Mighty Municipalities

Ep7 - Business Licensing

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 License  Revenue versus Regulation  Top Questions  * Insurance Agencies vs Brokers  * Peddlers - Forest Acres Peddlers Ordinance [https://library.municode.com/sc/forest_acres/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH14PESO] * Roadside Food [https://agriculture.sc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RF_SellingFoodRoadSideFAQ2025.pdf] (DHEC) Entrepreneurial Options  * Prepared Food/Popcorn/Coffee/Sno-cones (roadside food p.2)  * Home-Based Food Production [https://agriculture.sc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SCHome-basedFoodProductionLawBook2025_digital.pdf]  * Mowing/Raking/Lawn Aeration  * Car Wash/Detailing  * Lot Cleaning/Clearing  * Knife Sharpening  * Pressure Washing  * Painting  Economic Development  * Mapping/Business Listing  * Forecasting  * Resiliency & Health  Inter-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 [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  [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://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/area-development-program/] https://scprt.widen.net/s/fvbgp66gtk/fy25-pard-guidelines_20241120 [https://scprt.widen.net/s/fvbgp66gtk/fy25-pard-guidelines_20241120]  SC Contact: Barry Butler [https://www.arc.gov/staff/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.

Ep6 - Municipal Recruitment & Incentives of Remote Workers

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\ [https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/these-5-us-states-will-pay-you-to-move-there-and-one-even-has-a-23-000-relocation-package/ar-AA1XjmSj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=69a628569342477a8c1fc3c0e10c9aac&ei=61]  * Recruitment incentives including housing allowances for public safety personnel: Housing stipends for Folly Beach police, fire could expand [https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/folly-beach-housing-program-police-fire-stipend/article_075460c2-2459-4a3e-956a-d9df7d4ae4d8.html]  * Cheraw: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/06-2025/cheraw-makes-its-case-attract-remote-workers [https://www.masc.sc/uptown/06-2025/cheraw-makes-its-case-attract-remote-workers]   * https://www.makemymove.com [https://www.makemymove.com/]   Grants  * 5/11/2026 ($350k): National Endowment for the Humanities Collections Stewardship grant:  * https://www.neh.gov/program/collections-stewardship [https://www.neh.gov/program/collections-stewardship]  * https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/0dde865e-f4ba-4b19-8e14-b5b86cb7ccdc [https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/0dde865e-f4ba-4b19-8e14-b5b86cb7ccdc]  * 4/30: ($200k) Knight Cities Challenge Grants https://knightfoundation.org/knight-cities-challenge [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.

Ep5 - Messing With Your Streets To Improve Quality of Life

Topic: 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://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/ [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= [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 [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 [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 [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.

Taking PRIDE: Unmaintained Property Demolition in the City of Sumter, SC

Topic: 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] Learn more about the Sumter PRIDE demolition program:  * https://www.sumtersc.gov/codes-enforcement/sumter-pride-program [https://www.sumtersc.gov/codes-enforcement/sumter-pride-program] Grants Mentioned: Tmobile Hometown Grants ($50k)  * 25 towns per quarter  * Next deadline 3/31  * https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants [https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants]  Favrot Historic Preservation Grant ($15k) 3/2  * Annual  * https://savingplaces.org/favrot-fund [https://savingplaces.org/favrot-fund]   Bureau of Reclamation Water Storage Grants (up to $30m) 4/17/26  * https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/82ae6f0d-24b7-4bcb-8e40-4f55a0d7d509 [https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/82ae6f0d-24b7-4bcb-8e40-4f55a0d7d509]  * 17 Western States, Alaska, Hawaii  Americorp 3/31 ($25k per corps member)  * https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/02326e51-73f5-495c-9825-5e4a67c42367 [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-grants [https://www.sumtersc.gov/codes-enforcement/sumter-pride-program]  Find Us: Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc.gov [https://sumtersc.gov]).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ [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 [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.

Episode 3: Rental Inspections; Reusing Closing Properties, Public Art, Arts Festivals, & Upcoming Grant Opportunities

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. Topics: Springfield IL – Rental Inspection Pilot * https://library.municode.com/MO/Springfield/CODES/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH75RERELIINPR [https://library.municode.com/MO/Springfield/CODES/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH75RERELIINPR] * https://www.ksmu.org/news/2025-11-04/springfield-city-council-enacts-rental-inspection-pilot-program [https://www.ksmu.org/news/2025-11-04/springfield-city-council-enacts-rental-inspection-pilot-program] Aberdeen, NC – pop. 9300 new library and parklet * https://sandhillssentinel.com/turning-the-page-aberdeen-bids-farewell-to-historic-library-welcomes-new-location [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/ [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/ [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/  [https://www.artfieldssc.org/] * Inspire Festival – Sumter, SC  * https://www.sumterinspirefestival.org/2026-events [https://www.sumterinspirefestival.org/2026-events]  Grant Opportunites: * 3/4: AARP Community Challenge  * https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2026/2026-challenge.html [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 [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 [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-Proposal [https://foundation.duke-energy.com/Request-for-Proposal] 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.