Now Released: The Reality Check 2.0 Results & Insights report is here. Explore event highlights, key takeaways, and the guiding principles that will shape our region’s future.

By 2045, the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester region is projected to add 270,000 residents, 102,000 households, and 140,000 new jobs. On April 30, 2025, the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) and Urban Land Institute South Carolina brought together more than 150 leaders from government, business, and nonprofits for a collaborative planning exercise to explore how best to accommodate this growth. Using large-scale maps, Legos, and facilitated discussion, participants examined potential scenarios, identified shared priorities, and built consensus on the key elements needed to ensure a sustainable, connected, and resilient future.

This website is the place to stay informed as we move from vision to action. Here, you’ll find event materials, summaries of the consensus that was built, and interactive tools to explore the data. We’ll post updates on progress, share resources for local planning and decision-making, and highlight opportunities to get involved in shaping the region’s future.

Explore Reality Check 2.0 Resources:

• Event Guide – Overview of the Event, Collaborative Exercise and data provided to participants
• Guiding Principles, Barriers & Strategies Summary – Summary of consensus built at Reality Check 2.0
• Interactive Maps and Data – Explore the scenarios and data sets behind Reality Check 2.0

Media Coverage of the Event
Day of:

‘Reality Check 2.0’ brings Lowcountry together to plan for future growth
Tri-County leaders workshop plan to address projected growth into 2045

Editorials:
April 19, 2025: Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester leaders face reality check

May 7, 2025: Ashley Landing is a roadmap for managing Charleston growth

June 9, 2025: Bus rapid transit eyed from Moncks Corner to Goose Creek

June 21, 2025: Reality Check provides growth vision for Charleston region

Sept. 6, 2025: Increased density is the best path for the Charleston region

For more information and to get involved: Contact Ryan Wilcox, BCDCOG