“More unified county: embrace Upstate, more community pride.”
No matter how much people love their home town, there are always frustrations and room for improvement. This time, the top response categories were cohesion/unity/mindset and housing—the feeling that there was a lack of unity among the towns and a lack of affordable, quality housing was expressed numerous times. Other responses related to economy/workforce, education, infrastructure, quality of life, services/facilities, and youth.
Cohesion/Unity/Mindset
- A better job of connecting the cities, etc., within the county
- Apathy
- Build ownership in the community
- Competition between cities and counties
- Lack of curiosity to outside ideas
- More inclusive culture
- More unified/cohesive county (5 responses)
- Resistance to change
- More support
- The anti-tax/anti-everything would help us do positive things instead of negative
- People in need not to be seen as moral failures; need an understanding of challenges most of the community faces—no judgment
Economy/Workforce
- A tech center to create jobs for those not going to college/workforce development
- Career center where students and adults could learn employment skills that industries need
- Better paying jobs
- Money to reinvest in our community
- More growth
- More industry
- More jobs
- The mill skeletons: Lydia, Clinton, etc.
Education
- Better education system
- Better schools
- Low level of education
- Quality of education
- School ratings
Housing
- Better housing in medium price range (3 responses)
- More housing options (6 responses)
- Fewer mobile homes
- Lack of housing/retail/restaurants (2 responses)
Infrastructure
- Better roads
- Land use planning: sewer infrastructure for residential developments
- More zoning
- Schools and roads
Quality of life
- Businesses remain open beyond 10:00 p.m.
- Culture: civic pride/clean up abandoned property/attractions (2 additional responses)
- More parks for quality of life
- More pedestrian focus (destination focused)
- More planning for quality of life, development, etc.
Services/Facilities
- Attractions
- Better and more attractive community resources and amenities: library, public spaces, outdoor recreation opportunities
- Larger selection of recreation, restaurants, and stores
- More access to healthcare
- More investment in community resources such as libraries and parks
- More options for hotels/dining (3 responses)
- Public transportation
Youth
- More families 25-55
- More youth, nightlife, and housing
- Nothing to attract/keep younger citizens