County leaders received some praise and advice from state legislators and other presenters during Counties Connect 2026 and the Institute of Government.
“I honestly think you have a more difficult job because local government is more close to the people,” said state Rep. Seth Rose, who commended county leaders for the roles they serve in their communities every day during the legislative panel discussion. A former county council member, Rose highlighted the challenges county officials face as they navigate the various needs of their constituents.
State Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine, who served on Columbia City Council for almost two decades, also participated in the legislative panel and echoed Rose’s sentiment. She noted that county leaders have a greater understanding of their communities’ needs than state legislators, and she encouraged county officials to prioritize their needs when reaching out to their state delegation.
“There are a lot of people who come to us asking for a lot of things,” she said, adding that the voices of local leaders can be powerful in shaping legislation in progress. “It will help a bill move along if we have input from local government.”
Devine and Rose also encouraged attendees to use the S.C. Legislature app to keep track of the bills that are being discussed at the State House. Rose noted the importance of local leaders staying informed and communicating with legislators to avoid unintended consequences in proposed legislation like fee increases and unfunded mandates that can have a significant financial impact at the local level.
“It’s very impactful when you as a county councilperson call or text your representative,” said Rose, who served on Richland County Council before being elected to a House seat. .
Attendees at Counties Connect also received an update from state Retirement System Investment Commission CEO Michael Hitchcock and a broader economic update from Bethany Greene, a regional economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
“We’re seeing solid readings of GDP growth lately,” Greene said, adding that this growth is being driven by consumers.
Greene also highlighted how businesses have started using artificial intelligence as an investment tool in a time of growing economic uncertainty.
“When businesses aren’t certain about the economy, they’re not going to make big business decisions,” she said. “We’re dealing with an economy where there’s a lot of disagreement.”
South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) Director of Governmental Affairs Owen McBride gave a legislative update, discussing the bills the SCAC lobbying team are tracking during this session.
His update included discussions of concurrency programs as well as the South Carolina Department of Transportation modernization bill, which would transfer control of some state roads to counties. McBride stressed that SCAC is working with legislators to ensure this program is voluntary, as to not create undue stress on counties.
Attendees also received an update from the state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office from Mapping and Operations Director Paul Athey and GIS Coordinator Christy Jacobs.
After the morning presentations, county leaders had the opportunity to visit the State House, where they were recognized on the Senate floor for their dedication to serving their constituents. They were also able to speak with some members of their delegation to advocate for positive change in their communities, taking to heart Rose’s words from earlier in the day.
“As a county councilperson, you are a very powerful and influential person in your own area,” he said. “You have to work and share in your success and network and build relationships.”
County leaders reconvened the next day for continued education with the Institute of Government for County Officials and the County Council Chairperson’s Workshop.
The workshop for chairs and vice chairs featured presentations from SCAC staff and a panel discussion on effective governing practices with Chester County Council Chairman Pete Wilson, Chester County Administrator Brian Hester, Chesterfield County Council Chairwoman and SCAC President Mary Anderson, Sumter County Council Chairman James McCain and Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon.
County leaders attended classes to earn Institute of Government credit. Level I attendees heard from Junie Christian, CEO of J. Christian and Associates, on the importance of developing good leadership skills and from University of South Carolina instructor Vicki Fecas on understanding and seeking differences in leadership.
Level II attendees heard a panel discussion on effective communications led by Pickens County Communications and Engagement Director Jamie Burns, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Capt. Adam Myrick and local government Manager and Administrator Milton Pope.
See photos and presentations from Counties Connect and the Institute of Government.