The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County

Guest Editorial: What Does Incorporation of Buckhead Mean for Fairfield?

The petition to incorporate the Town of Buckhead is now 100 percent complete.

Incorporating Buckhead is not about separation. It is about elevation.

It is about giving the western side of Fairfield County the ability to control our own growth, manage our own resources, and preserve our own identity. For too long, decisions about this side of the county have been made by people who do not live here, do not drive these roads, and do not walk this ground.

Incorporation means:

When Buckhead stands, Western Fairfield stands taller. This is not just a win for Blair. It is a win for Shelton, for Dawkins, for Monticello, and for every community that has ever been told to wait their turn.

The incorporation of Buckhead does not just uplift Western Fairfield. It uplifts the entire county.

First, there is going to be the economic impact. An incorporated Buckhead can attract tourism dollars by celebrating the rich history and culture that exist here. From the story of McCrorey-Liston, to the legacy of the churches, to the scenic beauty of Lake Monticello, there is an opportunity to create heritage tours, local festivals, markets, and events that pull visitors in from across the state.

New businesses will mean new jobs, not just for Buckhead residents but for Fairfield County as a whole. I see contractors, suppliers, vendors, and service providers in Buckhead benefiting the whole county.

An organized municipality with intentional planning improves property values countywide. Fairfield benefits when all its regions are strong. Instead of being a forgotten corner of the county, Buckhead can become a vibrant economic engine that adds to the tax base, increases investment, and reduces the strain on county services.

It also strengthens the county’s political influence. A strong Buckhead means a stronger voice at the regional and state level for Fairfield County. It sends the message that our communities are organized, forward-thinking, and ready to compete for resources, grants, and opportunities.

When Buckhead grows, Fairfield County grows. The incorporation of Buckhead is not about taking away. It is about contributing value, strength, and sustainability to the whole county.