Neighborhoods, Residents, County Discuss How They Can ‘Upgrade Together’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Neighborhood improvement, financial empowerment and improving quality of life were at the heart of a free conference that welcomed residents from across Richland County. At the first Upgrade Together Conference, Richland County officials discussed the importance of collaboration between County departments and local communities and provided practical tips to revitalize neighborhoods, tapped into County services and boosted the quality of daily life for residents. Attendees also received information about Richland County’s updated Comprehensive Plan, which is an adopted 20-year plan that sets the vision for the County‘s future growth, development and preservation. “Planning staff worked diligently and conducted a public planning process to produce the updated Comprehensive Plan (Plan),” said Richland County Planning Director Tracy Hegler. “We are extremely proud of what was created and want to educate our residents about how the adoption of the Plan will shape the County‘s future growth. We also want to continue to get their feedback because the buy-in from our citizens is what will make implementation of the Plan a success.” The conference offered insight about student housing, reducing residential energy costs and mortgage payments, and what planning and zoning ordinances exist in neighborhoods. County officials from a variety of departments, real estate agents, home maintenance specialists and housing professionals were on hand. For more information about Upgrade Together, email powella@rcgov.us or call 803-576-2166.