HILTON HEAD ISLAND - OUR FUTURE VISION AND STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN - STRATEGIC ACTION PILLARSThis report presents the vision and strategic action plan that has been developed following an extensive community engagement process. Throughout 2017, approximately 3,000 people contributed to a series of surveys, workshops and focus group sessions, to explore the long-term future of the Island community. This engagement process was designed to provide an open, inclusive and transparent platform for community members to help create a shared vision and action plan. This report represents Future iQ's analysis of the engagement outcomes, and how this data has informed the identification of a preferred future and strategic actions. As the project consultant, Future iQ was given the responsibility to develop a data driven process, which has informed this report. The analysis in this report builds on the preceding project reports and engagement analysis. The recommended Key Strategic Action Areas have been developed by Future iQ, drawing directly from the community input gathered during the visioning process. All the concepts and actions presented were discussed during the engagement process. These actions have been structured into a proposed roadmap, drawing heavily from the prioritization conducted at the reconvening of the Think Tank in December 2017. The recommended sequencing has also been influenced by best practice examples of building a realistic pathway to a desired future.Future iQFIQ_3db87776-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Hilton HeadSustainability Reinvented.. Again!_3db879f6-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7To present a vision and strategic action plan for the Town of Hilton Head_3db87b04-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7SustainabilityInclusivityDiversityNatural BeautyBeauty of IslandWorld Class DestinationFamily FriendlyForward ThinkingSafetyHealth & WellnessEducation FocusRetirement FocusEconomic StrengthAdaptabilityIntegrityVitalityExcellenceRelentlessly pursue excellence._3db87bcc-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 1One of the defining features of the Hilton Head Island community engagement workshop dialogue was the obvious passion people have for the Island. Many people are deeply connected to the Charles Fraser vision and hold that vision in high regard. It is apparent that one of the underlying values of many of the workshop participants was a deep appreciation of excellence. StandardsApply (or create) best-in-class standards for all major projects on Hilton Head Island._3db87c9e-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde71.1Adopt the ideal of excellence - Seek to apply (or create) best-in-class standards for all major projects on Hilton Head Island. This is not just in the area of construction or development, but for example in the social areas of education, cultural activities, and arts development.Experts & TaskforcesConvene expert groups and taskforces to solve difficult issues._3db87d66-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde71.2Create HHI as an epicenter for excellence - Charles Fraser built something remarkable. He did this through clever investment, staying true to values, and being willing to innovate. Today, Hilton Head Island can do the same. There are challenges the Island faces that require innovation and new thinking, such as transportation, workforce and housing solutions. Some of these solutions can be found in other communities and some will need to be created locally. Hilton Head Island can bring innovation and excellence to bear on local issues by convening expert groups and taskforces to solve difficult issues. This concept has been raised in previous visioning efforts and has great merit. SustainabilityReposition Hilton Head at the forefront of the sustainability movement._3db87e2e-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 2REDEFINING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY -- Environmental sustainability is a foundational value and principle for the people of Hilton Head Island. The legacy of the landscape protection ethos remains today, with nature in the foreground, and human activity in the background. However, from the from the founding steps of modern development in the 1960's, the world of sustainability has moved on. Today, sustainability embraces a much larger definition and includes social sustainability, quality of life, environmental sustainability, renewable energy and broader human impact. There is little question that Hilton Head Island is no longer at the very forefront of the sustainability movement.RedefinitionRedefine what sustainability means for Hilton Head Island._3db87ef6-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde72.1Redefine sustainability -- The Island needs to establish a dedicated group or Task Force to redefine what sustainability means for Hilton Head Island. This should include a detailed outline of the modern breadth and definition of sustainability, and how that would translate to all aspects of the Island. This should include recycling, resource management, landscape and marine management, and building construction and materials. This should also include examination of the trend in businesses pursuing environmental technologies, innovation and creativity.EnergyExplore multiple energy sources._3db87fc8-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde72.2Create renewable energy framework -- Develop a renewable energy framework for the Island. The macro trends are heading towards renewable source driven virtual power networks. Such exploration should include how to incorporate multiple energy aspects such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and even tidal