City Quick Connect Podcast from the Municipal Association of South Carolina

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.

The SC/DC podcast will explore the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s work with the state’s federal delegation. Association Executive Director Todd Glover and Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Erica Wright explains how the Association engages and builds relationships with U.S. representatives and senators.

Learn how annexation works in South Carolina, as well as common misconceptions about the process. Hear from the Municipal Association’s Director of Advocacy Casey Fields, Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom, as well as Legislative and Public Policy Advocates Daina Riley Phillips and Erica Wright.

The Municipal Association’s new IMPACT Fund, powered by VC3, offers $25,000 Problem Solver Grants and $100,000 Big Idea Grants. Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom explains the program and what cities need to consider when applying by the September 26 deadline. More information: https://www.masc.sc/impact-fund

The Association’s podcast hosted drop-in interviews throughout the 2025 Annual Meeting for officials to share the positive impacts their municipality has achieved for residents. Hear from Fountain Inn Mayor GP McLeer, Georgetown Councilmember Tamika Williams-Obeng, Laurens Councilmember Calvin Whitmire and Beaufort Deputy City Manager JJ Sauve.

The Association’s podcast hosted drop-in interviews throughout the 2025 Annual Meeting for officials to share the positive impacts their municipality has achieved for residents. In this episode, hear from Andrews Mayor Frank McClary, Hartsville Mayor Casey Hancock and Mauldin City Administrator Seth Duncan.

The Association’s podcast hosted drop-in interviews throughout the 2025 Annual Meeting for officials to share the positive impacts their municipality has achieved for residents. In this first set, hear from Lyman Mayor Glenn Greer II, Cheraw Town Manager Rob Wolfe and Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker.

Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley delivers the Annual Meeting’s keynote address. Beasley, who served as the executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme from 2017 to 2023, discusses the organization’s efforts to feed those suffering from hunger throughout the world, which was recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

Association Executive Director Todd Glover addresses the importance of pursuing positive community change intentionally. He discusses changes made to the Municipal Association’s IMPACT grant, previously the Hometown Economic Development Grant, and an upcoming advertising campaign promoting the need for civility in local government work.

Outgoing Municipal Association President Greg Habib, mayor of the City of Goose Creek, discusses what he has learned in his year as president, the social and economic impact of South Carolina cities and the recent accomplishments of the Municipal Association. He also addresses the ongoing challenges of municipalities that require thoughtful leadership and civility.

Travelers Rest Mayor Brandy Amidon, newly elected president of the Municipal Association of SC, talks about the things she has learned from discussing local government work with many mayors throughout the state and how the Association can support cities and towns.

Palmetto Power Cities, formerly the SC Association of Municipal Power Systems, connects its member municipal electric utilities with mutual aid, helping them to restore power in times of disaster, and also promotes legislative initiatives and training. Palmetto Power Cities Manager Adam Hedden describes the association’s work, including the mutual aid that followed the damages of Hurricane Helene.

The Municipal Association of SC Risk Management Services will host its first-ever conference in Columbia on August 25 – 27, which is free for members of the SC Municipal Insurance Trust and SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund. Loss Control Manager Bethany Pendley and Data and Training Analyst Joy Gloster discuss the many safety and risk-related topics on the agenda.