State of the City Series:
Joe Riley Speaks to Rotarians on the State of Charleston

July 25, 2006: Mayor Joe Riley was introduced by Amy Riley as a “visionary, leader and statesman”. Lately, the Mayor has assumed another role to which he has already demonstrated great commitment and devotion- that of grandfather to his new baby granddaughter!

Mayor Riley has served the city of Charleston for eight consecutive terms of office during which Charleston has become a major vacation destination now ranking as the fourth most desirable city to visit in North America according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. Mayor Riley stated that a continuing goal for him at this point is to establish the means and methods by which we can maintain and secure the beauty and integrity not only of Charleston but also of the entire surrounding region long into the future.

Clearly, the city of Charleston is not just affected by issues and concerns that arise within the city limits. The decisions made here in Charleston and by nearby cities and counties have impact all over the low country. Mayor Riley spoke in terms of “corridors” like the Ashley River Road/Highway 61 corridor and the digital corridor of knowledge-based businesses which have been attracted to the low country. The term “corridor” paints a picture of shared concerns and purposes with interests that now overlap and cross established boundaries which previously were thought to be rather separate and distinct. Because our issues and interests are now so interrelated, it is imperative that we work together to formulate a single, comprehensive long range plan which will serve to guide and direct the growth and development of this region long into the future.

In order to shape and mold this long-term future , Mayor Riley suggests we first begin thinking of ourselves as a regional entity and consequently to assume a sense of ownership for creating an integrated public policy which will benefit everyone both singularly and as a whole.

The next step is for a business-led, private, non-government group, much like Historic Charleston Foundation was when it began in 1947, to step up and take the reigns of responsibility for spearheading efforts to establish such a regional plan .

Mayor Riley also addressed other concerns that matter to those of us who enjoy life here in the low country. The park and ride commuter rail transportation system is due to start up in October. While the cost sounds inordinately expensive is substantially less than a fixed rail system because it utilizes infrastructure already in place. These efforts are going to have considerable impact on traffic congestion by providing park and ride services for commuters.

Mayor Riley spoke of his concern about crime and about the need to put repeat offenders into the jails and to keep them there. The systemic challenges in the judicial system are many and Mayor Riley has been working closely with police and judges to find ways to address these challenges to put and keep criminals in jail.

Finally, Mayor Riley told Rotarians about the anticipated uses for certain sections within the city such as the Federal building on Marion square, the section where the old cooper river bridge began, and land in the Calhoun and Concord streets area. Most will reflect some combination of residential and commercial use with ample parking and green spaces.

At the conclusion of Mayor Riley’s talk, President Amy thanked him and presented a certificate for a book purchased in his name for the new library at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, LA.

Reported by Helen Reynolds, Keyway Committee