The need for affordable housing in Georgetown County is an issue that has come to a head over the last several months. A recent study commissioned by Georgetown County Economic Development and funded by the Alliance for Economic Development for Georgetown County provides insight on the severity of the problem and is hoped to spark serious discussions about how various players in the county can come together to address it.
The key takeaway from the study? If the county wants to convince younger residents to stay and join the workforce, and make it easier for new and existing businesses to find and hire employees, it urgently needs more housing options that low and middle income earners can afford.
“Most people will tell you there’s an affordable housing issue in Georgetown County, but there wasn’t really any data on it available,” said Brian Tucker, director of Georgetown County Economic Development. “We wanted to find the true state of the housing situation in Georgetown County relative to a healthy real estate market.”
View the full study and presentation
Just over a year after Georgetown County closed its offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is getting ready to fully-reopen. For most offices, that means an end to the requirement that residents make appointments to conduct county business in person at its facilities.
Those entering county facilities will still be required to wear appropriate facial coverings over the nose and mouth, and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Students in Georgetown County have an opportunity to show off their love for their local government at the national level – and win a pizza party for their class in the process. In an effort to bolster civic education in schools and communities, and educate youth on the role of county government, the National Association of Counties launched the “I Love My County Because” Art Contest in conjunction with National County Government Month (April) celebration.
NACo is spreading the word about how counties operate to children and young adults across the country ages 18 and under by inviting them to create artwork for a 2021-2022 “Counties Matter” calendar to celebrate April as National County Government Month.
“We encourage all students across Georgetown County to submit their artwork to the ‘I Love My County Because’ contest,” said Angela Christian, Georgetown County Administrator. “By participating, we hope to raise awareness about county programs and services that impact people’s lives every day.”
Georgetown County Council voted on March 9 to extend the ordinance requiring individuals to wear face coverings in businesses. The ordinance will expire at midnight April 27 if not renewed by County Council prior to that.
The ordinance mandates that members of the public wear masks that cover the nose and mouth in Georgetown County businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and retail stores. Restaurant patrons are exempt while dining, but employees must wear a mask at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
Businesses are required to post written notification at their main entrance notifying customers of the new law. The vote was 5-2, with Council Members Raymond Newton and Steve Goggans opposed. The full meeting may be viewed at YouTube.com/gtcountysc.
South Island Ferry Boat Landing will be closed March 9 through the first week of June for parking lot improvements. We apologize for the inconvenience during this time and encourage residents to utilize the Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex during the interim.
For more Georgetown County news, visit our Online Newsroom.
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