Fort Mill Economic Partners reports website growth, grants and microtransit pilot
November 22, 2025 | Fort Mill Township, Lancaster County, South Carolina
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Fort Mill Economic Partners updated the Town Council on its work on communications, events and downtown revitalization.
Mariah Price, speaking for the organization, said the group's DiscoverFortMill.org site logged roughly 1,500 users over the prior 28 days and that the group has about 265 newsletter subscribers. ‘‘We launched late last year…in the last 28 days we’ve had over 1,500 users,’’ Price said, describing increased engagement with local businesses and partners such as Fort Mill Now.
Price highlighted the Strawberry Sprint & Stroll, which drew just over 900 participants this year and raised a little more than $3,000 for Fort Mill Care Center. She said the race remains the organization’s largest fundraiser and that next year’s race is scheduled for April 25, with early registration to open Dec. 1.
The group also described a downtown utility infrastructure grant program that provides reimbursable matching grants of up to $15,000 to encourage investment in the commercial district. Price said Speckled Pear Market was the program’s first recipient and that additional applications are under review.
A public‑art mural funded by an accommodations‑tax grant is set for an official unveiling Thursday, Nov. 20, Price said, and she credited a town-funded grant and individual volunteers for the installation work.
On transportation, Price said the group remains engaged in developing a microtransit pilot to serve three commercial districts next year but still needs additional public and private partnerships and county assistance to secure full funding. ‘‘The next step after securing the funding would be to sign our contract and start our marketing campaign for this program,’’ she said.
Price also reported recent governance changes: two new businesses (Unique Loom and Sunbelt Winter Rentals) have joined the FMEP board and other board members have rotated off, bringing fresh perspectives, she said.
Councilmembers asked procedural questions about grant timing and eligibility; Price confirmed the utility‑infrastructure grant is ongoing as funding allows and that applicants must be located within the town limits; detailed requirements are posted on the FMEP website.
The presentation closed with council praise for the group’s events and downtown efforts. The council did not take formal action on the update.
Mariah Price, speaking for the organization, said the group's DiscoverFortMill.org site logged roughly 1,500 users over the prior 28 days and that the group has about 265 newsletter subscribers. ‘‘We launched late last year…in the last 28 days we’ve had over 1,500 users,’’ Price said, describing increased engagement with local businesses and partners such as Fort Mill Now.
Price highlighted the Strawberry Sprint & Stroll, which drew just over 900 participants this year and raised a little more than $3,000 for Fort Mill Care Center. She said the race remains the organization’s largest fundraiser and that next year’s race is scheduled for April 25, with early registration to open Dec. 1.
The group also described a downtown utility infrastructure grant program that provides reimbursable matching grants of up to $15,000 to encourage investment in the commercial district. Price said Speckled Pear Market was the program’s first recipient and that additional applications are under review.
A public‑art mural funded by an accommodations‑tax grant is set for an official unveiling Thursday, Nov. 20, Price said, and she credited a town-funded grant and individual volunteers for the installation work.
On transportation, Price said the group remains engaged in developing a microtransit pilot to serve three commercial districts next year but still needs additional public and private partnerships and county assistance to secure full funding. ‘‘The next step after securing the funding would be to sign our contract and start our marketing campaign for this program,’’ she said.
Price also reported recent governance changes: two new businesses (Unique Loom and Sunbelt Winter Rentals) have joined the FMEP board and other board members have rotated off, bringing fresh perspectives, she said.
Councilmembers asked procedural questions about grant timing and eligibility; Price confirmed the utility‑infrastructure grant is ongoing as funding allows and that applicants must be located within the town limits; detailed requirements are posted on the FMEP website.
The presentation closed with council praise for the group’s events and downtown efforts. The council did not take formal action on the update.
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