August 2024

FEATURE

'Governance Matters': Former Gov. Beasley Delivers 2024 Annual Conference Keynote

County leaders from across South Carolina convened at the end of July to share ideas, discuss issues impacting their counties and learn about potential solutions to common problems. These leaders gathered for the 2024 South Carolina Association of Counties Annual Conference and Institute of Government, a dynamic educational experience where participants from the state’s 46 counties can learn from each other and share common challenges and opportunities.

This year’s conference featured speakers from the National Association of Counties and the Wounded Warrior Program and a keynote address from former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley.

“Governance matters,” he said. “When I see men and women like you from all walks of life coming together, it gives me hope.”

See Photos from the Annual Conference

EDUCATION

More Than 100 County Officials Graduate from Institute of Government Levels I & II

More than 100 county officials graduated from the South Carolina Association of Counties' (SCAC) Institute of Government for County Officials, Levels I and II. Graduates included elected officials and county employees and represented 42 of the state's 46 counties.

"It is an honor for me to recognize members of the Class of 2024. This year, the class includes a record number of 108 graduates," said 2023-24 SCAC President Roy Costner III.

Learn more about the Institute of Government's Class of 2024.

COUNTY SPOTLIGHTS

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott Named to International Crime Stoppers Board

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has been appointed to the Crime Stoppers Global Solutions (CSGS) Board of Directors. The organization combats transnational crime and mitigates threats to national and international security.

“We are so honored to have Sheriff Lott join the CSGS board,” said Justin Insalaco, a CSGS board member. “As we look to shift the Crime Stoppers model from reactive to preventative, we believe Sheriff Lott’s experience in community collaboration will have a major impact.”

Learn more about CSGS and Lott's role o n the board.

Granted! Berkeley County Communities Benefit from Successful Grants Program

From community center and soup kitchen renovations to affordable housing projects and rural fire department equipment, the projects receiving funding from Berkeley County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program over the last few years are diverse in nature but similar in mission: meeting critical community needs.

Since January 2024, Berkeley County has celebrated at least 16 completed CDBG projects, with many more on the horizon. From cutting the ribbon on revamped spaces to breaking ground on future facilities, there’s been no shortage of success stories within this grant program.

Read about the success of the CDBG Program in the fall issue of County Focus in early October.

SAVE THE DATE

Fair Fun! 46 Reasons to Celebrate SC

Mark your calendar for the 2024 South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 9-20.

This year’s theme features you! Thank you to all the county officials who have sent in information and plan to share items with the Fair team for the 46 Counties Showcase in the Ruff Building.

If you have any questions or want to make sure your county’s display is in great shape, contact Lauren Sherr at LaurenS@scstatefair.org or fill out this form to make sure the Fair team has items from your county.

Other important upcoming dates:

Sept. 19: J. Mitchell Graham and Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Awards Competition
Oct. 16: Institute of Government for County Officials
Oct. 17: Fall Advocacy Meeting and SCAC Awards Luncheon
Dec. 11: Orientation for Newly Elected Council Members

ADVOCACY

2024 Acts That Affect Counties Now Available Online

The 2024 Acts That Affect Counties publication contains a brief description of laws passed during the 2024 legislative session, which was the second half of the two-year 125th General Assembly.

Access the complete publication online now!

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

RIA Announces Availability of $51 Million in Competitive Grants

The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) announces the availability of more than $51 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year that began July 1. This is a significant increase over the state funding made available for grants in previous years. RIA has developed an FY25 Program Strategy which details the funding available, eligible applicants, program criteria and due dates for application. Learn more about funding available, eligible applicants, program criteria and due d for applications on RIA's website.

Application due dates:

Round 1: Oct. 28, 2024
Round 2: March 17, 2025

SC250 Launches Grant Programs for FY25

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) is now accepting grant applications for FY25 (July 2024 - June 2025). SC250’s goals are to inspire education and set up cultural tourism sites that will have an impact on the future.

SC250 offers one $3,000 Non-Competitive Organizing Grant to each official County 250 Committee.

SC250 also offers competitive grants in the following levels: