in 2016. It begins a new strategic planning and public input process,
providing a broad platform for the community to address economic challenges old and new
— and to prepare for adversities yet to come. The plan should be completed by February 2022.
“One Region Roadmap builds upon the previous five-year global competitiveness strategy
and its core values, and will serve as a blueprint for continuing the economic momentum our
region has built over the last 10 years, while eliminating disparities and creating opportunities
for all residents to thrive,” said David Ginn, CRDA President & CEO.
The effort is led by One Region stakeholders including BCDCOG, Charleston Metro Chamber,
Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and the public, private, academic, and nonprofit
sectors of our community.
-more-
SB Friedman Development Advisors has been retained to lead the development of the
Roadmap. The firm, which has previous and ongoing experience in the region, is renowned
nationally for its analytical, strategic and financial consulting services in support of complex,
high-impact development projects.
One Region Roadmap is possible thanks to a $400,000 U.S. Economic Development
Administration grant secured by BCDCOG, with additional support from partner agencies.
“This partnership is built on the shared desire of the public and private sectors to make our
region stronger and more resilient when facing major disruptions such as the global
pandemic, and addressing long-standing challenges such as those related to inequality,” said
BCDCOG Executive Director Ron Mitchum.
One Region Roadmap will identify barriers to expanding our regional economy and
providing residents with opportunities for economic mobility.
The ultimate success of One Region Roadmap lies in its ability to create real change.
“This plan will provide an intentional focus on equity and economic mobility, creating
implementable action items to ensure our region offers all residents the opportunity to live,
learn and earn,” said Charleston Metro Chamber President and CEO Bryan Derreberry.
The One Region Roadmap effort kicked off today with a community-based, 500-invitee,
virtual focus group. Multiple engagement opportunities will be available for the entire
community through the end of 2021, including a survey this summer and public meeting in
the fall.
For more information, please visit OneRegionRoadmap.com.
