VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC are proud to announce a strategic partnership to launch Greenwood as the pilot community for a groundbreaking initiative focused on municipal sustainability and resiliency planning. This forward-thinking collaboration brings together local leadership and state-level expertise to chart a path toward a more resilient, environmentally sustainable and economically vibrant future for Greenwood.
As a nonprofit committed to Greenwood’s future, VisionGreenwood has spent the last two decades investing in community and workforce development initiatives that support economic prosperity and quality of life. Their leadership and deep local ties make Greenwood the ideal launch point for this pilot. As the first municipality to participate in this pilot, Greenwood will be supported by an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts, including the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University and various programs offered through state agencies such as the South Carolina Office of Resilience. Together, these partners will help guide the creation of a comprehensive sustainability roadmap tailored to Greenwood’s unique strengths and opportunities.
"Greenwood is the natural starting point for this important work,” said Dr. Cynthia Davis, Senior Vice President of Commerce for Sustain SC. “The community is known for its collaborative spirit and forward momentum. With the leadership of Vision Greenwood, this pilot will serve as a model for other communities across South Carolina looking to align sustainability with economic growth and community well-being."
"This is a powerful opportunity to shape Greenwood’s future with intention," said Kay Self, Executive Director of VisionGreenwood. "By working with Sustain SC and tapping into the expertise of partners like the Shi Institute and the SC Office of Resilience, we’re equipping our community with the tools it needs to thrive for generations to come."
Dr. Andrew Predmore, Executive Director of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, emphasized the importance of place-based planning: “Sustainability works best when it reflects the values and priorities of the local community. We’re proud to work alongside VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC to co-create a roadmap that prioritizes economic prosperity and resilience, while also protecting Greenwood’s natural resources.”
The Greenwood pilot will officially launch this summer, with planning workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions rolling out over the coming months. Findings and best practices from Greenwood will help shape a scalable model for municipal sustainability and resiliency planning across the state.
For more information about the initiative or to get involved, please contact VisionGreenwood at kself@visiongreenwood.org or Dr. Cynthia Davis, SVP of Commerce for Sustain SC at Cynthiasustainsouthcarolina.