Developing a Strategic Plan

A strategic plan is a process to help an organization adapt to changing circumstances, and identify how best to use the resources at its disposal into the future.

Every strategic plan is focused on a key set of issues. ClemsonNEXT focused on three key issues that relate directly to growth in Clemson:

  • Inclusivity, or who gets to live and participate in a community;

  • Resiliency, or how adaptive a community’s economy is to changing circumstances; and

  • Place, which is about whether the built places and spaces in a community support a high quality of life.

The process asked why growth is occurring, how it is impacting Clemson, what the community wants to be in the future, and what land use and development policies are needed to make that happen. The answers to these questions informed recommendations in the White Paper about how and where development could be allowed in the future.

 

The Framework

A collective understanding of these issues, and the community’s priorities as they pertain to these issues, shaped the development and land use options evaluated by Development Strategies and the strategies we recommended to City Council.

What was the process?

 
 
 

Step 0: Kickoff

The Planning Team works closely with the Steering Committee to begin analysis and establish a plan for community engagement.

Step 1: Understand

The Planning Team synthesizes its analysis to create a foundation for discussion. Videos on key issues are shared with the community. Surveys and stakeholder roundtables begin a dialogue about the issues and the community’s vision.

Step 2: Strategize

Based on community dialogue, the Planning Team uses its knowledge to create strategy options and development scenarios for community response and further dialogue.

Step 3: Refine

The Planning Team adjusts and evolves strategy alternatives based on community feedback, and develops recommendations about preferred scenarios and strategies.

Step 4: Report

The Planning Team summarizes the process, key findings, strategies, and recommendations in a concise white paper, delivered to the City Council.

 

How did citizens participate?

 What was the result?

The result of the initial surveys and information gathering was a White Paper summarizing the issues that led to the moratorium and recommending actions for moving forward. Click here to read the White Paper.