Podcasts about municipal association

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss the state's newly passed liquor liability reform bill, H3430, which addresses one of the Municipal Association's Advocacy Initiatives for this legislative session. The new law changes how liability for damages are assigned to bars and restaurants selling alcohol. It also establishes new requirements for alcohol server training, and steps businesses can take to reduce their liability.

Municipal Association of SC Director of Advocacy Casey Fields and Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom discuss the 2025 – 26 legislative session, including the new makeup of the General Assembly, how local officials can be a part of the process, and the new legislative tracking system. They also talk about what to expect at the Association's Hometown Legislative Action Day on January 21 in Columbia.

Sewer backups can be a costly and challenging issue for public works staff to address. John Ciesielski and Kayde Niemira of the Municipal Association of South Carolina's Risk Management Services discuss prevention and maintenance efforts, as well as how to handle liability for backups.

The City of Greenville received a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its development of the extensive 60-acre Unity Park at a location once characterized by segregated park facilities and neglect. Mayor Knox White discusses the history of neighborhood advocacy dating to the 1930s that led to the park's development, the community input on its facilities, and its innovative stormwater drainage improvements along the Reedy River. See the award video at www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/public-service-city-greenville.

In 2023, the Municipal Association of SC, along with Main Street SC, its downtown revitalization technical assistance program, created WeShopSC, a statewide e-commerce marketplace. Jenny Boulware and Jonathan Irick of Main Street SC discuss how the service has worked since then with Kate Giovambattista and Dannah Dawood of Beyond Main, which partnered to develop the platform. They also talk to two of the business owners now using it: Sheena McLaughlin, owner of Gaffney Massage & Holistic Therapies in Gaffney; and Heather Moore, owner of The Makers Market in Inman.

The Town of Mount Pleasant received a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for the police department's work, in partnership with the nonprofit WakeUp Carolina, to help reduce opioid overdoses and help those who have been affected by them. Capt. Christopher Rosier of the Mount Pleasant Police Department discusses how the initiative has operated and the effect it has had in the community. See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/public-safety-town-mount-pleasant.

The City of Fountain Inn received a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its work to revitalize Sanctified Hill Park in the city's historically Black community, reversing a history of neglect. Mayor GP McLeer discusses the careful community engagement, including with Golden View Baptist Church, an earlier leader for restoring the park, that led to its reimaging, as well as how it was funded. See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/population-10001-20000-city-fountain-inn.

Incident investigations are a risk management tool for cases of injury or loss. Cities can use them to determine why the incident happened and what can help prevent it from happening again. Bethany Pendley and Kayde Niemira of the Municipal Association of SC Risk Management Services discuss how to conduct incident investigations, and what cities can gain from them.

The Town of Six Mile won a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for successfully turning a land bequest into a preserved green space adjoining Six Mile Elementary School. Mayor James Atkinson explains the process of getting the land into a conversation easement, as well as how the park will be used. See the award video at www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/population-1-1000-town-six-mile.

The City of Abbeville won a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its ongoing capital improvement plan, replacing and upgrading everything from water to sewer, stormwater and electrical lines. City Manager Blake Stone discusses how the efforts have been planned and funded, as well as their impact on economic development and quality of life for Abbeville. See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/population-1001-5000-city-abbeville

Municipal Association of SC Field Services Managers Charlie Barrineau and Naomi Reed discuss the issues involved in managing agendas for public meetings. The cover setting the agenda, properly distributing agendas, circumstances for adding agenda items and executive sessions. Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/12-2023/who-can-set-or-change-agenda

Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom talks with Charles Parker, project director from The Retail Coach, a consulting firm the Municipal Association has partnered with for retail recruitment training. They discuss retail development trends, ways cities can market themselves and address policy considerations for retail, as well as success stories around South Carolina and the nation. Read Parker's recent article in Uptown: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/07-2024/role-city-leadership-retail-recruitment

At the Municipal Association's 2024 Annual Meeting, Executive Director Todd Glover and Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Joannie Nickel give an update on the 2023-24 legislative session. They discuss primary elections, the 2024 state budget, bills that passed and did not pass, and issues that could arise in the 2025 session.

Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib, newly elected president of the Municipal Association of SC, talks about local government leadership, transformational projects in Goose Creek, the need for civility in the public sphere, and the need to develop and nurture managerial talent in municipal government.

In a surprise move, the legislature came into session today and upended the Governor's supplemental budget request. After spending the weekend consulting with municipal officials in their home communities, the tone changed drastically. Rebecca Squared (Lambo & Grahambo) breakdown what is municipally relevant in Augusta as the Legislature returns and is full of Easter Chocolate chipping away at the Governor's Supplemental budget request in meaningful ways. 

Joannie Nickel and Erica Wright join the podcast to talk about the current state of the military tax increment financing bill, the 911 T-CPR bill, liquor liability legislation, the bill to increase the tort claims cap and the state budget. They also explain the Municipal Association's new resource for local hate crimes ordinances.

