Alan Smith, president and CEO of 1 Spartanburg, told Spartanburg City Council on Oct. 27 that an economic impact study of downtown projects showed substantial investment and job gains.

Why it matters: Smith said downtown investment is driving immediate jobs and broader economic output that city officials can use to finance public services and retain talent. He described a multi‑pronged strategy to broaden the county’s development base beyond advanced manufacturing.

Key figures and claims presented: Smith said that from 2020 to 2024 Spartanburg County recorded about $7.4 billion in new investment and 8,611 new jobs. He said that since Jan. 1 of the current year the county had $3.35 billion in new investment and 882 new jobs. Smith said one current project would create nearly 300 jobs with an average pay of about $99,000. He said the compiled downtown projects totaled roughly $1.2 billion in new investment and that the economic impact study estimated those projects would support 11,389 jobs in the city, about 13,000 in the county and nearly 14,000 across South Carolina.

Workforce and equity notes: Smith and others on the dais emphasized the need to diversify job types and expand work‑based learning. He described a joint effort producing roughly 600 work‑based learning opportunities available to high‑school students and said the organization aims to expand internship placements and scholarships so local residents can fill new jobs.

Local context and reception: Council members praised the presentation and urged more public communications to help residents understand how downtown growth translates into jobs, tax revenue and services. Several council members expressed a desire to better connect growth benefits to residents who feel left behind.

Ending: Smith said the county’s public‑private partnerships and recent investments have created momentum downtown, and he welcomed council participation in continued efforts on housing, trails, entertainment and multifamily development.