In case you missed it, last week the Chamber released the findings from our inaugural public polling initiative, Lowcountry Pulse.

Commissioned by the Chamber, this poll surveyed 800 likely voters in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley Counties with a demographic breakdown reflective of our region’s population. The result is an accurate, data-driven snapshot of what voters in the Lowcountry think about the issues important to the Chamber, and the business community as a whole.

What was found is that a majority of voters want to manage the impacts of growth, not simply stop it. 59% said that investing in infrastructure is the best way to manage growth while 36.5% support limiting growth in general. 

Additionally, 75.8% of respondents agreed that infrastructure investments are critical to managing growth. 80% said the same about drainage and flood resilience investments. 

The poll also found sweeping support for Lowcountry Rapid Transit, which 71.7% of respondents said they favored. When complete, this project, the first of its kind in South Carolina, will be critical in helping to manage growth and alleviate congestion in our region.

When it comes to paying for these investments in infrastructure and funding public services, 70.7% of respondents said that growing our economy by attracting new jobs and businesses to our region was the way to do it instead of raising taxes. Results also showed strong support for alternative revenue streams, like sports betting, with 75% of respondents open to legalizing and taxing these activities. 

An even greater majority, 86.1%, supported clear, predictable timelines for permitting and development review. Coupled with investments in our infrastructure, these measures would make the building process more efficient and help get projects done on time. 

It was also found that affordability is putting pressure on our region’s workforce. Nearly half (48%) of people aged 18-34 said that housing was their main affordability concern. 

72% of respondents support government policies that expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare, another financial strain on young families. 

If you are interested in learning more about Lowcountry Pulse, or the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, we are happy to connect.

Reach out at jgamble@charlestonchamber.org and mcarter@charlestonchamber.org.