Join us in our mission to put rural communities on a path to sustainable growth
while preserving character and culture.
Join us in our mission to put rural communities on a path to sustainable growth
while preserving character and culture.
The Rural Growth Initiative is transforming strategic planning by pioneering an approach that blends innovative techniques with deep community engagement. We focus on integrating local insights with best practices, pairing our expert teams with local counterparts to foster trust and collaboration.
This partnership-driven model ensures plans are tailored to each community's unique challenges and opportunities. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and strategies, such as data analytics and GIS mapping, we develop actionable plans that not only address current needs but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Our comprehensive, flexible approach redefines strategic planning, empowering rural communities to build brighter futures.
RuralSC is a program designed to lead transformative community development projects through dynamic public-private partnerships. Our partners include industry leaders in planning, land use, architecture and engineering Rhodeside Harwell (RHI) and CDM Smith, local foundations, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation—actively revitalizing parks and recreation across the state—along with the SC State 1890 Research & Extension, Clemson Engineers for Developing Communities and the SC Institute for Sustainability and Resilience as well as the Francis Marion University, Kelley Center for Economic Development, all at the forefront of addressing rural community challenges.
We also recently partnered with Moonshot Global, an economic development consulting firm with projects across the globe and capabilities in the areas of evidence and impact; learning; strategy and engagement; and sustainable investment advisory.
Our objective is to establish RuralSC as a one-stop-shop that empowers rural communities to tackle their most persistent challenges through partnership and access to solutions and subject matter experts from around the region.
We start with a detailed assessment phase to thoroughly understand community needs including review of previous reports and economic, demographic, and retail data.
Next, we conduct onsite and remote interviews with key stakeholders to gauge readiness and gather insights on local priorities and challenges as we develop a team of subject matter experts (SMEs).
For each project, RuralSC will develop a coalition of community members and stakeholders who are engaged throughout the process to provide guidance and ensure activities and the resulting planning documents are responsive to community needs.
Our planning process deepens with a comprehensive onsite interview phase culminating in a community based Strategy-design and vision setting workshop with local leaders, community members, and the SMEs from our team.
Post-visit we conduct an implementation capacity assessment to evaluate the community's ability to execute potential strategic plans.
Final Master Plan delivery includes renderings (if relevant), forward looking multi-year investment plans, implementation road maps and potential funding sources and gaps.
At the Rural Growth Initiative, our project management approach is built on flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that our strategies evolve with the unique needs of each community. We start with a detailed research phase, engaging with local stakeholders to gather insights. Our structured timeline includes comprehensive assessments, community engagement workshops, and collaborative strategy sessions that culminate in tailored master plans. By pairing our experts with local counterparts, we foster trust and adapt plans to meet changing conditions, ensuring a sustainable path to growth.
Phase 1: The PLT coordinates initial research and interviews (in-person and remote) to identify and assess most pressing needs in community.
Phase 2: The PLT coordinates initial research and interviews stakeholders to identify what resources are most needed in the community.
Phase 3: The PLT coordinates with local stakeholders to ensure the SME team is properly engaged, conducting interviews, has necessary information for assessment.
Phases 4-5: The PLT collects all inputs from SMEs, provides strategic direction, and facilitates cross-functional discussions on most pressing challenges and potential solutions.
PLT oversees development and presentation of Master Plan public draft and final draft document.
The RuralSC leadership team has access to a vast network of hundreds of subject matter experts, each with specialized skills crucial for strategic planning in rural communities. Our team includes professionals skilled in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), downtown revitalization, economic development, public health, education, small business support, infrastructure planning, and tourism. We also collaborate with specialists in housing, transportation, agriculture, workforce development, and community engagement, ensuring that every facet of rural development is addressed with precision and insight. With such a broad range of expertise, we tailor solutions that empower communities to thrive and overcome their unique challenges.
Formally organized in 2023 and based in Columbia, South Carolina, the Rural Growth Initiative (RGI) is a 501(c)(3) established in response to the persistent and unsolved challenges that have long hindered economic prosperity in rural communities.
Our organization is dedicated to a groundbreaking approach—integrated development planning—de
Formally organized in 2023 and based in Columbia, South Carolina, the Rural Growth Initiative (RGI) is a 501(c)(3) established in response to the persistent and unsolved challenges that have long hindered economic prosperity in rural communities.
Our organization is dedicated to a groundbreaking approach—integrated development planning—designed specifically to address the complex and interrelated needs of these communities.