The beauty of Reality Check 2.0 was the collaboration it sparked. Community members, local governments, developers and other stakeholders came together around one central question: How do we move forward as a region?

I was fortunate to serve on the planning committee representing the Chamber, specifically on the invite committee, where we helped ensure that diverse voices and communities were represented in the room. Equally important was making sure those voices shaped real, actionable steps, so this effort wouldn’t become just another plan on a shelf, but a strategy grounded in broad support and designed to drive meaningful results.

The published results from Reality Check 2.0 highlight an important truth: density is a necessity in a growing community.

For years, the Chamber and our partners have underscored, through research and data, that density can reduce sprawl and make smarter use of existing infrastructure, but only when it’s done with intention. When communities get it right, growth builds on existing strengths, prioritizes resident voices and creates opportunities that make the whole region more resilient.

With more than 270,000 new Charleston region residents expected by 2040, representing 102,000 new households, smart growth isn’t optional; it’s essential.

To identify areas of alignment across participants, collaborative group input from Reality Check 2.0 was gathered and analyzed using Querri, an AI-based data platform headquartered in Mt. Pleasant. This process quickly surfaced the shared themes that shaped the event’s guiding principles:

• Plan infrastructure and growth for long-term resilience
• Expand transportation choices and connectivity
• Preserve natural landscapes and community character
• Support housing choice in connected, mixed-use communities
• Coordinate across jurisdictions and invest in shared understanding

The report also points to practical implementation strategies, including strengthening policy leadership, fostering intergovernmental dialogue and creating multimodal corridors that enhance public transit and connectivity. For municipalities, this isn’t just a set of recommendations, it’s a guide for action. Cities and towns can reference these findings directly as they update comprehensive plans, craft zoning policies and engage residents in shaping how growth will impact their neighborhoods.

Taken together, these ideas give us a strategic, actionable roadmap. If embraced with intention, they can help the Charleston region achieve smart, equitable growth that works for everyone, today and for generations to come.

I encourage you to explore the full Reality Check 2.0 Results & Insights report and see firsthand what’s possible when we plan boldly and work together. The future of our region depends on the choices we make today. Let’s ensure we grow with intention and get it right.