Facts First initiative launches to provide clear information on growth and community change across Spartanburg County

Facts First, a new community-focused initiative designed to provide clear, accessible information about growth, development, infrastructure and community change in Spartanburg County, was publicly introduced Tuesday, May 19, during a community event hosted by OneSpartanburg, Inc.

The initiative brings together local data, community context and perspectives from across Spartanburg County to help residents better understand how the county is evolving and how growth is shaping everyday life.

“Through the Vision Plan 3.0 survey, we heard from 3,608 people, and you told us that misinformation is pervasive clouding the process to find real, data based facts. Respondents said they wanted more communication, context, and factual information about growth in Spartanburg County,” said Allen Smith, CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc. “Facts First is designed to help make that information more accessible and support more community conversations about how Spartanburg is evolving. We heard our community, and today, we are responding to your feedback.”

Facts First will provide information, visuals, community stories and explainer content through social media, community partnerships, local outreach and ongoing engagement efforts designed to help residents better understand growth and community change across Spartanburg County. The initiative also includes a new website featuring infrastructure information, community data, frequently asked questions, historical and current community comparisons and stories connected to investment, workforce development, schools, quality of life and long-term planning across the county.

Growth, Investment and Community Impact

Spartanburg County continues to experience significant economic growth, including more than $7.4 billion in investment since 2020, supporting business expansion, workforce development and long-term economic momentum across the region. Over the past decade, jobs in Spartanburg County have grown by more than 29%, outpacing the national average and expanding career opportunities across the county, while median household income has increased by more than $11,000.

At the same time, communities across Spartanburg County are continuing to invest in schools, infrastructure and long-term community needs designed to support both current residents and future growth. Voters have approved more than $1.3 billion in school improvements across the county, along with approximately $478 million in road, bridge and infrastructure projects.

Local Perspectives on Growth and Change

Community leaders, workforce representatives and local stakeholders gathered at Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens to discuss how growth and investment are impacting Spartanburg County, including infrastructure improvements, workforce development, small-business growth and quality-of-life investments.

“As the owner of Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens, I’ve seen firsthand how Spartanburg’s growth, investment and progress directly impact small businesses and our ability to survive and thrive,” said Pontheolla Abernathy, co-owner of the Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens. “When companies move here and expand, it drives demand, strengthens partnerships and creates real opportunities for local collaboration. At Clevedale, that means teaming up with other businesses to expand services for our guests, growing our team with additional employees to meet that increased need and offering events aimed at building a cohesive community.”

Speakers throughout the event highlighted how growth and investment are creating opportunities for local businesses, workers, partnerships and community connection across Spartanburg County.

“There’s sometimes a perception that Spartanburg County only supports large companies and major development projects, but my experience as a small business owner has been very different,” said Aimee Cheek, owner and director of events of C&S Events and Catering, LLC. “The fact is, Spartanburg has been an incredible place to start and grow a business. Through partnerships, community support and continued investment across the county, we’ve been able to expand our team and grow our services while building relationships that continue creating opportunities for our business and our employees. I truly can’t imagine building this business anywhere else.”

Speakers also highlighted how growth and investment are creating opportunities for residents to build careers and futures within Spartanburg County.

“I’m a living example of what can happen when a community competes for and wins jobs,” said Justin Gist, continuous improvement leader with Keurig Dr Pepper. “I’ve been able to build a career with Keurig Dr Pepper right here in Spartanburg County, and that opportunity has impacted not only me, but hundreds of associates and families across this community. The fact is, I’m grateful Spartanburg competed for and secured this investment because people like me didn’t have to leave home to find opportunity. We found it right here.”

To learn more, visit FactsFirstSpartanburg.com and follow @FactsFirstSpartanburg on Instagram and Facebook.

About Facts First

Facts First is a community-focused initiative designed to provide clear, accessible information about growth, development, infrastructure and community change in Spartanburg County. Through local data, community context and perspectives from across the county, the initiative aims to support informed community conversations around growth and investment. Visit FactsFirstSpartanburg.com to learn more.