CALL TO ACTION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
REGION CABINET
cALL TO ACTION
The I-77 Corridor in South Carolia is at a pivotal crossroads. Now is the time for regional leaders to align, collaborate, and deliberately position this important corridor as a competitive hub for high-wage, innovation-driven investment focused on high-value industries like Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Corporate Headquarters. Join us in advancing the Palmetto Research Region.
The establishment of the Palmetto Research Region Cabinet is a concrete step in raising the profile and marketability of this corridor. This group exists to raise expectations within the corridor through encouraging investment in our existing and future workforce, encouraging increased additional investment in utility systems and roadways, land use planning (conservation opportunities, zoning and design guidelines) and a value-based incentive structure for sought after development.
executive summary
UNLOCKING GROWTH
The I-77 corridor anchored between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina is a critical connection for economic development in the Southeastern United States. With a unique blend of infrastructure, workforce, industry momentum, and cost advantages, the Palmetto Research Region is rapidly becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, research, and innovation. This white paper outlines the strategic assets that position the Charlotte-Columbia I-77 corridor as the compelling choice for future business growth and investment.
POPULATION BOOM
The Charlotte-Columbia I-77 Corridor is uniquely positioned, connecting two fast growing states in the Southeast, North and South Carolina. Over the last five years, the United States has averaged a population growth of 2.6%. In the same time frame, Charlotte has grown over 8% and Columbia has grown almost 5%. The population boom in the region is due to several factors including most notably a lower cost of living and high quality of life assets. Governments, businesses, and non governmental entities in this region are at a unique moment to seize the opportunities that growth provides to enhance the economic prosperity of local communities.
A lower cost of living is often cited as the most important factor for the migration of people. Although specific cities in the Palmetto Research Region have varied cost of living indexes, most are lower than the national average including Columbia (14% below national average), Rock Hill (8% below the national average), and Fort Mill (8% below the national average). Whether in the context of commercial or residential costs, savings in common expenses like transportation, shelter, etc. are beneficial along this corridor.
Although more anecdotal, quality of life in the region has benefited from the post-COVID economy. Located along I-77 which provides a direct north-south route, there are convenient connections to I-20, I-26, I-40, and I-95 allowing for easy and direct access to metropolitan hubs, beaches, and mountains. Publicly owned assets throughout the corridor provide heightened outdoor amenities with access to seven significant lakes and a number of rivers including Lake Wylie, Lake Wateree, and the Broad River; greenways and trails including Great Falls Whitewater Park, Anne Springs Close Greenway, and Riverwalk; cultural hubs including the Center for the Arts, Catawba Indian Nation, Columbia Museum of Art, and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. With lower commute times and a plethora of activities including the Charlotte Convention Center, National Whitewater Center, Colonial Life Arena, and the Spectrum Center, there is something for everyone. The Palmetto Research Region is regularly commended with awards including US News and World Report’s Best Place to Live in the US (Charlotte – 2025), Fortune Magazine’s 50 Best Places for Families (Rock Hill – 2024), Money Magazine’s Most Affordable Places to Live in the US (Columbia – 2023).