September 2025 Advocacy Updates

Local 

• November Elections – We're continually updating this post with local races, timelines, voter registration information and more.
• Parking garage rate changes in downtown Charleston – via WCBD News 2
• As part of a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility of converting Coming Street, Rutledge Avenue, and Ashley Avenue from one-way to two-way traffic, the City of Charleston is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, September 4th, from 5-7 PM at Bethel United Methodist Church (57 Pitt Street). Learn more and register to attend.
• Zoning code improvements:  Zoning makes or breaks small businesses every day – individually and collectively – and the Cities of Charleston and North Charleston have the chance to make significant improvements right now with their codes and simplify processes. Use our toolkit to discover why this issue matters and how you can speak up in support of progress. 

 Federal 

• We are partnering with the Small Business Majority to urge Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which are claimed by nearly 3 million small business owners and have been critical in lowering out-of-pocket healthcare costs for millions of individuals, including small business owners and employees, and self-employed entrepreneurs. If Congress fails to act, millions of individuals will see their monthly premium costs skyrocket overnight. 
   
  Your input on this 1-minute mini-poll will help us take additional actions to support these efforts.