City Quick Connect Podcast from the Municipal Association of South Carolina

Latest Episodes:

City Quick Connect: Achievement Awards – The Chapin Art Trail 9/29/23 Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

The Town of Chapin won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its trail of art installations that include creatively painted sailboat displays, and public art connections with the Town of Chapin Nature Park. Town Administrator Nicholle Burroughs discusses the purpose behind the projects, the community impact of public art, and the town’s plans for the future of its arts and culture scene. See the award video at vimeo.com/848100280.

City Quick Connect: Achievement Awards – Town of Cheraw’s Cameras on Patrol 9/22/23 Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

The Town of Cheraw won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its network of cameras capable of reading license plate numbers automatically, expanding the ability of its police department to solve crimes and recover stolen property. Town Manager Rob Wolfe discusses how the system works and its positive impact in the community. See the award video at https://vimeo.com/848100152.

City Quick Connect: WeShopSC.com 9/15/23 Sep 15, 2023

Show notes

The Municipal Association of South Carolina, along with Main Street South Carolina, its downtown revitalization technical assistance program, created WeShopSC, a statewide e-commerce marketplace. Jenny Boulware and Jonathan Irick of Main Street South Carolina talk about what the service is, how it can benefit small businesses and how businesses can start using it. Learn more: https://weshopsc.com/

City Quick Connect: Achievement Awards – Town of West Pelzer’s Rural Renewal Master Plan 9/8/23 Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

The Town of West Pelzer won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its Rural Renewal Master Plan, which has succeeded in reversing the decline of its downtown Frankville Business District and turning it into a vibrant commercial space. Mayor Blake Sanders explains how the town developed the plan and pursued its recommendations, creating full occupancy of downtown commercial space. See the award video at https://vimeo.com/848100219.

Hometown Happenings: Bringing Civility to Verbal Conflict Training 9/5/23 Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

The Municipal Association of SC and the SC School Boards Association will partner to bring their members an all-day verbal de-escalation training in Columbia on October 19. Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover and SC School Boards Association Executive Director Scott Price talk with Harry Dolan, a retired police chief and head of the Dolan Consulting Group, who will lead the training. They talk about why civility-focused training for local elected officials and others is critical. Find more information and registration at https://www.masc.sc/bringing-civility-verbal-conflict-training.

From the Dome to Your Home 9/1/23 Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton preview the Municipal Association of SC Regional Advocacy Meetings, which give municipal officials a time to share their thoughts on legislation and other ways the Association can serve cities and towns. They talk about what to expect, including discussion of legislation in the first half of the two-year session, as well as pending legislation on issues like short-term rentals.

From the Dome to Your Home 8/25/23 Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton talk with two staff members of the SC Association of Counties: Owen McBride, assistant director of governmental affairs; and John Wienges, staff attorney. They discuss legislative issues that both the Municipal Association and Association of Counties have worked on together, such as regular updates to Local Government Fund funding in accordance with state general fund amounts. They also cover issues anticipated in the 2024 session, such as short-term rental regulation, and issues that the Association of Counties will address, including a lot cleanup bill, waste tire disposal bill and vehicle registration.

From the Dome to Your Home 8/18/23 Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton talk about the legacy of the late state Sen. John Scott, the recent meeting of U.S. Rep. William Timmons with 4th congressional district municipal leaders, as well as Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief funding.

City Quick Connect: Field Services Managers 8/11/23 Aug 11, 2023

Show notes

The Association’s field services managers travel the state to offer hands-on technical assistance and training to help all 271 municipalities address challenges. Naomi Reed, covering much of the Upstate, has joined Charlie Barrineau and Ashley Kellahan as part of the team. Hear from all three about the services they offer and the territories they cover. Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/request-municipal-assistance

From the Dome to Your Home 8/4/23 Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

At the Municipal Association’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Greenville, Casey Fields and Scott Slatton interview state Sen. Ross Turner (R-Greenville). They discuss Turner’s career in the SC Senate and the changes in its makeup during his time, as well as how cities and towns can build relationships with their legislators. Turner spoke to the Association of South Carolina Mayors, and addressed hate crimes legislation currently in the General Assembly.