Richland County is growing, but our infrastructure is failing to keep pace. With an 8% population increase over the last decade, our systems are under strain¹. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, South Carolina’s roads and transit both earn a “D” grade², and the average Richland County resident spends nearly 50 minutes a day commuting on deteriorating roads³.

This is about roads, as much as it is about pedestrian safety. The City of Columbia ranked 12th nationally for most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrian safety. Between 2018 and 2022, 144 of our neighbors lost their lives simply trying to walk across their communities⁴.

For District 5, key investments in connectivity and pedestrian safety are needed. The momentum and transparency of Richland County’s Penny Tax program⁵ must continue. As your councilwoman, I will ensure your penny tax dollars are used wisely in ways that are co-designed with the community and key leaders. I am excited to support City and State projects, like the Congaree Riverfront District, Assembly Street Connector, and Devine Street Corridor. Together, we can make Richland County a safe place to drive and walk.

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sources

1. Total Resident Population by County. South Carolina Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. [URL: https://rfa.sc.gov/data-research/population-demographics/census-state-data-center/decennial-census-data/decennial-census-2020-data-release]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.

2. South Carolina: Report Card for America’s Infrastructure (2021). American Society of Civil Engineers. [URL: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/south-carolina/]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.

3. Dangerous by Design. Smart Growth America. [URL: https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/signature-reports/dangerous-by-design/rankings]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.

4. Richland County Transportation Penny. [URL: https://richlandpenny.com/]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.