Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin joined the first CTAR Legislative Committee of the year on February 6 to provide a detailed update on the latest proposal to renew the Charleston County half-cent transportation sales tax, a referendum expected to go before voters in November 2026.
Last night (Thursday, February 19), Charleston County Council voted to advance a revised working draft of a potential 2026 Transportation Sales Tax (TST) program, incorporating adjusted allocation amounts and a list of specific projects proposed for funding under the program.
At its foundation, the proposal contemplates an approximately $4.25 billion program over a new 25-year authorization period, effectively renewing the half-cent transportation sales tax first approved by voters in 2004.
A transportation sales tax is the avenue given by the South Carolina General Assembly to local counties to fund transportation infrastructure projects and land conservation programs. Charleston County was the first in the state to use this funding source when the existing sales tax was authorized in 2004, and that authorization is set to expire.
NOTE: Dorchester and Berkeley counties reauthorized their Transportation Sales Taxes in 2024 with support and help from CTAR.
The Updated Allocation Proposal for TST
The current proposal Charleston County council voted to advance last night outlines a projected $4.25 billion program for the next 25 years, allocated as follows:
- 63.52% ($2.7 Billion) – Roadway Infrastructure
- 20.24% ($860 Million) – Public Transit
- 16.24% ($690 Million) – Greenbelt
The latest road project and corridor improvement presentation can be viewed here:
NOTE: Some of the allocations of funding have changed since the above presentation, but the projects funded have remained the same.
Where CTAR Stands on TST as of Now
CTAR supports the continuation of the Charleston County transportation half-cent sales tax to ensure a dedicated infrastructure funding source remains in place for our growing region. Reliable funding for roads, land conservation, and transit is critical for economic growth, protection of private property rights, and housing opportunities in Charleston County.
CTAR has not taken a position on the specific allocation breakdown within the proposed referendum. Rather, we have been working within the broader coalition to help lead a campaign to support the passage of the reauthorization at the ballot in November.
All three components of the sales tax work together to advance CTAR’s guiding principles:
• Road Funding: Supports congestion mitigation, roadway improvements, and the infrastructure necessary to sustain economic growth
• Land Preservation Funding: Respects private property rights by providing a voluntary, market-based approach, connecting a willing buyer for easement or fee simple purchases with willing sellers
• Transit Funding: Ensures access to reliable transportation across all communities and helps fuel “missing middle” housing growth along the soon-to-be constructed Lowcountry Rapid Transit corridor
How to Give Your Input on TST
Charleston County will collect community input over the next 30 to 60 days and present the results for further consideration and refinement.
You can:
- Stay informed at: CharlestonTransportation.com
- Submit comments and questions at: TST@publicinput.com
The timeline between now and the November ballot is proposed below:
As the proposal continues to evolve, CTAR will keep members informed with updates focused on what this means for real estate professionals and property owners across Charleston County and the broader region.