Afleveringen
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This episode explores how small municipalities can enhance community well-being through nature-based programs like 'Nature at Work'. Guests discuss the benefits, implementation strategies, and funding opportunities for green initiatives that improve employee health, community engagement, and local tourism.Chapters:
00:00
Introduction to Mighty Municipalities00:58
Workplace Health and Happiness02:17
Nature at Work Program Overview04:58
Pillars of the Nature at Work Program07:27
City of Sumter's Initiatives10:05
Community Engagement and Feedback12:46
Scaling for Small Municipalities15:12
Leveraging Local Resources17:22
Grants and Funding Opportunities19:57
Conclusion and Future Discussions
Nature at Work Resources – Nature at Work
Links:
6/4: California Urban Greening Grant: https://resources.ca.gov/grants/urban-greening: $200k -> $5m Projects to mitigate urban heat 6/8: CDC Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grant: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/7859e970-00ec-4f1c-987c-d2d7c0e66415 - up to $75k for opioid and methamphetamines misuse reduction programs 6/22: USDOT: Pipeline Emergency Response Grant: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/be39f3eb-7382-4327-ac46-9397e3b8c502 $50k-$200k 6/23: National Park Service: Historic Preservation Fund Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/449cd5d1-d543-4ea0-807a-cf55e54ed823 $200k-$500k restoration of properties eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Towns under 5000 population are specified as an eligible group and cities under 50k not part of a larger metro. 6/26: Preapplication deadline: Undiscovered SC Grants - https://www.scprt.com/tourism/grants/undiscovered-sc-grant
Grants:
Municipalities with less than 1.25m in Accommodations tax distributions. 50% reimbursement grant up to $200k for improvements or creation of public tourism attractions.
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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Karl & Mark talk about food insecurity and what municipalities can do to help. We interview Tim Dargan, the Town Administrator of Lamar, SC, population 832, about the food giveaway program they've been running in cooperation with local organizations for over five years and their lessons learned.Numbers:
13% nationally face food insecurity15.9% in rural communities 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are in the South 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are rural (Feeding America) Several SC Counties reach 20% food insecurity levels (Feeding America) Telfair County GA is the highest in the three-state region: 23.1%Links
Rural Health Initiative Hospital Food PantrySocastee Library PantryUSDA Summer Food ProgramBlack Mountain NC Senior CenterSC Farmers Market Guidelines
6/6: USDA Farmers Market Promotion ProgramRolling: USDA Community Facilities Grant & Loan ProgramMASC Impact Fund
GrantsFind Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Topics:
Drought Management Currently in Moderate Drought in SC: Stage 1 Drought Declared; City of Camden Urges Voluntary Water Conservation - Experience Camden, South Carolina Statewide Moderate Drought http://www.scdrought.com/index.html Next state commission meeting 4.30 What Cities can do during a drought, by stateNC – Municipalities can operate autonomously GA – Governed by state Municipality must obtain permit to draw water Georgia Groundwater Use Act, O.C.G.A. §§ 12-5-90 (1972) Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) enacts statewide drought mandates, municipalities must comply Municipality can declare stricter regulations SC - Governed by state Title 49, Section 23: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t49c023.php Must create a plan and ordinance that conform to drought levels set Drought levels set by regional commitees in coordination with the statewide committee May take action based on the levels as allowed by local ordinance Sumter Ordinance: https://library.municode.com/sc/sumter/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH98UT_ARTIIWA_DIV4SHDR May take action automatically based on drought management plans filed with DNR Allow more local options to declare based on system levels. Most ordinances seem to standardize on a proclamation required by council State Model plan & ordinance: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/Drought/model_drought_plan.doc Interstate ImpactsDrought Mgmt Strategies Water Conservation Strategies for Municipalities Confronting Drought - Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) (Matt) MASC Drought mgmt article: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/06-2017/what-do-when-water-becomes-scarceGrants
6/15: Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust ($5k-$25k): https://smithht.org/grant-seekers creation, development, preservation, and maintenance of gardens accessible to the public 5/26: HUD Housing Counseling Program Grant ($1-$3m) https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/0e956335-bab1-4282-81cd-3a56591ffd70 establish/fund housing counseling in your community 5/1: Hart Family Fund for Small Towns ($2500-$15k): preservation projects: https://savingplaces.org/hart-family-fund (Reminder) 5/7: The FY2026 Federal Historic Preservation Grants https://scdah.sc.gov/historic-preservation/programs/grants/federal-grants
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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Topics:
Business Licensing
What it is by state GA – Occupational Tax – only on businesses with physical presence. NC – Business registration – flat with max set by state SC – Business LicenseRevenue versus Regulation
Insurance Agencies vs Brokers Peddlers - Forest Acres Peddlers OrdinanceRoadside Food (DHEC)
Top QuestionsEntrepreneurial Options
Prepared Food/Popcorn/Coffee/Sno-cones (roadside food p.2) Home-Based Food Production Mowing/Raking/Lawn Aeration Car Wash/Detailing Lot Cleaning/Clearing Knife Sharpening Pressure Washing PaintingEconomic Development
Mapping/Business Listing Forecasting Resiliency & HealthInter-Department Communication
Grants
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Supplemental / Special NOFOs (select rounds) — April 23, 2026 local competition deadlines. Municipalities often apply or partner for homelessness and housing initiatives. https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/community-coc National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) – Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program — May 14, 2026. Funds urban greening, stormwater, and habitat restoration projects with strong municipal involvement. Grants seek to address water quality issues in priority watersheds, such as erosion due to unstable stream banks, pollution from stormwater runoff, and degraded shorelines caused by development.
