(Richland PIO) – Richland County will bring together state and local entities for an upcoming public event focused on the positive impact of the County’s Transportation Penny program, both at present and in the future.
The 2025 State of the Penny address is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, June 12 in Council Chambers at the Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about Transportation Penny operations, projects and expenditures. Representatives of the County’s Transportation Penny Advisory Committee (TPAC), the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and The COMET will discuss the Penny’s impact on the infrastructure, economy, and quality of life for County residents.
State of the Penny speakers will include:
- Jesica Mackey, County Council Chairwoman
- Paul Livingston, District 4 County Councilman and chair of County Council’s Transportation Ad Hoc Committee
- Mike Maloney, Richland County Public Works Director
- Dr. John Thompson, Assistant County Administrator
- John Black, chair of TPAC
- John Boylston, chief engineer for project delivery, SCDOT
- Maurice Pearl, executive director and CEO, The COMET
Space will be limited at this event, which will stream live on Richland County’s YouTube channel.
Background on the Penny
Richland County’s Transportation Penny Tax program funds much-needed transportation projects across all 11 Council districts. The program is designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve access and safety for pedestrians, create greenways and bikeways, and expand public transit. Penny projects are funded by a 1 percent sales tax residents voted to approve in 2012 and extended by majority vote in November 2024. The latest voter-approved referendum will continue program funding for 25 years or until a maximum revenue of $4.5 billion is collected, whichever comes first.
For more information, follow Richland County Transportation Penny on Facebook. To learn more about the Transportation Penny program, visit www.richlandpenny.com.