Clemson University Institute for Economic and Community Development.
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Transcript of Clemson University Institute for Economic and Community Development.
FAIR PLAY STRATEGIC PLAN: AN EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT AND FACULTY TEAM ASSISTING A
COMMUNITY IN THE PLANNING PROCESSClemson University Institute for
Economic and Community Development
Project Members
Team leaders: Devin Swindall, Research Associate, Clemson University
Institute for Economic and Community Development (CIECD)
Dr. David W. Hughes, Assistant Director (CIECD) and Professor-Course Instructor, Department of Applied Economics & Statistics (APEC)
Class members, APEC 352, Public Finance Economics: Nathan Bailey, Ashleigh Duncan, Rachel Elliot, Michelle
Gottfried, William Hopkins, Lin Li, Sarah Meyers, Gary Nihart, Lu Qiao, Rob Ratliff, and Austin Rizer
Project method developed by: Harry Crissy, Regional Economic and Community
Development agent for Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, SC, CIECD.
Topics to Discuss
Project Background Process of conducting the strategic plan Major results
Social capital Social capital and growth Local agriculture
Conclusions and recommendations.
Project Background
Fair Play small (population approximately 2,500) unincorporated South Carolina community
On edge of Georgia Border (first SC exit on I-85 from Atlanta, GA to Greenville, SC).
Community starting to experience growth because of proximity to I-85 and Lake Hartwell
Lack of well defined community planning process
Local leaders approached CIECD for help (no funding support).
Decision made to use student driven model to generate a direction for Fair Play.
Process
Preliminary data analysis of Fair Play Key informant interviews Students developed and conducted surveys
(49 questions, many Likert Scale 1-5) Students conducted data analysis of the
surveys, SWOT type analysis Students presented findings and preliminary
recommendations to community leaders. Summary community meeting in January Student driven follow-up projects.
Survey Results Example: Satisfaction with Fair Play Services (5 strongly agree (like!)).
Ambu
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Recre
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nal A
sset
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Park
s
Health
Car
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Stre
ets
Downt
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Ente
rtain
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t
Side
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ks
Tras
h Pick
-up
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.003.65 3.58
3.43 3.41 3.393.17
2.80 2.702.44
Social Capital in Fair Play
One of the major strengths of Fair Play is its strong sense of social capital
However, there is a clash of preferences between groups Long time residents New and/or seasonal residents (Lake house
owners).
Social Capital
Social capital refers to those stocks of social trust, norms, and networks that people can draw upon to solve common problems (Civic Renewal Movement)
Social capital refers to features of social organization, such as trust, norms and networks, that can improve the efficiency of society facilitating coordinating actions (Putnam).
Benefits of Social Capital
Greater cooperation among diverse groups of people
Increased efficiency Shapes regional development patterns Lower levels of crime Improves effectiveness government
institutions of government Direct relationship between poverty and
lack of social capital.
Clash of Preferences as a Threat
One of the major strengths of Fair Play is its strong sense of social capital
However, our study has shown that there are many different preferences among residents of the Fair play area
The strongest differences are found between longtime residents and newcomers/recreational residents
It impedes growth in social capital as well as economic development.
Clash of Preferences
The best way to overcome diverse preferences is through increased interaction between groups and individuals in Fair Play
It is very important that new and old residents interact so that differences can be reconciled
Social gatherings centered around a project that everyone can relate to could provide a solution.
Fire Department
Residents value Fair Play’s fire department Our surveys strongest trend was strong
approval of the fire department The fire department possesses a
leadership role in the community Christmas Parade Bluegrass festival in March Safety Day in May
There are other potentially strong community organizations that do not interact with each other.
Social Gatherings
It’s important that longtime residents and new residents are both involved
Summer is an Ideal time Many new residents are seasonal
The fire department and other community groups should collaborate and sponsor the programs together.
Social Gathering Possibilities
Community Cookouts 4th of July
Community clean ups Parades Beautification of the school building These will help to create bonds among
community groups and individuals.
Unmanaged Growth as a Threat
Fair play will be subjected to urban sprawl from Atlanta and Greenville
Fair play lies on an important transport corridor (I-85)
The industrial park will likely lead to growth
Although some residents don’t want any growth, no growth is not a realistic option.
Using Social Capital to Overcome Unmanaged Growth
Without strong social capital and collaboration among community groups, management falls on small group of people who may or may not reflect the majority’s preferences
Incorporation would give Fair Play more control over development through taxation and zoning
However, the residents are not interested in the thought of incorporation because of bad experiences and their perception of government (county).
