Charleston

Charleston County maintains strong fiscal governance with a AAA bond rating across all three rating agencies and 30 consecutive years of Government Finance Officers Association recognition for financial reporting excellence. The county's fiscal management approach prioritizes transparent financial communication and fiscal discipline, which has enabled lower tax rates and favorable borrowing conditions for capital projects. Operating 45 departments with approximately 2,600 full-time employees across 1,358 square miles, the county's governance focus centers on sustainable financial practices and infrastructure investment, with documented emphasis on major transportation initiatives and capital improvement projects during the 2019 fiscal year.