City Quick Connect Podcast From The Municipal Association Of South Carolina

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.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the new passed liquor liability reform bill with Steve Cook, owner of four Columbia-area restaurants, who advocated for it as a member of the Responsible Hospitality Reform Alliance. They discuss the impacts of liquor liability insurance costs on the restaurant industry, and how municipalities work with business owners in attracting restaurant development.

Act 176, the Business License Tax Standardization Act, requires municipalities with a business license to update their class schedule every odd-numbered year, including 2025. Manager for Local Revenue Services Caitlin Cothran and Revenue Analyst Kaylee Summerton discuss how the process works, details to consider and resources available to help business license administrators.

Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover and Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom preview the 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place on Hilton Head Island July 16 – 20. It will have sessions focused on civility and communication in local government, attracting remote workers, gun violence reduction, competing for commercial development, and the new IMPACT Fund grant, among others. Learn more: www.masc.sc/2025-annual-meeting

Daina Riley Phillips and Erica Wright join the podcast to talk about the work of the SC Department of Transportation Modernization Ad Hoc Committee, passage of the military TIF district bill and the version of the state budget to come out of conference committee.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the state’s newly passed liquor liability reform bill, H3430, which addresses one of the Municipal Association’s Advocacy Initiatives for this legislative session. The new law changes how liability for damages are assigned to bars and restaurants selling alcohol. It also establishes new requirements for alcohol server training, and steps businesses can take to reduce their liability.

As the regular session ends, Casey Fields and Jake Broom cover passage of a liquor liability bill and the state budget entering into conference committee. They also discuss bills that must now wait until 2026 for further action, including the zero-millage bill and income tax reform.

With three legislative days left in the regular session, Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss passage of the military tax increment financing bill, and the advancement of both the zero-millage bill and the boat tax reduction bill.

With the legislative session soon coming to a close, Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the Senate version of the state budget, with a proviso that would increase municipalities’ payments for the housing of juveniles in SC Department of Juvenile Justice detention facilities. They also cover the short-term rental bill stalling in subcommittee.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the latest developments on the zero-millage bill, the lack of movement on the boat property tax bill, and the next steps for the military tax increment financing district bill.

Casey Fields, Daina Riley Phillips and Erica Wright discuss the ongoing work on the state budget, including the announcement that there will be no earmarks in this year’s budget, as lawmakers work to use revenue for a statewide income tax deduction.