Ever wondered how cities grow? In this episode, we explore annexation in South Carolina with Scott Slatton, an expert from the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Scott breaks down the process, benefits, and challenges of annexation, sharing insights about donut holes, land use, and the tug-of-war between rural and urban interests. Join us for an engaging look at the little-understood but crucial topic of how cities expand! Links: Municipal Association of South Carolina _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Todd Glover, executive director of the Municipal Association of SC, highlights the importance of municipalities to the South Carolina economy, the need to regulate short-term rentals at the local level, the value of annexation, and the need for civility in local government.

Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy, president of the Municipal Association of SC, talks about inclusion at the local level and the need to consider all kinds of residents when making decisions, as well as the importance of a statewide hate crimes bill.

Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib offers the report of the Municipal Association's legislative committee, and the Association's advocacy team talks through numerous key issues currently debated at the State House. Hear from Scott Slatton, director of advocacy and communications, as well as legislative and public policy advocates Joannie Nickel and Erica Wright.

The Municipal Association's Hometown Legislative Action Day is coming up on February 6. Association Executive Director Todd Glover talks about the importance of city leaders connecting with their delegation at the State House, and Association General Counsel Eric Shytle describes the session on Act 57 and workforce housing. The Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government will take place the next day on February 7. Staff Associate for Training and Learning Solutions Urica Floyd describes the course offerings. More information: https://www.masc.sc/2024-hometown-legislative-action-day

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton talk about the Municipal Association's 2024 Advocacy Initiatives, including the new initiative of supporting more state funding and other resources for mental health services. They also talk about legislative issues that may arise in 2024, such as potentially extending the Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act, possible impact fee changes, liquor liability reform and others.

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton introduce Mary Catherine Lawton, the Municipal Association's new research and legislative analyst. They discuss the role of research in the Association's advocacy efforts and the resources it provides to cities and towns.

The City of Cayce won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its River Arts District development, a project that leveraged public art and special events into economic development opportunities and a stronger sense of community in Cayce's historic downtown. City Manager Tracy Hegler discusses the logistics behind bringing the Arts District to life. See the award video at vimeo.com/848100187.

The Town of Bluffton won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its Neighborhood Assistance Program, a multifaceted initiative to help keep residents in their homes. Bluffton's Director of Growth Management Kevin Icard and Workforce and Affordable Housing Manager Victoria Smalls talk about the program. See the award video at https://vimeo.com/848100122.

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton talk about Municipal Association outreach to cities and towns through the recent Regional Advocacy Meetings. They also discuss H3734, the municipal election bill, which would require all municipalities to have elections on certain dates during odd-numbered years.

The City of Goose Creek won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for the communications plan it used for the new all-abilities playground at Central Creek Park. Goose Creek Marketing, Branding and Design Assistant Adam Kelly; Recreation Director Crystal Reed; and Therapeutic Recreation Manager and Central Creek Park Manager Hannah Miller all join the discussion. See the award video at vimeo.com/848100059.

The Town of Chapin won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its trail of art installations that include creatively painted sailboat displays, and public art connections with the Town of Chapin Nature Park. Town Administrator Nicholle Burroughs discusses the purpose behind the projects, the community impact of public art, and the town's plans for the future of its arts and culture scene. See the award video at vimeo.com/848100280.

The Town of Cheraw won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its network of cameras capable of reading license plate numbers automatically, expanding the ability of its police department to solve crimes and recover stolen property. Town Manager Rob Wolfe discusses how the system works and its positive impact in the community. See the award video at https://vimeo.com/848100152.

The Municipal Association of South Carolina, along with Main Street South Carolina, its downtown revitalization technical assistance program, created WeShopSC, a statewide e-commerce marketplace. Jenny Boulware and Jonathan Irick of Main Street South Carolina talk about what the service is, how it can benefit small businesses and how businesses can start using it. Learn more: https://weshopsc.com/

The Town of West Pelzer won a 2023 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its Rural Renewal Master Plan, which has succeeded in reversing the decline of its downtown Frankville Business District and turning it into a vibrant commercial space. Mayor Blake Sanders explains how the town developed the plan and pursued its recommendations, creating full occupancy of downtown commercial space. See the award video at https://vimeo.com/848100219.

The Municipal Association of SC and the SC School Boards Association will partner to bring their members an all-day verbal de-escalation training in Columbia on October 19. Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover and SC School Boards Association Executive Director Scott Price talk with Harry Dolan, a retired police chief and head of the Dolan Consulting Group, who will lead the training. They talk about why civility-focused training for local elected officials and others is critical. Find more information and registration at https://www.masc.sc/bringing-civility-verbal-conflict-training.

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton preview the Municipal Association of SC Regional Advocacy Meetings, which give municipal officials a time to share their thoughts on legislation and other ways the Association can serve cities and towns. They talk about what to expect, including discussion of legislation in the first half of the two-year session, as well as pending legislation on issues like short-term rentals.

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton talk with two staff members of the SC Association of Counties: Owen McBride, assistant director of governmental affairs; and John Wienges, staff attorney. They discuss legislative issues that both the Municipal Association and Association of Counties have worked on together, such as regular updates to Local Government Fund funding in accordance with state general fund amounts. They also cover issues anticipated in the 2024 session, such as short-term rental regulation, and issues that the Association of Counties will address, including a lot cleanup bill, waste tire disposal bill and vehicle registration.

