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I grew up in Massachusetts, the daughter of a human services professional and a landscaper. My mother always told me, "If you can read, you can do anything." It was a simple lesson in self-reliance that has guided me ever since.Navigating my early 20s and undergraduate studies in Boston taught me how to pivot when things go sideways and how to find a path forward using the resources at hand. It is also how I discovered my passion for public health, which eventually brought me here to Columbia.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/228f2572-99e0-46c5-944c-387264770dd4/3115c355-ffdc-4fa9-9dc4-eff009fe40ab/3115c355-ffdc-4fa9-9dc4-eff009fe40ab.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C981%2C667&amp;w=1500" alt="Candidate testifying " caption="Testifying at the Statehouse about Importance of Integrating Early Childhood Data across State Agencies (2022)" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Testifying at the Statehouse about Importance of Integrating Early Childhood Data across State Agencies (2022)<h5>Bringing Data to the Table</h5>I moved to Columbia thirteen years ago to pursue a masters and later a PhD in epidemiology at the University of South Carolina. Since 2015, I have dedicated my career to making South Carolina work better for its people.At the Department of Health and Environmental Control and later as the Chief of Research and Strategy at South Carolina First Steps, I did not just look at spreadsheets; I looked for solutions. I have led data strategy for $70 million+ investments in early childhood programs, educated legislators on how to get a real return on taxpayer dollars, built a culture of listening to families and service providers, and helped every county in this state build a roadmap for the future of their early childhood system. I am not interested in "politics as usual". I am interested in what the data tells us will actually move the needle for our communities.<h5>Rooted in Richland</h5><img src="https://run.imgix.net/228f2572-99e0-46c5-944c-387264770dd4/0cec916d-8a63-4b9c-95f7-24d58d5d0e9d/0cec916d-8a63-4b9c-95f7-24d58d5d0e9d.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C7728%2C5152&amp;w=1500" alt="Family sitting in a tree house" caption="Enjoying Mays Park! Photo by Tonya Palmer Photography" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Enjoying Mays Park! Photo by Tonya Palmer PhotographyMy husband Drew and I have called the Rosewood neighborhood home since 2017, and we are deeply invested in this community. Drew serves as the Deputy Assessor for Richland County, and we are raising our two-year-old daughter here. Whether I am working in my role as Vice President of Operations at Central Carolina Community Foundation, serving on the Richland Library Board of Trustees, or teaching the next generation of public health leaders at USC, I believe in showing up and doing the work.I am running for County Council District 5 because I believe Richland County deserves leadership that listens and is proactive, innovative, and open. I have spent the last decade fixing complex problems at the state level. Now, I want to put that experience to work for my neighbors.

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I believe that government should be proactive, transparent, and driven by real evidence. Below is my roadmap for Richland County - a plan built on data, designed with your voice, and focused on securing the future our families deserve.

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<h1>Privacy Policy</h1>Last Updated: March 22, 2026Introduction Chelsea Richard for Richland County (“the Campaign,” “we,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose information about you when you interact with our campaign, use our website, or opt-in to our text messaging program.Information Collection We collect information you provide directly to us, such as your name, email address, phone number, and zip code when you sign up for updates, volunteer, or donate.Text Messaging &amp; SMS DataIf you opt-in to receive text messages from Chelsea Richard for Richland County, we may use your mobile number to send you updates, event reminders, and calls to action.Consent: Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.Opt-Out: You can stop receiving text messages at any time by texting "STOP" to our short code or long code. After you send "STOP," we may send you one final message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed.Help: If you are experiencing issues with our messaging program, reply with the keyword "HELP" for more assistance.Sharing of Information We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information. We may share information with vendors or consultants who are helping with campaign operations (such as mailing houses or data analysis), but this excludes text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.<h1>Terms of Service</h1>Last Updated: March 22, 20261. Acceptance of TermsBy accessing or using the website for Chelsea Richard for Richland County (“the Campaign,” “we,” or “us”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this website.2. Permitted Use This website is intended for the use of Richland County residents and supporters to learn about Dr. Chelsea Richard’s campaign, volunteer, and make lawful contributions. You agree not to use this site for any unlawful purpose, or in a way that interferes with the operation of the campaign’s digital tools.3. Contributions &amp; Donations All contributions made through this website are subject to the South Carolina Ethics Commission’s rules and regulations. By donating, you certify that:<ul><li>You are making this contribution from your own funds, not from funds provided to you by another person or entity.</li><li>Your total contributions do not exceed the limits set by South Carolina law.</li></ul>4. Intellectual Property All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Chelsea Richard for Richland County or its content suppliers and is protected by applicable law. You may not reproduce or distribute any content from this site for commercial purposes without prior written consent.5. Limitation of Liability The Campaign strives to provide accurate information on this website; however, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or accuracy of the content. Chelsea Richard for Richland County is not liable for any damages arising from your use of this website.6. Changes to Terms We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Your continued use of the website following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.7. Governing Law These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina.

