Palmetto State News

U.S. Senator Tim Scott and Scott Turner, the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, recently visited One80 Place in Charleston, South Carolina. This location is part of an affordable housing development and sits within an Opportunity Zone. A new six-story housing and shelter project, a $44 million investment, is currently under construction. This project will feature 70 affordable housing units and a 65-bed family shelter — a first for the area. There are plans to replicate this model nationwide.

Senator Scott emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, “To have the Secretary of HUD to stop by Charleston, South Carolina, invest his valuable time in seeing the progress that we are making as a community, it is a blessing…and it is also a blessing to have One80 Place working so hard on behalf of a critical issue. One of our top goals on the [Senate Banking] Committee is housing and affordability, and I’m thankful that we have a partner who’s on the job every single day, leading the way from Washington, and many people in the local community, on the job, every single day, helping us take care of our own communities.”

Scott further noted the importance of the regulatory environment in the context of housing affordability, highlighting, “Certainly, we’re focusing on the regulatory environment. And frankly, the private sector as well…you look at our bill, the ROAD to Housing Act, it focuses on relieving some of the pressure in the system from a regulatory perspective. [I believe] that will allow for more homeownership, faster.”

Senator Scott’s work with the Opportunity Zones initiative has already funneled $84.7 billion into underserved communities, unlocking new economic avenues. Secretary Turner, having led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during the Trump administration, played a pivotal role in the program's success, earning recognition from various political leaders.

Senator Scott is eager to collaborate with President Trump and his Republican colleagues to expand the Opportunity Zones initiative further, aiming to sustain economic growth in struggling communities.

In his prior commitments, Secretary Turner announced plans to visit other locations like Charleston to better understand housing issues nationwide. He has also identified Senator Scott’s ROAD to Housing Act as a key priority to bolster investment in affordable housing.