WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
The audits and accountability
Live 5 News, December 2025. Charleston County transportation tax audit confirms proper spending. State auditors reviewed about $767 million and more than 13,000 transactions and found only $615 in nonqualifying expenses.
Charleston County, December 2025. State Audit Confirms Strong Financial Controls in Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Program. The official announcement of the state audit results.
The Post and Courier editorial, February 2026. Charleston County notches solid progress on sales tax referendum. Quote: Consider that the county received more than 29,000 individual public comments that together expressed a desire for more than 600 projects.
The Post and Courier commentary, April 2026.
Informed electorate is key to a needed Charleston County sales tax extension. Charleston business leaders on why the 2026 plan's transparency answers 2024's failure. Quote: Information is the currency of democracy.
The 2026 plan reaches the ballot
Charleston City Paper, February 2026.
Charleston County approves draft of sales tax plan. Quote from Council Chairman Joe Boykin: Nothing is more important to the future of Charleston County than how we address growth.
Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax passes first of three readings. Quote from Chairman Boykin: This proposal represents months of public engagement, collaboration, and careful planning.
Charleston County approves 2026 transportation sales tax ballot measure. Final reading passes; the question goes to voters November 3.
Charleston City Paper, July 2026.
Charleston Co. puts half penny transportation tax on 2026 ballot. Includes the ordinance requirement that every project consider bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access in design.
CCSD advances growth referendum. Quote from district Chief Operating Officer Jeff Borowy: We're not asking for more money, we're just asking to continue on with the process that's been so highly successful in putting kids in school buildings that they deserve.
Projects delivered
Glenn McConnell widening substantially complete. Quote from Charleston Councilmember Brantley Moody: I am thrilled this project is being completed on time and within the budget.
Charleston County completes Palmetto Commerce Interchange. The $90 million interchange opened ahead of its deadline, relieving congestion around Ashley Phosphate Road.
SCDOT nearing final design on Lowcountry Rapid Transit. The state's first rapid transit line moves toward construction.
Charleston County advances 10 new greenbelt conservation projects. More than 1,700 acres protected. Quote from Greenbelt Deputy Director Chris Dubuque: the funding from this program protects vital and historic and iconic landscapes throughout the Lowcountry.
Charleston County Council approves $11.5M for greenbelt projects. Five projects, about 900 acres. Quote from Chairman Boykin: These Transportation Sales Tax investments reflect our long term commitment to protecting what makes Charleston County so special.
Charleston County Schools
The Post and Courier Education Lab, 2025.
SC schools recovered from COVID better than most. Harvard and Stanford Education Recovery Scorecard coverage: Charleston County's math gains ranked in the top ten nationally among the 500 largest districts.
CCSD high on growth. One of only 11 of 82 large urban districts nationwide to grow enrollment. Quote from Superintendent Anita Huggins: Families continue to choose our schools because they believe in the exceptional educational opportunities we provide.
Charleston schools' college and career readiness climbs. Superintendent Huggins reports a 90.6% graduation rate and readiness up from 69.1% to 84.8%.
Charleston County School District, January 2026.
CCSD opens three major facilities in the North Area to start 2026. New penny funded school buildings open to students.