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I have spent my career helping communities across South Carolina build roadmaps for success, and I am ready to put that experience to work for my neighbors from the historic streets of Rosewood, Shandon, Hollywood-Rose Hill, and Wales Garden to the USC and Vista corridors, reaching across to the St. Andrews area.

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Democracy is at its best when voters have a choice. I am running for County Council because I believe District 5 deserves a representative who is as proactive as they are practical; someone who brings a fresh, results-driven perspective to the table.I have spent the last decade in state government fixing complex systems and ensuring taxpayer dollars actually move the needle for families and communities. But as a mom raising my daughter in Rosewood, I know that the decisions made at the county level are some of the ones that hit closest to home.We do not need more "politics as usual"; we need a strategist who listens to the community and uses real evidence to drive our future. I have spent my career bringing people together to build roadmaps for success across South Carolina, and now I want to put that experience to work for my neighbors here in District 5.

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At the 2026 TogetherSC Nonprofit Summit in Greenville, Dr. Richard was busy! She presented three times in the three day conference. The focus and content of her presentations were: Stronger Together: Using Community Voice to Build Sustainable Programs and Trust in Your Organization Presenters: Chelsea Richard, Central Carolina Community Foundation and Lexi Jones, South Carolina First Steps Based in principles of community-based participatory research, high-quality feedback loops provide organizations with an opportunity to gather community input; co-create data-informed action steps; and improve trust between program implementers, program users, and community partners. Through a 5-step process, organizations can use feedback loops to support continuous quality improvement and inform strategic planning processes. Key considerations for designing, implementing, and responding to data collected during a feedback loop will be shared using two case studies: (1) from a staff feedback loop in a small philanthropic organization; (2) from a statewide evaluation of a home-visiting program conducted by SC First Steps. Attendees created a plan to implement a high-quality feedback loop in their organization. AI for Nonprofits: Real Tools, Real Results, Right Now Panelists: Chelsea Richard, Central Carolina Community Foundation; Rhonda Bush, Girl Get Up Society; Shunna Jeter, SC Legal Services Moderator: Lelia King, Build Carolina This panel focused on real, practical ways nonprofits in South Carolina are using AI right now. Featuring participants from the AI Opportunity Accelerator - South Carolina, an initiative funded by <a href="http://Google.org">Google.org</a>, in partnership with Project Evident and the Central Carolina Community Foundation, panelists shared how a foundation, a statewide nonprofit, and a grassroots organization are putting AI tools to work. From developing fundraising campaigns to streamlining operations, these were solutions nonprofits can use - no tech background required. We covered what is working, what is not, and how to get started in a way that fits any nonprofit’s budget and capacity. The audience left with solutions to everyday issues to apply right away. AI for Funders: Accelerating Impact Presenters: Chelsea Richard and Georgia Mjartan, Central Carolina Community Foundation This workshop focused on what members of the South Carolina Grantmakers Network could be doing themselves and for the nonprofits they support in implementing AI to gain efficiency. Based in six enabling conditions learned from the AI Opportunity Accelerator - South Carolina, the workshop led to robust discussion regarding available tools and how to get started. Participants left asking to keep the conversation going - not only for themselves, but for their local nonprofit networks.

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Chelsea Hosts Three Workshops at Statewide Nonprofit Conference

Join Chelsea Richard at Sims Park from 3:30-5:30 for a campaign kickoff! Meet Chelsea, learn how to get involved, and hang out in one of District 5's beautiful parks.

Join Chelsea at Sims Park for a campaign kickoff! Meet Chelsea, learn how to get involved, and hang out in one of District 5's beautiful parks.

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Campaign Kickoff!

