Simple Civics: Greenville County

Discover the link between FILOTs and school funding in Greenville County. Learn how these tax abatement programs cost local schools $30 million in annual lost revenue.Episode Resources:Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Discover the 13th Circuit Veterans Treatment Court, where accountability meets grace for veterans. Learn how this diversion program achieves an 80% success rate.Episode Resources:Learn more about Upstate Warrior SolutionLearn more about the 13th Circuit Solicitor's OfficeSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Explore the impact of Act 388 South Carolina on school funding. Learn how a tax swap led to a billion-dollar gap, unfunded mandates, and a strain on local schools.Episode Resources:Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Explore RevUp GVL: Revenue for Good, a new program helping Greenville nonprofits move beyond donations and build their own sustainable, mission-aligned earned revenue.Episode Resources:Learn more about the RevUpGVL: Revenue for Good ProgramDiscover our guest Taylor Culliver's nonprofit, Brother BoxLearn about Paola Bonilla's work at 20 DegreesSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Why is South Carolina school funding so complex? Learn how Act 388 impacts local taxes and the Greenville County Schools budget in this simple explanation.Episode Resources:Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Mauldin City Council Candidate Jason Kraeling. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.How the interviews worked:All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.Candidate links:Jason KraelingSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Morgan Smith, the 2025-26 GCS Teacher of the Year. She discusses her 3rd-generation family legacy in the district, her "Spark" initiative to fight teacher burnout, and how she creates core memories for her 5th-grade students.Episode Resources:Learn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Fountain Inn City Council Candidates Jason Sanders, AJ Dearybury, and Stephan Thomas. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.How the interviews worked:All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.Candidate links:Jason SandersAJ DearyburyStephan ThomasSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Wondering how to support your high school student? A principal shares advice on fostering independence, helping them self-advocate, & navigating modern career pathways.Episode Resources:Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Simpsonville City Council Candidates Jared Fielding and Jerry Tuso. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.How the interviews worked:All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.Candidate links:Jared FieldingJerry TusoSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Navigate the middle school transition with confidence. Get expert tips on parental support for middle schoolers, from encouraging independence to improving communication.Episode Resources:Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Greer City Council Candidates Karuiam Booker, Lee Dumas, Judy Albert, and Paul Lamb. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.How the interviews worked:All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.Candidate links:Karuiam BookerLee DumasJudy AlbertPaul LambSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Strengthen parental support in elementary school with tips from a principal & counselor. Learn how strong parent teacher communication builds a partnership for success.Episode Resources:Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Travelers Rest City Council Candidates Jon Campbell, Sheryl Guarniero, Catherine James, Lisa Lane, and Jeremy Walton. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.How the interviews worked:All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.Candidate links:Jon CampbellSheryl GuarnieroCatherine James Lisa LaneJeremy WaltonSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Greenville County leaders unpack lessons from Estonia's PISA-winning schools. Explore key takeaways on student autonomy, vocational education, and the 'whole child' approach that could shape local education.Episode Resources:Learn more about the Riley Institute at Furman UniversityDiscover the work of the Greenville Chamber of CommerceExplore Greenville County SchoolsSouth Carolina Council on CompetitivenessLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet Greenville City Council Candidates Matt Alexander, Tine Belge, Lillian Brock Flemming, and Mike Kilgore and Tine Belge. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.How the interviews worked:All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.Candidate links:Matt AlexanderTina BelgeLillian Brock FlemmingMike KilgoreSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

What's next for Greenville Technical College and economic mobility? Discover Dr. Miller's vision for skilled trades, free dual enrollment, and an AI-ready workforce.Episode Resources:Learn more about Greenville Technical CollegeExplore the Greenville Tech FoundationLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Explore honest conversations about homelessness in Greenville, SC. Hear from Ryan Duerk, CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, who will sit on a bench for 24 hours to discuss the real causes of homelessness.Election Resources:Learn more about Miracle Hill Ministries_Produced by Podcast Studio X.Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.Email us: [email protected]

What is Graduation Plus? Learn how Greenville County Schools is transforming student futures with college and career readiness, giving them a competitive advantage.Episode Resources:Discover Greenville County Schools Career & Technical EducationLearn more about the CTE Innovation CenterFind out about the LaunchGVL programLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Learn how to support a local political campaign with expert Derek Lewis. Discover easy, actionable ways to help, from social media likes to donating or hosting a meet and greet.Election Resources:Check Your Voter Registration StatusView Your Sample BallotLook Up Who Represents You_Produced by Podcast Studio X.Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.Email us: [email protected]

