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Community Development

The Community Development Department works to improve the business environment of the Metro Augusta area by addressing regulatory, infrastructure and quality of life issues, making our community a more desirable place to do business.

• Spearheaded local efforts to stop changes to local area codes.
• Hosted first annual Water Summit to start a dialogue on
why it is important to understand and care what happens to the Savannah River Basin. Over 150 attendees from across the basin.
• Hosted the first Local Summit with area elected officials to define the needs of the area and outline each party’s contribution to economic development.
• Developed the Chamber’s “Platform for Growth and Development” to emphasize issues of importance to
our community.
• Hosted Richmond County Commissioner’s candidate forums.
• Secured one million dollars in state funding for the Fall-Line Air Quality Study.
• Worked to stop the return of video poker to our community through fighting against legislation aimed at legalizing certain gambling activities in the state.
• Organized the Second Annual Newcomer Event for soldiers and family members at Fort Gordon.
• Supported Richmond County Board of Education one-cent sales tax to pay for improvements to the local school system.
• Promoted business participation in support of the 60th anniversary of Fort Gordon.
• Hosted the Education Summit to enhance the relationship of educators and the business community.
• Created and supported a state legislative agenda while
lobbying the General Assembly in support of area initiatives.
• Assisted School to Work Program in implementation of Choices Program in both Columbia and Richmond Counties school systems.
• Hosted the Transportation Summit, to inform the business community of the status of local road efforts and create increased input into the planning process.
• Lead CSRA Leadership trips to Washington, D.C. and Columbia, SC to promote issues of importance to the CSRA with elected and administration officials.