Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
MU-3/WH Workforce Housing Zoning District
A half-block of King Street could be rezoned to a mixed-use/workforce housing designation, which typically requires or incentivizes affordable units in new development. How the commission and council treat this could signal how the city handles affordability on the Peninsula.
King and Huger Drainage Improvement Project Update
Two flood-prone areas — the Country Club II/Harbor View Road outfall and Brockman Drive — could each get $100,000 in state money for design and permitting, at no cost to the city. The committee will decide whether to certify those funding requests.
Historic Building Demolitions and Alterations in Preservation Districts
Three applications ask to replace all windows — including one appealing a prior staff denial. How the board treats original windows in historic districts is a recurring tension between preservation and modern comfort.
SC Highway 41 and Reflectance Drive Safety Improvements
SCDOT will fix one of the city's most dangerous — and little-known — intersections at the north end of Cainhoy at no cost to the city, using federal grant money.
First Amendment Demonstrations Ordinance Amendments
Council approved first reading of a rewritten demonstrations ordinance with last-minute tweaks — adding ADA protections for mobility devices and removing vague language. The ACLU says the ordinance still gives police too much discretion and bans demos near almost any historic feature; sidewalk counselors outside a West Ashley clinic want an exemption.
$90 Million Bond Issuance for City Facilities
The city would borrow up to $90 million to refund 2015 bonds and pay for a new West Ashley city office building, a police fleet and garage facility, and land for new fire stations. It's one of the biggest capital financing moves on the agenda.
Proposed 2027 City Budget
The city's health insurance budget rises by $2.9 million — a 9.1% increase per enrollee — under a renewed CIGNA contract for 2027.
2027 Fiscal Budget and Revenue Planning
Council is set to dig into the city budget before any formal adoption votes. What happens here shapes spending on city services, staffing, and potential effects on taxes and fees.
Technical Review of Citywide Development and Infrastructure Projects
The city is presenting its Stormwater Development Standards, which set requirements for how new construction handles stormwater runoff. These rules shape how much flooding new development adds to the Basin.
Community Health Outreach and Mental Health Resources
A community engagement manager from the SC Department of Public Health is scheduled to give the committee a picture of local health conditions. The discussion could shape how the city supports public health outreach.
Morrison Drive Tech Overlay Removal for Affordable Housing
A variance request would let a Morrison Drive project skip the rule requiring 15 protected trees per acre. It matters to neighbors who care about tree canopy and shade in the East Central area.
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.
Stormwater Drainage and Brick Arch Infrastructure Repairs
The committee advanced multiple stormwater initiatives, including a $1 million RIA grant for Dupont Wappoo Orleans Road, a $380,000 engineering contract for Newmarket Creek, and local drainage improvements in West Ashley and Lake Dotterer.
De-obligation and Reallocation of CHDO HOME Funds
The city plans to free up over $377,000 in unspent federal housing funds from past years so they can be redirected toward active affordable housing initiatives.
Affordable Child Care Availability and Cost
The commission selected affordable child care as its primary 2027 topic. Members highlighted severe waitlists, exorbitant costs comparable to mortgage payments, and a lack of infant care and after-school options as major hurdles for Charleston families.
Dominion Energy Rate Hikes and Proposed Merger
Residents and historic preservationists raised concerns regarding the proposed 20-year Dominion Energy franchise agreement, asking for stronger tree protection and public workshops.
Central Park Drainage and Infrastructure Improvements
The city is moving forward with dirt-moving and construction preparations for the Central Park drainage project, including purchasing salt marsh mitigation credits and adding engineering oversight.
WestEdge Property Acquisition and Affordable Housing
A proposed deal would have the City buy down the MUSC Foundation's interest in remaining Horizon TIF properties using WestEdge Foundation cash, with a joint venture partner paying $15 million toward housing. Waring objected to guaranteeing the Foundation a 7% return, so the item was deferred.
148 Smith Street Mediated Settlement Agreement
A proposal to demolish Dash Hall, an historic African American cultural and jazz landmark on the Ashley Hall campus, sparked intense debate over historic preservation, property rights, and community heritage. While school officials cited severe structural decay and safety hazards, preservationists and residents argued the building is an irreplaceable tangible link to Charleston's civil rights and musical history.
Affordable Housing Proposals at 975 King Street and 24 Calhoun Street
A proposal was introduced to develop mixed-income senior housing at 24 Calhoun Street, utilizing city-owned property to create permanent affordable homes.
East/Oak Forest Culvert Improvements Project
A federal agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers brings $1.875 million in federal funds alongside $625,000 in City funds to improve drainage capacity under the Greenway and Savannah Highway. This project addresses severe historical flooding issues in the Oak Forest neighborhoods.
Project 3500 Real Estate Acquisition and Morrison Drive Term Sheet
The committee agreed to increase the purchase offer for 74 Stuart Street to $475,000 to acquire and demolish a boarded-up nuisance property for Project 3500. Officials highlighted that removing the property will eliminate a local hub for police reports and safety issues.
MUSC and Cigna Contract Negotiations and Healthcare Costs
The committee discussed ongoing contract disputes between Cigna and MUSC and explored strategies to reduce medical procedure costs and self-referral markups.
Battery Extension and Coastal Resilience Project
The city is moving forward with a multi-phase seawall and promenade project in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the peninsula from storm surge and tidal flooding while improving public waterfront access.
E-Bike Regulations and Pilot Program on Daniel Island
The city is updating traffic regulations to make streets safer by restricting e-bikes from sidewalks, lowering scooter speeds to 25 mph on busy corridors, and piloting shared-use path rules on Daniel Island.
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.
Angel Oak Preserve Project Greenbelt Funding Ask
The Low Country Land Trust is seeking a $4 million Greenbelt funding commitment from the city as part of an $18 million project to preserve the Angel Oak surroundings.
Impact of Federal SNAP Reductions on Local Food Security
The Lowcountry Food Bank reported record distribution numbers, including over 42 million pounds of food with a heavy focus on fresh produce.
Ashley River Crossing Construction and Alignment
The city is partnering with private hotel owners to acquire marshfront property for a pedestrian pier and bridge access, using private funds with minimal financial exposure for the city.
Project 3500 Affordable Housing Funding Framework
The city and nonprofit developers are pursuing height increases and mixed-use rezonings on the Peninsula to build much-needed affordable housing. Residents raised concerns about stormwater runoff, parking congestion, and increased flooding impacts.
Folly Road Safety Audit & Municipal Agreement
SCDOT is pushing forward with critical safety upgrades on Folly Road on James Island to address high crash rates, pedestrian safety, and traffic flow. The city approved its municipal agreement, while neighboring James Island weighs its participation.
Clemson University USDA Lab Demolition Settlement
Clemson University wants to demolish the former USDA vegetable lab office building, which is part of a National Register-eligible historic district. Preservationists and dozens of residents pushed back, and the board denied the demolition, buying time for a restoration plan.
Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Renewal
Local leaders are rallying support for a 20-year renewal of the half-cent sales tax, which provides critical funding for regional road, transit, and greenbelt projects.