Research 

Cities and towns make up the backbone of South Carolina's economic development efforts providing the quality of life that encourages business and commerce to thrive in our state. These sites provide background and statistical information about the value of cities.

Organizations that promote strong cities as the economic engines of economic growth

• Municipal Association of SC
• National League of Cities
• U.S. Conference of Mayors
• International City/County Managers Association

South Carolina research sources on issues related to strong cities

• Paying for government in South Carolina
  Clemson University Report
• Evaluation of the state revenue system
  Clemson University Report for the Palmetto Institute
• Local Governments and Home Rule
  Clemson University Report
• South Carolina’s Revenue Sources
  Clemson University Report
• Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Reassessment Cap Proposal
  Miley, Gallo & Associates, LLC Report
• South Carolina Indicators Project
  Provides comparable statistical indicators of how South Carolina is performing in eight key policy areas
• Palmetto Institute
  Research institute focused on increasing per capita income
• South Carolina’s Role in Funding Local Government
  Clemson University Report
• 2008 Local Government Finance Report 
  SC Budget and Control Board, Office of Research and Statistics
  
  
• Comments on Property Tax Reform Proposals
  Clemson University Report
• Additional reports on local government tax issues
  Clemson University’s Strom Thurmond Institute
• SC Statistical Abstract 
  SC Budget and Control Board, Office of Research and Statistics
  
  

Other South Carolina organizations promoting the state’s competitiveness

• South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
• New Carolina: SC's Council on Competitiveness
• South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association

News sources

• Your Day: Clemson University's daily ETV Radio program
• SC Biz
• State House Report

National research sources

• MuniNet
  Online guide and directory to municipal-related content on the Internet
• DataPlace
  One-stop source for housing and demographic data
• Southern Growth Policies Board
  Public-private partnership devoted to strengthening the South's economy and creating the highest possible quality of life
• Melissa Data
  Links to demographic, real estate and business information
• Governing Magazine