Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
West Ashley City Office Building Expansion and GMP
The city's new West Ashley office building project would grow by about $188,576 because the contractor wouldn't carry Builders Risk insurance as planned. The project is funded mostly by a future GO bond.
Broad Street Sidewalk Repairs and Improvements
A $495,585 contract with Wildwood Contractors would rebuild bluestone sidewalks on Broad Street from King to East Bay — the first phase of a $4.1 million project funded by accommodations taxes.
Series 2026 Bond Issuance for Capital Improvements
The Public Facilities Corporation is considering authorizing up to $90 million in installment purchase revenue bonds to finance a City of Charleston project. This financing shapes how a major public facility gets paid for and could influence future city debt obligations.
Municipal Golf Course and Maybank Highway Underground Utility Conversions
City Council is reviewing a new 20-year franchise agreement with Dominion Energy and Berkeley Electric Co-op. The agreement sets a 5% franchise fee and establishes a dedicated matching fund for burying power lines to improve storm resilience.
ATTAIN Transportation Technology Grant
The city is applying for $2.26 million in federal funding to improve two busy corridors — Folly Road and Septima Clark Parkway — with no local match required.
St. Johns Woods Parkway Streetlight Maintenance Appeal
The homeowners association for the Villages of St. Johns Woods appealed the city's refusal to pay for 10 streetlights, arguing that neighborhood connections and nearby commercial development turned their local street into a busy public thoroughfare.
Concord Pump Station and Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades
Council approved significant funding and contracts for major drainage improvements, including work on the Central Park Drainage Project, Dupont-Wappoo project, and USACE Brick Arch repairs to prevent future flooding and sinkholes.