Public Policy

Through advocacy and public engagement, Partnership Grand Strand has played a significant role in advancing road improvement efforts under the RIDE IV capital projects sales tax program.

The foundation helped support a roadmap of transformative infrastructure projects—ranging from paving dirt roads and resurfacing existing roads to widening key routes and enhancing critical interchanges.

This transportation campaign positions PGS as a central advocate for safer, more resilient roadways across the Grand Strand.

In 2024, Partnership Grand Strand launched a wide-reaching Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) outreach program. This effort engaged over 150 small businesses through focus groups, interviews, and surveys—highlighting concerns like staffing shortages, marketing needs, childcare, and transportation.

Insights from these businesses are now being used to advocate for more streamlined research tools, inclusive incubation programs, and improved coordination with municipal partners. This initiative ensures policies reflect real needs and drive regional economic growth.

Transportation infrastructure investments like I-73, the Southern Evacuation Lifeline (SELL), and expansion of SC 22 are more than road enhancements—they are life-saving evacuation routes.

PGS has helped support advocacy efforts to secure funding and political support for these critical routes.

These highways dramatically increase evacuation clearance times—up to 10 hours faster when SELL and Interstate 73 are implemented—making evacuations safer and more efficient for the community.