The Municipal Association of SC Hometown Legislative Action Day will take place Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This year, it will take place at a new venue — the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center at 1101 Lincoln St.
A key part of HLAD is the opportunity for city and town leaders to meet with their elected delegation, both at the State House and during the Legislative Reception. Even so, it’s not the only time that mayors and councilmembers should be working to connect with their delegation in Columbia. Building those relationships is an ongoing process, which municipal leaders should be involved in throughout the year.
Here are some key points to consider when keeping the channels open with their state representatives and senators:
Long before asking for anything, establish the working relationship.
Municipal officials represent some of the same residents that the local elected delegation represents, but it’s important to remember that legislators may not have extensive knowledge of everything happening in a particular city or town.
Municipal officials should aim to provide periodic updates to their delegation about specific city projects, strategies and challenges. This can help the delegation better understand the city council’s decisions, can also help them identify possible funding opportunities or other resources. Follow up on meetings with additional information and thanks as quickly as possible.
Keep representatives and senators involved in municipal activities whenever possible.
City councils can extend invitations to their legislators to join them at council meetings, giving them an opportunity to speak about their State House priorities and learn about the council’s work. Inviting them to attend the city’s ribbon cuttings and special events can help establish valuable relationships as well.
Always thank legislators for their work.
Whenever legislators bring state-level results that help out the operations of a municipality, it’s valuable to extend a thank-you note, and also to give them credit publicly through the city’s regular communication channels — including thanking them at council meetings.
Keep up with the State House activity that will impact the city.
Throughout the legislative session, the Municipal Association produces the From the Dome to Your Home legislative report and podcast, found online. It gives weekly updates from the Association’s advocacy staff about the bills and other legislative developments that matter the most to municipalities.
When city officials follow along throughout the session, it can help them understand the processes involved, and it can help them offer accurate and consistent messages to their legislators about how to help cities and towns, all at the right moment in time.
HLAD to Address Civility, Funding
The agenda for Hometown Legislative Action Day will address several issues critical to cities and towns, including these:
- Agreeing to Disagree With Antjuan Seawright and Dave Wilson – Dave Wilson, chief strategist for McAlister Communications, and Antjuan Seawright, founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy, LLC, will discuss upcoming elections and how to be civil even through disagreement.
- Navigating the Federal Earmark Process – In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending, often referred to as Community Project Funding or earmarks, in federal appropriation bills. Learn about how this process can work for the federal dollars that are available to municipalities.
- Working With the SCDOT – SC Transportation Secretary Justin Powell will share his perspective on the SC Department of Transportation with local leaders, and how cities and towns can work together to strengthen the state’s infrastructure.
Find the full agenda and details for Hometown Legislative Action Day.