Simple Civics: Greenville County

Frustrated by the slow pace of government? Learn why local and state governments are designed for deliberation, the pros and cons of this intentional process, and how your civic engagement can influence the speed of change.

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

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Celebrate Simple Civics: Greenville County's 200th episode! Dive into key discussions with leaders, experts, and community champions on local policy, vibrant neighborhoods, and civic engagement. Discover how involved residents are shaping Greenville's future and learn how you can make a real impact.

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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.

Discover why Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) is North America's #1 small airport! CEO Dave Edwards shares GSP's remarkable growth, unique amenities, and exciting future plans.

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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.

Is Greenville County's housing crisis leaving families, seniors, and workers behind? Discover how the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) tackles this vital community challenge, leveraging federal and local funds to build and rehabilitate homes.

Links:

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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.

Greenville County: explore the important 2025 municipal elections impacting your daily life. Discover what's on the ballot in every city, why it truly matters, and how you can get involved - including as a candidate - to shape your community.

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Discover how Greenville Together is urgently tackling homelessness head-on with a bold, collaborative, and data-driven plan. Learn about their innovative housing surge, the vital role of people with lived experience, and the critical need for permanent supportive housing in the community. Join the conversation to understand the strategies aiming to functionally end homelessness and transform lives in Greenville.

Links:

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get...

The Children's Museum of the Upstate isn't just a place for kids - it's a $339 million economic engine for Greenville County. CEO Lauren Luneckas explains how this Smithsonian affiliate became the 7th largest children's museum in America and reveals multiple ways adults can volunteer, support, and engage with this community treasure. Discover why creating spaces truly built for children fosters better citizens and stronger communities.

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Produced...

"I went into engineering because of Roper Mountain." In this heartwarming episode, Director Michael Weeks shares stories of how Roper Mountain Science Center has shaped careers and ignited curiosity across generations for 40 years. Get an insider's tour of this Greenville treasure which serves every elementary and middle school in Greenville County while also offering public programs like - from their popular butterfly encounter and marine touch tanks to their observatory housing North America's eighth largest refractor telescope. Learn about their exciting summer offerings, including camps where kids build robots and solve mysteries, and the new Wild Kratts exhibit that...

Step inside Greenville's magical theater wonderland where disco balls spin, Hogwarts comes alive, and Finding Nemo swims across the stage! This conversation with South Carolina Children's Theatre's leadership team unveils the joyful world waiting for your family this summer. Visualize your child crafting potions at Hogwarts camp, playing Quidditch, or performing alongside 40 peers in a full musical production. Hear how families create lifelong memories together - from grandparents to toddlers - in a place where 200+ children recently experienced live theater for the very first time. With performances across two unique stages, classes for every age, and countless ways to...

Sixty years ago, a mother's grassroots effort sparked what would become Thrive Upstate, now redefining ability for 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities across Greenville County. Executive Director Tyler Rex shares how this innovative quasi-governmental organization transforms tax dollars into life-changing opportunities - from residents performing at the Peace Center to employees working at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Drawing from his eight years of leadership and personal experience as a father of children with disabilities, Tyler reveals how community partnerships are creating a Greenville where everyone contributes their unique abilities.

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Some South Carolinians have gone to bed in one state and woken up in another - without ever moving. When surveyors corrected centuries-old border errors, residents discovered their property had legally "teleported" overnight. Katy and Nathaniel reveal how colonial mapmakers with faulty compasses, river disputes, and political maneuvering created the bizarre patchwork of boundaries that now determine your tax rate, emergency response times, and even whether you can keep backyard chickens. Discover why city maps look like Swiss cheese, where you really are when you're floating down the Savannah River, and how these invisible lines from the 1600s are...

When Hurricane Helene toppled centuries-old white oaks while sparing seemingly fragile maples, it revealed hidden truths about resilience beneath our feet. As Greenville recovers from two historic environmental disasters, TreesUpstate's Aaron Davis shares a surprising statistic: despite our "green" reputation, Greenville's 36% tree canopy lags behind Atlanta and Charlotte's 45%. Discover how an 1872 newspaper editor united a post-Civil War nation by planting one million trees in a single day - a tradition that predates Earth Day by nearly a century. Between fallen giants and forest fires, learn why meeting your neighbors with shovels in hand might be our most powerful act...