energy, into modern energy systems.ResearchBecome an outdoor research laboratory._3db880a4-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde72.3Become a location for unique environmental ecosystem research -- Hilton Head Island holds the important barrier Island status, and the surrounding lowlands, wetlands, vegetation and marine ecosystems represent intriguing ecosystems. The Island offers a unique location to focus cutting edge research on environmental challenges as a barrier Island, and how to address the current and future challenges of climate change. Hilton Head Island should forge partnerships to position itself as a unique outdoor research laboratory, attracting national talent and projects. EconomyRevitalize and modernize Hilton Head's economy._3db88194-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 3REVITALIZING AND MODERNIZING THE ECONOMY -- As has been explored in the visioning process, key economic drivers on Hilton Head Island include being a destination for affluent retirees and a destination tourism location. This has been predicated on the trajectory of an expanding resident population and increased tourism visitation. This trajectory has produced sustained growth and economic activity. TourismStimulate and market alternative tourism products._3db8827a-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde73.1Explore the 'Future of Tourism' -- Given the importance of the tourism economy, anticipating future trends and needs is pivotal. The continued research of future tourism predictions, and connecting that to the 'Preferred Future' for Hilton Head Island is pivotal. This will help understand the potential to stimulate and market for alternative tourism products such as cultural and heritage tourism (especially the Gullah Geechee culture), ecotourism (in line with the Island's sustainability focus and natural assets) and outdoor recreational tourism. The potential for more locally driven culinary tourism should also be explored.Restoration & RevitalizationRestore and revitalize structures._3db88356-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde73.2Focus on restoration and revitalization -- There is an emerging national trend in restoration and revitalization, particularly as technology and new building materials create new design options. This focus offers the opportunity for significant modernization without expansion of development footprint areas.Young ProfessionalsBuild relevance to young professionals._3db88446-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde73.3Young ProfessionalsThe community engagement process repeatedly highlighted the importance of creating relevance to young professionals and startups in sectors representing the 'new economy'. Being relevant will include the need to embrace technology and offer options for live and work, shared work spaces and other emergent entrepreneurial support measures.Healthy AgingLeverage the convergence of healthcare and technology and retiree needs to support quality of life._3db88536-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde73.4Healthy aging economy -- The Hilton Head Island population is aging. This offers economic opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, healthy aging, and active retiree support. There is a clear opportunity to leverage the convergence of healthcare and technology and retiree needs to support quality of life.Multi-Dimensional CommunityAttract younger families to Hilton Head Island._3db8861c-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 4Young FamiliesFOSTERING AN INCLUSIVE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL COMMUNITY -- The 'Preferred Future' for Hilton Head Island, as defined in the visioning process, includes being an outward looking and socially progressive community with a mixed and diverse demographic. There is a clear desire to have younger families attracted to Hilton Head Island helping create a multi-generational society. Throughout the visioning process the Hilton Head Island stakeholders reiterated the importance of retaining an inclusive multi-dimensional community. Lifestyle & AgingCreate a world-class active lifestyle and healthy aging community._3db88748-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde74.1The desire for excellence on Hilton Head Island is well understood. There seems to be a great opportunity to draw together a focus on creating the Island as a living laboratory where all the best approaches and support for healthy aging can be applied. There is greater understanding of how integrated lifestyle solutions and technology can boost healthy aging, and Hilton Head Island provides an excellent pilot site for world-class innovative application.EducationProvide high quality educational options._3db88842-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde74.2TeachersUSCBIncreasingly, great schools are a key metric for attracting families. Ideas for how to boost educational excellence that surfaced in the visioning process included affordable housing to attract high quality teaching staff, and ensuring that leading edge STEM initiatives are strong in the education curriculum. The addition of the USCB Hilton Head Island Campus is seen as a very positive move.Housing & NeighborhoodsDevelop affordable housing, mixed use properties, and family friendly neighborhoods._3db88928-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde74.3Develop more mixed use community nodes -- There is a need for more variety in housing and more affordable options for a demographic cross section. Some of the key points from the engagement sessions was the idea of affordable housing, mixed use properties, and family friendly neighborhoods. The Shelter Cove development was seen by many as a promising start, incorporating live and work