As we approach a new legislative session, the elected leaders in South Carolina's cities and towns are inviting business and civic leaders to collaborate in a new way that leads to partnership and long term economic success. Cities mean business to our state's economy, and the 2008 legislative priorities of the Municipal Association and its member cities and towns reflect the fact that strong hometowns support a strong business environment.
This year, the Municipal Association has taken the deliberate step of focusing our legislative priorities on many of the same issues that the business community sees as important to the state's prosperity. We have taken this approach because there is a growing understanding that government and business leaders must work together toward the mutual goal of increasing our state's competitiveness to ensure the economic well being of our citizens.
This goal can only be realized if we have strong cities and towns that provide the services, innovative programs and quality of life that a globally competitive marketplace requires. With increased cooperation between the private and public sector we can find ways to meet rising expectations of cities and towns without overburdening businesses and taxpayers.
The Association's "Supporting Competitiveness" legislative agenda focuses on the following three areas:
Promoting economic growth
South Carolina hometowns are the core of economic growth and prosperity for our state. Cities and towns work in partnership with business and industry to provide the necessary infrastructure to assist in their growth and support their competitiveness. The success of our state's economic development efforts is dependent on the strength of our cities and towns to provide the quality services and amenities taxpayers and businesses demand. South Carolina hometowns support legislation that encourages economic growth to make our state competitive within the global economy.
- Support comprehensive tax reform to ensure predictability in revenue streams and fairness to businesses and taxpayers without infringing on local decision making.
- Support revisions to laws regulating city boundaries to reflect the realities of today's patterns of progress and development.
- Support universal and affordable broadband access to every corner of the state.
Enhancing positive quality of life
Businesses repeatedly point to "quality of life" as one of the determining factors in making a decision where to locate. South Carolina's hometowns are the primary source of the valuable elements that create a positive quality of life supporting tourism, public safety, recreation, the arts and cultural activities. South Carolina's cities and towns support legislative efforts to provide residents and businesses with cost-effective and efficient programs and services that support a positive quality of life.
- Support local decision making for land use and development regulations.
- Support statewide elimination of the Blue Laws.
- Support a statewide smoke-free law that does not include local preemption language.
- Support flexible uses of the local hospitality and accommodations taxes.
Encouraging local accountability and fiscal responsibility
Strong cities and towns are necessary to support the economic development and growth of the entire region. Local municipal leadership must have the ability to provide resources in a manner that best supports each community's local needs. Research indicates residents want local control over the laws and regulations that affect the growth and development of their hometowns. With responsibility comes accountability. South Carolina hometowns support local fiscal accountability and management of resources that are critical to supporting well-run cities.
- Support local decision-making on financial priorities recognizing cities and towns need flexible resources to meet the demands of their residents.
- Support strong locally-directed fiscal accountability for municipal governments.
- Support open and accountable government.
In February, elected leaders in South Carolina hometowns will join with local business leaders to observe "Cities Mean Business" month and celebrate the important relationship between strong cities and towns and a strong local economy. Take note of what's happening in your own hometown and join in the celebration.
Additional detail about the "Supporting Competitiveness" agenda can be found at http://www.masc.sc/.