HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The City of Hartsville has been selected to participate in Project Hometown SC, a two-year initiative led by Main Street South Carolina, a program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, focused on strengthening community identity, supporting workforce stability, and improving long-term resident retention in Hartsville.
The project is supported by a $305,000 State Economic and Infrastructure Development award from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, along with a local matching commitment from the City of Hartsville. The South Carolina Office of Rural Health will serve as a key partner, helping advance strategies that support residents and foster long-term community stability.
“South Carolina’s small towns thrive when residents feel connected, supported, and rooted in their hometowns,” said Jenny Boulware, Manager of Main Street South Carolina. “Project Hometown SC invests in local identity, local leadership, and local talent. We are grateful to SCRC for recognizing the promise of this effort in communities like Hartsville.”
Through Project Hometown SC, Hartsville will build on its existing strengths and momentum by focusing on:
- Expanding local storytelling capacity and workforce development
- Creating a hometown ambassador network
- Hosting community celebrations and engagement opportunities
- Strengthening resident stability and support systems
“Project Hometown SC gives us the structure and support to lift up the voices, stories, and people who make Hartsville special,” said City Manager Daniel Moore. “This investment strengthens our long-term commitment to building a community where every resident feels connected, supported, and proud to call Hartsville home.”
At the conclusion of the two-year pilot, a Community Stability Toolkit will be developed and shared statewide, offering templates, training materials, and best practices that can be replicated by other rural communities across South Carolina.
Project Hometown SC aligns with Hartsville’s ongoing commitment to community development, local pride, and creating a welcoming environment where residents can live, work, and grow.