Mapping the way Towards Sustainability – City of Travelers Rest Planning Fellow

This summer, I began seeing maps in my dreams. As part of my fellowship with the City of Travelers Rest, I dove headfirst into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to process, analyze, and visualize data. Even in my sleep, I drew measurements, tinkered with basemaps, and configured coordinates. 

I used GIS for two major projects with Travelers Rest this summer: in creating an interactive map for public use to present the site plans set forth in the Travelers Rest Homeowner Tax Relief and Critical Projects Referendum, and to conduct a preliminary pedestrian safety and walkability study to analyze how physical features of roads and sidewalk connectivity shape the City’s pedestrian flow. Critical infrastructure needs are addressed in the proposed referendum – and with renovations that would increase canopy cover, sidewalk construction linking residential areas to Swamp Rabbit Trail, and conscientious use of storm water management to create a recreational space with a pond – I got to see how sustainability is incorporated into the large scope of city planning firsthand. At the end of the summer, I presented my findings from the walkability study to city council, highlighting the safety needs and economic benefits associated with expanding the sidewalk network, and supporting their inclusion as critical infrastructure in the referendum. 

Not everything was maps, despite the title of this post! I also had the opportunity to sit in on recreational planning meetings, take minutes for council, draft ordinances, and visit sites to see the different stages of progress on existing projects. I even got to see the opening of an outdoor gym that was built thanks to the help grant written by a previous Shi Institute Fellow, Ella Filippo ’26! Working with Planning Director Jay Martin and experiencing the influence one can have within the field has been amazing. I’ve never felt so reassured in my future and decisions leading me to where I am now, knowing that equity, livability, and sustainability can be improved by the field that I hope to enter. Building my familiarity and independence within this role this summer has been extremely fulfilling, and probably even life changing. 

Planning plays such a critical role in defining the way our communities are shaped, affecting everyday lives, businesses, and environments. Its presence is ubiquitous, and even within the public, you have a say in influencing real change in one of the most direct ways – get involved, come to planning meetings, ask questions – maybe you’ll be as interested as I am! 

If your curious, more information on the projects in the Homeowner Tax Relief and Critical Projects Referendum can be found here: https://travelersrestsc.com/tr-homeowner-tax-relief-critical-projects-referendum-projects/. The map I made is linked there too, take a look if you have the time!

About the author: Aubrey Hume ’27 is an Economics student from Chapin, South Carolina entering her senior year. This summer, she’s spending her time working with the City of Traveler’s Rest as a Planning Fellow to help further the city’s recreation, accessibility, and infrastructure while maintaining sustainable practices. In her free time, Aubrey bakes, bikes, and plays with her recently rescued kitten, Marlowe.