School and government officials spoke at Winthrop University's McBryde Hall about education, the need for infrastructure upgrades and paying for the growth on tight budgets. Here's a snapshot of what they said:

Highlights:

• Developments planned behind Rock Hill Galleria, at the former Celanese site and in the textile corridor will total $1 billion in investment.

• Improvements on Cherry Road include Super Bi-Lo, Northeast plaza renovations and a planned EarthFare.

• Downtown plans include an umbrella market, renovating City Hall amphitheater and rebuilding the Woolworth building.

Challenges

• Improvements are needed to Saluda Street, Anderson Road and East and West Main streets.

• Textile corridor development will take years.

• Upgrades are needed to the city Law Center.

Highlights

• Dutchman Creek Middle and Mount Holly Elementary schools open in the fall.

• Renaissance Academy, Saturday School and mentoring programs have boosted achievement.

• New security systems have been installed.

Challenges

• A 63 percent graduation rate and test scores that have "flat-lined."

• Students on free or reduced lunch have increased from 32 percent to 45 percent.

• Property tax changes have crimped budgets

Highlights

• Enrollment is up to 6,500 academic students and 9,000 in continuing education.

• About 89 percent of graduates get a job in their field.

• Construction trades program has renovated a Wilson Street building and teamed with local builders.

Challenges

• The number in Workforce Investment Act programs has tripled since 2005.

• More older workers need training for "new economy" jobs.

Highlights

• $100 million in campus expansions in seven years.

• Students spend $90 million in Rock Hill's economy.

• Rated a "best value" college by three national publications, despite rising tuition.

Challenges

• Fostering a college-town atmosphere.

• Student body projected to grow to 7,500 in next decade.

Highlights

• Pennies for Progress has improved hundreds of miles of roads.

• Daimler Trucks' move to York County has potential to spin off more commercial growth in western York County.

• Land-use plan has guided county's growth.

Challenges

• County population projected to grow from 208,000 to 236,000 in next decade.

• Tax base is shifting to a higher residential burden.