https://www.nfwf.org/programs/five-star-program?activeTab=tab-2 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) – Area Development Grants (cycle deadlines vary by state) — many late April–early May 2026 submission cutoffs for local infrastructure and economic development.
https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/area-development-program/
https://scprt.widen.net/s/fvbgp66gtk/fy25-pard-guidelines_20241120
SC Contact: Barry Butler
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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In this episode Mark Partin and Karl McCollester explore innovative recruitment packages by municipalities, focusing on attracting remote workers and leveraging natural resources. We discuss examples from West Virginia, Folly Beach, SC, Cheraw, SC, and McPherson, KS, highlighting strategies that don't rely solely on financial incentives but also community engagement and quality of life improvements.
Topics:
Small Town Recruitment Recruitment incentives to relocate for remote work These 5 US states will pay you to move there—and one even has a $23,000 relocation package\ Recruitment incentives including housing allowances for public safety personnel: Housing stipends for Folly Beach police, fire could expand Cheraw: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/06-2025/cheraw-makes-its-case-attract-remote-workers https://www.makemymove.comGrants
5/11/2026 ($350k): National Endowment for the Humanities Collections Stewardship grant: https://www.neh.gov/program/collections-stewardship https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/0dde865e-f4ba-4b19-8e14-b5b86cb7ccdc 4/30: ($200k) Knight Cities Challenge Grants https://knightfoundation.org/knight-cities-challenge
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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In this episode, Karl McCollester and Mark Partin explore innovative small-town transportation projects, including street trials, pedestrian-friendly initiatives, and grant opportunities to enhance community infrastructure.Carrboro: 21,900 – Weekend Road closure in April
https://chapelboro.com/news/business/carrboros-e-weaver-street-to-close-to-vehicles-every-weekend-in-april-temporary-bike-ped-plaza https://thelocalreporter.press/carrboro-discusses-closing-east-weaver-street-to-weekend-drivers/Redbank TN 11,900 - Temporary Street calming
https://www.redbanktn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3176/Red-Bank-Awarded-Federal-Grant?bidId= Vision Zero: https://visionzeronetwork.org/about/what-is-vision-zero/Grants Mentioned:
International Mountain Bicycling Association – Trail Accelerator Planning Grant — Deadline March 15, 2026. Provides professional planning support to communities developing trail systems https://www.imba.com/programs/trail-accelerator-grants The FY2026 Federal Historic Preservation Grants are now open, with applications due May 7, 2026 by 5 PM https://scdah.sc.gov/historic-preservation/programs/grants/federal-grants 4/23 - NC Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants (5% match) https://www.commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/downtown-development-funds/application-rural-downtown-economic-development/download?attachment
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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This episode features John Macloskey, the codes enforcement director of the City of Sumter, SC, discussing the impact of demolition programs on small municipalities, including strategies, challenges, and future goals. Learn how community efforts are transforming neighborhoods and the importance of effective code enforcement.
John Macloskey is the Codes Enforcement Director at the City of Sumter SC. You can reach John at the City of Sumter through their Codes Complaint Form:
https://www.sumtersc.gov/codes-enforcement
https://www.sumtersc.gov/codes-enforcement/sumter-pride-program
Learn more about the Sumter PRIDE demolition program:
25 towns per quarter Next deadline 3/31 https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants
Grants Mentioned:
Tmobile Hometown Grants ($50k)Favrot Historic Preservation Grant ($15k) 3/2
Annual https://savingplaces.org/favrot-fundBureau of Reclamation Water Storage Grants (up to $30m) 4/17/26
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/82ae6f0d-24b7-4bcb-8e40-4f55a0d7d509 17 Western States, Alaska, HawaiiAmericorp 3/31 ($25k per corps member)
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/02326e51-73f5-495c-9825-5e4a67c42367 Americorp Member allowance: minimum $21k per year plus healthcare. 24% match, increasing after year 3 To get the full $25k, $8k in matching funds (for salary and/or program expenses)NY – Records Management Grants ($75,000) 3/18
https://www.archives.nysed.gov/grants/lgrmif-grantsFind Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc.gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and Georgia. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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Summary
In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss various initiatives and programs that small municipalities are implementing to enhance community living. They explore a rental inspection pilot program in Springfield, the opening of a new library in Aberdeen, public art projects in South Carolina, and the impact of art festivals on local economies. The episode concludes with a segment on available grants for municipalities, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and development.
