North Charleston neighbors secured a $45 million allocation for local projects after Charleston County voters approved the transportation sales tax referendum on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The half-cent sales tax is projected to generate $4.25 billion over 25 years for road infrastructure, public transit and greenspace preservation across the county, according to ABC News 4. The North Charleston allocation, which includes a noise barrier wall, was secured before the referendum appeared on the ballot.

Supporters called the margin historic. The exact percentage varied by source. Unofficial results from the South Carolina Election Commission showed 108,190 votes, or 63.91%, in favor and 61,102 opposed, according to Count On 2.

Live 5 News reported 65% voting in favor. Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin said in a statement the measure passed with nearly 64% voter approval.

About 57% of registered voters turned out countywide, about 10% lower than what Charleston County saw in the 2024 presidential election, ABC News 4 reported.

What it means for North Charleston

A portion of the sales tax revenue will fund a rapid transit line connecting North Charleston to downtown Charleston along Rivers Avenue. The sales tax is projected to generate roughly $850 million for the rapid transit project starting in 2027, with a targeted ribbon-cutting in 2029, Live 5 News reported.

North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess rode a CARTA bus the morning after the election to celebrate the outcome, according to Live 5 News. Burgess said he plans to continue promoting the rapid transit line leading up to its targeted opening.

The bigger picture

Under the plan, almost 40% of the $4.25 billion would go toward special projects across Charleston County. The draft program allocates 64% to infrastructure projects ($2.7 billion), 20% to public transit ($860 million) and 16% to the Greenbelt Program ($690 million), according to county planning documents.

Voters also approved a related measure authorizing up to $300 million in general obligation bonds backed by the sales tax revenue. That question passed with 108,002 votes, or 63.97%, in favor, according to Count On 2.

The tax extends a half-cent levy that has been in place for more than two decades. Supporters argued it was necessary to pay for road repairs. Opponents said the tax has been in place for more than 20 years and "it still feels like the roads are broken," ABC News 4 reported.

The 2026 program was shaped by nearly 80 public meetings, 29,000 public comments and more than 600 individual project requests, according to county records. Charleston County Council passed the final reading of the ordinance on July 1, 2026. The rapid transit line along Rivers Avenue is targeted to open in 2029.