Rural Development & Strategic Planning Initiative (RDSP)
Through the Rural Development & Strategic Planning Initiative, rural communities have an opportunity to develop strategic economic development plans with insight from local leaders and expert guidance from planning partners. These plans look at rural prosperity drivers to identify priority projects and create an actionable plan to revitalize and strengthen rural South Carolina economies.
Key prosperity drivers include:
- Transportation
- Infrastructure
- Housing
- Business recruitment
- Tourism
- Arts and culture
- Land use
- Community services
Strategic planning in action
The Strategic Planning Initiative supported South Carolina's Tier 3 and Tier 4 rural county seats through a first-of-its-kind community development program led by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Each community received a fully funded strategic plan designed to identify local needs, priorities and future opportunities through data analysis and community engagement. Residents, business owners and local leaders helped shape the vision for their communities every step of the way. Once completed, communities became eligible for up to $250,000 in implementation funding to bring catalyst projects to life. More than a planning exercise, the initiative gave rural communities a roadmap for long-term investment, collaboration and sustainable growth.
Interested in what a strategic plan might look like for your community? View these completed plans from South Carolina communities.
Gaffney Strategic Plan 2025
Walterboro Strategic Plan 2025
City of Orangeburg Strategic Plan 2025
Who is eligible for a strategic plan in South Carolina?
Priority focus is on Tier 3 and Tier 4 rural counties showing a population decline or higher rates of unemployment. If selected, plan development costs will be funded by a grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Participating local governments must be positioned to commit local leadership and community input to both the planning and execution of the catalyst projects.
Download Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Connect with the Rural Development team
Have questions about the Rural Development & Strategic Planning Initiative or other rural development programs? Our team is available to help communities, local leaders and partners navigate opportunities for growth and long-term success.
