News Summary
Charleston County is exploring a new transportation sales tax to address pressing transportation needs, following the rejection of a similar proposal in 2024. The county aims to gather community feedback and prioritize projects such as road improvements and public transit enhancements. A 60-day timeline has been established for analysis before the 2026 ballot, marking a shift toward improved public engagement in planning future initiatives.
Charleston County, South Carolina, is considering a new transportation sales tax that may appear on the ballot in 2026. This initiative follows a significant defeat in 2024, when residents overwhelmingly rejected an earlier proposal for a transportation sales tax referendum.
The 2024 proposal sought to extend an existing half-percent sales tax for 25 years, with an expected revenue of approximately $5.4 billion. Under that plan, nearly one-third of the funds were designated to support the now-defunct Mark Clark Expressway Extension, alongside financing for 12 additional road projects, the county’s greenbelt program, and the CARTA public transit system.
In response to the referendum’s failure, the Charleston County Council engaged consulting firm Chernoff Newman in June 2025 to analyze the prior sales tax program and assess community sentiment regarding the rejection of the 2024 tax proposal. Ryan Brown, the consulting firm’s vice president of public affairs, is responsible for educating the public about the potential new tax and gathering community feedback to shape future initiatives.
Council Discussions and Future Directions
During a council meeting on July 9, members discussed priorities regarding transportation, primarily focusing on road improvements, traffic alleviation, and enhancements to public transit systems. Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt advocated for smaller, fast-moving projects that could be executed more swiftly compared to the larger, state-led initiatives that previously dominated plans.
Councilman Joe Boykin expressed a preference for practical intersection enhancements, such as the inclusion of roundabouts and rural road safety programs. Concerns about anticipated population and traffic congestion growth highlighted the need for increased investment in public transportation as a viable solution.
To facilitate these goals, suggestions emerged for expanding public transit services to areas like Johns Island and potentially establishing an operational ferry system. Council members acknowledged the importance of transparency around project proposals and funding timelines in planning for any future referendums.
Engagement and Analysis Timeline
A 60-day timeline has been established for the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments to conduct an analysis regarding the priorities for preparing a new tax proposal in 2026. The council’s strategy emphasizes the necessity for public engagement and community input before any referendum decisions are made, marking a shift in approach following the earlier referendum’s failure.
The previous transportation sales tax program, initiated in 2004, is approaching its end, with an expected total of $1.3 billion in revenue generated. This funding has supported 300 projects, with 200 already completed and 100 remaining in progress, illustrating the potential impact of secure transportation funding on regional development.
With discussions ongoing and public sentiment at the forefront, Charleston County officials are preparing to navigate a path toward potentially readdressing the transportation needs of a growing population through a new sales tax initiative.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charleston County Voters Reject Transportation Tax Referendum
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Jim McBride Hosts Town Hall Meeting on Johns Island
Charleston Proposes New Traffic Solutions for Maybank Highway
Charleston Seeks Control Over Maybank Highway to Ease Traffic Congestion
Charleston County School Board Approves Historic Budget
Charleston’s Tourism Industry Hits Record Economic Impact
Charleston County Seeks Consultation After Tax Referendum Failure
Charleston County Council Evaluates Greenbelt Projects
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax 2026
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Leaders Discuss New Ideas on Transportation Sales Tax
- Count on 2: Charleston County Leaders Discuss Transportation Priorities
- Wikipedia: Transportation in the United States
- MSN: Charleston County Leaders Discuss Transportation Priorities
- ABC News 4: Charleston County Voters Face Decision on Transportation Tax Plan
- Google Search: Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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