South Carolina's 2025 Transformation: Infrastructure, Policy, and Education Milestones Pave the Way for Unprecedented Growth

As South Carolina closes out 2025, the state continues its momentum across multiple fronts, from infrastructure investments to policy reforms that are reshaping the economic and educational landscape.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 11 fatalities on state roadways during the Christmas holiday travel period from December 24 through December 28[1]. This represents a slight improvement compared to 12 fatalities during the same period in 2024, though preliminary data continues to be compiled by county coroners offices[1].

On the legislative front, South Carolina lawmakers have achieved significant policy wins heading into 2026. The state passed H.3430, landmark tort reform legislation that includes relief for bars and restaurants regarding liquor liability insurance and creates fairer jury verdict procedures[2]. Additionally, South Carolina is positioning itself as a national leader in nuclear energy. Lawmakers championed Small Modular Reactors as a critical part of the state's future energy portfolio through H.3309[2]. Tax reform also advanced, with the highest individual income tax bracket now at 6 percent, down from 7 percent, with potential further reductions on the horizon[2].

Education remains a priority for state leaders. South Carolina lawmakers are advancing proposals to raise starting teacher salaries to 50,000 dollars annually, an initiative that would require approximately 200 million dollars in annual funding[4]. The state also launched SC RISE in January 2025, a teacher residency program designed to improve recruitment and retention through paid, year-long positions[4].

Major infrastructure projects are transforming South Carolina communities. The University of South Carolina's new School of Medicine, a 300 million dollar facility spanning 330,000 square feet, topped out in 2025 with completion scheduled for August 2027[12]. In Columbia, the city partnership with The Kessler Collection to develop a Grand Bohemian Hotel represents a 70 million dollar investment in downtown revitalization[11]. Core Spaces is breaking ground on Oliv Columbia, a 2,350-bed mixed-use development near the USC campus with completion scheduled for summer 2028[7].

Healthcare expansion is also underway. Novant Health was selected to develop a 25,000-square-foot medical office building in Hilton Head that will include urology, urgent care, primary care, and physical therapy services, with planned expansion to 40,000 total square feet representing a 25.3 million dollar investment[3].

Looking ahead, South Carolina faces important decisions on additional tort reform measures, with the House pledging to address reforms left from the H.3430 compromise in 2026[2]. The Senate is expected to take up broader tax reform proposals that could further reshape the state's fiscal landscape[2]. Education funding and teacher recruitment initiatives will continue to be central to legislative discussions as the state works to fill over 1,000 teacher vacancies.

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