Innovative & Sustainable Solutions for Low Wealth Communities in SC

SCACED's 2024 Annual Report

In 2024, South Carolina’s community economic development sector marked SCACED’s 30th anniversary and celebrated three decades of advancing opportunity for underserved communities. This report reflects the sector’s achievements, expanded opportunities, and implemented innovative solutions to foster inclusive economic growth statewide.

View 2024 Annual Report Here

SCACED Sets Clear Policy and Advocacy Agenda for 2026

As South Carolina prepares for the 2026 legislative session on January 13, 2026, the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is advancing a focused policy and advocacy agenda designed to strengthen housing stability, expand access to capital, and support community-based economic development statewide. A central priority for SCACED is advocating for the reauthorization of the Community Development Tax Credit (H.4164). The Public Policy Committee remains encouraged by legislative support in the House and is actively working to advance the bill following the conclusion of the state budget process. To maximize the likelihood of passage, SCACED is also exploring the introduction of a companion bill in the Senate, recognizing the narrow legislative window for action. SCACED is also calling for renewed state funding for the Microenterprise Partnership Program, authorized under the Microenterprise Development Act and administered by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. While the program was successfully launched with SCACED’s partnership, it has remained unfunded in recent years. Restoring funding in the 2026 state budget would strengthen technical assistance and capital access for microbusinesses, particularly in low-wealth and rural communities. In addition, SCACED will continue to advocate for housing stability policies, including eviction public records reform (H.4270), and will engage South Carolina’s congressional delegation around key provisions of federal housing legislation aimed at expanding supply, preserving existing housing stock, and revitalizing vacant properties. Together, these priorities reflect SCACED’s commitment to advancing practical, bipartisan solutions that support resilient communities and inclusive economic growth across South Carolina in 2026 and beyond. We look forward to bringing updates in the coming weeks and months.

AI for Impact: Boosting Efficiency, Research, & Capacity (Virtual)

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we work, plan, and serve our communities. This hands-on session introduces tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot—showing how they can be used to enhance research, streamline administrative tasks, and fill entry-level staffing gaps in lean organizations. Participants will explore real-world use cases for writing, data analysis, communications, and program management—learning how to use AI responsibly and effectively to increase productivity and mission impact.

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