Aiken, South Carolina, August 14, 2025
Aiken: City Council Update — Zoning Changes, Budget Votes, and What Comes Next
This article lists all events and public dates mentioned for Aiken, South Carolina, from recent municipal planning, budget and election activities. Each entry includes the date, location, times and contact information where available. The information is presented for practical, non-promotional use by residents and stakeholders.
Eyes on Aiken / Sugar Hill Drop-in Session
Date: August 2, 2025
Location: City Municipal Building, 3rd Floor
Time: 9:30 am — 11:30 am
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: Drop-in public input session on the Unified Development Ordinance update. Light breakfast items provided as supplies lasted. Event focused on zoning and neighborhood design considerations that will influence development for decades.
Public Information Sessions — Zoning Ordinance Rewrite (UDO)
The city scheduled multiple information sessions to collect community feedback on the Unified Development Ordinance and related zoning updates. All sessions run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm unless otherwise noted.
Roy Warner Park Session
Date: January 14, 2025
Location: Roy Warner Park, 6021 Roy Warner Park Ln, Wagener, SC 29164
Time: 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: Public meeting for zoning rewrite input. Open to residents interested in land-use, subdivision, and neighborhood design changes.
Aiken Senior Life Services Session
Date: January 22, 2025
Location: Aiken Senior Life Services, 1310 E Pine Log Rd, Aiken, SC 29803
Time: 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: Community engagement session focused on zoning changes with special consideration for neighborhood impacts.
Gregg Park Civic Center Session
Date: January 27, 2025
Location: Gregg Park Civic Center, 1001 A Avenue, Graniteville, SC 29829
Time: 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: Session for residents in the surrounding area to review proposed zoning updates and provide feedback.
North Augusta Community Center Session
Date: January 28, 2025
Location: North Augusta Community Center, 495 Brookside Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
Time: 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: Public information meeting as part of the zoning ordinance outreach series.
Budget Approval — First Reading (Fiscal Year 2025–2026)
Date: May 2025 (first reading approved)
Location: City Council meeting (location not specified)
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: Council approved the first reading of the FY 2025–2026 budget. Key items in the budget include a planned workforce housing project and utility fee adjustments to support aging infrastructure. The millage rate was set without change from the historical rate.
Workforce Housing Project — Construction & Completion Timeline
Project Investment: $16.6 million (60-unit complex)
Completion Expected: November 2025 (projected)
Location: Project site within city limits (site-specific address not provided)
Contact: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Details: 60 units planned, with designated units for lower-income families. This is a city-supported housing initiative included in the budget.
Municipal Election Calendar and Key Dates
The municipal election cycle contains multiple dates residents should note. Locations for voting and early voting centers may be published separately by election officials.
- Early Voting for the Primary: July 28 to August 8 (2025)
- District 6 Primary: August 12 (2025)
- Closing of Entries for Nomination by Petition: August 21 (2025)
- Municipal Election Day: November 4 (2025)
Open Seats: Four council seats up for election in 2025 (Districts 2, 4, 5 and 6). Several incumbents in these districts are not seeking reelection, indicating a shift in council composition.
Contact for Election Questions: City Manager’s Office, 803-642-7654
Practical Notes for Residents and Homebuyers
Timing and Impact: Zoning updates and school rezoning can affect property values and neighborhood development over the long term.
Recommended Actions:
- Attend public sessions to share input and learn about proposed zoning changes.
- Monitor election dates to participate in municipal governance decisions.
- Contact the City Manager’s Office at 803-642-7654 for official schedules, voting locations and updated event details.
FAQ
Q1: How can I get official information about the UDO sessions and schedule?
A1: Contact the City Manager’s Office at 803-642-7654 for official schedules, venue updates and materials related to the Unified Development Ordinance outreach sessions.
Q2: Where and when is the voter primary early voting period?
A2: Early voting for the primary runs from July 28 to August 8, 2025. Specific early voting locations are managed by election officials; call 803-642-7654 for general municipal guidance and referrals.
Q3: What are the major budget items residents should be aware of?
A3: The FY 2025–2026 budget includes a $16.6 million workforce housing project, maintenance and upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure with proposed modest rate adjustments, and a proposed increase in stormwater fees to support infrastructure needs.
Q4: How can I provide input if I cannot attend an in-person session?
A4: Contact the City Manager’s Office at 803-642-7654 to ask about alternative submission methods for comments and to request information on additional engagement opportunities.
At-a-Glance Events Table
| Event | Date | Location | Time | Contact | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eyes on Aiken / Sugar Hill Drop-in | August 2, 2025 | City Municipal Building, 3rd Floor | 9:30 am — 11:30 am | 803-642-7654 | UDO input session; light breakfast available while supplies last. |
| Roy Warner Park UDO Session | January 14, 2025 | 6021 Roy Warner Park Ln, Wagener, SC 29164 | 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm | 803-642-7654 | Public meeting on zoning ordinance rewrite. |
| Aiken Senior Life Services UDO Session | January 22, 2025 | 1310 E Pine Log Rd, Aiken, SC 29803 | 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm | 803-642-7654 | Community engagement for zoning changes. |
| Gregg Park Civic Center UDO Session | January 27, 2025 | 1001 A Avenue, Graniteville, SC 29829 | 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm | 803-642-7654 | Public forum on proposed zoning updates. |
| North Augusta Community Center UDO Session | January 28, 2025 | 495 Brookside Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841 | 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm | 803-642-7654 | Public information meeting as part of outreach series. |
| Budget First Reading (FY 2025–2026) | May 2025 | City Council meeting (location not specified) | Not specified | 803-642-7654 | First reading approved; includes workforce housing and utility adjustments. |
| Workforce Housing Project Completion (Projected) | November 2025 (expected) | Project site within city limits (address not provided) | Not applicable | 803-642-7654 | 60-unit complex; designated low-income units included. |
| Early Voting — Primary | July 28 — August 8, 2025 | Early voting centers (locations announced by election officials) | Varies by location | 803-642-7654 | Primary early voting period. |
| District 6 Primary | August 12, 2025 | Polling location(s) per district | Standard polling hours | 803-642-7654 | District-level primary election date. |
| Nomination by Petition Deadline | August 21, 2025 | City election/clerical offices | By close of business (local rules) | 803-642-7654 | Last day to file nomination by petition. |
| Municipal Election Day | November 4, 2025 | Polling places across the city | Standard polling hours | 803-642-7654 | General election for city council seats. |
For the most up-to-date schedules, venue confirmations, and official guidance, contact the City Manager’s Office at 803-642-7654.
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
