The $4 BILLION Transportation Tax Spending Plan

City of Charleston · Basin Flood Action Committee
Flood Tide Trends and Sea Level Rise Threaten Charleston
Charleston experienced 52 flood stage tides in 2025, slightly fewer than 2024, but both years rank among the top 10 ever recorded. Sea level rise projections estimate 2 to 3 feet of increase by 2070, which would dramatically increase the frequency and severity of tidal flooding—potentially leading to over 50 tides above 8 feet with just one foot of rise. The average annual flood events have tripled since 2000, with projections reaching 80 events per year by 2030. Flooding is most common in September and October, and concentrated around morning and evening hours, causing widespread road closures and emergency rescues. Data visualization tools and dashboards are being used to track and communicate these threats to the public.

Town of Mount Pleasant · Planning Commission
From Park West to Dunes West for 0 George Browder Boulevard
A proposal was discussed to amend the Dunes West Planned Development (PD) to include a 7-acre parcel within Park West for multifamily housing at approximately 6.1 units per acre. The parcel borders Laurel Hill County Park, a primary school, and a shopping center, and the applicant emphasized compatibility with the PD, preservation of wetlands, and walkability. Public testimony reflected mixed views on density, affordability, and school impacts, with some support for workforce housing. The commission acknowledged the need to balance density with community character and environmental protection, but no final motion was recorded.

City of Charleston · Planning Commission
Annexation and Conservation Zoning Approved
The Commission approved annexing a parcel near Grimble Road into the city and assigning it Conservation zoning, aligning with City Council’s recent shift from RR1 to Conservation for the area. The move consolidates stormwater management and zoning under one jurisdiction as part of the larger Grimball Folly Assemblage. Public commenters raised concerns about flooding, traffic, affordable housing, and the need for more community input. The applicant and staff emphasized that subdivision details and mitigation plans will be addressed in future meetings.

Charleston County · Planning and Public Works Committee
Short-Term Rental Permit Enforcement and Annexation Policy Clarified
The committee approved updates to short-term rental (STR) regulations, allowing administrative denial of permits for up to two years following violations, while keeping existing fine structures unchanged. The amendment does not impose an overall cap on STRs but maintains district-based limits and special exceptions for certain areas. Public input was largely supportive, and the Planning Commission had previously recommended approval. The committee also addressed public questions about annexation, clarifying that existing residents can now connect to sewer services without mandatory annexation, while new builds must follow updated policies.

City of North Charleston · City Council
State of the City Address Highlights Growth, Safety, and Community Investment
Mayor Burgess delivered his third State of the City address, emphasizing North Charleston’s resilience and growth. He reported significant reductions in violent and overall crime, full staffing in police and fire departments, and new community amenities like the Gethsemane Community Center and the city’s first public pool in the south end. The mayor also highlighted investments in youth programs, housing initiatives for veterans, and major economic developments such as Boeing’s $1 billion expansion and a new Roper St. Francis hospital campus. Fiscal responsibility was underscored by a $19 million reduction in bond debt and a strong bond rating.

Charleston County is inching closer to a major decision on transportation funding, and the January 22 Transportation Sales Tax Special Committee meeting offered a first look at how a future sales tax could be structured. During the meeting, Public Works Director Eric Adams presented a draft framework of how the money could be spent. A final draft ready for public comments is expected after a February workshop.

The goal:

County staff are currently working with an estimated total program size of roughly $4–4.5 billion over the life of the tax.

Based on public feedback so far, staff recommended the following draft allocation of TST funds:

These percentages are not final, but they frame the debate moving forward.

The largest slice would be broken down further:

Several councilmembers flagged concerns with the draft framework:

These disagreements signal where future changes may occur.

Later in the meeting, Council approved reallocating $83 million in existing funds to projects considered “shovel-ready” and facing funding gaps.

Included:

A request to shift $3 million toward East Cooper projects was denied to maintain consistency with the staff’s objective criteria.

The presentation also included data explaining the need for another TST:

Since the first TST, $4.56 billion has been committed to infrastructure projects countywide.

A few standout data points:

These figures are frequently cited in arguments for continued investment.

The committee relied heavily on public input gathered from:

Key takeaways:

Public support varied by investment type:

Based on public feedback, six guiding principles are shaping the draft program:

This was an early but important step in a long process. The framework is still a draft, public input is still ahead, and several key priorities are clearly up for debate. With a deeper workshop scheduled next and a potential ordinance more than a year away, there’s still time for changes—but the direction being set now will heavily influence what voters are ultimately asked to support.

6 Saint Michaels Alley - Circa 1750 home with modern updates without losing its historic charm, with an incredible back courtyard. One car garage AND deeded parking spot across the street.

2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1872 sqft | $3,195,000

SEE ALL PHOTOS AND DETAILS

4 Bedrooms in Mount Pleasant for under $800,000

- 2435 sqft
- Quarter-acre lot
- 20ft tall foyer
- Just off Hwy 41
-$785,000

Check out all the photos and details here

Want to schedule a tour of this or any other home? Just reply to this email and let me know.

This past week felt steady and healthy across the Charleston market, with 273 homes going under contract and activity spread across just about every price point. Single-family homes continue to do the heavy lifting, and what really jumped out to me was the strength at the higher end — plenty of $1M+ homes going under contract, including several well into the $2M and $3M range, especially in Mount Pleasant, the islands, and downtown.

At the same time, more affordable areas like North Charleston, Summerville, and Hanahan kept moving, showing that buyers are still active where pricing makes sense. There’s very little distress in the market, almost no foreclosures or short sales, and most buyers are being intentional rather than impulsive. Overall, it was a good, balanced week that shows the market is still moving — just with a bit more thought behind each decision.

1) Buying a Home - If you’re planning a move in the next 12-18 months, it’s never too early to start chatting.

2) Market Conditions - I can send you a quick snapshot of what’s going on in your neighborhood or area.

3) Request an Update - Share a lot or address, and I’ll research what’s being planned or built there

Until Next Week,

-Bill Olson

Know someone who’d love this?
If this helped you feel a little more “in the know” about Charleston, would you forward it to one person who might like it too?
Or send them here to sign up: chucktownreport.com/subscribe

Got a tip?
Hit reply and tell me:

A lot of what I cover starts with reader questions, so don’t be shy.

Want to leave a quick testimonial?
If ChuckTown Report has helped you understand something happening around Charleston, I’d love to hear it:
👉 Share Feedback