Municipal Association’s Annual Meeting to Tackle Pandemic Recovery

The Annual Meeting of the Municipal Association of SC is returning to an in-person event this year, taking place on Hilton Head Island from July 22 to July 24. Some of the meeting sessions will delve into issues of community development and change as well as business license standardization, and several of the sessions will examine the state's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

American Rescue Plan: ARP From A to Z 

This session will address ways that cities and towns will be able to use the substantial amounts of funding that will be available through the federal $1.9 trillion relief bill. Some guidance has already come from the U.S. Department of the Treasury on how the funding may be used. Because of the legislation’s size and complexity, it is critical for local leaders to familiarize themselves with allowable uses so that their efforts to apply the funds locally will be successful. Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities, will be on hand to discuss the ARP, as well as Erica Wright, one of the Municipal Association of SC’s legislative and public policy advocates. 

Attracting the Remote Workforce Post-Pandemic 

In many places during the pandemic, employees found themselves working remotely — a massive shift that has opened the potential for ongoing remote work. The session “Attracting the Remote Workforce Post-Pandemic” will take a look at how communities can draw in the type of high-earning workers who have the flexibility to work from anywhere. The session will feature Jim Stritzinger, broadband coordinator for the SC Office of Regulatory Staff; as well as Irene Dumas Tyson, a master planner and community designer with the Boudreaux Group; and Jen Bonnett, vice president of innovation and entrepreneurship for the Savannah Economic Development Authority. 

Broadband is No Longer a Luxury — It’s a Necessity 

Remote work and virtual education in the past year have demonstrated just how critical broadband internet has become to businesses and residents alike. This session will address South Carolina’s plan to expand broadband to underserved areas, and will include the state Broadband Coordinator Jim Strizinger. It will also highlight the City of Newberry’s work to ensure the availability of affordable high-speed internet services, as explained by Newberry Utility Director Tim Baker and Assistant Utility Director David Eldridge. 

More information 

Find more details and full agenda information about the Annual Meeting here. All registrations must be complete by July 12.