The CONNECT process began with the knowledge that many of our cities, towns, and counties had already produced visions for their own futures. So had many other not-for-profit organizations.  Statewide organizations have produced a number of studies that look at the future of our region and its needs for water, open space, etc. Each of these documents makes statements about either the desired future, or what is needed to obtain a desired future. In almost every case, each of those documents or reports was accompanied by public input and review, so that people had a chance to voice their desires or needs.

Furthermore, each one of these documents assumes that its audience holds a particular set of values, and that those values have helped to guide the vision or recommendations that are set forth in the document. Finally, each one of these documents does include recommended actions or policies that the audience could pursue to achieve its vision and/or meet its identified needs.

What makes this project different?

This project is unique in the nation. First, it will not attempt to create a new “vision from scratch,” but will use an outside consultant – renowned for his national track record – to distill the commonalities of existing plans, visions and public policies. A collaborative regional taskforce will work shoulder-to-shoulder within a disciplined framework to surface common values, themes and challenges.

Second, it is a bi-state, 15-county effort which reflects a practical partnership between Charlotte-based Centralina Council of Governments and its South Carolina sister organization, Catawba Regional Council of Governments. The task force invited to the table actively reflects the diversity of the business, community and demographic elements necessary for success, and will recommend to the region’s leadership actions on concrete and common priorities moving forward.

Third, because it is not a “start from scratch” effort, the core and framework of the regional vision will be based on values and statements that are ALREADY part of public policy. We believe that this approach will lead to a greater likelihood of adoption and implementation.