City Quick Connect Podcast from the Municipal Association of South Carolina

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the state budget debate and the carrying over of the bill that would require Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds to count toward the constitutional debt limit of cities and counties. They also cover the progress of the concurrency bill that would give local governments the ability to condition land development approval on the availability of public facilities.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss legislative action on the boat tax reduction bill, a SC Department of Transportation modernization bill and two bills concerning data centers. They also preview upcoming General Assembly work on the state budget.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the newly introduced bill that would eliminate Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds as a finance option for cities and towns, as well as how IPRBs work for municipal projects that benefit residents and businesses.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the House Ways and Means Committee version of the state budget, the bills to cut property taxes, the bills that would regulate data centers, and a bill that would require some cities to enter into agreements to enforce federal immigration laws.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the history of South Carolina’s Act 388, as well as the law’s effect on tax millage increases and how it impacts the current discussions on property taxes at the State House.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss a bill that would cut taxes for small businesses, as well as the two versions of the SCDOT modernization bill.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the collaborative advocacy efforts of municipal officials, including its impact on the bill that would preempt local regulation of exterior siding and the Senate version of the SCDOT bill.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss amendments to property tax bill and the Senate version of the SCDOT modernization bill. They also recap the 2026 Hometown Legislative Action Day.

At the beginning of the second half of the 2025 – 26 legislative session, Municipal Association of SC Director of Advocacy Casey Fields and Deputy Executive Director Jake Broom discuss potential changes to the homestead property tax exemption, and the SC House DOT Modernization Ad Hoc Committee’s work to possibly change road ownership and funding.

Rep. William Timmons of South Carolina’s 4th congressional district joins the podcast to discuss his time as a state senator and how it differs from Congress, the issues involved in legislating at the federal level, how lawmakers work out compromise deals and how they address federal government shutdowns. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guest(s) and do not...

Todd Glover and Erica Wright, who also participate in the SC/DC podcast, join Casey Fields and Jake Broom to discuss what actions they would all like to see happen at the South Carolina State House and the U.S. Congress in 2026 to help cities and towns. They also discuss the Municipal Association’s 2026 Hometown Legislative Action Day, happening January 20 in Columbia.

Cybersecurity is a critical operational issue for municipalities of every size. Loss Control Manager Bethany Pendley talks about numerous key security measures that city leaders should be thinking about, cybersecurity risks for police departments, and what a cyber incident response plan should include.

Established by Congress and recently made permanent, Opportunity Zones are a tool designed to drive private investment into specifically designated communities that need it most. Shay Hawkins, the tax counsel for Sen. Tim Scott, discusses with Todd Glover and Erica Wright what Opportunity Zones are, what changes they are undergoing, and how cities and investors can take advantage of them.

Municipal Association General Counsel Eric Shytle and Associate General Counsel Sara Weathers discuss key questions of how city councils handle ordinances. They discuss when ordinances are needed, procedures for enacting them, amending ordinances during passage, and amending or repealing already-passed ordinances.

In 2023, the Municipal Association of SC, along with Main Street SC, its downtown revitalization technical assistance program, created WeShopSC, a statewide e-commerce marketplace. Jenny Boulware and Jonathan Irick of Main Street SC talk about the latest data on WeShopSC’s impact on small businesses, and how businesses can participate.

The Town of Clio won a 2025 Achievement Award for the development of a long-sought-after community park, made possible by community involvement and fundraising. Hear from Mayor Adam Pate about the effort. Learn more: www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2025/1-1000-population-category-town-clio-clios-community-park

The City of Walterboro won a 2025 Achievement Award for its expansion of its wastewater plant, which doubled its capacity ahead of future growth. Hear from Mayor Bill Young, City Manager Jeff Molinari and Utilities Director Wayne Crosby about the project. Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2025/5001-10000-category-city-walterboro-walterboro-wastewater-treatment-plant

The City of North Charleston won a 2025 Achievement Award in the Public Service category for its Park Circle redevelopment, which includes the world’s largest inclusive playground, an inclusive baseball field and a multi-use community facility. Hear from Mandi Mills, North Charleston’s outreach coordinator, about the project. Learn more: www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2025/public-service-category-c...

The City of Mauldin won a 2025 Achievement Award in the Economic Development category for the BridgeWay Station project, attention-grabbing development apartments, offices, shops, restaurants and now a stadium, all with an Italianate design. Mauldin Mayor Terry Merritt, City Administrator Seth Duncan and Director of Business and Development Services David Dyrhaug discuss. Learn more: https://www.m...

Without Congress passing funding legislation, the federal government shutdown began October 1. National League of Cities Legislative Director for Housing, Community and Economic Development, Michael Wallace discusses with Todd Glover and Erica Wright about what shutdowns are, what they mean for federal employees and local economies, and what city governments should be considering and doing during...

South Carolina law prohibits public officials and staff from using public resources in a way that would influence an election or ballot measure. Municipal Association of SC Field Services Managers Charlie Barrineau, Desirée Fragoso and Rob Wolfe discuss what this means in practice.

The City of Forest Acres won a 2025 Achievement Award for its innovative development of the Gills Creek Memorial Park on a small and challenging property. City Administrator Shaun Greenwood talks about the city’s vision for the park, the process of assembling parcels and funding, and the parks’ community impact. Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2025/10001-20000-category-city-fores...

Municipal Association of SC Executive Director Todd Glover and Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Erica Wright talk with National League of Cities Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy Irma Esparza Diggs. They discuss how the NLC has worked with the Municipal Association, and the current status and future outlook of Congressional funding for cities and towns.

The City of Goose Creek won a 2025 Achievement Award in the Communications category for its promotions of the newly developed amphitheater and the concert series that take place there. Goose Creek's Marketing Manager Adam Kelly discuss the venue, the city’s marketing efforts of it, and how they track the success of their messages. Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2025/communicatio...

Auto loss claims can be expensive for cities and disruptive for their operations. Loss Control Manager Bethany Pendley talks about the many steps that cities can take to reduce the dangers of auto losses, including defensive driving training, as well as South Carolina’s new hands-free law requiring drivers to not hold or support cell phones while driving.