Thinking about the Greenville County Schools 4K program? April Roberts, a GCS principal, reveals what kindergarten readiness truly means and explains the step-by-step process to apply.Episode Resources:Apply for the Greenville County Schools 4K ProgramLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Starting a business in Greenville County? Learn how to go from "wantrepreneur" to founder with key advice on forming an LLC, finding resources, and accessing capital.Episode Resources:Learn more about NextGENExplore the Greenville startup communityFind resources at Community WorksConnect with the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)Listen to our episode on repairing your credit with Self-Help Credit Union_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.

Get the facts about Greenville County Schools, from its surprising size as a top 50 US district to its innovative career and technical education programs.Links:Sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination LibraryLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about the Greenville County Schools CTE Innovation CenterExplore the Fine Arts Center_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.

If you don't have a will when you die in South Carolina, "essentially you're letting the state legislature decide what happens to your property and who will administer it," says former Greenville County Probate Judge Diane Smock. She talks with Jessica Ferguson of Turner Padget about wills, estates, and advance directives.You'll learn:Why it's so important to have a will, health care power of attorney, and power of attorney - even if you don't have a lot of wealthHow not having a will can needlessly tie up your home and property from your heirs, especially your children Why having a will and advance directives in place is a gift you give your family after you die, preventing stress and disagreements during an emotional timeThat probate laws are state-specific, so you need your will reviewed if you live in SC but had it created in another stateHow to get a will drawn up if you make under 200% of povertyAnd much more!Links:Learn More about Make a Will MonthCommunity Foundation of GreenvilleSC BarSC Legal Services_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 the Future Teacher Academy in Greenville County Schools, a "grow your own" initiative addressing the teacher shortage through mentorship, dual enrollment credits, and hands-on teaching experiences in high school.Links:Support future educators through the Greenville County Schools Foundation ScholarshipLearn more about Greenville County SchoolsLearn more about Public Education Partners_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 the economic impact of hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County. Learn how visitor spending funds Unity Park, The Well, the Swamp Rabbit Trail & more.Links:Learn more about Heath Dillard and his team's work at VisitGreenvilleSCListen to our previous overview of A-Tax and H-TaxListen to Heath's previous appearance on Simple Civics (Nov 2023)Follow Simple Civics: Greenville County on LinkedInFollow Greater Good Greenville on LinkedInSign up for a free book subscription for your child with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library_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.

What does a great corporate-school partnership look like? Discover ScanSource's model for supporting a Title I school and the community playbook they created to help.Links:Learn more about ScanSourceLearn more about ScanSource in the CommunityLearn more about Public Education Partners_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.

How strong are the cities and places in Greenville County? We apply the 10-question Strong Towns Strengths Test to discover what makes a community thrive, from its main street to its zoning.Links:Read the official Strong Towns Strengths TestListen to our episode on Cities, Towns, Places, and Zip Codes_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 how building trust in public education can transform the 'us vs. them' mentality. Hear from two teacher leaders on improving parent-teacher teamwork.Links:Learn more about our guests' workLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First Steps_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.

Learn how to speak at a public meeting in Greenville County. Get practical tips on preparing your statement, understanding public comment rules, and making your voice heard.Links:Episode mentioned: "Why is Government Slow"_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 Simple Civics: EdTalks, the new Greenville County education podcast. We demystify public education, from school funding to our birth-to-employment system.Links:Greater Good GreenvillePublic Education Partners_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.

Explore the realities of homelessness in Greenville through the story of John "Buggy Man" Jones. Discover his journey from scrapping for metal to a home in permanent supportive housing.Links:Learn about Nick BushLearn about John JonesLearn about Place of HopeLean about United MinistriesLearn about Project HostLearn about Miracle Hill MinistriesLearn about United Housing Connections_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.

What are A-tax & H-tax? Learn how hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County fund things you love, from the Swamp Rabbit Trail to local festivals._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.

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.Links:Who Represents Me? Find and contact your elected officials.Episode with Mayor GP McLeerEpisode with Erin RigotEpisode with Dan Tripp_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.

