Council approves multiple water and sewer steps: capacity reallocation, USGS study and Beach Island boundary transfer Council acknowledged a negotiated reallocation of sewer capacity between two private tracts, approved a joint funding agreement with USGS to update groundwater modeling, and authorized a transfer of a small potable-water area from Beach Island Water District to the city to loop mains and improve reliability.

Aiken City Council just made significant moves to enhance water and sewer infrastructure, including a capacity reallocation and a new partnership with USGS for groundwater studies!

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Aiken council approves first reading to certify Richland Avenue site for textile revitalization credits Council took first reading to certify a Richland Avenue property as a textile mill site under South Carolina law, a designation that could enable state income tax credits for a project estimated at about $40 million; the measure passed first reading unanimously.

Aiken City Council is taking a bold step towards revitalization by certifying a historic textile mill site, paving the way for a $40 million investment and state tax credits!

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Residents, service providers press Aiken council for faster action on homelessness and shelter services Speakers at the April 13 Aiken City Council meeting urged faster local action on homelessness while providers described existing and planned resources, including a Salvation Army resource center and community-based outreach programs. Council members noted recent city funding and called for continued collaboration.

Residents of Aiken are calling for urgent action on homelessness, revealing that nearly half of local households are struggling to make ends meet.

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Council authorizes CPST-5 revenue agreement with county and adopts five-year capital improvements program Following staff presentations, council approved a revenue recipient agreement for Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST-5) to receive an estimated $79.7 million and adopted the 2026–2031 Major Capital Improvements Program, including airport runway work largely funded by FAA grants.

Aiken City Council just approved a game-changing $79.7 million revenue agreement and a bold capital improvements program that includes plans for a new airport runway!

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Council holds lengthy public hearing and approves first reading of sewer capacity impact fee ordinance City staff proposed an ordinance to impose sewer capacity impact fees that pass through sharply higher wastewater treatment capacity costs from the PSA; staff and the council discussed fee timing, grandfathering, 5,000-gallon purchase increments, and tracking of available capacity (staff cited 410,000 gallons available); first reading was approved and staff will return with implementation details.

Aiken City is tackling skyrocketing wastewater costs with a new ordinance for sewer capacity impact fees—what does this mean for future development?

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Local service leaders tell council homelessness and overdose numbers are rising Service providers and residents told the council that C4 Impact is housing 32 people (21 adults, 11 children) and that Aiken County reported 250 overdoses and seven fatalities last month; speakers urged more housing and treatment options.

Aiken City is facing a growing crisis, with 250 overdoses last month and local leaders calling for urgent support for housing and treatment to combat this alarming trend.

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Council tables Rutland Place incentive vote after staff‑developer dispute over fee estimates Council postponed action on an economic‑incentive ordinance for the Rutland Place development after the developer and city staff repeatedly disagreed about how permit, impact and business‑license fees were being calculated. Staff proposed a 50% rebate over five years based on their fee estimates while the developer asked for transparency and foring

Aiken City Council hit pause on the Rutland Place development incentive as tensions rise over disputed fee calculations between city staff and the developer.

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Aiken Residents Address Water Billing Issues and Urban Development Concerns Residents express frustrations over water meter billing and urge preservation of local farmland.

Aiken residents are raising alarms over skyrocketing water bills and the potential loss of cherished agricultural land—what's at stake for the community's future?

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Local Resident Highlights Growing Need for Supportive Facilities in City Resident emphasizes increasing demand for facilities aiding those ready to change their lives.

Aiken residents are rallying for a supportive facility to tackle the growing homelessness crisis, sparking intense debate at the City Council meeting.

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Council Member Questions Emphasis on Tobacco in Manufacturing Job Recruitment Council member expresses concern over focus on tobacco skills in job recruitment strategy.

Aiken City Council is confronting the future of local jobs, urging a shift from tobacco and manufacturing to a tech-savvy economy that can boost community growth.

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City Council Declines Right of First Refusal on Avara Management Property Council opts not to repurchase vacant property previously used for nicotine production.

Aiken City Council's recent decision not to purchase a vacant property could pave the way for exciting renovations and new economic growth in the community!

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Aiken Horse Park Foundation hosts $100,000 event attracting global equestrian talent Aiken Horse Park prepares for major event with international riders on February 28 and March 1.

Aiken is gearing up for the prestigious $100,000 Sterling Capital Eventing Showcase, set to feature top riders from around the globe while supporting local charities!

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City Council moves forward with tiny home zoning ordinance to aid homeless community City Council unanimously approves emergency tiny home ordinance to support transitional housing initiatives.

Aiken City is taking a giant leap forward in combating homelessness by proposing a groundbreaking tiny home ordinance to provide emergency and transitional housing for those in need.

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