City of Charleston Continues to Prepare for Arrival of Hurricane Ian

City of Charleston officials continue to prepare for impacts from Hurricane Ian. City Emergency Management is working closely with state and regional officials to monitor the storm’s track and coordinate preparation efforts.

Currently projected i...

Information will be added here before, during, and after a storm.

September 30 Hurricane Ian AM Update

September 29 Hurricane Ian PM Update

At 2 p.m. today, the city of Charleston joined Charleston County in moving to OPCON-1 as Hurricane Ian approaches the Charleston area.

With strong winds forecast for the area starting Friday morning, the Charleston Fire Department and Cha...

September 29 Tropical Storm Ian AM Update

Charleston, S.C. – The city of Charleston remains in OPCON 2 as officials prepare for impacts from Tropical Storm Ian.

Emergency declaration/ordinances: On Thursday morning, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Ian, Charleston Mayo...

September 28 Hurricane Ian PM Update

City of Charleston moved to OPCON 2 Wednesday at 4 p.m. as officials prepare for impacts from Hurricane Ian. City Emergency Management is working closely with state and regional officials to monitor the storm’s track and coordinate preparation efforts.In ...

September 28 Hurricane Ian AM Update

City Offices Closing Thursday at 3 p.m., Five Parking Garages Opening Thursday at 5 p.m., Sandbag Distribution Extended, Additional City Events Cancelled 

City of Charleston officials continue to prepare for impacts from Hurricane Ian. City Emerge...

City of Charleston Continues to Prepare for Arrival of Hurricane Ian

City of Charleston officials continue to prepare for impacts from Hurricane Ian. City Emergency Management is working closely with state and regional officials to monitor the storm’s track and coordinate preparation efforts.

Currently projected i...

City of Charleston Closely Monitoring Hurricane Ian

City of Charleston officials continue to monitor Hurricane Ian and have begun initial preparations for any potential impacts the storm may have here in the Lowcountry. City Emergency Management is working closely with state and regional officials to monit...

Annual 11-Day MOJA Arts Festival Begins September 29, 2022

The annual MOJA Arts Festival, a celebration of African-American and Caribbean culture, begins on Thursday, September 29, 2022. The 11-day festival includes a variety of performances, art displays and educational outreach.

Moja, a Swahili word meaning &...

Mayor Tecklenburg and Latinx Advisory Council Announce National Hispanic Heritage Month

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and the Mayor’s Latinx Advisory Council announced the city’s National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 observances at a press conference Thursday.

“The Latinx Advisory Council has done an outstand...

Mayor John Tecklenburg Releases Statement

Today, Charleston Mayor John J. Tecklenburg released the following statement in response to recent acts of violence in Charleston, including last night’s shootings on King Street and in West Ashley:

"So far this year, we've lost nin...

The City of Charleston, Shifa Clinic Hosting First Clinic at Hope Center on August 19

The city of Charleston and the Shifa Clinic will host the first community health fair at the new Hope Center, 529 Meeting Street, on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Free health screenings will be available, including blood pressure, lung can...

The City of Charleston Hosting Annual First Day Festival August 7

The city of Charleston will host the annual Back to School First Day Festival on Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center (2 George Street) and South Carolina Aquarium (100 Aquarium Wharf).

Sponsored by the city of Charlest...

Annual ‘Operation Move Out’ Initiative to Begin July 29

The city of Charleston’s annual “Operation Move Out” initiative will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 29 and continue until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, excluding Sunday, July 31. During this time, tenants are asked to place...

Volunteers, School Supplies Sought for City of Charleston’s Annual First Day Festival

The city of Charleston will host the annual Back to School First Day Festival on Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center and South Carolina Aquarium. Sponsored by the city of Charleston since 2003, First Day Festival is a...

City of Charleston Deploys “Glutton” Electric Street Vacuum to Aid Cleanup Efforts Downtown

The city of Charleston is the first major city in the United States to deploy a “Glutton” electric street vacuum to assist the city’s Environmental Services Division cleanup efforts along King Street and in the Market.

&ld...

South Arts’ 2021 Southern Prize and State Fellowships Exhibition at City Gallery

The city of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents South Arts’ 2021 Southern Prize and State Fellowships Exhibition, on view July 15 – August 28, 2022 at City Gallery.

South Arts’ 2021 Southern Prize and State Fellowsh...

Independence Day Celebration Canceled Due to Heavy Rains, Field Conditions

With significant water already on the field and more rain expected as we head into the weekend, Saturday evening’s free Independence Day concert and fireworks show at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has been canceled.

Ticketholders who reserved paid pa...

Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden to Open June 17

The Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden will open to the public June 17, 2022, on the seventh anniversary of the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church. 

The memorial garden is located behind the Charleston County Public Library at 68 Calhoun Stre...

Charleston’s ‘Bank On Charleston Youth’ Summer Virtual Financial Empowerment Series Starts Friday

This summer, the city of Charleston will host a virtual financial empowerment series for those in high school and college. This is the first time the program – ‘Bank On Charleston Youth’ – is being offered to the pu...

