Prepared for Anything: Leadership, Transparency, and Community Engagement in Greenville County

Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 1-12-25

Prepared for Anything: How Greenville County Responded to Last Week’s Winter Storm

While it may not have been the “snowpocalypse” some of us imagined, last week’s winter storm brought just enough snow and ice to close schools and county government offices—and remind us how important preparation and safety are for our community. Even though the snowfall didn’t bury us in drifts, it was enough to test our infrastructure and emergency response systems, and once again, Greenville County proved why it is one of the best-prepared communities in the state.

Under the leadership of Director Jessica Stumpf, the Greenville County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) sprang into action early. Her team worked tirelessly to coordinate resources, pre-treat roads, and monitor the storm’s progression to ensure we were ready for whatever came our way. Director Stumpf’s expertise and dedication are invaluable assets to our county, and her proactive approach kept disruptions to a minimum and ensured that our community remained safe.

But the success of our response wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible work of so many others. Our fire departments, EMS teams, first responders, sheriff’s office, and police departments stepped up to assist citizens across the county. From responding to emergencies on icy roads to patrolling neighborhoods and maintaining order, these men and women worked around the clock to protect and serve. Their efforts are a testament to the resilience and care that define Greenville County.

Even though this storm brought “just” 2 inches of snow, combined with sleet and freezing rain, it created hazardous conditions that could have easily turned dangerous. Thanks to our emergency teams’ preparedness and rapid response, however, those hazards were addressed quickly and efficiently, with minimal impact on our community.

So, while we can all laugh a little at the snowstorm-that-wasn’t, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the serious, behind-the-scenes work that goes into keeping Greenville County safe. We’re fortunate to have such an exceptional network of emergency professionals and first responders who are ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Let’s all join together in thanking Director Stumpf, the EOC team, our fire departments, EMS, first responders, sheriff’s office, and local police departments for their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. They are the true heroes of this winter storm, no matter how small it seemed in the end!

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Upcoming Council Meetings: Engaging in Community Development

As we continue our commitment to transparency and community engagement, I want to share details about two important Council meetings scheduled for this week. Your participation and understanding of these processes are essential as we work together to shape the future of Greenville County.

Monday: Public Zoning Hearing

On Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., we will hold a Public Zoning Hearing in the County Square – North Building Council Chambers at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601. This meeting is an opportunity for residents to express their opinions on specific zoning requests.

Understanding the Role of Public Zoning Hearings

Public Zoning Hearings are a vital part of planning and development governance. They allow Council members to listen to citizens’ perspectives, ask questions, and gather information about the agenda items. No action or votes are taken during this meeting—it is strictly a time for listening, discussion, and information-sharing.

Each item on the agenda provides an opportunity for residents to speak either in favor or in opposition, with a total of ten minutes allocated to each side. Your input during these hearings is crucial to ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and concerns of our community.

Council’s Role in Development Decisions

It’s important to address an often misunderstood fact about Council’s role in development. Most of the new development you’re seeing is not a result of Council “approving” something; instead, it is a product of established zoning already in place—some of which dates back over a decade. While Council can choose to deny rezoning requests, we cannot prevent development on properties that are already appropriately zoned under existing regulations.

This is an essential distinction, and I want to provide more clarity on this issue in future newsletters to ensure citizens understand what Council can and cannot do under South Carolina state law and Greenville County ordinances.

Tuesday: Special Called Meeting on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a Special Called Meeting will address the recently passed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). While this is a fairly quick meeting, it should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed Council’s discussions. I have been vocal through my newsletters, in the media, County staff, and with my colleagues about my concerns with moving this ordinance forward until the significant issues—25% of which were openly admitted to still need fixing—are corrected.

Some of these concerns include:

• Reduced Public Collaboration: Certain changes in the UDO remove opportunities for necessary public input, which is vital to ensuring balanced, community-focused policies.

• Eroded Council Oversight: The UDO introduces changes that could diminish the critical role of Council in overseeing development decisions.

• Zoning Challenges: Potentially problematic changes in existing zoning could lead to unintended consequences across our diverse county.

• Impacts on Boards and Commissions: Vital roles tied to our Council-elected Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals are also impacted in ways that merit closer scrutiny.

My goal has never been to unnecessarily overburden staff or delay progress, but I have an obligation to ensure that this ordinance is the best possible policy for all of Greenville County’s diverse communities. If the agenda items at this meeting are approved by Council, it will simply initiate the process of addressing these concerns and correcting issues. This process will involve collaboration with all previously engaged departments, boards, commissions, Council, and—most importantly—the citizens who will live under this ordinance for decades to come.

