Infrastructure and Insight: County Council Leads the Way on Smart Growth
Kershaw County is on the move—and it's clear that the County Council is leading the charge with strategic vision and decisive action. On Tuesday evening, the Council took a major step forward by approving the expansion of the County’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, an essential infrastructure upgrade that lays the foundation for smart, sustainable growth across the region.
This vote wasn’t just about pipes and pumps—it was a clear signal that County leadership is thinking ahead, preparing for the economic and residential growth that’s already beginning to take shape. In a time when many communities are playing catch-up, Kershaw County is positioning itself to be ready—ready for investment, ready for opportunity, and ready to grow on its own terms.
The Council’s action reflects a deep understanding that infrastructure drives development. Whether it’s new housing, commercial investment, or industrial expansion, none of it happens without the utilities to support it. It demonstrates that our elected leaders are putting in place the resources and systems that future generations will rely on.
Meanwhile, on Monday evening, the Planning Commission met to begin the first major working session on the County’s Comprehensive Plan—a key document that will guide Kershaw County’s growth over the next decade. And true to form, the Commission showed that it is fully aligned with Council’s direction and committed to turning that infrastructure vision into a community-driven blueprint for growth.
The focus of the Commission meeting was the Economic Development chapter of the Plan. The conversation was wide-ranging and rich with ideas, building on the strong foundation laid by County Council. Commissioners discussed ways to ensure the Plan supports the County’s small businesses, rural industries, and commercial centers—all in support of the broader goals now being made possible by Council’s investment in infrastructure.
Amy Kinard, Executive Director of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, praised the Plan’s emphasis on small business development and suggested that formal partnerships between the County and local organizations could help bring those strategies to life. Commissioners agreed wholeheartedly, recognizing that strong collaboration should carry through into every level of the Plan.
There was also discussion about revitalizing key commercial corridors, particularly along US 1 in East Camden and Lugoff. These areas have been highlighted as high-potential zones for redevelopment, and with infrastructure improvements already in motion, the timing is ideal to begin attracting new grocery stores, restaurants, and retail businesses.
Commissioners also highlighted the strength of Kershaw County’s agricultural sector, which has doubled in value in the last five years to nearly $400 million annually—earning the County the distinction of being the #1 farming-for-profit county in the nation. That kind of economic engine deserves strong representation in the Comprehensive Plan, and the Commission is working to ensure that it does.
Workforce housing was another key topic of discussion. Multiple Commissioners emphasized the importance of including more detail on this issue, recognizing that affordable and attainable housing options are critical to supporting the kind of workforce that fuels our local economy. With the infrastructure investments now underway thanks to Council, the opportunities for thoughtful residential development are stronger than ever.
The idea of walkable communities was also explored, especially in relation to designated “Commercial Nodes” outlined in the draft Plan. One Commissioner offered a realistic perspective, noting that while walkability is a valuable goal, it must be adapted to fit the rural nature of much of the County. This kind of practical, on-the-ground thinking complements the big-picture leadership shown by County Council—showing how vision and execution are working hand-in-hand.
In short, this week’s meetings reveal a government operating in sync, with elected leaders and appointed commissioners each playing their part. County Council is providing bold leadership, making the critical infrastructure decisions that enable everything else. The Planning Commission is ensuring that the long-term vision reflects community needs, economic realities, and the values that make Kershaw County special.
It’s a powerful example of how planning and leadership should work—unified, forward-looking, and rooted in service to the people.
As the Comprehensive Plan continues to take shape, and as Council continues to invest in the tools needed to support smart growth, the future of Kershaw County looks not only promising—it looks purposeful. And that’s something we can all be proud of.
