The Project
What is Together Aiken County?
Together Aiken County is a way that Aiken County citizens can help plan for the future of our county. Together Aiken County will bring together everyone in Aiken County so that they can help shape the future of the county by identifying shared goals for all aspects of our county’s life. These goals may cover such areas of common concern as the natural and built environment, economic and community development such as jobs, job training programs, housing, transportation, education, culture, recreation, sports, diversity, and social issues, among others. In addition to identifying what our shared goals or dreams are, Together Aiken County will identify specific ways to help reach each goal/dream and will outline a plan to make the vision come true.
We need your help to make this work. We can’t do it without you!

How will Together Aiken County work?
Together Aiken County will start with a “blank slate,” free of any preconceived set of ideas or agendas. This basically means that it does not matter how Aiken County looked yesterday or how it looks today. We want you to tell us how you want Aiken County to look years from now by coming to workshops and public meetings to share your ideas. All Aiken County residents are welcome to share their ideas and issues concerning the future of Aiken County. Residents will come together to talk about their concerns and values. Every citizen from every part of the county is welcome. We need different groups of people (young, old, rich, poor, women, men, boys and girls) to make Together Aiken County work. We need you! This is your chance to be heard. Together Aiken County will let us know where we need to go as a county.

Why create a vision?
As the old saying goes, the only thing constant is change. In the last ten years, Aiken County’s population has grown by 18%, new subdivisions have sprung up all over the county, and other major changes have taken place in our county. The county is going to change – nothing remains the same. Citizens and community leaders should have a vision of what they want the county to be in the future, and then work together toward that goal.

Over the past thirty years, communities throughout the nation have been undertaking similar efforts armed with the knowledge that local residents and community leaders can create a shared vision for the future and work together to implement the vision. Communities in our region that have benefited from visioning efforts include Franklin, Chattanooga, Kingsport and Knoxville, TN; Birmingham and Opelika, AL; among many others.

The Public Process
What is a visioning process?
It is a citizen-based process where the people of the community prepare a vision (dream) and plan for the future. There are many ways for people in the community to be a part of the process that will consist of three types of public meetings open to all residents of the county. First, meetings will be held to collect your ideas about the future of the county. Next, meetings will be held to develop shared goals for the future and ways to turn those goals into reality. Finally, open houses will be offered to allow Aiken County citizens the opportunity to review the progress of their efforts, identify their priority goals, and volunteer to help in getting things started to reach these goals.

Why should I come to these meetings?
WE NEED YOU, AND WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY IS IMPORTANT TO US. You should attend because what is decided at these meetings will affect anyone who lives and works in the county and will have a lasting influence on our community.

How long do the meetings last?
Each meeting will last no more than two hours - not long when you think about how even one idea can affect the future of the county.

What will the meetings be like?
After brief opening remarks, participants will join a small group to discuss ideas and topics suggested by people who live and work in the county - people just like you. Each group will have a trained facilitator who will work with you to create an atmosphere that is productive, safe and fun.

Will my ideas matter?
Yes, every idea counts! Any idea could be the one that makes a difference or solves a problem. The only way that your ideas matter is if you participate.

Do I have to be an expert to contribute my ideas?
YOU are the expert if you live, work, shop, seek services, or play in this county. Who knows better than you do?

I like things the way they are. Why do we need to change?
Things change all of the time. Nothing stays the same. Think of this county 10 years ago compared to today! The decisions made today will have a great impact on how the county will be in the future.

Will I be able to talk about the needs of my neighborhood/community?
Yes, but only as they relate to whole county. The ultimate goal is a far-reaching vision, a vision for the entire county. That is why it is important for everyone to participate.

Who can I contact for more information?
www.TogetherAikenCounty.com

or

Aiken County Help Line – phone 211

or

Joan Wilson Donnelly
Assistant County Administrator
Aiken County
Website: www.aikencountysc.gov
Phone: 803-642-2012 (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays only)
Email: jdonnelly@aikencountysc.gov

How can I participate?
It’s simple. Plan to attend one of the several public idea gathering meetings that will take place throughout the county. Look for meeting announcements. You can also help by spreading the word about the process!

How do I find something on this site?
Visit the Site Map to find a comprehensive list of all the pages on Together Aiken County's website.