City of Charleston mayor reflects on first year since his election

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell reflected on his first year since he was elected into office on Monday.

Cogswell discussed the accomplishments and challenges he has faced in his first quarter, but also about the road ahead leading the largest city in the state. However, growing up in Charleston and becoming the mayor has influenced him.

“It is a place that I’m very passionate about,” Cogswell said. “It is my DNA right. I’m not alone in that, I think you ask anybody, doesn’t necessarily have to had grown up here but people that live here – love this place.”

Since he was elected, the mayor continues to hit his three principles – smart growth, safe communities, and sound governance.

The mayor said that some of his achievements that he is proud of include the improvements to Sumar Street, the Union Pier TIF agreement, the Low Battery Seawall project, and the King Street safety initiative. He said violent crime has gone down since its implementation.

“What we need to see on King Street is an environment that is welcoming to everybody and that everybody feels safe,” Cogswell said. “The way that you do that is enforce the rules you have and ask people to respect those rules.”

However, Cogswell said the growing population continues to be a challenge, but remains a “good” one to have. He looks to make improvements to affordable housing and transportation, but noted it is going to take a “regional approach.”

“When we grow, we need to be smart about it,” Cogswell said. “We need to make sure the character we have here that everybody knows and loves is maintained. And so we need to put residents first and we need to do things that help impact their day-to-day lives here and now. But also be looking to the future.”

Cogswell said he recognizes the importance of tradition and is looking forward to continue the ones here. One thing that isn’t changing is the love for his city, which is shared by his community.

“The love of this place is pretty widespread,” Cogswell said. “That’s something I’d say in today’s world is pretty unique and something I want to maintain at all costs.”