History

1999

– North Augusta 2000 founded, with the purpose of developing a clear vision for the city of North Augusta, SC. 65 community leaders came toward and developed the North Augusta 2000 campaign.

2001

– North Augusta 2000 first capital campaign begins, ending in early 2006. This campaign represented a five-year plan for community improvement, focusing on:
  • Quality of Life
  • Education
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Economic Development
North Augusta 2000 raised pledges of $1.8 million to fund these projects, the first community fundraising effort of this type in the city’s history.

2005

– Accomplishments of first campaign are evaluated by North Augusta 2000 and local business leaders.

2007

– Second capital campaign, Continuing the Vision, begins. Continuing the Vision maintained some of the original initiatives and added new ones in four updated areas:
  • Economic Development – Revitalization and Quality Growth
  • Education – Preparing for the Future of North Augusta
  • Community Engagement – Partnership to Connect Citizens and Recreation
  • Culture and History – the Benefits of Community

2011

Third capital campaign begins – The Vision Continues. This campaign was the first to draw input from an online strategic planning survey.

2015

– The Board of North Augusta 2000 voted to change the name of the organization to North Augusta Forward, to better represent both current and long-term organization goals.

2015

– North Augusta Forward begins work toward Downtown Greeneway Connector, partnering with Alta Planning and Development to create an idea for the downtown area to become a hub of business and commerce with the Greeneway at the heart.

2018

– A New Path Forward Campaign

2019

– Third Thursday initiative begins, encouraging North Augusta residents to shop and experience local at participating downtown businesses on the third Thursday of every month.
– Accepted as a member of Main Street America, a national downtown revitalization program

Through the first 15 years of North Augusta 2000 accomplishments include:

  • 75,000 books were distributed to children in the community through the Reading Readiness Program
  • 23 Parcels of land were banked or sold for NEW City Streets, City Municipal Building and future Town Center projects.
  • Phase 1 and 2 of the Palmetto Parkway were completed.
  • Renovation of the North Augusta High School Auditorium was completed.
  • The Character First Program was established Citywide.
  • Over 1000 high school seniors have completed Real Life 101.
  • North Augusta was selected as a finalist for the All America City designation in 2006.
  • The Greeneway Trust was established to ensure perpetual care of this community treasure.
  • Several strategic leadership forums were convened to discuss community and regional issues.
  • A multi-faceted Diversity Committee was established to learn and share values to strengthen our community.
  • North Augusta Sports Commission and the North Augusta Hall of Fame were established.
  • Numerous sports programs, recreational and at the high school level, were supported.
  • Leadership North Augusta was established to cultivate young leaders in our community.
  • Park improvements, Summerfield soccer goals and Living History Park Willow House were made possible, as well as others.
  • The Arts and Heritage Center received support.
  • James U Jackson Statue Fund was established, and a statue now stands at the apex of Georgia and Carolina avenues.
  • North Augusta 2000 contributed to a number of local efforts – Aiken Technical College scholarships, North Augusta High community service scholarships, American Legion Building Fund, support of local schools (middle school agendas, elementary art grants, DARE graduation, etc.).
  • The North Augusta Golf Classic was established and has provided a number of community improvement grants to local organizations – Community Ministry of North Augusta, PAL Boxing Club, the RECing Crew, Wounded Warrior Fund, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Hook a Kid on Golf, First Tee Aiken County, Nancy Carson Library, North Augusta Yellow Jacket Club, etc.