https://library.municode.com/MO/Springfield/CODES/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH75RERELIINPRhttps://www.ksmu.org/news/2025-11-04/springfield-city-council-enacts-rental-inspection-pilot-program
Topics:
Springfield IL – Rental Inspection PilotAberdeen, NC – pop. 9300 new library and parklet
https://sandhillssentinel.com/turning-the-page-aberdeen-bids-farewell-to-historic-library-welcomes-new-location https://www.facebook.com/DowntownAberdeen/photos/have-you-checked-out-our-latest-addition-downtown-this-parklet-now-located-at-th/1356730146414930/Public Art and Arts Festivals
Cayce Thomas Dambo Troll https://www.thecolumbiastar.com/articles/cayce-approves-landmark-public-art-investment-brings-first-thomas-dambo-troll-to-south-carolina/ Swamp Fox Murals Trail https://trails.clarendoncounty.com Art Fields – Lake City, SC https://www.artfieldssc.org/ Inspire Festival – Sumter, SC https://www.sumterinspirefestival.org/2026-eventsGrant Opportunites:
3/4: AARP Community Challenge https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2026/2026-challenge.html 3/26: SC - SCRIA Basic & Economic Infrastructure Grants https://ria.sc.gov/grants/how-to-apply 5/1: NC –Helen impacted small business infrastructure grant program: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/public-infrastructure-funds/small-business-infrastructure-grant-program#GuidelinesStatutesSmallBusinessInfrastructureGrants-3659 2/20: NC, SC, OH, IN, KY, & FL - Duke Energy Foundation America250 https://foundation.duke-energy.com/Request-for-ProposalFind Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
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Topics:
Resource and Resiliency Commission: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4692.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.comConcurrency Bill: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/227.htm
In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss the rapid population growth in South Carolina and its implications for small municipalities in the state. They explore the challenges of managing this growth, including infrastructure demands and legislative responses.
The conversation then turns to our discussion of new ideas from other municipalities for improvement:Enhancing Your Local Assets:
Woodfin, NC (pop. ~8,000) is installing a whitewater wave as part of it's local riverfront park project. It's unique in that it provides a feature without a large maintenance cost.
Mark & Karl discuss Woodfin's unique use of it's natural asset and how focusing on your communities natural assets can help improve your community
Education: Sumter, SC (pop ~43,000) repurposed an old grocery, auto parts store, and post office into part of the local community college. https://www.santeelynchescog.org/sites/default/files/uploads/services/cctchealthsciencesbackgrounder.pdfBusiness: Manning, SC (pop ~4,000) partnered with IT Call Center Provalus to refurbish a former department store: https://www.provalus.com/news/provalus-celebrates-opening-of-technology-innovation-center-with-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-in-manning-south-carolinaHospitality: Fountain Inn SC (pop ~14,000) converted a small mill into an event and restaurant space, and Pittsboro, NC (pop ~4,900) reonvated their old 1950's post office into a restaurant (and now cafe): https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article312412665.htmlHousing: Bessemer City, NC (pop ~5,500) converted their old textile mill into apartment housing by stacking multiple grants: https://bessemercity.com/osage-mill-ribbon-cutting/
Building Redevelopment:
We then discuss how preservation and conversion of historic buildings can help maintain and revitalize central business districts. We cover four ways buildings can be reused:We wrap up the discussion talking about the importance of working to secure historic properties and their maintenance shortly after closing to save on long-term restoration costs.
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and websites.
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Summary
In the inaugural episode of "Mighty Municipalities," hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin delve into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small municipalities. They emphasize the importance of celebrating the innovative solutions that smaller communities implement, often overlooked in favor of larger cities. The conversation highlights the significance of public-private partnerships, particularly in the context of waste management and child care services, showcasing how municipalities can creatively leverage existing resources to address pressing community needs.
Today's Topics:
Bedford MA - composting program https://www.bedfordma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=618&ARC=1053Pittsfield IL - child care business incentivehttps://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/pittsfield-expands-incentive-program-hopes-bring-21032634.phphttps://www.pittsfieldil.org/live-feed?page_no=11https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3374/Pittsfield/1c5f2795-8565-4467-bf83-4009c5495bc3/Agenda_09-02-2025.pdf?disposition=inline
