City of Charleston Commission on Women 10/19/26

The City of Charleston Commission on Women held its October 19, 2026 meeting to set its work plan. Members unanimously selected affordable child care as the commission’s 2027 focus, with plans to gather information on municipal approaches and hold expert presentations beginning in January. Discussion highlighted child-care costs of roughly $385–$400 per week per child, shortages and long waitlists, and the need to consider after-school care as well as care for younger children. No procurement, contract award, or spending approval was identified.

The commission also discussed the city’s paid family leave benefits and possible changes for consideration through the city’s HR and budget processes. Staff clarified that the birth parent currently receives six paid weeks and the non-birthing parent receives two; the state recently increased its non-birthing-parent leave to four weeks. Members expressed support for considering an increase and clearer policy language, including coverage for stillbirth, and asked to be informed of opportunities to provide input as the issue proceeds. The motion also called for the commission’s support of pursuing paid-leave changes; no implementation or budget decision was made at this meeting.