Hanahan mayor excited about growth in her city

HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - She’s in her second term as mayor of the city of Hanahan, and is excited about the growth her city is experiencing.

Christie Rainwater says there is a revitalization and news businesses coming to life in her city.

“Our city is such an extraordinary place,” she says. “It’s rare to have a hidden gem where your kids can go out and play. Everybody knows each other, loves each other, sometimes fights with each other, too. But in the long run, they always have each other’s back in the city of Hanahan.”

She is excited about the development in the downtown area. She also brags on the city’s amphitheater and invites everyone to come check it out.

“It is quite the venue on the water. We provide great family festivals,” Rainwater says. “People rent it out for concerts. Tracy Lawrence was one of our biggest concerts we’ve had. Or you can have your wedding or something out there. This special spot on the water is a treasure.”

Rainwater is originally from Long Island, New York.

“I always like to say northern by birth and southern by the grace of God. I remember growing up as a little girl listening to country music in my dad’s burgundy old pickup truck riding down the streets of Long Island. So I was just supposed to get her sooner than later,” she says.

She graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York with a degree in business administration and magna cum laude with a Distinguished Performance Award in Childhood Education from CW Post, Long Island University.

Rainwater is also a realtor. She previously worked in business and as a school teacher. She also authored her first book on the history of Hanahan, which was released in 2023.

She is a coach to the leadership of Women’s Ministry at Seacoast Church where she and her husband serve as elders.

Rainwater is a wife and mother of four children. Rainwater loves traveling, being outdoors, music, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family.