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._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.Links:Learn more about David Edwards_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:Greenville County Redevelopment AuthorityConnect with Joe SmithConnect with Francisco Arnaiz_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.Links:Episode with Leigh McGill from Campaign Ethics Reporting Services (campaign finance rules)Episode with Derek Lewis on "how to really support a candidate"Episode with Derek Lewis and John Michael Catalano about "Election Day behind the scenes"Episode with Liz Semen about "serving on a board or commission"Episode with Benton Blount about getting into office for the first time_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 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:Register for the 200th Episode Live Event!Triune Mercy CenterUnited MinistriesUnited Housing Connections_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.

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.Links:The Children's Museum of the Upstate (TCMU)TCMU Greenville LocationTCMU Spartanburg LocationPrevious Episode with the South Carolina Children's TheatrePrevious Episode with the Roper Mountain Science Center_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.

"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 brings the popular PBS show to life. Whether you're a longtime visitor or have never experienced the mountain's magic, this episode will inspire your next science adventure.Links:Roper Mountain Science CenterPrevious Episode with the South Carolina Children's Theatre_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.

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 engage, you'll discover why SCCT has been Greenville's premier family destination for nearly 40 years. Located downtown with convenient parking, your next unforgettable family adventure awaits!Links:SCCTSCCT Summer CampsSCCT Upcoming ShowsSCCT Classes_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.

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.Links:Thrive UpstatePrevious Episode about Boards and Commissions_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.

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 silently shaping your daily life in 2025. Listen to uncover which services you might be missing based on your address, then grab your hiking boots to walk the actual zigzag Carolina border yourself.Links:Palmetto TrailEpisode on PlacesEpisode on Home RuleEpisode on AnnexationEpisode on Special Purpose Districts_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.

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 of civic optimism for generations we'll never meet. Links: TreesUpstate South Carolina Forestry Commission Arbor Day Earth Day _ 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.

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, discover where you actually live before heading to the polls in 2025. Links: Episode on Municipal Elections: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/vote-smart-your-ultimate-guide-to-greenvilles-local-elections/ Census-Designated Places in Greenville County: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Census-designated_places_in_Greenville_County,_South_Carolina Map of Greenville County Zip Codes: https://www.gcgis.org/website/Docs/zipcode11x17.pdf Political Boundaries within Greenville County: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Council/RedistrictingMaps/CountywideRedistricting_Feb1.pdf _ 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.

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 Arts Center's performance calendar/events page: https://www.fineartscenter.net/calendar/ _ 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.

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? Links: Project Website - https://evictioningvlcounty.org/ Tina Belge bio - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-belge-mpa-aicp-b536b567 Mario Brown bio - https://www.affordableupstate.com/team/mario-e-brown "The Eviction Epidemic" Episode - https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/the-eviction-epidemic-unraveling-the-crisis-and-solutions-in-south-carolina/ "Understanding Evictions" Episode - https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/evictions-understanding-south-carolinas-rental-challenges-and-protecting-your-rights/ _ 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.

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 leadership, the unexpected mentorship dynamics that shaped their careers, and the leadership principles that have created TR's unique "heartbeat" - a vibrant community where 85% of downtown businesses are now female-owned. Their insights challenge conventional wisdom about who builds thriving communities and how. Links: Brandy Amidon Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-amidon-701a7220/ Shannon Herman Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-herman-03a31ba/ International City-County Managers Association on Women in Leadership: https://icma.org/articles/pm-magazine/looking-back-fifty-years-aspirations-women-public-administration?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwY2xjawJNjRxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVxLAE8zFHn61hg73_zl-cgNJQ8wu6MOCuU5x-IwIYakMHox0Wd2TP5sbw_aem_-LftpE057alspwn62YFECA Center for Women in Politics on Women in Leadership: https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/current-numbers _ 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.

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 on fixed incomes, and why the places we call home determine the community we share. Listen to understand how your neighborhood's character, your favorite local businesses, and Greenville's future are all shaped by the housing decisions we make today. Links: Greenville Housing Fund Website: https://greenvillehousingfund.com/ Greenville Affordable Housing Coalition: https://greenvillehousingfund.com/greenville-affordable-housing-coalition/ House Bill H-4164 (Community Development Tax Credit reauthorization): https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1855825 Previous episode on affordable housing: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/getting-specific-about-affordable-housing-in-greenville/ _ 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.