We must get this right now, rather than waiting to see what negative impacts could arise from adopting a flawed policy.

Your Participation Matters

I urge all citizens to attend these meetings, either in person or via the available livestream options. Your voices are a vital part of these discussions, and your input ensures that decisions reflect the diverse needs and priorities of Greenville County.

If you can’t attend the meeting Tuesday, please visit the County’s website here to watch via livestream HERE

It will likely be a very short meeting but an imperative step to ensure that this ordinance is addressed properly!

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Chairman’s Corner: A New Era of Transparency and Accountability

Fair warning: with the launch of “Chairman’s Corner,” my newsletters may occasionally feel more like news novels—but I hope you’ll see this as a worthwhile opportunity to learn more about how county government operates. After all, local government is the most important type of government when it comes to the day-to-day lives of our citizens. My goal with this platform is simple: to keep you informed, engaged, and confident in the work we’re doing on your behalf.

As I shared earlier this week, I am humbled to have been elected as Chairman of the Greenville County Council. This role is a tremendous honor, and with it comes a profound responsibility to ensure that our county government is transparent, accountable, and accessible to the people it serves. Today, I want to take a deeper dive into the objectives I’ve set for this chairmanship and express my gratitude for those who have already made an impact on this Council’s new direction.

To start, I want to highlight the exciting additions to our Council: Kelly Long, Frank Farmer, Garey Collins, and Curt McGahey. These new members were elected on platforms of strong, fiscally conservative leadership—a clear mandate from the voters for a Council that prioritizes careful stewardship of resources and citizen-focused decision-making. While I certainly don’t mean to overlook the contributions of returning members or those of us in mid-term, I feel it’s important to recognize the unique perspectives and fresh energy these new members bring. Their determination to serve has already pushed me to be a better Councilman, and I am eager for our community to see their dedication in action.

The coming weeks will be pivotal as we adopt council rules, announce committees and chairs, and lay out a clear and coordinated agenda for the next two years. To ensure we hit the ground running, I have begun the process of scheduling a planning retreat to establish Council-wide goals and visions. We will also look to quickly schedule workshops to address critical issues, including implementing impact fees and developing the county budget. These efforts are about more than processes—they are about building a government that truly reflects the will of the people.

Transparency and communication will be at the heart of my chairmanship. This newsletter is one of many tools I’ll continue to use to keep you informed. From regular updates on social media, information sharing through our County Government Affairs department, collaboration with the media, and other creative outreach methods, I am committed to ensuring that the citizens of Greenville County are more informed about their government than ever before. Transparency builds trust, and while I can’t speak for my colleagues, I feel confident saying that we all understand trust must be earned—and we are committed to earning it.

This Council, at least for the next two years, will be beholden to the citizens of Greenville County far more than to special interests, out-of-state developers, or big businesses. We understand the frustrations many of you have felt over the past two years, and we are determined not only to address those concerns but to correct them. My colleagues and I are committed to finding ways to collaborate on solutions that benefit every district, because anything less would fail to meet the expectations of those who elected us.

One of the values I hold closest is “building bridges.” For me, this means more than physical infrastructure like the long-awaited bridge over West Blue Ridge Drive for the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It means fostering connections between people and groups who may not always see eye to eye. When I first joined Council, there were noticeable divisions among members due to past conflicts. Rather than join in the fray, I made it clear that I would work with anyone willing to find common ground. As Chairman, I remain committed to this approach because it ensures the voices and needs of every citizen are represented.

As we move forward, I want to acknowledge the immense responsibility of this position. Even after just three working days, I can feel the weight of this role—and the opportunities it presents. I’ve been eager to meet with each of my colleagues individually, and while scheduling conflicts have delayed those meetings, they remain a priority for the week ahead as we prepare for Monday’s public zoning hearing and other crucial discussions.

Let me be clear: this chairmanship will not be used for personal agendas, political retaliation, or self-promotion. My sole focus is to lead a Council that answers to the people, operates transparently, and works collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. While this approach may challenge the status quo or ruffle feathers among those who have historically wielded outsized influence, I am not here to fuel division or settle scores. I am here to serve.

In closing, I want to thank the citizens of Greenville County for their trust and support. This is an exciting new era for our county government, and while challenges lie ahead, I am confident that together—with determination, collaboration, and transparency—we can build a government that truly works for everyone.

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Until next time, thank you for reading my “news novel.” Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate this new chapter in Greenville County Council’s leadership.

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