Charleston, SC Economic Development

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Current Initiatives

	University/Industry Collaboration In a unique collaborative model, South Carolina's research universities partner to advance the state’s economy through academic and industry research. Health Sciences South Carolina, the nation’s first and only statewide research collaborative focused on health sciences, provides a structure and vehicle for medical research. South Carolina Centers of Economic Excellence unite the state’s three research universities on collaborations ranging from brain imaging and marine genomics to urban ecology and advanced materials.
	Sustainable Development MeadWestvaco is focused on a conservation-driven master plan for East Edisto, a 72,000-acre tract along the eastern edge of the Edisto River in Charleston and Dorchester counties. The company has presented its preliminary master plan, which calls for 75% of the tract to remain “green,” with parks, lakes, a network of trails and large tracts of land protected under conservation easements.
	Our Future Workforce South Carolina’s Personal Pathways to Success is an innovative way of connecting academic studies with preparation for entering the workforce. The program enables public school students to explore and prepare for career opportunities through a more relevant curriculum and firsthand experience, giving them a reason to be actively engaged in school and in their futures.
	Planning for Growth “Our Region, Our Plan” is a 24-month initiative to create a shared vision of the three-county Charleston region for the year 2040. Led by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments’ Regional Land Planning Committee, the plan will provide a "greenprint" for sustainable growth and development, lay the foundation to manage proposed large-scale and fast-paced projects, and develop a uniform platform that integrates all the region's planning initiatives.
	Urban Redevelopment Two major urban redevelopment projects are underway in Charleston County. Noisette involves a 3,000-acre area targeted for integrated restoration as a sustainable community with a vision of becoming socially and economically sustainable in addition to its environmental goals. Magnolia involves 500 acres (much of it industrial brownfields) set along 2.5 miles of riverfront property at the upper end of the Charleston peninsula.
	Infrastructure Improvements Work has begun to widen I-26 to eight lanes between I-526 and Ashley Phosphate Road with HOV lanes under consideration. I-26 is the main artery into and out of the Charleston region. The Port of Charleston is making progress on its new three-berth, 280-acre container terminal. The 171-acre first phase is slated to open in early 2013. Learn more about Charleston's intermodal transportation network.
	Clemson University Restoration Institute Master planning has begun on the 82-acre Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) research campus. CURI is the first formal academic initiative in the nation focused on the restoration economy. Focus areas include advanced materials, community revitalization, historic preservation and materials conservation, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and restoration ecology.
	Alternative Transportation Efforts are underway to promote transportation options to ease roadway congestion and promote healthy lifestyles. Several groups in the region are studying commuter rail feasibility. The City of Charleston has appointed a 12-member Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Charleston Moves is an advocacy group for better bicycle, pedestrian and mass transit options.
	Charleston Inspired Businesses and organizations from throughout the region are uniting under the theme of “inspiration” to celebrate the unique qualities that have inspired people for generations. The Charleston Inspired website gathers stories of local inspiration and provides opportunities to get involved.
	Engaging Young Professionals More than 400 locals under the age of 40 have joined the Charleston Young Professionals, an initiative created to empower and inspire young professionals to advance their careers and ultimately impact the greater community. Membership criteria: 22-39 years old, career minded, work and reside in the Charleston region, and possess a desire to grow professionally.