A Better Charleston County is a grassroots nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life of Charleston County residents. We were founded in 2024 by local community leaders, including:
The biggest issue adversely impacting all of us is the hyper growth of the region. This has led to significant traffic congestion, housing prices that are out of reach of teachers and first responders, and the destruction of our natural environment.
We can't stop people from moving here, but we can work to ensure that the things we value the most ... our culture and our environment ... are still here for future generations.
To achieve this, we have three key advocacy areas:
Land Use: We advocate for zoning and land-use policies that embrace traditional settlement patterns and that don’t subsidize sprawl. These policies must encourage transit-oriented and live-work-play developments, "missing middle" housing and walkable communities. We also advocate to strengthen the rural zoning outside the urban growth boundary.
Transportation: Rather than simply moving cars through communities, we advocate for transportation infrastructure that safely connects our community for everyone. This includes focusing on the most cost effective projects our community actually needs, on safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and on adequate public transit.
Land Protection: It would be hard pressed to find a county resident who wants “paradise paved over”. We advocate for tax funds to be used to protect land through conservation easements and fee simple purchases. Land protection is also part of a holistic approach to land use and transportation. It reduces the amount of tax dollars needed for new and expanded roads. Charleston County's Greenbelt Program has been an integral part of this effort.
You can contact us at ABetterCharlestonCounty@gmail.com.