Community Vision Planning Process

Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association, City of Orangeburg, Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce and Orangeburg County

In 2014, the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association, City of Orangeburg, Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce and Orangeburg County came together to take on an extensive community vision planning process. The four partners contributed the original funding, with the County Development Commission providing additional support.

Beyond providing funding, the partners encouraged their constituents to participate in the planning process. There was an unprecedented, positive response from the community. Consultants working with the partners commented that Orangeburg had one of the most diverse, inclusive and well-attended sessions that they had seen while conducting hundreds of similar sessions around the country.

The resulting plan provides a roadmap for the city and DORA to follow for downtown revitalization.

Currently implementing the plan, the partners have maintained their commitment to seeing the plan come to fruition. They meet regularly to discuss implementation strategies. Other organizations in the community have endorsed the plan, including Claflin University, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, the Regional Medical Center and Orangeburg Preparatory School.

Contact: Jennifer Hoesing at jhoesing@orangeburg.sc.us or 803.531.6186.