Improving Retail Activities in Rural Communities by Collaborating with the Department of Transportation

Approved for 1.25 CM credits

Denmark, South Carolina (population 3,401) is an economically distressed rural community in southeastern South Carolina.  The local economic development alliance asked Clemson Extension to assist in pursuing opportunities for improvement for the community.  Clemson conducted 165 door-to-door surveys distributed by census block in order to gain perspective on certain aspects of the town.  Using the resulting data, Clemson formed necessary relationships to change the course of the community.

Using university students to assist in a public workshop and resulting documentation, Clemson Extension presented a plan to the Denmark City Council which was subsequently adopted as policy.  A portion of the plan required the re-establishment of retail opportunities at the town’s primary intersection.  This was in direct conflict with the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) plan for that same intersection.  Rather than confronting that organization with the town’s desires, Clemson Extension chose to pursue collaboration with SCDOT and the local Council of Governments (COG) to develop a successful plan that met the needs of those most affected, while creating a template that could be used for other distressed communities in the state.

This webinar will discuss the process of improving the economic activities of a rural community in a distressed community.

Register Here: https://extension.psu.edu/land-use-webinar

For more information contact Peter Wulfhorst (ptw3@psu.edu or 570-296-3400 ext. 1445)