$42 Million Historic Archer School Renovation to Bring New Life to Charleston’s East Side

Thanks to a collaboration with the Humanities Foundation, a $42 million rehabilitation of the former and long-vacant Archer School on Nassau Street will be redeveloped into 89 affordable housing units for seniors at or below 60% of the area median income....

City of Charleston Contracts with Trident Waste to Augment Collection Efforts in Response to Unusual

In order to ensure timely collection, the city has contracted with Trident Waste to augment city trash pickup efforts through the end of next week, as trash volumes continue to run well ahead of last year’s numbers.

For perspective: From January ...

Tecklenburg: Port's Cancellation of Cruise Ships Contract 'Great News' for City

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg issued the following statement in response to the news that the State Ports Authority will be terminating its home port contract with Carnival Cruise Lines, the first step in its redevelopment of Union Pier.&nb...

Mayor Tecklenburg Isolating at Home with Mild Symptoms After Positive Covid-19 Test

Charleston, S.C. — Mayor John Tecklenburg is isolating at home and showing mild, head-cold-type symptoms after testing positive for Covid-19.

Mayor Tecklenburg plans to attend all City Council meetings this week virtually, in accordance with CDC ...

As Crowds Return, City Works with Merchants to Clear Obstacles from Sidewalks

Charleston, S.C. — Following a suspension of enforcement due to the Covid-19 pandemic, city of Charleston enforcement officers will begin citing businesses using sandwich boards and pedestal signs within sidewalks’ rights-of-way on Mon...

Monday’s Bulk Trash Pickup Disrupted Due to Fire at Spring Grove Landfill

Charleston, S.C. — Due to a fire at the Republic Services Spring Grove Landfill in North Charleston on Monday, May 9, 2022, bulk trash (home construction materials, appliances, furniture, and the like) could not be collected today.

As a result, C...

City testing new technology that could eventually give boots the boot

For years, cities and citizens alike have struggled with traditional parking-enforcement boots, which are used to immobilize vehicles due to excessive unpaid parking tickets.

Starting Monday, May 9, 2022, City of Charleston Parking officers will begin a pi...

Trash Pickup On One-Day Delay for Parts of Charleston; Garbage Pickup Remains On Schedule

Due to continued large volumes, trash pickup will be delayed one day for downtown, inner West Ashley and James Island residents for the remainder of the week. Outer West Ashley, Johns Island and Daniel Island will remain on a normal trash pickup schedule....

City of Charleston and Charleston County to Host First ‘Electric Lawn Equipment Expo’

Charleston, S.C. — The City of Charleston and Charleston County are hosting their first “Electric Lawn Equipment Expo” on April 30, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in West Ashley at ...

‘Sweetgrass Baskets of Peace’ Unveiled at Charleston International Airport Thursday

Charleston, S.C.— Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, Explore Charleston CEO and Charleston County Aviation Authority Chair Helen Hill, Bloomberg Philanthropies Women’s Economic Development Initiative leader V...

Trash Pickup On One-Day Delay For Parts Of City Of Charleston; Garbage Pickup Remains On Schedule

Due to unusually large volumes of debris created from last week’s wind and rain storms, trash pickup will be delayed one day for downtown, inner West Ashley and James Island residents for the remainder of the week. Outer West Ashley, Johns Islan...

City of Charleston Closing Recreation Centers at 5 p.m. Tuesday, BZA Meeting Canceled

Due to the latest enhanced risk of severe weather from the National Weather Service for Tuesday evening – including a chance of damaging winds exceeding 60-plus mph, a low-end threat of isolated tornadoes and brief, heavy rainfall – the city will close it...

City of Charleston Offers Special Event Parking Garage Rate for Cooper River Bridge Run Participants

Charleston, S.C.—The City of Charleston will offer a special event flat parking rate of $5 for Cooper River Bridge Run participants at three downtown parking garages beginning at 5 p.m., Friday, April 1, until 2 p.m., Saturday, April 2. ...

March 19 Farmers Market Canceled Due to Inclement Weather Forecast, Special Market Added March 26

Due to the risk of severe weather including high winds and thunderstorms forecast for Saturday, March 19, 2022, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square has been canceled. 

Since this is the second week in a row that the market has been canc...

Applications Open for Mayor’s Youth Commission

Applications are now open for rising 9^th through 12^th grade students in Charleston County interested in serving on the Mayor’s Youth Commission. 

About the Commission: The Mayor’s Youth Commission gives young people a meaningfu...

March 12 Farmers Market Canceled Due to Inclement Weather Forecast

Due to high winds and heavy rain forecast for Saturday, March 12, 2022, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square has been canceled. 

The Market is expected to resume on Saturday, March 19, 2022, weather permitting. Please note, the market wi...

City of Charleston to Host Small Business Opportunity Expo at Gaillard Center

The city of Charleston’s Business Services Division will host the 2022 Small Business Opportunity Expo on Thursday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gaillard Center, located at 2 George Street. The annual event provides an opportunity for l...

City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs Announces Creek by Creek

The city of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents its newest exhibition, Creek by Creek, which will be on view March 18 through May 8, 2022 at the City Gallery, located at 34 Prioleau Street.

