Advocacy
The South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development provides members a platform for collaborative advocacy. We support institutional and system changes that will positively impact low wealth communities and the non-profits that serve them. Learn more about our Public Policy Agenda below.
2026 Public Policy Agenda
Reauthorize community development tax credits
secure funding for the Microenterprise Partnership program
Advocate for eviction public records reform
SCACED Sets a 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.
Reauthorize Community Development Tax Credits (H.4164)
We encourage the South Carolina General Assembly to reauthorize the South Carolina Community Development Tax Credits by passing House Bill 4164 (H.4164) to support Community Development organizations across the state who are providing access to rental and homeownership, small business lending and technical assistance, workforce development, financial literacy, and home preservation.
Allocation Request: $3 Million annually for five years
A SC taxpayer may claim as a credit against their state income tax, bank tax, or premium tax liability for contributions made to a certified Community Development Corporation (CDC) or Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Tax Credit for all Equity Investments are 33% of the Equity Investment Amount and Tax Credit for all Cash Donations are 50% of the Donation amount.
Secure funding for the South Carolina Community Economic Development Fund
The Community Economic Development (CED) grant program was created by the SC General Assembly in 2000 through the SC Community Economic Development Act to support certified community development corporation (CDC) and community development financial institution (CDFI) sponsored projects in the state of South Carolina. Qualifying projects and activities are designed to enhance the economic opportunities of underserved and rural communities. Such projects include:
Small business development
Affordable housing development
Home repair and preservation
Workforce development and trainings
Neighborhood revitalization
Commercial retail opportunities
Request: appropriate $3 Million in the state budget for the SC CED Fund
This legislative session we're working to secure a $3 million appropriation in the state budget to replenish the CED Grant Program so community development organizations can continue addressing these critical needs of their communities.
Advocate for Anti-Predator Lending Legislation: Pass Bill S.488
SCACED is part of the SC Fair Lending Alliance advocating for a proposed legislation designed to implement more stringent regulations on payday and installment lenders, specifically focusing on addressing unlawful trade practices within this sector in South Carolina.
Failing to analyze borrower’s ability to fully repay loan
Issuing loans to borrowers unable to repay after required analysis
Mailing unsolicited checks, debit, or credit cards
Renewing loans excessively within specific timeframes
Operating without proper state or local licenses.
Adding additional fees to each loan
Targeted marketing on low-wealth communities
S.488 also seeks to create a database through the consumer finance division of the Board of Financial Institutions to collect data and prevent a consumer for having loans that exceed the limits for refinancing. The bill gives the Attorney General responsibility for enforcing these provisions.