The Municipal Association of South Carolina has awarded Hometown Economic Development Grants to 12 cities and towns. Up to $25,000 each, the grants are intended to support those economic development projects that will have positive effects on a municipality's quality of life. The grant program also promotes and recognizes innovation in economic development practices.
The Municipal Association board of directors created the program to fund projects that will produce measurable results, can be maintained over time and illustrate best practices that can be replicated in other cities.
City of Belton
Façade Mini-Grant Program
In an effort to improve the look of its downtown area and recruit new business, the City of Belton will provide matching grants of up to $2,500 for businesses to rehabilitate storefronts.
Town of James Island
James Island Arts and Cultural Center
With the loss of the library as an educational and social focal point for residents, the Town of James Island will repurpose its former library into an arts and cultural center. Grant funds will be leveraged with other funding to help renovate the interior of the building.
Town of Lake View
Lake View Strategic Plan
The need for a strategic plan for the Town of Lake View has become more important as the town acquires its most prominent natural asset, Page's Mill Pond. Seeking to plan properly for the pond to become a destination, the town will use grant funds for the development of its future.
Town of McClellanville
Preserving McClellanville's Working Waterfront: Phase II Implementation
Continuing the town's efforts to preserve its working waterfront, the Town of McClellanville's grant will fund efforts to build capacity and market the town's seafood industry and culture.
Town of McConnells
Community Center Renovation
Built in the 1990s, the McConnells Community Center is a focal point of this rural, agricultural community. However, the center's interior spaces were never completed. The town will use its grant to renovate the center's interior, which will allow for more use in the future.
Town of Pageland
Downtown Farmers Market
Building on investments the town has made to improve its downtown and attract visitors, the Town of Pageland and its local partners will use grant funds to establish a downtown farmers market. Planned to be located next to the town's green space, the market will host educational and entertainment events as well.
Town of Patrick
Revitalize Downtown Landscaping
Seeking to improve the aesthetics of its downtown and attract business, the Town of Patrick will use several partners to revitalize and renovate public landscaping along the lengths of its main roads.
Town of Pinewood
Rehabilitation of Historic 1889 Depot
Seeking to preserve and make use of the last train depot in Sumter County, the Town of Pinewood will rehabilitate the interior of its historic structure for use as an event center and museum.
Town of Salley
Destination Downtown Septic Study
The Town of Salley has lost out on opportunities for downtown growth because of a lack of adequate wastewater disposal options. The town will use its grant to conduct an engineering study in support of applications for funding construction of a wastewater system to serve downtown businesses.
Town of Springfield
Seeing Springfield
Inadequate lighting downtown and along the town's walking trail is an obstacle to attracting visitors after dark. In partnership with Dominion Energy, the Town of Springfield will use grant funds to convert existing street lights and install new ones with energy-efficient LED fixtures.
Town of Troy
Town Hall Polling Place Modernization
After years of the Town of Troy's town hall being used as a polling place, it was deemed unsuitable due to its lack of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. The town will use grant funds to make its town hall ADA-compliant to restore it as a polling place for all residents.
City of Woodruff
Block 224, A Downtown Multi-purpose Space
The City of Woodruff will use its grant to transform a dilapidated downtown building from an eyesore into a shining public space that connects downtown businesses with off-street parking. The space will have a modern vibe and be used for public and private events, outdoor dining and relaxation.