Simple Civics: Greenville County

Greater Good Greenville•simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org

Trash pick up. EMS and 911 service. Roads and sidewalks. Business licenses. School bus routes. These are the things that impact your day-to-day life, and they are all part of local government. But hardly anyone pays attention to local government - until they have a problem. We want to change that. Simple Civics: Greenville County is here to help you learn about and get involved in your local government in Greenville County, South Carolina. Whether you live in downtown Greenville or Possum Kingdom, Marietta or Mauldin, Greer or the Golden Strip, if you care about your community, this podcast is for you. Join us every Tuesday for simple civics lessons on local government in Greenville County, South Carolina.

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Episodes

Inside SCTAC: Greenville's $6.1 Billion Economic Powerhouse

Did you know that just minutes from downtown Greenville, there's a business park that's driving our region's economy forward? In this episode, we sit down with Jody Bryson, the President and CEO of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), to learn how this unique organization has become a magnet for top companies and high-paying jobs. Discover the fascinating history behind SCTAC, its $6.1 billion economic impact, and the exciting projects on the horizon, including a state-of-t...

Mar 11, 2025•26 min

Understanding Ranked Choice Voting: A Simple Explanation

Are you curious about ranked-choice voting and what it could mean for our elections? In this episode, election law expert Michael Dimino breaks down the basics of this intriguing alternative to our current system. You'll learn how ranked-choice voting works, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and how it's being used in some states and countries. Whether you're a political junkie or just looking to make sense of our electoral process, this episode offers valuable insights in an approachable wa...

Mar 04, 2025•17 min

Partisan Voter Registration: What Would It Mean in South Carolina

Get a clear, nonpartisan explanation of South Carolina's primary election system and proposals to change it. Links: Michael Dimino Bio: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/academics/faculty/detail/13/ _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville . Get in touch. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter....

Feb 25, 2025•30 min

Understanding Proposals to Change South Carolina Primaries

Big changes could be coming to South Carolina's primary voting system and the way you register to vote. Learn about the five new bills that could impact how SC residents vote in primaries, including closed primary proposals and ranked-choice voting options. Today we break down the proposed changes to SC's primary voting system. This episode explores how these proposals compare to other states' systems and what they could mean for SC voters. Links: Bills: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025...

Feb 21, 2025•10 min

Understanding Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements in South Carolina

Thinking of running for office or helping on a campaign in South Carolina? In this episode, expert Leigh McGill with Campaign Ethics Consulting Services breaks down the basics of campaign finance reporting. Learn about required disclosures, contribution limits, common pitfalls to avoid, and why it pays to get professional guidance from the start. Links: Connect with Leigh McGill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-mcgill-03aba099/ Campaign Ethics Consulting Services: https://www.campaignethicssc....

Feb 11, 2025•17 min

Show Me the Money: How Campaigns Are Funded

Ever wonder how all those political ads and mailers get paid for? Explore the complex world of campaign finance with nonprofit leader John Tynan. Learn the difference between PACs, super PACs, 501(c)(4)s, and more - and how to follow the money trail as an informed voter. Links: Connect with John Tynan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tynan-1446b34b/ South Carolina State Ethics Commission: https://ethics.sc.gov/ Conservation Voters of South Carolina: https://www.cvsc.org/ _ Produced by Podcast S...

Feb 04, 2025•22 min

Pothole Politics: Understanding Roads Repairs and Government

Ever wondered how to get that pesky pothole fixed? We talk with GP McLeer, Mayor of Fountain Inn and director of Upstate Mobility Alliance to break down the complex world of local government and transportation. Learn who's responsible for roads, how projects get prioritized, and what you can do to advocate for improvements in your community. Links: SCDOT's "Who Owns My Road?" interactive map website: https://ris.scdot.org/RoadwayInformationStreetFinder.aspx SCDOT Project Viewer Map website: http...

Jan 28, 2025•25 min

What to Expect on County Council in 2025 with Chairman Benton Blount

Benton Blount, the newly elected Greenville County Council Chairman, sits down to discuss his priorities for 2025. He covers hot topics like the county budget, fixing roads, the Unified Development Ordinance, and how to improve transparency and build public trust. Get an inside look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for Greenville County. Links: Previous episode with Benton Blount: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/learning-as-they-lead-reflections-from-the-heart-of-public-service...

Jan 21, 2025•32 min

Boost Your Credit Score and Transform Your Life

Your credit score can open doors to opportunities or slam them shut, impacting everything from where you can live and work to how much you pay for insurance. In this episode, we talk with Kerri Smith from Self-Help Credit Union and Dr. Mark O'Rourke from the MICAH Project about what makes up your credit score and why it matters. They discuss practical ways to build and repair credit, including local resources that can help you escape high-interest predatory loans. Learn how you can get involved ...

Jan 14, 2025•21 min

2025 Preview: Elections, New Leaders, and Potholes in Greenville

Curious what's in store for Greenville County in 2025? We break down the big changes coming in local elections, county leadership, and even plans to fix those pesky potholes. Plus, a look at the podcast's exciting year ahead as it approaches 100K downloads! Links: Episode about how municipal elections work and odd year elections: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/vote-smart-your-ultimate-guide-to-greenvilles-local-elections/ Episode about FILOTs (Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreements): https://si...

Jan 07, 2025•11 min

Revitalizing Greenville: The Swamp Rabbit Trail's Journey & Community Impact (Encore Episode)

Today we revisit one of our most popular episodes uncovering the story of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a transformative 25-mile multi-use trail in Greenville County, with special guests Frank Mansbach, Volunteer Executive Director of Bike Walk Greenville, and Ty Houck, Director of Greenways, Natural and Historic Resources for Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Discover how this cherished trail has impacted recreation, transportation, and the local economy, attracting million...

Dec 31, 2024•25 min