Creek by Creek is a collaborative effort by ar...

Mayor John Tecklenburg Releases Statement in Support of Ukrainian People

Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement in support of the Ukrainian people as the flag of Ukraine flies at City Hall (photo here):

"Charleston has a long history of ceremonially raising national flags over City Hall, ...

Registration Open for Mayor’s Youth Commission Virtual Summit Session

The city of Charleston Mayor’s Youth Commission will host a Virtual Summit Session regarding media information literacy on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free session, open to middle and high school students throughout t...

Backgrounder on "The Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway" Marker

Today, in response to media inquiries, the city released the following backgrounder on the Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway marker:

On July 21, 2020, the city of Charleston received an email from the Charleston School of Math + Science requesting the removal...

Charleston City Council to Hold Special Meeting Tuesday, February 8

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, Charleston City Council will hold a special meeting on Johns Island for the purpose of hearing appeals from property owners who believe they should not be included in the Johns Island Municipal Improvement District. The meeti...

City of Charleston to Host Financial Empowerment Town Hall

The city of Charleston is partnering with local tax preparation and financial empowerment experts to host a virtual Financial Empowerment Town Hall on Monday, January 31, 2022 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.

Why it matters: Every year, residents who ar...

City of Charleston to Host Mentor Recruitment Fair

The city of Charleston Mayor’s Mentoring Consortium will host a Mentor Recruitment Fair to raise awareness of the importance of mentorship and supporting local youth on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arthur W. Christophe...

City Begins Final Phase of Denmark Vesey Statue Restoration

This morning, city Parks Department crews and expert representatives from the private sector began the final phase of repairs to the Denmark Vesey statue, during which the statue was detached from its base to allow the existing frame to be removed for rep...

Incorrect Online Claims Lead to Confusion Regarding Proposed City Ordinance

Based on questions received by the city over the past several days, an online petition is apparently causing confusion about an ordinance that Charleston City Council will consider during their meeting tomorrow night.

The ordinance, which would create a Hu...

City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs Announces Griots of Cotton, Indigo, and Clay

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents Griots of Cotton, Indigo, and Clay, on view January 17 through February 28, 2022 at City Gallery, located at 34 Prioleau Street.

Griots of Cotton, Indigo, and Clay debuts the permanent col...

City of Charleston to Host AmeriCorps VISTA Virtual Information Session for 2022 Site Selection

The city of Charleston will host a Virtual Information Session for the 2022 AmeriCorps VISTA Site Selection Process to provide an overview of the program, and review related regulations and site requirements for organizations interested in hosting a VISTA...

City Announces 99.7 Percent Compliance with COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Following yesterday’s deadline for compliance with the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, 90 percent of city employees have been vaccinated and 9.7 percent have received medical or religious accommodations, for an overall compliance r...

City of Charleston Prepares for Saturday Morning Tidal Flooding

Due to current high tide and rainfall projections, city officials are preparing for the likelihood of major tidal flooding in low-lying areas of the city Saturday morning. 

What to expect: While the forecast is subject to change, National...

City of Charleston Urges Motorists to Prepare for Major Flooding Thursday into the Weekend

Major tidal flooding is anticipated in low lying areas of the city during morning high tides Thursday through Saturday this week. With that in mind, City of Charleston Emergency Management officials urge motorists to use caution when driving on the roadwa...

City of Charleston Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Funding Opportunities

Applications are now open for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Housing Opportunities for Persons w...

City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs Announces City Gallery Exhibition

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs today announced its next City Gallery exhibition, Prototype for a Landscape, which will open on Friday, October 22, 2021 and remain on view through Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 34 Prioleau Street. ...

Charleston Police Announce Arrest in Hit and Run That Seriously Injured Two, Seek Public’s Assistanc

UPDATE: Bicyclist Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in Collision on Ashley River Road

Charleston Police Announce Two Arrests in September 4 King Street Shooting

Charleston Police Announce Arrest in September 6 Bank Robbery

Police Investigate Serious Collision on Ashley River Road

Charleston Police Announce Arrest in August 23 Fatal Collision

"Talk Around CPD" July/August 2022 Newsletter

Read on...

Charleston Police Recover Body Near Lighthouse Point, James Island

Charleston Receives Achievement Award from Municipal Association of South Carolina

The city of Charleston was awarded the Municipal Achievement Award from the Municipal Association of South Carolina for our public meeting engagement portal, created to ensure citizens were able to provide public comments when meetings were held virtually...

Redistricting 2020

The city of Charleston is required to rebalance City Council districts every 10 years based on new data released by the US Census. This process is called redistricting. The draft plan map is now available.

Connect with the City via Text

As part of its customer service offerings, the city of Charleston is now using Citibot, an interactive text messaging and customer service tool for civic engagement with government.

With Citibot, residents and visitors of Charleston can use text message-ba...

Opportunities Available to Learn More about Charleston's New Climate Action Plan

A bold strategy to address our changing climate.  Charleston's new Climate Action Plan was created with assistance from hundreds of community members and formally adopted in May 2021 by City Council.  It is a 5-year strategic fr...