Stronger Bonds

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray & Emily demystify tax credits in development projects, explaining how they work, their policy goals, and their impact on revitalization efforts like historic buildings and mill redevelopments. They discuss practical examples from South Carolina and the marketplace for buying and selling these credits. Featured projects: Judson Mill District (Greenville):...

Explore the critical role of water and sewer infrastructure in community development, public health, and environmental sustainability. Jay Nicholson, General Manager and CEO of the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, joins Ray Jones and Emily Luther to share insights on infrastructure challenges, growth management, and the importance of public awareness. Jay Nicholson serves as General Man...

On this special episode of Stronger Bonds , the team takes the stage live from the 2026 South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (SC GFOA) Conference. In front of an audience of public finance leaders and professionals from across the state, the conversation dives into the power of relationships, leadership, communication, and collaboration in local government. From real-world challe...

This episode, Emily & Ray are joined by Jeff Shacker — a new member on the Parker Poe Consulting team — to explore how local governments can effectively navigate private development proposals, emphasizing due diligence, strategic planning, and managing expectations to foster successful public-private partnerships. Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities Emily Luther Ray Jones Do you have...

This episode explores the complex relationship between government investments in affordable housing and the associated public costs, focusing on property tax exemptions in South Carolina and North Carolina. We discuss the role of nonprofits, legislative changes, and the ongoing debate about ensuring effective and compliant affordable housing initiatives. Listen to our previous episode on Affordabl...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, hosts Ray Jones and Emily Luther delve into the complexities of Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds (IPRBs), a flexible financing tool for local governments. They discuss the mechanics of IPRBs, the role of nonprofits in facilitating these bonds, and the impact of recent legislative changes on their use. The conversation highlights the benefits and challenges of I...

Most local governments spend millions on fire trucks and police cars—yet many citizens have no idea just how much these essential services really cost. In this eye-opening episode of Stronger Bonds , Ray Jones and Emily Luther peel back the curtain on the true price of public safety and municipal expenses, revealing costs that have doubled since 2020 and explaining why your tax dollars are more vi...

Welcome to a very special episode of Stronger Bonds, where we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you behind the scenes with the entire Columbia Bond team. For our end-of-season episode, Emily and Ray are joined in the studio by colleagues Emily Zackon and Ryan Romano for the first time, making this a true team affair. In this candid and lighthearted conversation, you’ll get to know the voice...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones welcome South Carolina State Senator Overture Walker for an inspiring conversation about public service, local government partnerships, and the transformative impact of economic development in the Midlands.  Tune in for heartfelt reflections, practical advice for local leaders, and behind-the-scenes stories about Scout Motors and legisl...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily sit down with a special guest who’s been at the center of decision-making in South Carolina for nearly 25 years: Murrell Smith, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Join us as Speaker Smith shares his journey from a young attorney with a passion for politics to leading the State House, reflecting on the lessons learned along the w...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones sit down with Todd Glover, Executive Director of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, to dive into the real-world effects of Act 388 on local governments. From limited property tax growth to the growing reliance on sales taxes and fees, they explore the challenges municipalities face in balancing budgets, funding essential servi...

Welcome back to Stronger Bonds , where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the fascinating world of government development, taxes, and public finance! In this episode, Emily and Ray are taking it back to basics—shedding light on what it really means to be a “bond lawyer” and demystifying the process of how local governments borrow money. Have you ever wondered how your property taxes are connecte...

Welcome to another episode of Stronger Bonds! In this installment, hosts Emily Luther and Ray Jones return after a brief hiatus to continue their deep dive into one of South Carolina's most transformative pieces of tax legislation—Act 388. Picking up where they left off in their Act 388 series, Ray and Emily are joined by a special guest: Vincent Sheheen, former state senator, mayor of Camden...

Welcome to another episode of Stronger Bonds, the podcast where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the world of government development, taxes, and finance. In this episode, recorded live from the bustling concourse of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Emily and Ray bring listeners the experience of the South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Spring Conference—an...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones kick off a special multi-part series focused on one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in South Carolina local government: Act 388. Emily and Ray open the conversation by laying down the groundwork for understanding property taxes, the "lifeblood" of local government revenue across cities, counties, and schoo...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily sit down with Scott Slatton and Adam Emrick, two city administrators who delve into the growth, challenges, and exciting opportunities facing their booming micropolitan communities of Summerville and Conway, South Carolina. The discussion explores topics like infrastructure, budgetary concerns, and annexation, while also highlighting innovative part...

In the first Stronger Bonds episode of 2025, Emily Luther and Ray Jones invite listeners to reflect on the past year and look towards the challenges and opportunities of 2025 with expert insights from guests Tim Winslow of the South Carolina Association of Counties and Edward Boyles of Wells Fargo Securities. The conversation deep dives into the intricacies of municipal bonds, economic outlooks, a...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, hosts Emily and Ray dive into the intricacies of local sales taxes and their critical role in funding infrastructure projects. From understanding the nuances between capital project sales taxes and transportation sales taxes to the importance of meticulous planning and community involvement, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in local gov...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray Jones & Emily Luther sit down with Maceo Nance to honor his remarkable 50-year career in economic development and discuss the intricacies of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Listeners will gain invaluable insights into Nance's journey, impactful contributions, and expertise on FOIA compliance, featuring live audience questions and practical sce...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily and Ray explore the complex world of local government. They discuss government administrators' challenges and opportunities amid a wave of retirements and pay discrepancies. Featuring insights from esteemed guests Dr. Kendra Stewart, Leonardo Brown, and Shawn Bell, the conversation highlights the importance of strategic networking, community building,...

In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily delve into the intricate world of affordable housing, exploring funding strategies from government sources and private sector contributions to vital policy changes and land use. They highlight the economic benefits and development potential of affordable housing while also addressing the challenges and necessary solutions to make it viable. Tune in...

In this episode, Ray and Emily discuss Home Rule, why South Carolina local governments act in the manner they do, and what powers and limitations they have to address the needs of their citizens. They are joined by Clay Killian, a former local government official, to discuss his lived experience of working in and with local governments for over 40 years. For the extra credit listeners, here are li...

Join Ray Jones and Emily Luther as they take you behind the scenes of their day-to-day conversations about the complex issues their clients face. In this inaugural episode of Stronger Bonds, they introduce themselves, explain the podcast's mission to provide honest and accessible insights and preview upcoming topics like home rule, local government financing, and affordable housing. Tune in f...

Stronger Bonds is a podcast that explores the important and sometimes complex topics that local governments and businesses face daily. In each short, digestible episode, Ray Jones and Emily Luther, seasoned attorneys at Parker Poe, will have an honest, unfiltered conversation on a specific issue - whether that's financing, taxes, infrastructure, economic development, or more. It'll be ju...