September 2024: Advocacy Updates
Date postedSeptember 1, 2024
City of Charleston
- Mayor William Cogswell unveiled the city’s new Basin Flood Action Program (BFAP) following a public workshop about the Charleston Integrated Water Plan (CIWP) with city council on Aug 27. BFAP marks a decisive step in addressing Charleston’s most pressing flooding issues with immediate, actionable projects designed to provide relief now. For more information about the BFAP and how you can get involved, please click here. To review the CIWP, click here.
- We continue to speak up and advocate for intentional design and policies that support local businesses as key new commercial / mixed-use developments move forward, including at the City’s recent unveiling of the newest plans for Sumar St site in West Ashley.
Town of Mount Pleasant
- The Town’s Economic Development team launched a new digital resource aimed at helping entrepreneurs understand the steps required to start and legitimize a new business. Give it a look!
Town of Summerville
- Are you hip to the Town’s “Cruising with the Mayor” video series? Check it out to hear the latest and greatest.
Federal:
- ICYMI: ‘Google Is a Monopolist,’ Judge Rules in Landmark Antitrust Case - via NYTimes.com
- Credit Card Payment Settlement Deadline for Filing Extended - If your business accepted Visa or MasterCard credit cards between 2004 and 2019, you may be eligible for a payment as part of a recent $5.5 billion class-action settlement. The deadline to file your claim has been extended to Tuesday, February 4, 2025, giving you more time to ensure your business receives the compensation you are entitled to. Learn more.
Things we love:
- A partnership between CARTA and the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections will provide free bus rides for Election Day which is Tuesday, Nov. 5. This service goes to all Charleston County polling locations. Early voting transportation assistance is also available. Learn more and find your polling place.
- Creative attainable commercial property solution out of San Fran: “Beyond free rent, which is typically given for three months with a possibility for another three months, Vacant to Vibrant provides up to $12,000 to the businesses to help cover insurance and other expenses. The program also offers grants up to $5,000 for building owners to cover costs for tenant improvements in the spaces, as well as for other expenses like utilities.” - via NYTimes.com
- Creative Commercial Property Use: Florida’s Zero Empty Spaces connects artists with spaces in otherwise vacant spots to bolster their careers, activating unused space in the process. - via NextCity.org