Conservation advocates urge Charleston County to fully fund Greenbelt program in sales tax referendum Conservation groups and local officials urged council to allocate the full 20% conservation share of the transportation sales tax to the Charleston County Greenbelt program, advocating restoration of a 70% rural/30% urban funding split to protect Cape Romain, Francis Marion and rural buffers.

Charleston County leaders are facing a crucial decision: will they prioritize land conservation in the upcoming transportation sales tax referendum to protect our precious natural habitats from rapid development?

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Charleston County Council approves rezoning, fee-in-lieu agreements and bond authorization; several appointments made Council approved multiple ordinances on third and second reading — including rezoning for 2338 Ashley River Road, fee-in-lieu agreements for Project Clean and TL Charleston Southrail SPV LLC, and a finding allowing up to $70 million in Park and Recreation District bonds — and confirmed several appointments.

Charleston County Council just took major steps towards economic growth with new zoning changes, a $70 million park bond, and key appointments!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #ZoningReform #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityParks

Activists urge Charleston County Council to order independent racial-bias audit of sheriff's office A representative of Charleston Black Lives Matter urged the council to commission an independent racial-bias audit of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, citing alleged profiling and deportations affecting Latino, Caribbean and African neighbors and asking the county to do more than other local agencies have done.

Charleston Black Lives Matter demands an independent racial-bias audit of the Sheriff's Office to address alarming disparities in policing that threaten local communities.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #EquityInclusion #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #RacialBiasAudit

Urban Entitlement Program: Community Development & Revitalization | Charleston County Government The Community Development and Revitalization Department provides administrative and financial oversight for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, American Rescue Plan Act programs, MacArthur Foundation programs, and other grant programs. The department's programs enhance citizens' quality of life while promoting economic growth through the development and revitalization of housing and communities.

Notice of Funding Opportunity
www.charlestoncounty.gov/departments/...

#charleston #chsnews #lowcountry #urban #housing
#charlestoncounty #funding #grants #community #development #revitalization #government

Avenue Of The Oaks

Beautiful moss draped Oaks lining the road into the Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, Mount Pleasant, SC

#AvenueoftheOaks #BooneHallPlantationandGardens #canopy #CharlestonCounty #landscape #moss #MountPleasant #nature #OakTrees #SouthCarolina #SpanishMoss #travel #trees

Want Charleston County funding? Nonprofits must attend new required forums first Nonprofit organizations hoping to receive funding from Charleston County this year will now need to attend a mandatory information session before submitting an application.

www.live5news.com/2026/03/17/w...

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#environment #education #arts #nonprofit #charlestoncounty
@live5news.com #funding #grants #forums

Charleston County to host mandatory forums for nonprofits seeking Community Investment, Accommodations Tax funding With applications opening soon, Charleston County will host two public information forums for nonprofit, 501(c) organizations interested in applying for funding through the County Contributions Progra...

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#grants #funding #nonprofit #501c3 #charlestoncounty
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Charleston County committee says resilience work must move from plans to on-the-ground action Committee members reviewed outcomes from a November symposium and a February accelerator workshop and identified coordination, data gaps and a "trust deficit" as barriers to implementing resilience plans; the collaborative will reconvene in May to train staff on vulnerability-assessment data and set measurable actions.

Charleston County is shifting gears from planning to action, tackling barriers like jurisdictional coordination and public trust to enhance resilience against climate risks.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #ResiliencePlanning #CommunityTrust #PublicCommunication

Charleston County approves incentive agreements and clears bond finding for park district Charleston County Council approved a special source revenue credit agreement on third reading, and approved fee-in-lieu incentive arrangements and a finding that the Park and Recreation District may issue up to $70 million in general obligation bonds; staff presented projected tax revenues, fiscal benefit ratios and job estimates during the discussion.

Charleston County Council just greenlit a $70 million bond and lucrative incentives for new projects that promise jobs and economic growth—what does this mean for the community?

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityIncentives #PublicFinance

Council authorizes chair to negotiate listing agreement for 993 and 995 Morrison Drive after city update A city representative, Josh Martin, updated the council that the public ad for removing a tech overlay on 993 and 995 Morrison Drive is out (final reading confirmed for March 24) and announced a March 16–20 charrette; the council then authorized the chairman to negotiate an exclusive listing agreement for the two properties with the condition it return to the full council before signature.

Charleston County Council is gearing up for major changes at 993 and 995 Morrison Drive, with negotiations underway following key public updates and upcoming community charrettes!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #PublicOutreach

Staff outlines fee-in-lieu terms for Project Clean, council approves finance items A staff presenter told Charleston County Council that Project Clean would use a 20-year fee-in-lieu projected to yield $1.5 million in benefits and a fiscal benefit-to-cost ratio of 8:1; after questions about tax impacts the council approved the finance items by voice vote.

