South Carolina Launched New 10-Year Economic Blueprint
Business leaders are shaping a statewide legislative agenda focused on housing and child care affordability.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Regional Economics
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South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce has introduced Blueprint 2036, a 10-year strategy developed with Grant Thornton to boost the state economy. The plan is currently being refined through a statewide tour to gather input on key regional challenges.
Why it matters
The feedback gathered will directly influence the 2027 legislative agenda and future state resource allocations. This initiative aims to improve South Carolina's economic competitiveness by addressing specific infrastructure and workforce pressures.
The plan operates on a 10-year horizon, with organizers conducting nine scheduled tour stops across South Carolina to collect input. This feedback will determine priorities for the 2027 legislative session.
The players
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce
An industry advocacy organization that shapes state legislative agendas and economic policy.
Grant Thornton
A professional services firm that provides advisory and strategic planning support to businesses and organizations.
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
A regional business organization that supports local economic development and policy initiatives.
The details
The strategy, developed alongside Grant Thornton, targets five key pillars: business climate, workforce development, infrastructure, site preparation, and innovation. Business leaders at the Charleston kickoff identified affordable housing, child care, and infrastructure as the most pressing regional obstacles. These insights will serve as the foundation for the organization's legislative advocacy and state resource distribution strategies.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Blueprint 2036 was officially presented in Charleston.
2027: The resulting legislative agenda will guide state policy priorities.
2036: The economic roadmap reaches the end of its 10-year term.
Money Landscape
Blueprint 2036 establishes a long-term framework to guide state economic policy through the next decade. It aims to formalize how South Carolina approaches complex growth challenges relative to previous short-term planning cycles.
Residents should track upcoming legislative sessions as the identified priorities like housing and child care costs could influence future state funding and policy. Families may see shifts in resource allocation that affect local infrastructure and workforce support programs by 2027.
The takeaway
This long-term strategy signals a shift toward addressing household-level barriers like housing and child care to bolster state growth. Consider monitoring the 2027 legislative session calendar for specific policy proposals that may affect your local budget or community infrastructure.
Further reading
For more information on local growth strategies, visit the Regional Economics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Live5news.
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