Community Development
Revitalizing Charleston Through Community-Focused Development
Our Community Development team works to enhance Charleston’s built environment and quality of life through smart, sustainable growth initiatives. From housing and beautification to events that drive foot traffic and business engagement, we’re focused on building a stronger, more vibrant community.
City Center Business Improvement District (BID)
The Charleston Area Alliance supports the City Center Business Improvement District, a public-private partnership that invests in services and improvements in the city’s downtown core. The BID enhances safety, cleanliness, and visitor experience to support a thriving business environment.
Community Development Events
Downtown Open
May 29 – June 22, 2025
Each summer, Downtown Charleston transforms into a pop-up putt-putt course with more than 20 creative, business-sponsored holes along city sidewalks. Presented by Hendrickson & Long PLLC, this unique event brings energy and foot traffic downtown.
Registration is now open for businesses that want to sponsor a hole.
Check out the 2024 Winners
Downtown Housing Initiative
Vibrant, livable downtowns depend on accessible housing. The Charleston Area Alliance partnered with Bowen National Research to conduct a housing study that identifies opportunities and strategies to grow residential offerings in the urban core.
Charleston in Bloom
Launched in 2020, Charleston In Bloom brings seasonal beauty to downtown through 50+ flower boxes on the Dickinson and Summers Street parking garages. This initiative is part of our broader Parking Garage Planter Program, which improves aesthetics, encourages walkability, and supports business attraction.
Special thanks to our funders and partners: Kanawha Garden Club, CRC Foundation, Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, City of Charleston, Ben Franklin Career and Technical School, and the Bernard H. and Blanche E. Jacobson Foundation.
Contact Our Community Development Team
Have a question or want to get involved in our projects?