Issues and Results

Issues and Results

Flooding

Flooding is an existential threat to the City of Charleston. District 11 has unique flooding challenges because many of the older neighborhoods in West Ashley and James Island were never designed with proper stormwater infrastructure.

This poses unique challenges, but we are making significant progress with projects both big and small. Here are just a few of the projects I have supported, funded, and pushed forward.

Windermere Drainage Improvement Project (West Ashley)

Proposed Improvements
“Osaka Outfall” Hydroexcavation Project (Starting Work 2023)

Dupont-Wappoo Drainage Project (West Ashley)

Central Park Drainage Basin Improvements (James Island)

Supporting our Police and Firefighters

Public Safety is the City of Charleston’s number one priority. I am a proud supporter of the Charleston Police Department and Fire Department. Both departments have and continue to be leaders in their field – both statewide and nationally.

During my time on City Council, we refused calls to “de-fund the police.” Instead, we have FUNDED THE POLICE.

I have voted to increase the Police and Fire budgets every year, investing in life saving equipment and pay for our first responders.

Pay Rankings Statewide for Police and Fire (2023 Budget)

Zoning Reform – Responsible Growth

The City of Charleston has experienced growth over the past several years. Let’s face it, people from all over want to live in the best city in the United States. I am not opposed to growth – we cannot stop it – but we can and must manage it in a responsible way, ensuring the preservation of Charleston’s historic charm and natural environment.

Over the next few years, the City of Charleston will be engaging in a comprehensive re-write of its zoning ordinance. This has not been done in generations. This presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to revisit how our zoning regulations work to address things like development in flood prone areas, affordable housing, and economic development.

As a zoning and land use attorney, I am excited to get to work with my colleagues and community on this monumental challenge!

Parks

Who doesn’t love parks? I love parks, especially those on the waterfront!

I have and continue to support millions in funding for numerous parks in West Ashley, James Island, and the rest of the city, including the following:

West Ashley Greenway Improvements (West Ashley)

WPAL (West Ashley)

Fort Pemberton (James Island)

Plymouth Park (James Island)

Bradham Tract (James Island)

Traffic Safety

The City of Charleston does not the vast majority of the roads in the City – the SCDOT does. Transportation infrastructure dollars are only collected by the County and State governments – not the City. The City of Charleston does not have a dedicated revenue stream from traffic and mobility improvements.

But that does not stop me and the City of Charleston from advocating for improvements to improve traffic and advance safety for all – motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Here are just a few of the projects I have and continue to support.

The Ashley River Crossing

Savannah Highway Capacity Improvements

James Island Intersection and Bike Improvements

Maybank Highway Improvements