Charleston County Council just approved a game-changing finance package for "Project Clean," promising a staggering 1400% increase in tax revenue over the next two decades!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CharlestonCountyFinance

Council committee approves revised transportation-sales-tax allocations, sends plan for 30-day public comment A council committee vote (5–4) approved a motion reallocating $75 million from a reduced battery-extension project into three $25 million priorities — North Charleston projects, Haygood Avenue improvements and transit implementation for a downtown route study — and directed staff to begin at least 30 days of public outreach. Public Works said outreach will include in-person meetings, an online survey and scientific polling.

Charleston County's transportation committee just approved a pivotal reallocation of $75 million, sparking debate over road funding versus transit and conservation priorities.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #TransitDevelopment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityOutreach

Charleston County plans to allot nearly $200M in sales tax funds toward bike accessibility Charleston County may give $190 million from 2026 transportation sales tax toward bike and pedestrian projects like Rethink Folly Road and North Bridge path.

www.postandcourier.com/charleston_s...

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#environment #ntransportation #mobility #bikes #bicycles #pedestrians #walking #bridges #charlestoncounty #taxfunds #salestax @postandcourier.bsky.social

Charleston County touts gains under ‘Housing Our Future’ plan as ARPA deadline nears County officials told the Finance Committee that several Trust Fund and ARPA-supported projects are moving forward, with 6 land-acquisition awards and dozens of homes and repairs completed in 2025; staff said $765,000 of a $2.5 million ARPA allocation remains and work will continue to meet a Dec. 31 spending deadline.

Charleston County is making strides in affordable housing, but questions linger about whether new homes are truly within reach for long-time residents.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #HomeownershipInitiatives #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment

Mayor Cogswell urges partnership to build 3,500 affordable units on peninsula sites Mayor Cogswell asked Charleston County to allow city-led solicitations that would include selected county parcels and to consider an MOU or option through year-end so the city can secure buyers or joint-venture partners to deliver 3,500 net new affordable units using build-first phasing and permanent affordability restrictions.

Mayor Cogswell is spearheading an ambitious plan to deliver 3,500 affordable housing units on the Charleston Peninsula, aiming for a transformative partnership with the county.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal #CharlestonPeninsula

CARTA and mayors press for larger transit share to fund Lowcountry Rapid Transit and electrification CARTA and municipal leaders described Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) as a $650 million project with 60% federal FTA funding and urged a larger TST allocation for transit (some council members pressed for 20–25% for transit rather than the staff-proposed 15%).

CARTA officials are pushing for a larger share of transit funding to support the ambitious $650 million Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, vital for the region's growth and sustainability.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #SustainableMobility #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit

Council adjusts transportation-sales-tax allocations, moves amended pie chart to 30-day public comment after 6–3 vote After extensive debate over greenbelt, transit and peninsula seawall priorities, Charleston County Council amended the staff recommendation to 16% Greenbelt, 20% transit and 4% bike/ped and reallocated $75 million from the Seawall/Battery line, passing the motion 6–3 on roll call to send the revised allocation for 30 days of public comment.

Charleston County Council's recent vote has sparked a heated debate over the future of transportation funding, balancing the need for transit improvements against the preservation of rural and coastal lands.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit #LandConservation

Charleston County staff recommends draft Transportation Sales Tax package; council agrees to advance for more review Staff presented a draft Transportation Sales Tax (TST) program that prioritizes pavement preservation, $1.6 billion in "feature" projects, bike/ped and intersection work, and a recommended 20% allocation for Greenbelt; council voted to send the draft to the next meeting for additional review and public comment.

Charleston County's draft Transportation Sales Tax plan promises a transformative $1.6 billion investment in infrastructure, paving the way for safer roads and vibrant communities.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #TransportationInvestment

City seeks up to $300M from county for proposed Peninsula "battery" flood-protection project; council seeks clarity City officials described the proposed Battery extension as a phased, Army Corps-partnered flood-protection and public-access project with an estimated total cost of roughly $1.3 billion and a requested county cap of $300 million for the local match; council members voiced concerns and asked for more detail on scope and phasing.

