This year, like every year in the Lowcountry, is an election year. Voters in Charleston County will make their voices heard in races ranging from the U.S. Senate to the county’s Register of Deeds.
They will also vote on two sales tax referendums: the Transportation Sales Tax, which you have learned about here on The Advocates, and the Charleston County School District Sales Tax.
In 2020 and 2016, when the same CCSD referendum went before voters, the Chamber supported and led the campaigns to get them passed. Both times, these efforts were successful, with nearly 65% of voters supporting extending the tax in 2020.
Last month, the Chamber Board of Directors, Regional Policy Committee and Business Advocacy Committee voted unanimously to support this referendum and lead the campaign once again in 2026.
Our team is excited and prepared to take up the mantle in support of public education in Charleston County. There is a direct line between the quality of our schools to the strength of our economy and our community as a whole. Educational outcomes are improved by investments in education, but also in the facilities where education takes place.
Since 2010, the penny sales tax has been a critical vehicle in addressing the maintenance needs of the 90 schools within the Charleston County School District and completing capital projects needed to keep pace with growth.
It is an effective, accountable and successful program that makes an impact on our children’s education, and in turn, our region.
Under the latest sales tax program, the district has already completed 342 maintenance projects, constructed 5 new buildings and expanded 2 existing facilities. Also underway is construction on 3 more buildings and 2 major renovation projects. This commitment to improving and maintaining school buildings, combined with innovative programs like Weighted Student Funding and investments in teacher pay, have made the Charleston County School District one of the best in South Carolina, and the entire southeast.
The Transportation Sales Tax Referendum is another vital measure on the ballot in Charleston County this November and we look forward to closely coordinating our campaign for the CCSD referendum with the effort to extend that sales tax. We recognize these measures work in tandem and both must succeed.
The Lowcountry is a great place to live, work and learn. The Transportation and CCSD sales taxes have played a major role in making that a reality and helping Charleston County and our region thrive.
If you have questions about these referendums and the work we are doing to support them or if you are interested in getting more involved with the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, I’m happy to connect. Reach out at jgamble@charlestonchamber.org.
Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing policies that support our region’s business community.
