Charleston launches ‘Talking Charleston’ municipal podcast

The City of Charleston has launched ‘Talking Charleston’, a new monthly podcast aimed at increasing transparency regarding municipal management. Hosted by Mayor William Cogswell, the program features rotating members of the City Council to discuss district-specific issues and city-wide concerns such as infrastructure, traffic, flooding, and urban planning.

The debut episode featured Councilman Ross Appel, who represents West Ashley and James Island. The discussion addressed the city’s rapid growth and the complexities of local governance, including the limitations of city control over certain roads and the impact of state and county funding structures.

Key topics from the premiere included proposed ‘concurrency’ legislation to link infrastructure improvements with new construction approvals, and the Riverland Oaks development on James Island. Officials noted that updated stormwater regulations and zoning updates have already reduced the planned density of the Riverland Oaks project from 153 to 95 units.