Charleston's ambitious $1.3 billion "battery extension" project aims to boost flood resilience and enhance public access, but council members are seeking clarity on costs before making a financial commitment.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #StormwaterManagement

#ACTNOW: Protect Lowcountry Public Transit Funding
>>> tinyurl.com/fundlctransit

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#environment #nonprofit #activism #transportation #public #charlestoncounty #buses #transit #affordable

Tri County Biological Science Center opening in January to speed DNA testing and reduce multi-year backlogs The Tri County Biological Science Center, funded by Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties, will open in late January to expedite forensic DNA testing—aiming for a 60–90 day turnaround versus current waits of three to five years—and plans initial capacity of roughly 500–600 DNA requests a year.

A groundbreaking forensic lab in Charleston County is set to revolutionize DNA testing, slashing wait times from years to just months!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CriminalJustice #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Charleston County staff outline sales tax allocation plan; council debates transit share and debt-service impact County staff presented draft allocations for a proposed transportation sales tax extension—20% greenbelt, about 15% transit, 5% bike/ped and 60% infrastructure—prompting council questions about debt service in the 41% regional-projects slice and calls to prioritize transit and local projects.

Charleston County is gearing up for a pivotal workshop on February 4 to discuss the future of its transportation sales tax, with councilmembers raising concerns over transit funding and debt service impacts.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #PublicInput #CitizenPortal

Charleston County council approves Homeland Security grant application after public push for written assurances on ICE After two hours of public comment and council debate about whether state-administered homeland-security funds could be used to support immigration enforcement, Charleston County Council approved its committee recommendation to proceed with the 2026 State Homeland Security Grant Program application while requesting written assurances about the grant's scope.

Charleston County Council has approved moving forward with a critical Homeland Security grant amidst public concerns about its potential use for immigration enforcement.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CivicAccountability #EmergencyManagement #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Charleston County hiring event to showcase public service careers on Jan. 29 SC Works Trident is hosting a hiring event Jan. 29, advertising career oppertunities in the public service field.Charleston County, SC Works Trident to host hi

JAN 29: #CHARLESTONCOUNTY #JOBFAIR

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#employment #jobs #hiring #government #nonprofit #chsevents @northcharleston.bsky.social

Council waives one-year waiting period on rezoning after hours of public comment from Red Top community After extended public comment from neighbors and a developer update on recorded covenants, Charleston County Council voted unanimously to waive a one-year waiting period so the developer can re-engage with the community on a contested rezoning near Bees Ferry Road.

Charleston County Council has taken a bold step by waiving a one-year waiting period, allowing a developer to revisit a controversial rezoning near Bees Ferry Road amid passionate community concerns.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CharlestonCountyRedTop #HousingDevelopment

Charleston libraries to expand food and literacy programs with $125k in grants Charleston County Public Library is expanding its reach across the community after receiving more than $125,000 in new grant funding aimed at improving food acc

Charleston libraries to expand food and literacy programs with $125k in grants
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#foodaccess #healthyfood #literacy #nonprofit #library #publiclibraries #ccpl #charlestoncounty

Charleston County Library Announces 2025 Cynthia Graham Hurd Staff Award Winner Charleston County Public Library’s (CCPL) Cynthia Graham Hurd Staff Award for 2025 has been awarded to Ray Turner, Branch Manager at the Otranto Road Library.

Charleston County Library Announces 2025 Cynthia Graham Hurd Staff Award Winner
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#charleston #chsnews #lowcountry #southcarolina #goodnews #charlestoncounty #publiclibraries #ccpl #library #award
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Charleston County schools face widest racial achievement gap among SC districts Charleston County School District has the widest racial achievement gap among South Carolina’s 15 largest school districts, according to data presented by the Lowcountry Conservatives Club.

Charleston County schools face widest racial achievement gap among SC districts
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#education #publicschools #race #equity #equality #charlestoncounty #schools

Conceptual workshop: Charleston County School District presents early-learning addition to James Island Elementary; community raises traffic concerns At a conceptual workshop, the school district and design team proposed a 23,000 sq ft early-learning addition and circulation changes at James Island Elementary; presenters emphasized buffering from nearby historic school properties, while residents raised concerns about increased traffic, safety and nearby gravesites.

Exciting plans are underway for a 23,000-square-foot early-learning addition at James Island Elementary, but community concerns about traffic and safety are raising eyebrows!

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #TrafficSafety #CommunityEngagement #EarlyLearning #CitizenPortal

Charleston County advances business-license update as local business owner raises compliance concerns Council moved the business license ordinance (amendment to ordinance 21-85) to second reading while a local business owner warned of possible double billing and downstream vendor‑licensing consequences; council scheduled further action.

Charleston County Council is moving forward with a business-license ordinance update, but a local entrepreneur warns it could threaten the stability of small and minority-owned businesses.

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#CharlestonCounty #SC #CitizenPortal #VendorLicensing #DEIPolicy #BusinessCompliance