Question 20- Incorporation of Fair Play is critical to manage growth. Likert scale: 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)
Average response of 3.38, third lowest of 17 topics Results imply lack of support for incorporation
Guiding Growth
Develop a “Growth Steering Committee” by involving all community groups and members
To guide growth, must first determine what Fair Play wants: Fair Play Mission Statement General wants, needs, ideas, solutions,
concerns.
Guiding Growth, Continued
Establish Interview Process for potential businesses determine intent and needs expand infrastructure? Potential benefits to bring to Fair Play
Guide Growth Selective construction Jobs
Promote wholesale market, resources for recreation activities (fishing, boating, agritourism, golf, etc.)
Industrial park development?
Targeting Industries: a Form of Guiding Growth
Attract “Creative Economies,” businesses/services that are interactive and can be supported locally or are innovative
Explore/ Expand Information Technology Industry that does not bring traffic/congestion and can run without over use of resources
Feasibility studies for different industries Determines what industries could succeed in Fair
Play Determine what industries are desired
Our survey results showed that agriculture and retail trade are most desired.
Development of Downtown: Another Way to Use and Develop Social Capital
Downtown Consensus Capitalize on current agreements/settle differences Which businesses to promote? Determine style for building facades Add Sidewalks (easy access)
City Beautification (see Woods Cross city, UH) Require community clean-up Raise funding for town signs and promenade Contests for gardens (advertisement in magazines), nicest lake house Community activities (Christmas Light Show)
Old School Building House Art Shows Career Center for extra information and Job Training Fair Play Welcome Building
Organization comprised of business owners.
Utilizing The Old School Building
Using the old school building for recreational activities and a community center, whereby the community can meet and interact with each other
Retired and young mentor program Have the garden club and community members fix
up the school grounds and create a community vegetable garden
Sponsor different adult meet and greet nights, club Entrepreneur Center- arts and crafts or produce Community book share Art Exhibits.
Other Policy Opportunities
Development of community tourism group
Green tourism Natural resources for tourism:
Lake, state park, agriculture Recycling program Farmers market.
Opportunity for Local Agriculture
According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, Oconee County had: over $120 million in sales generated by
poultry and eggs in Oconee County $4.2 million in sales generated by cattle and
calves in Oconee County $852 thousand in sales generated by fruit,
tree nuts and berries.
Opportunity for Local Agriculture
Farmers Market Bring community together to support local
agriculture Issues include: finding management,
identifying target market, finding agricultural suppliers
Farmer organizations Establishing a formal group or club for local
farmers.
Opportunity for Local Agriculture
Strong social capital allows for coordination among farmers.
Collaboration on: Irrigation management Integrated pest control Watershed management Purchasing of capital.
Farmer’s Market
Local agriculture sold at the local farmers market Market brings traffic off I-85 Foot-traffic around town (increased
local spending) However, requires a manager for
organizational purposes and emphasis on advertisement.
Creating a Farmers Market
Location – Close to I-85 Traffic
Implementation of market Board of Directors
Support of Local farmers Setting rules and regulations
Utilizing Clemson University Extension as a resource
Securing Location Advertisement.
Benefits
Farmers Set own prices Interact with consumers
Consumers Cheaper and fresher than grocery stores Interaction with producers
Other local businesses Benefit from additional traffic the market will
bring.
Agriculture Driving Jobs
Fruit production for farmers’ market Growing, processing, packaging Potentially enter Organic market
Agri-tourism U-Pick operations Host events: receptions, parties,
(weddings?) instructional classes (canning, making fruit) preserves.
Sustaining Direction
Continue to have regular, scheduled town meeting/committee and stay organized
Take advantage of current resources already at hand to minimize costs
Promote/advertise Fair Play to attract desired businesses and population
Prevent decay of infrastructure, appearance.
General Conclusions
Social Capital requires cooperation between individuals, government, and the private sector
Fair Play appears to have a high level of social capital, with even greater potential
Efforts must be made to increase bonds between longtime residents and new residents
Fair Play has existing resources that can lead to community opportunities
If Fair Play wants to avoid incorporation and unmanaged growth, a cooperative approach must be used.
An article regarding the strategic plan appeared in The Daily Journal, the local newspaper in Seneca, S.C., on Thursday, December 9th and can be found at www.UpstateToday.com.
Next Steps for Project Team
Utilize students in Applied Economics 412/612 (Regional Economic Development Theory and Policy)
Conduct an industry targeting study for the industrial park in Fair Play
Provide support and resources for planning and implementation of a farmers market
Present resources for applicable grants for revitalizing the old elementary school.