Your mailbox says "Taylors," your neighbors call it "Greenville," and your GPS has its own opinion entirely. Behind this geographical identity crisis lies a system that determines your tax bill, your services, and whether you can vote in this year's municipal elections. Join Katy and Nathaniel as they decode the invisible boundaries that shape daily life in Greenville County - revealing why Taylors isn't legally a town, why a Greenville address doesn’t mean you get a Greenville city vote, and how these distinctions impact where your tax dollars go. Whether you've lived here for decades or just arrived, di...

Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Greenville County Schools Fine Arts Center has generated millions in scholarship offers for its students - yet Director Vee Popat measures success by how each young artist develops as a whole person, whether they become Broadway performers or scientists with creative thinking skills. Step inside this nationally-recognized creative ecosystem where architecture students tackle homelessness solutions and teenagers master professional mindsets alongside their artistic crafts.

Links:

The Fine Arts Center website: https://www.fineartscenter.net/

Previous episode on Roper Mountain Science Center: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/from-classroom-to-career-the-power-of-public-private-partnerships-in-education/

The Fine...

In Greenville County, an eviction filing follows you for life like a permanent tattoo - even if you win your case. With 20% of local renters facing eviction (compared to just 8% nationally), this crisis isn't just creating homelessness; it's costing landlords up to $5,000 per case and driving up housing costs for everyone. Experts Tina Belge and Mario Brown reveal why property owners and tenant advocates have surprisingly united around four key reforms that could transform evictions from "a cause of poverty" into an opportunity for community prosperity. The solutions are ready - but is Greenville?

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In a small town where Burger King's arrival was once celebrated as progress, Travelers Rest now stands as a remarkable anomaly in American governance - with women holding the positions of mayor, city administrator, and majority of the city council. How did this Greenville County community not only transform itself from a "pass-through town" to a coveted destination, but also defy national trends in which women hold just over 20% of chief local government positions? Mayor Brandy Amidon (who began her political journey at age 27) and City Administrator Shannon Herman reveal the surprising role older residents played in championing female...

When your favorite barista, your child's teacher, and the firefighter who protects your home can no longer afford to live in your community - what kind of place will Greenville County become? Bryan Brown and Amber Stewart from Greenville Housing Fund reveal the surprising reality that 80% of our workforce earns below the area's median income, making housing increasingly out of reach. They dismantle common misconceptions about "affordable housing" while explaining how innovative tax incentives and thoughtful density planning are already transforming neighborhoods. Beyond policy talk, this conversation illuminates how our housing ecosystem connects everyone from service workers to retirees...

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-the-art automotive test track. Whether you're a business leader, a job seeker, or simply curious about what makes Greenville thrive, this episode is...

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 way. Tune in and join the conversation!

Links:

Michael Dimino Bio: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/academics/faculty/d...

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/

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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.

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_2025-2026/bills/3589.htm 

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/3310.htm

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.com/

South Carolina Ethics Commission website: https://ethics.sc.gov/

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

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/

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: G...

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: https://www.scdot.org/business/projectviewer.html

GPATS (Greenville Pickens Area Transportation Study) website: https...

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/

Benton Blount Website: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Council/CouncilMember.aspx?m=BentonBlount

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Gr...

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 as a donor or customer of an innovative community program that's already saved 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://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/what-is-a-filot-and-why-do-we-have-them/

Joseph Bustos article: https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article295946259.html

Palmetto Project: https://palmettoproject.org/

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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://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/what-is-a-filot-and-why-do-we-have-them/

Joseph Bustos article: https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article295946259.html

Palmetto Project: https://palmettoproject.org/

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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 millions of users and breathing new life into once-vacant areas. Dive into the power of persistence, advocacy, and community collaboration as we discuss the years-long efforts to improve safety and...

Purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial decision that requires careful planning and research. In this episode, Kerri Smith, South Carolina President of Self-Help Credit Union, shares valuable insights and practical steps to help listeners navigate the car buying process. Learn how to determine an affordable payment, research vehicle options, understand financing, and work with dealerships to make an informed purchase.

