Wyche played a central role in Dorchester County’s recent adoption of a workforce housing ordinance aimed at expanding attainable housing options for essential workers across the region. Approved by the County Council in December 2025, the policy introduces a set of locally tailored incentives designed to address rising housing costs affecting teachers, first responders, and other critical members of the workforce.
Serving as legal counsel, Wyche advised Dorchester County throughout the development of the ordinance, providing guidance on statutory structure, financial tools, and implementation strategy. The firm worked closely with County leadership to craft a policy framework that is both legally sound and responsive to local economic realities.
The ordinance establishes incentives—including special source revenue credits—to encourage developers to build or rehabilitate housing affordable to households earning between 60% and 100% of the area median income (AMI), with an average affordability target of 80% AMI. Qualifying developments must dedicate at least 20% of units as workforce housing, with affordability measured by the standard that housing and utilities do not exceed 30% of a household’s gross income.
A distinguishing feature of the policy is its use of locally calibrated salary data for school employees, police officers, firefighters, and other essential workers. By grounding affordability thresholds in actual local wages, the ordinance is designed to help workers live closer to where they work, reducing long commutes and easing the pressures associated with regional housing costs.
“Dorchester County could not have moved the needle without Wyche’s direct involvement and help,” said Deputy County Administrator Bryan Havir. “It truly was a total team effort, and we are hopeful this will produce many positive results in workforce and affordable housing opportunities.”
Wyche’s multidisciplinary approach—drawing on experience in economic development, public finance, land use, and local government law—helped ensure the ordinance would provide a structured legal framework while remaining flexible enough to evolve as housing needs change.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support Dorchester County on such a pivotal issue,” said Alyssa Richardson of Wyche. “Helping communities develop practical tools that expand opportunity and strengthen the workforce is a core part of our work.”
With the ordinance now entering the implementation phase, Dorchester County is positioned as a regional leader in deploying innovative housing policy solutions. Wyche continues to advise public and private entities across South Carolina as they work to expand workforce housing and build more resilient communities.
This work was led by Wyche attorneys Deidre Dixon and Alyssa Richardson.
