Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

opportunities, and an innovative and inclusive economy,” the city is committed to revitalizing its identity. A recent rebranding initiative, aptly named “The White Rose City,” brings together the timelessness and tradition of the community while displaying the modern amenities and innovation that the progressive city has embraced. Mayor Michael Fuesser describes, “We have one of the largest historic districts in the state of South Carolina.We’re a very hospitable community.We are a growing community. We’re about an hour and a half drive to Greenville and a four hour drive from Atlanta, and a lot of people are moving to this part of South Carolina.” ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE INITIATIVES With 16 subdivisions in the pipeline and a strategic focus on planned urban development, York is attracting both businesses and residents alike. “There are commercial outparcels as part of those developments,” expands City Manager Dalton Pierce. “We have a total of 13 approved at this point in time, looking to attract some business.” On the subject of York’s economic landscape, Pierce points out the contrast between the agricultural surroundings and a growing industrial and commercial sector. He highlights the ongoing development of a light industrial park in partnership with York Electric Co Op, a venture aimed at creating job opportunities and fostering workforce development in the region.“I think that will be one project that will bear a lot of fruit for the city moving forward,” he says, adding that the York Regional Chamber of Commerce also plays a vital role in supporting workforce development initiatives in the city. Further underscoring York’s commitment to economic growth, Pierce references Harbor Freight Tools, a prominent retail company specializing in affordable, quality products, who have just opened a location in the city. James Patterson, a native of York and part owner of Agricultural Products Extension (APEX), shares his motivation for investing in the city. He explains, “The city of York works well with investors, but also, my blood is here, and I did want to see it prosper. I saw the potential with the surrounding area with 139 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02 YORK, SC