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In Richland County, nearly one in five households is “severely cost-burdened,” spending more than half or more of their income on housing1,2. With the median gross rent climbing to $13003, many of our neighbors are being priced out of the neighborhoods they love.Great news is: we do not have to start from scratch. Richland County has over 17,000 vacant housing units3 - 17,000 opportunities to house our residents. These are not just empty buildings; they are a hidden inventory that, if revitalized, could provide high-quality, sustainable homes for our families today and in the future.As your councilwoman, I will build on the momentum of government and nonprofits to revitalize vacant housing units and utilize innovative solutions to secure sustainable, affordable housing options for our residents. I will ensure that these solutions are designed and implemented equitably with the voice of all communities at the table. Together, we can build and maintain a housing stock that all residents want, need, and deserve.______<h5>sources</h5><ol><li>Richland County, SC (2025). County Health Rankings. [URL: <a href="https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/south-carolina/richland?year=2025">https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/south-carolina/richland?year=2025</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of severely cost-burdened obtained from US Census Bureau. [URL: <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/renter-households-cost-burdened-race.html">https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/renter-households-cost-burdened-race.html</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li><li>Richland County, South Carolina Profile. US Census Bureau. [URL: <a href="https://data.census.gov/profile/Richland_County,_South_Carolina?g=050XX00US45079">https://data.census.gov/profile/Richland_County,_South_Carolina?g=050XX00US45079</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li></ol>

With one in five households severely cost-burdened, we are at a crisis point. We do not need to start from scratch; we have 17,000 vacant units that are hidden opportunities for our families. I will build on nonprofit and government partnerships to revitalize these spaces and secure the sustainable, affordable housing our residents deserve.

Reimagining Affordable Housing

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._____<h5>sources</h5><ol><li>Total Resident Population by County. South Carolina Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. [URL: <a href="https://rfa.sc.gov/data-research/population-demographics/census-state-data-center/decennial-census-data/decennial-census-2020-data-release">https://rfa.sc.gov/data-research/population-demographics/census-state-data-center/decennial-census-data/decennial-census-2020-data-release</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>South Carolina: Report Card for America’s Infrastructure (2021). American Society of Civil Engineers. [URL: <a href="https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/south-carolina/">https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/south-carolina/</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026. </li><li>Dangerous by Design. Smart Growth America. [URL: <a href="https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/signature-reports/dangerous-by-design/rankings">https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/signature-reports/dangerous-by-design/rankings</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li><li>Richland County Transportation Penny. [URL: <a href="https://richlandpenny.com/">https://richlandpenny.com/</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li></ol>

Our infrastructure is failing to keep pace with our growth, earning a "D" grade and making our streets dangerous for pedestrians. I will ensure fiscal stewardship and community-led planning to our Penny Tax investments, ensuring we finally modernize our corridors like Broad River Road, Harden Street, and Assembly Street to be safe and accessible for everyone.

Modernizing Infrastructure &amp; Safety

Chelsea was featured on “Smart Thinking in the Age of AI”, a Palmetto Perspectives education special hosted by South Carolina ETV and Public Radio that explored how AI is shaping the way people learn, work, and interact with technology. Dr. Richard shared insights about nonprofits embracing AI to gain efficiency and reach more people than ever before.

Chelsea Serves as Panelist on SCETV's Palmetto Perspectives

Richland County is at an inflection point. While we have seen incredible momentum with recent key economic development projects1, our “human capital” rank remains in the bottom third of the national Economic Development Capacity Index2. Today, over 10,000 adults in Richland County are unemployed3, and only half of Richland County’s residents have an associate’s degree or higher4. We have the jobs coming in, but we must ensure our people are the ones hired to fill them.I am pro-economic development because I know that a thriving tax base is what funds our roads, schools, libraries, and parks. But I believe in smart growth, the kind that does not just build buildings, but builds up people. We have a golden opportunity to bridge the gap between our new industries and our local workforce, ensuring that Richland’s success is shared by every household.As your councilwoman, I will support smart, transparent economic development projects that are done in partnership with the community. I will ensure that local talent is connected to new opportunities and that we support our technical colleges in meeting workforce needs. I will build on the momentum of empowering our small business core to ensure our local entrepreneurs thrive alongside our major industrial partners._____<h5>sources</h5><ol><li>Success Stories. Columbia Area Development Partnership. [URL: <a href="https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/success-stories/">https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/success-stories/</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li><li>Richland County: Human Capital. Economic Development Capacity Index. National Economic Research and Resilience Center at Argonne National Laboratory. [URL: <a href="https://www.anl.gov/dis/economic-development-capacity-index">https://www.anl.gov/dis/economic-development-capacity-index</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li><li>Unemployment Statistics (June 2024). Richland County. South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. [URL: <a href="https://dew.sc.gov/labor-market-information/data-dashboard">https://dew.sc.gov/labor-market-information/data-dashboard</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>Richland County, South Carolina Profile. US Census Bureau. [URL: <a href="https://data.census.gov/profile/Richland_County,_South_Carolina?g=050XX00US45079">https://data.census.gov/profile/Richland_County,_South_Carolina?g=050XX00US45079</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li></ol>

Richland County is at an inflection point. While we are attracting major industry, we must ensure our residents, not just our buildings, are the primary investment. I will advocate for transparent growth that connects our 10,000 unemployed neighbors to new career pathways and empowers our local small business core to thrive.

