Providing Affordable Workforce Housing Solutions
in South Carolina

Bringing together all stakeholders in affordable workforce housing to co-author solutions with municipalities, utilities, business owners, landowners, and developers. Creating policies that foster prosperity for all, leading to enhanced police services, improved fire control, better schools, lower taxes, and stronger business growth.

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What Barriers Are Disrupting Homeownership?

Obstacles aren’t uncommon when it comes to preparing to get into a home for you and your family to live in. As of 2025, the following is true:

  • 25% of the cost of a new single-family home is attributable to regulations.
  • ~11% is from regulations during lot development (e.g., zoning, environmental reviews, impact fees).
  • ~14% is from regulations during home construction (e.g., codes, inspections, design mandates).
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Together, We Can Attain Affordable Workforce Housing

Our Core Objectives:

HCSC is dedicated to promoting affordable workforce housing by addressing industry challenges and engaging with local regulators. HCSC key objectives include proactive zoning discussions, community representation, advocating for fair development practices, and fostering strong ties with municipal leaders to ensure housing affordability.

To address zoning issues that increase housing costs, HCSC focuses on timely project submissions, partnerships with government agencies, and beneficial policy advocacy. HCSC emphasizes accountability and aims to streamline processes for greater housing accessibility, ultimately creating vibrant communities that support shared prosperity and enhanced public services. Together, let’s strive for a more efficient and equitable future!

Proposed solutions come from collaboration by all parties in areas including:

  • Proactive Engagement: We take the lead in addressing the challenges presented by state and local regulations that can impede the housing sector’s efficiency and transparency.
  • Open Dialogue: We engage in constructive discussions with regulators regarding zoning and land use, ensuring that the voice of the community is heard and respected.
  • Community Representation: Actively participating in critical meetings, we represent the interests of those affected by housing issues, advocating for their needs and concerns.
  • Fair Development Practices: We advocate for equitable impact fees to motivate municipalities and counties to support essential development projects that enhance affordability.
  • Collaborative Strategy: By joining forces with fellow HCSC members in public discussions, we aim to amplify our collective voice and provide strategic insights.
  • Building Relationships: We maintain regular communication with municipal and county leaders to discuss project timelines and their implications for housing affordability.

Addressing Zoning Changes:

At HCSC, we are dedicated to fostering a future where affordable workforce housing is accessible to all. We believe that housing is a fundamental right, and we’re committed to taking comprehensive action to make it a reality.

We recognize the roadblocks established by zoning and planning departments that can inflate housing costs and limit supply. Our approach to overcoming these challenges is multi-faceted:

  • Timely Interactions: We prioritize punctual project submissions and diligent follow-ups to ensure adherence to development timelines.
  • Strengthening Partnerships: By cultivating strong relationships with government agencies, we aim to enhance collaboration and streamline processes.
  • Unified Objectives: We work closely with local government entities to harmonize our goals with those of stakeholders, ensuring collective progress.
  • Policy Advocacy: We are steadfast in our efforts to bring about policy changes that favor the development of affordable workforce housing.
  • Accountability for Progress: We hold all involved parties accountable for compliance with existing laws and ordinances, promoting fair practices in the housing development process.
  • Streamlining Processes: Our commitment extends to refining processes that contribute to the high costs of housing, with the aim of making affordable options more accessible.
  • Long-Term Vision: We emphasize a sustained commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for workforce housing, recognizing that true change takes time and perseverance.

Together, we can cultivate vibrant communities where affordable workforce housing is not just a goal, but a reality. Join us in making a lasting impact!

Achieving More Together:

We will lead with Values, Capability, and Courage. Gathering bold reformers who lift civic pride, create opportunity, and move away from narrow self-interest. We gather leaders who put the community before the company.

New homes are the gateway to financial security, education, health, and community stability. Communities that position their mission around shared prosperity — and act with courage and competence will step up to remove friction, work to shorten approval timelines, and do more to create sustainable public-private partnerships that will unlock new growth markets and stand out as leaders.

  • Leading business and civic leaders are collaborating in solving systemic issues resulting in an undersupply of affordable workforce housing
  • Working to improve the relationship with government development parties, making the process more equitable and more affordable.
  • Collaborate with local governments to ensure alignment with shared goals. Advocate for policy changes to help us achieve our shared objectives. At the same time, working within the applicable laws and ordinances already in place.
  • Gathering business leaders, landowners, civic leaders, and developers to listen to each other and grow together. Creating policies that foster prosperity for all, leading to enhanced police services, improved fire control, better schools, lower taxes, and stronger business growth.
  • Improving restrictive zoning and land use policies, often rooted in discriminatory practices, artificially limit land use for affordable workforce housing.

Why Does Having a
Housing Coalition Matter?

Housing Attainability

Regulations disproportionately hurt entry-level and workforce housing by raising base prices beyond what FHA/USDA or first-time buyers can afford.

Equity

High upfront costs shift the burden to lower-income buyers and renters while benefiting established neighborhoods.

Production Volume

Fewer units get built when regulations delay or inflate project costs, worsening housing shortages.

More Together

By working together, we can create policies that foster prosperity for all, leading to enhanced police services, improved fire control, better schools, lower taxes, and stronger business growth..

By working with Housing Coalition of South Carolina, you won’t have to worry about facing these or other challenges on your own. Let us help you get the answers you need and the support you deserve.

Solutions We Advocate For

We are committed to stepping up and removing friction in our processes. By working collaboratively, we can shorten approval timelines and foster sustainable public-private partnerships that unlock new growth markets, positioning us as leaders in our sector. 

Key Initiatives:

  • Establish Clear Timelines: Set reasonable timelines with definite end dates for all permit processes to increase accountability and efficiency.
  • Implement Fast-Track Approvals: Create expedited approval paths for projects that align with our planning and zoning goals, ensuring we support innovation and growth.
  • Enhance Regulatory Transparency: Publish total estimated fees and timelines upfront, allowing stakeholders to plan effectively and avoid unexpected costs.
  • Encourage Housing Solutions: Advocate for density bonuses or fee reductions aimed at promoting attainable housing, ensuring our communities thrive.

Together, let’s lead the way toward a more efficient and equitable future!

Get Housing Solutions That Work—Partner with Housing Coalition of South Carolina

We will lead with Values, Capability, and Courage. Gathering bold reformers who lift civic pride, create positive growth, and move away from narrow self-interest. We gather leaders who put the community's prosperity ahead of self-interest and make the South Carolina workforce proud and productive.

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