Links:

Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org

Kelly Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/whats-my-car-worth

NADA: https://www.nada.org/nada/consumer-vehicle-values

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Produced by Podcast Studio X...

Don't let holiday spending derail your financial future. Kerri Smith from Self-Help Credit Union shares insider tips to sidestep predatory lenders and high-interest debt this season. Learn how to give your family the best gift of all: a financially secure new year. Tune in now for must-hear advice!

Links:

Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org

SC 211: https://sc211.org

SC Fair Lending: https://scfairlending.org/

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civi...

Discover why giving to local nonprofits matters more than ever. Today we chat with two Greenville County foundation leaders, Meliah Bowers Jefferson of the Jolly Foundation and Andrew Ross of the Hathaway Family Foundation, about the power of individual donors to transform their community. Learn how you can make an impact, whether you have dollars or just time to give. It's not about the size of your gift, but the strength of your heart for your hometown.

Links:

Philanthropic landscape study of Greenville County: https://greatergoodgreenville.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Philanthropic-Landscape-report.pdf

Meliah Bowers...

Money doesn't have to be stressful! Kerri Smith and Michael Gates of Self-Help Credit Union share eye-opening insights on what money really is and provide practical tips to take control of your finances. Learn how to build savings, reduce money anxiety, and use your hard-earned cash as a tool to improve your life.

Links:

Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org

SC 211: https://sc211.org

Greenville Human Relations Commission: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/humanrelations/

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of G...

Downtown revitalization requires a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach to be successful, as evidenced by the thriving downtowns across Greenville County. Today we interview Craig Scharton, an experienced downtown and community revitalization professional, who shares the key elements of the Main Street revitalization framework, roles of different community partners, and examples of downtown renewal done right in South Carolina and beyond.

Links:

Craig Scharton LinkedIn

Main Street South Carolina

Ten at the Top website

Upstate Downtown Academy sessions

Palmetto Project website

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Produced by Podcast Studio X...

Dive into Greenville County's 2024 election results! Learn which precincts had the highest (and lowest) turnout, the surge in early voting, and how to explore detailed precinct-level data yourself. Plus, a look ahead at what's next for the podcast.

Links:

SC Votes stats walkthrough.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Castrejon and Hanaa Khan, two Greenville County residents preparing to vote in their first presidential election. They share valuable insights on the importance of civic engagement for young people, the barriers that keep their peers from the polls, and the role schools can play in building a stronger democracy.

Links:

Interview on "The Great Retention" podcast: https://pod.fo/e/27dca5

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Ci...

Meet Democrat J Fritz Weibel, South Carolina House of Representatives District 28 candidate in the November general election. ALso running is Republican Chris Huff who declined to participate. District 28 covers Conestee and most of Southern Greenville County with the exception of the lowermost southwest corner. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

Links:

J Fritz Weibel: https://www.facebook.com/john.wiebel.9/?_rdr

Sample Ballot: www.scvotes.gov

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Produced by Po...

Meet Democrat Stephen Dreyfus and Republican Stephen Frank, South Carolina House of Representatives District 20 candidate in the November general election. District 20 generally covers the Taylors area, straddling highway 29 between the cities of Greenville, Greer, and Travelers Rest. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

Links:

Stephen Dreyfus: http://www.stephendreyfus.com/

Stephen Frank: https://votestephenfrank.com/

Sample Ballot: www.scvotes.gov

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

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Meet Sarah Dulin and Missey Marsh, Area 27 candidates for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 27 is in the Golden Strip and includes Five Forks, East Georgia Road, Lee Vaughn Road, and Scuffletown Road, with nearly half of it spreading into Laurens County. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

Links:

Sarah Dulin: None provided

Missey Marsh: https://www.marshforschoolboard.com/

Sample Ballot: www.scvotes.gov

Meet Greg Cantrell,  Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, and Jack Logan, Area 25 candidates for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 25 generally covers the area along Augusta Road including part of Chanticleer, Pleasant Valley, Belle Meade, and Mount Pleasant. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

Links:

Greg Cantrell: https://www.cantrellgcsboard25.com/

Michelle Goodwin-Calwile: https://www.goodwincalwilesc7.com/

Jack Logan: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Logan-for-Greenville-County-School-Board-District-25/61563673270096/

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