Charleston Currents

9/16, full issue: On the economy, the Charleston mayor’s race, more

IN THIS EDITION:

FOCUS, Knapp: Taking a look at job numbers for August
BRACK: Mayoral ad wars show two different kinds of candidates
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Charleston RiverDogs
GOOD NEWS: Hispanic Heritage Month lasts through Oct. 15
FEEDBACK: Another way to help
MYSTERY PHOTO: Old house with brown shutters
S.C. ENCYCLOPEDIA: The Battle of Ninety Six
CALENDAR: Fresh discussion on local health disparities is Sept. 17

by Charleston Currents · 09/16/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue

FOCUS, Morris: Let’s work proactively to build a brighter Charleston future

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | There are four key issues at the heart of every community. These are jobs, housing, education and infrastructure. Charleston is very fortunate to have a diverse foundation of businesses and a plethora of jobs. This is in large part due to many local business leaders, our local and state government, and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, an association put together after we lost the Charleston Naval Shipyard in the early 1990s.

When the naval shipyard, our largest employer, closed, our community heard the need and came together at a critical point in time. Leadership from all parts of the Tri-county area worked tirelessly to solve the jobs problem. We wanted strong, sustainable employment for our citizens. This effort paid off over time. Charleston is now known all over the world, and people are coming by the thousands both as tourists and new residents. We have jobs.

The other three issues though are still in the “need” stage. We are struggling with the availability of affordable workforce housing. …

by Kyra Morris · 06/17/2019 · 2 comments · Focus, Good news

MORRIS: Let’s toot our horn

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | 2016 spoke loudly of the desire for change. The message is real. Unfortunately, the answers are being overlooked.

The answers do not reside in the divisive behavior and climate that sells media and creates emotional drama. The answers can be found by looking at what positive things exist in the communities around us. There is concrete evidence that positive change can happen – is happening. I have witnessed innovative ideas that are making a difference in Nashville, Tenn., Greenville, S.C., Raleigh, N.C., Indianapolis, Ind., San Antonio, Texas, and right here in Charleston. It often is a choice we have to make to see the good over the bad.

by Kyra Morris · 01/02/2017 · 5 comments · Money, Views

BRACK: State needs better balance in growing economy

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | The traditional way states grow jobs is to lure new plants and investment from outside. But that strategy is being challenged by community developers who say it’s smarter to grow from within.

A new report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says states should build strong economies by focusing on “producing more home-grown entrepreneurs and on helping startups and young, fast-growing firms already located in the state to survive and to grow, not on cutting taxes and trying to lure businesses from other states.” The study says new data show home-grown jobs comprise about 80 percent of total jobs created in states.

by Andy Brack · 02/15/2016 · 1 comment · Andy Brack, Views