Last night, I was humbled and deeply grateful to be reelected to a fourth term on Mauldin City Council. The trust our community has placed in me is something I never take for granted. Serving the city I grew up in and the people who make it what it is remains a true honor.

Over the last several years, Mauldin has become a city on the move. We’ve worked hard to attract new businesses, create jobs, and invest in the quality of life that makes people want to call Mauldin home. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited about what lies ahead.

Economic Development and Smart Growth

As chair of Council’s Economic Planning and Development Committee, I’ve had the privilege of helping guide Mauldin’s growth in a way that strengthens our local economy while protecting the character of our community. BridgeWay Station, continuing its evolution off I-385, is more than just a development. It’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going. This public-private partnership represents the largest mixed-use project in Upstate South Carolina and has already drawn new interest from businesses, restaurants, and residents who want to be part of something special, but it’s not just about one project. 

From the ongoing revitalization of our City Center area to the continued growth along Butler Road and the success of the Mauldin Cultural Center, we’ve focused on economic development that brings opportunity without sacrificing quality. We’ve partnered with regional economic groups, supported small businesses, and made strategic infrastructure investments that make Mauldin a magnet for employers and entrepreneurs alike.

Investing in Quality of Life

Economic growth means little if it doesn’t translate into a better everyday experience for our residents. That’s why we’ve worked to strengthen public safety, expand recreation, and enhance our sense of community. We’ve continued to invest in our police and fire departments by ensuring that the men and women who protect Mauldin have the tools, training, and support they need.

We’ve also made significant progress in parks and recreation. Events like the Mauldin Blues & Jazz Festival, Amp’d Up Fridays, SOOIE Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off, Friday Night Flicks, and A Merry Mauldin Christmas showcase some of the energy that makes our city unique.

Looking Ahead

Mauldin’s best days are still ahead of us. We’ll work to improve transportation corridors like East Butler Road, and we’ll continue advocating for state partnerships to address regional road needs.

We’ll also continue investing in the people and places that define Mauldin’s identity. Our downtown vision is taking shape, and with the right planning and partnerships, we can create a walkable, vibrant city center that blends business, entertainment, and community gathering spaces.

Perhaps most importantly, we’ll keep working together. One of Mauldin’s greatest strengths is its sense of collaboration between City Council, staff, businesses, neighborhoods, and residents. That teamwork has brought us this far, and it will be what carries us into the next chapter.

Gratitude and Commitment

To everyone who took time to vote, thank you for caring about Mauldin’s future. This representative republic only works when people are engaged, and our city is stronger because of it. To my family, friends, and supporters, your encouragement means more than I can say.

As I prepare for this new term, my commitment remains the same as it was on day one: to serve with integrity, to listen before I speak, and to put Mauldin first. Together, we’ll keep building a city that balances growth with grace -- a city where opportunity thrives, families flourish, and community remains at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you, Mauldin, for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in what we can accomplish together. Let’s keep moving Mauldin forward.

-- Taft Matney serves in Seat 1 on Mauldin City Council. He can be reached at tmatney@mauldincitysc.com.

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