News Summary
David Britt, a longtime Spartanburg County Councilman, will vacate his seat post the May 19 meeting to join the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Serving since 1991, Britt has been pivotal in economic development, most notably in attracting major industries like BMW. His new role will focus on utility oversight, including sustainable energy initiatives. As he transitions, special elections will be held to fill his position, which could significantly influence the region’s growth strategies amidst ongoing council developments.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Longtime Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt is set to leave his council seat after the May 19 meeting to join the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Britt, who has served on the county council since 1991, will represent the 4th Congressional District, encompassing much of Spartanburg and Greenville counties. His new role at the commission will involve overseeing utilities, which includes setting rates for gas, electric, water, and wastewater companies.
Britt’s departure from the council marks the end of a significant era in which he played a vital role in economic development efforts, particularly in recruiting major industries to the area. Notably, he was instrumental in bringing BMW to Spartanburg, a development that has had lasting impacts on the local economy. His advocacy for fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements has helped attract numerous businesses by providing them with lower property tax rates. Under his tenure, Spartanburg has seen approximately 100,000 new jobs created and around $65 billion in investments.
In his new position with the Public Service Commission, Britt aims to maintain his active involvement in economic development. He has expressed a keen interest in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by sustainable energy, indicating that this will be a focal point during his time on the commission. Britt referred to his tenure on the county council as the “biggest honor” of his life, thanking the constituents he served for their support over the years.
As Britt prepares to transition out of local government, Spartanburg City Council member Rob Rain has been appointed to the South Carolina Ports Authority. Rain will resign from the city council, prompting upcoming special elections to fill both his and Britt’s positions. The elections are anticipated to have a significant impact on the ongoing discussions regarding Spartanburg’s growth and development strategy.
The county council is currently working on a new zoning ordinance aimed at managing the area’s growth and minimizing sprawl. This initiative reflects ongoing concerns about balancing development with community needs. Britt’s opponent, Bryan Alverson, has proposed a different approach to economic development that includes eliminating property taxes and promoting strategic growth. Alverson challenges the use of FILOT agreements favored by Britt, suggesting an alternative funding model based on sales tax.
Spartanburg has emerged as the eighth-fastest growing metropolitan area in the country, largely due to initiatives championed by leaders like Britt. The transformative impact of BMW’s presence in the region is underscored by the company’s substantial investment of over $14.8 billion into its Spartanburg facility, which produces approximately 400,000 cars annually. Britt has defended the operations of BMW against critiques, particularly from trade advisors who claim their presence harms the American economy. He argues that BMW has significantly enhanced both the local and state economy through job creation and investment.
In conclusion, as David Britt transitions to his new role on the Public Service Commission, Spartanburg prepares for significant changes in its local governance and strategy for economic growth. With special elections on the horizon and the ongoing work of the county council, the community remains focused on the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Goupstate: Spartanburg Elected Officials Move
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: David Britt Faces Bryan Alverson
- Google Search: David Britt South Carolina
- MSN: Spartanburg County Council Green Lights Investment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Goupstate: Upstate Leaders React to Navarro’s Criticism
- Google News: BMW Spartanburg