potential, a strong community hub or node, and open recreation spaces. It will be advantageous to also address affordable and mixed housing in such developments. The Town of Hilton Head Island's current work to develop an Affordable Workforce Housing Strategic Plan is an excellent starting point.Recreation, Arts & Quality of LifeIncrease the diversity of recreational, arts and "quality of life" offerings_3db88a2c-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde74.4Build the diversity of recreational, arts and "quality of life" offerings -- Part of the appeal of Hilton Head Island has been the strong presence of golf recreation facilities. There is some evidence that the singular popularity of golf is declining. In the engagement sessions and scenario development, participants saw the medium term need to consider future re-purposing of some golf facilities into other recreation pursuits. There is emerging strong interest in arts, festivals, and shared community spaces.Connection & CollaborationBuild a connected and collaborative community._3db88b30-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 5BUILDING A CONNECTED AND COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY FABRIC -- One of the strong characteristics in the scenario description of the 'Preferred Future' outcomes was that the 'community unites around a commitment and plan for progressive change'. The issues of connectivity and collaborative behavior was a major focus of the community discussions. This connectivity is referring to the fabric that binds the community together. As has been discussed, Hilton Head Island has a remarkably unique and unusual social fabric with 'communities within communities'. There have been considerable efforts, by many groups over the last decades to build a much stronger sense of community, and that work has been very successful. But the broader community is now desiring even greater connectivity. This connectivity is a function of both physical spaces and collaborative platforms and approaches. TrustSeek common ground and address inequalities._3db88c2a-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde75.1Provide mechanisms to building trust -- Despite the work to build a sense of 'One Community' and create open dialogue, there still remains some pockets of distrust. This is in part due to historical inequalities and the 'community within a community' phenomena. The visioning process has opened new conduits for communication about shared ideals and outcomes, and has created the forum to begin honest dialogue. This needs to continue and proactive steps must be taken on all sides to seek common ground and address inequalities.Nodes & ModesCreate community nodes with multiple modes of transport connectivity._3db88d4c-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde75.2Explore a 'nodes and modes' concept plan -- The concept of village centers, an Island town center, and community center have been explored in previous visioning work. There is still a strong appetite for such an approach, as people believe it will create the important connectivity. There has also been interest in redeveloping Mitchelville as a center for Gullah heritage and cultural tourism. To lay out a coherent long-term strategy, it is suggested that the community explore a 'nodes and modes' concept that looks at a 20-year process for creating community nodes, and building multiple modes of transport connectivity. The first step should explore how to better connect the existing multimodal transport network and routes to existing nodes. Then, consideration should be given to exploring potential new community nodes, which might for example include infill or redeveloped commercial areas that include new housing options and revitalized commercial space. This can provide the framework that will inform and influence development patterns, housing density issues, and public services.ConnectionsConnect with external stakeholders._3db88e3c-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde75.3Connectivity to external stakeholders -- The Island community has a remarkable network of connections that reach across the country. There is a larger cadre of external stakeholders who have a direct connection to the Island via second homes, investments or as vacation visitors. Building this connectivity will be important, as these external stakeholders offer direct access to expertise and resources that might help implement the vision. Plus, in many cases they are potential future residents.RegionalityAdopt an integrated regional focus._3db88f40-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 6SavannahSavannah is a growing major urban center. In a world of mass urbanization, people are congregating to such centers, drawn by the appeal of experiences, the opportunity for the exchange of goods and services, and the proximity to similar social groups. Savannah has especially proved to be a magnet for young innovators and entrepreneurs. This creates a dynamic where there is a broad 'arc of innovation' that occurs within an easy to reach concentric circle around such metropolisesHilton Head Island WorkforceThe Hilton Head Island workforce laborshed extends well beyond the bridge. The Island provides a substantial draw for a wide cross section of skills and professional services. Integrating into, and influencing the regional workforce development system, is a logical and important role. Life-Long LearnersDuring the visioning sessions, the notion of Hilton Head Island being a location for life-long-learning was repeated. In addition, there has been considerable discussion about positioning Hilton Head Island as a 'living laboratory' to explore the implementation of innovation across a suite of topics. The concept of becoming a regional 'educational