Project Description
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OPT-IN
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The Opportunity Initiative of Southwestern North Carolina |
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North Carolina’s seven westernmost counties are united by a common heritage and the beauty of some of the most rugged terrain in the Eastern U.S., but they lack an urban center and a guiding vision. TSW led the year-long Opt-In effort, which explores how to unify this mountainous area to create jobs, improve transportation, and protect the natural environment. Dividing mountain ranges and an independent-minded culture were two significant challenges for thinking regionally and gathering public input. For this reason, TSW’s innovative outreach strategy incorporated:
The Opt-In process was federally funded because of a controversial and unfinished highway project in the region. TSW worked with the region to broaden the conversation from transportation to related issues such as the economy and development, in order to craft final plans that will allow counties to work together to achieve a common vision for the future. |
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