Managing Smart Growth

The research is clear: investing as early as possible in a child’s life yields the greatest return1. Yet, our youngest children in Richland County are often left behind. In fall 2024, only 39% of kindergartners in the Richland One School District walked in ready to start kindergarten - a figure that drops as low as 15% in parts of our district2.Moving the needle on kindergarten readiness requires investment in our local child care system. For today’s working families, child care in Richland County is not affordable: the average household spends 34% of its income on child care for two children3 - nearly five times the ideal 7% limit4. This is not just a family issue; it is an economic one. High costs and a lack of quality providers are driving factors to our local workforce staying on the sidelines5,6.As your councilwoman, I will put my experience in early childhood systems to work for our families building on the strengths of the providers that have served our communities for decades. The child care system across our country has never properly been funded or supported, but in Richland County, our families and providers deserve better. Through community-driven approaches, innovative financing solutions, and public-private partnerships, I believe Richland County can be a place where every kindergartner walks into school ready._____<h5>Sources </h5><ol><li>Heckman J (2008). “Schools, Skills and Synapses”. Economic Inquiry, 46(3): 289-324. [Obtained from: <a href="https://heckmanequation.org/">https://heckmanequation.org/</a>]. Accessed 22 Mar 2026.</li><li>Richland County School District 1: 2024-2025. SC School Report Cards. [URL: <a href="https://screportcards.com/">https://screportcards.com/</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>Richland County, SC (2025). County Health Rankings. [URL: <a href="https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/south-carolina/richland?year=2025">https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/south-carolina/richland?year=2025</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>Child Care in America: 2024 Price &amp; Supply. Child Care Aware of America. [URL: <a href="https://www.childcareaware.org/price-landscape24/">https://www.childcareaware.org/price-landscape24/</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>South Carolina’s Unified State Plan for Education and Workforce Development (2024-2025). South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. [URL: <a href="https://dew.sc.gov/sites/dew/files/Documents/ccwd-usp-report-v2-compressed.pdf">https://dew.sc.gov/sites/dew/files/Documents/ccwd-usp-report-v2-compressed.pdf</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li><li>Data obtained from <a href="http://scchildcare.org">scchildcare.org</a>. 38% of providers in Richland County are “high quality,” defined as an ABC Quality rating of B or better. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li></ol>

Early childhood investment yields the greatest returns, yet many Richland families are left behind. With average child care costs hitting 34% of household income, our workforce and our children are paying the price. I will use my expertise to champion community-driven, innovative financing that ensures every kindergartner starts school ready to learn.

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Expanding Child Care Options

When our kindergartners arrive at school ready to learn, then our elementary schools can maintain their focus on teaching the next set of skills, instead of “playing catch-up”. Currently, only 26% of rated schools in Richland One School District are rated “excellent” or “good”1. While we see improvements in graduation rates overall, a 16-point gap between schools in our own district shows that the quality of a child's education still depends too much on their zip code1.Graduation is only half the battle. In the 2024-25 school year, nearly one-third of our graduates were not considered college or career ready1. For Richland County to thrive, our schools must be more than just buildings; they must be safe, high-quality environments that prepare every student for the modern workforce.Richland One is under new, promising leadership, and the superintendent deserves a partner on County Council who is committed to partnership and results. As your councilwoman, I promise to work hand-in-hand with district leadership and the community to make sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely in ways that are proven to work for students, families, and educators. Richland County deserves a public education system that it is proud of and moves our community forward.______<h5>SOURCES</h5><ol><li>Richland County School District 1: 2024-2025. SC School Report Cards. [URL: <a href="https://screportcards.com/">https://screportcards.com/</a>]. Accessed 18 Mar 2026.</li></ol>

Quality education should never depend on a zip code. With only 26% of our schools rated "excellent" or "good," Richland County needs a results-driven partner on Council. I am committed to transparent, collaborative leadership that ensures every tax dollar is spent on proven strategies to prepare our students for the modern workforce.