epicenter of excellence' was supported in the various visioning sessions. EXPANDING TO EMBRACE AN INTEGRATED REGIONAL FOCUS -- Living on an Island often creates a unique worldview, which is a natural consequence of defined boundaries and separation. This can create an 'echo chamber' effect, where the conversation becomes wrapped around the internal Island topics and issues. However, on a relative scale, Hilton Head Island is a modest sized community, albeit 'punching above its weight' in reputation and brand awareness. But the stark reality is that many of the big issues will require a regional perspective and regional solutions. There have been very strong efforts to build these broader collaborative efforts which lays the groundwork for the next evolution.CollaborationCollaborate with Bluffton._3db89062-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde76.1BlufftonBeaufort CountyStrengthen the Bluffton connection -- There is ample opportunity to retain the pride and uniqueness of the Island, but seek to think beyond the Island by developing strong partnerships within Beaufort County and the region. The Bluffton connection is critical. They are not a competitor, they are part of the same ecosystem. Finding ways to collaborate can help find shorter term solutions to workforce, housing, and educational needs.PartnershipsPartner with innovative regional firms on problem solving projects._3db89170-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde76.2Savannah MetropolisEmbrace 'Arc of Innovation' -- Hilton Head Island is arguably just within the Savannah arc of innovation. Tapping into this will help bring creative thinking and innovation to the identified challenges. In particular, topics about reinventing sustainability, revitalization of the housing stock (maker culture), and deployment of technology all fit well with the emerging cluster of innovation in the Savannah metropolis. Partnering with innovative regional firms on problem solving projects offers interesting potential.ActionBecome a regional player._3db8927e-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde76.3Becoming a regional player -- Becoming a regional player will help build the Island's heft in important discussions. This requires a two-way transactional approach, where Hilton Head Island needs to bring perspective and ideas to the table. Across the US, and even globally, some cities and regions are becoming the new power-base, offering a more aggressive and nimble approach than most state or national governments. InfrastructureRight-size infrastructure._3db893b4-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde7Pillar 7INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO CREATE 'RIGHT-SIZED' INFRASTRUCTURE -- The infrastructure issues of housing, transportation and public amenities have been a major topic of discussion throughout the entire process. The transportation and traffic issues are particularly prominent in people's minds, and the 8:00 am daily traffic congestion on the bridge onto the Island is most notably referenced. Many of the initial responses and comments reflect traditional approaches to infrastructure -- which is 'make it bigger'. However, through the visioning process, the potential implication of emerging technology was explored. Within the timeframe of the visioning process, society is likely to witness remarkable changes because of new technological evolution as part of the next industrial revolution.Transportation NetworksExplore alternate transportation networks._3db894d6-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde77.1Island scale transportation systems -- Hilton Head Island has demonstrated the potential of alternate transportation networks. The widespread deployment of bike trails demonstrates the appetite for alternative solutions. There is the potential for a range of small scale alternate multimodal and public transportation systems on the island that would connect nodes of development. The same multimodal system could connect residential areas to business districts and workplaces.Public TransportationStrengthen public transportation between Hilton Head Island and the southern Beaufort County region._3db895f8-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde77.2Regional transportation systems -- There is a strong interest in finding ways to provide a stronger public transportation system between Hilton Head Island and the southern Beaufort County region. The focus should be on environmentally friendly transportation systems which will improve connectivity between the Island and the mainland and take account of future trends in technology.NeighborhoodsCreate more neighborhood nodes._3db89738-138d-11e8-89c9-b3d9b4e6fde77.3MillennialsBaby BoomersHilton Head NeighborhoodsRight-sized neighborhood locations -- As has been discussed, there is an identified interest in more neighborhood nodes on Hilton Head Island. Both Millennial and Baby Boomer generations share a desire for community spaces where people can socialize and entertain. However, these can be in a range of sizes and scale. In some cases, people expressed the desire for a larger neighborhood center on the north end of the Island. In other cases, people discussed the potential for smaller community connection points. This is an area that requires more investigation, and a better understanding of exactly what people might be seeking in the future. This topic could also be impacted by future trends in urban living (such as increased density) and implications of future transport systems (such as autonomous cars).2018-02-152018-02-17http://lab.future-iq.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Hilton-Head-Island-Our-Future-Vision-and-Strategic-Action-Plan.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net