Our state has thousands of small businesses and many of them are involved in e-commerce. Our next guest's nonprofit organization is currently developing a statewide, commission-free, online marketplace that connects our state's small companies to a centralized e-commerce South Carolina-centric community. Mike Switzer interviews Jenny Boulware with the Municipal Association of South Carolina in Columbia, creators of WeShopSC.

At the Municipal Association's 2023 Annual Meeting in Greenville, Casey Fields and Scott Slatton interview state Sen. Ross Turner (R-Greenville). They discuss Turner's career in the SC Senate and the changes in its makeup during his time, as well as how cities and towns can build relationships with their legislators. Turner spoke to the Association of South Carolina Mayors, and addressed hate crimes legislation currently in the General Assembly.

Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy, newly elected president of the Municipal Association of SC, talks about municipal leadership, the Association's civility initiative and its legislative successes in helping cities and towns provide valuable services for people and businesses.

Chris Singleton is a former professional athlete drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Following the loss of his mother in a racially motivated mass shooting in Charleston, Singleton became an inspirational speaker and best-selling author who has shared his message of unity and racial reconciliation with large numbers of organizations and students nationwide every year. He shares his message with the Municipal Association of SC Annual Meeting that “love is stronger than hate.”

At the Municipal Association's 2023 Annual Meeting in Greenville, Casey Fields and Scott Slatton record a podcast episode in front of a live audience. They talk about the Municipal Association's role in the Southern Legislative Conference, which took place in Charleston this year. They also talk about the Association's participation in the National League of Cities' State League Staff Workshop in Boston, covering such topics as municipal zoning authority trends nationwide.

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton talk with Howard Duvall, at-large councilmember for the City of Columbia and former longtime executive director for the Municipal Association of SC. They discuss Duvall's career in municipal government, beginning with elected office in the Town of Cheraw, and lessons learned from decades of legislative advocacy on behalf of cities and towns.

Casey Fields and Scott Slatton discuss the upcoming state budget work in budget conference committee, including the Municipal Association's monitoring of the short-term rental proviso. They also talk about the Association's recent visit to Washington to meet with the state's Congressional delegation, the need for municipal leaders to connect with their U.S. representatives and senators, and Act 57, the state's accommodations tax and workforce housing bill.

On this episode, we welcome Geoff Beckwith, Executive Director and CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Academy Fellow, to discuss the relationship between local and state governments regarding water systems, the challenges of managing these systems, and the effect of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act dedicated funds toward water systems.Support the Podcast Today at:donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Music Credits: Sea Breeze by Vlad Gluschenko | https://soundcloud.com/vgl9Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_

Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, president of the Municipal Association of SC, takes a look at recent legislative successes, such as Act 84 of 2019, requiring the Local Government Fund to increase as the state's general fund increases, and Act 176 of 2020, streamlining business licensing tax processes. He also discusses current legislative movement on issues such as fentanyl trafficking, allowing a financial statement instead of an audit for smaller towns, and short-term rentals.

Todd Glover, executive director of the Municipal Association of SC, highlights the importance of legislative advocacy for municipalities, the Association's new branding and new website, its first-ever Small Cities Summit that will take place before the Annual Meeting in July, and the ongoing civility in local government initiative.

Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy offers the report of the Municipal Association's legislative committee, and the Association's advocacy team talks through numerous key issues currently debated at the State House. Hear from Scott Slatton, director of advocacy and communications, as well as legislative and public policy advocates Joannie Nickel and Erica Wright.

Casey Fields talks with legislative and public policy advocates Joannie Nickel and Erica Wright about the beginning of the 2023 – 24 South Carolina legislative session, including organizational changes in the House and Senate, the Municipal Association's testimony on funding through the Local Government Fund, and the bill on American Rescue Plan funding allocations.

The Municipal Association of SC launched its civility in local government initiative at its 2022 Annual Meeting. Executive Director Todd Glover discusses his experiences talking about civility in front of many diverse audiences in the time since then, and where the focus on civility will go in 2023. Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/Pages/resources/Civility.aspx

The Town of Bluffton won a 2022 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its multifaceted program promoting officer wellness and normalizing mental health assistance. Mayor Lisa Sulka and Councilmember Bridgette Frazier discuss everything from the community-focused parts, including the creation of a mental health advocacy position, to the promotion of good mental health among officers, including a sabbatical benefit. See the award video at vimeo.com/732155399.

City and town residents need to be able to contact their mayor and councilmembers to raise issues of concern, but exactly how much elected official accessibility should exist is a frequent question. Municipal Association of SC Field Services Managers Ashley Kellahan and Charlie Barrineau discuss.

The City of Florence won a 2022 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its work to spur new development in a corridor running alongside its downtown, reducing the area's food insecurity and finding new uses for historic warehouses. Florence City Manager Randy Osterman and Assistant City Manager Clint Moore explain projects in the district, including the establishment of a grocery store and the City Center Market, a venue for a farmers market and startup food businesses. See the award video at https://vimeo.com/732157829.