Hilton Head Island Development News
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Hilton Head Island Town Council Approves DMO Marketing Plan with Enhanced Transparency and Integrated Core Values
The Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 27 marketing plan, budget, and industry metrics for the Designated Marketing Organization (DMO), presented by the Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau. The plan is built against an anticipated $3.7 million in DMO designation funds. It details allocation across advertising, promotional materials, marketing support, group sales, destination PR, and operations. A significant focus was placed on the golf partnership, with $100,000 allocated for paid digital ads and microsite maintenance, while the LGCOA separately allocates funds for social media and golf publications. The presentation highlighted how marketing efforts are integrated across core values (arts and culture, ecotourism, history, recreation, wellness) and new visitor experience foundations, aiming to attract qualified visitors. Concerns were raised by Councilmember Bryson regarding the DMO's adherence to contractually mandated marketing focus on core values versus new pillars, leading to a failed motion to amend the plan. Councilmembers Tunner and Brown expressed support for the plan's transparency, improved services for nonprofits, and data-driven metrics, while also noting opportunities for further discussion on expense allocation and travel expenses with the new CFO. The plan was ultimately approved with a 5-1 vote.
Hilton Head Island Town Council Approves FY27 Consolidated Budget with Focus on Capital Investments and Fiscal Prudence
The Town Council reviewed and approved the FY27 consolidated budget on its second and final reading. The budget includes no millage increase, diversified revenues through targeted programs and user-based fees, improved service levels, and investments in capital projects. Operating expenses have increased by 1.9% annually over the past three years, well below inflation, while capital expenses have significantly increased to $55 million for the current year. The budget utilizes $20 million from fund balance for capital improvements and maintains a AAA bond rating. Several process improvements were noted, including a more defined presentation of special revenue funds and strengthened reserve policies for natural disasters and beach preservation fees. Councilmember Becker voted against the budget due to concerns about policy creation through budget items and a desire for further conversation on specific items, while other council members expressed support, citing fiscal responsibility, strategic plan alignment, and investments in infrastructure and employees.
Hilton Head Island Renames Rowing and Sailing Center to Honor Historic Fishing Cooperative
The Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to rename the Rowing and Sailing Center at Squire Pope Community Park to Hilton Head Island Fishing Cooperative Park. This renaming honors the historic Hilton Head Island Fishing Cooperative, established in 1966, which played a crucial role in supporting local fishermen and was instrumental in blocking a petrochemical company's relocation that would have polluted the area. The initiative, proposed by the Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, aligns with the town's strategic goal of protecting Gullah Geechee culture. The proposal received overwhelming support from descendants of the cooperative's founding members. The Office of Cultural Affairs has previously honored the cooperative with a mural and kiosk. Surviving member Mr. Tom Barnwell was present at the meeting.
Hilton Head Island Council Approves Key Measures for St. James Baptist Church and Cherry Hill School Relocation
The Town Council approved four actions enabling the relocation of St. James Baptist Church and Cherry Hill School, which are currently located within the Hilton Head Airport runway protection zone. These actions include: 1) a resolution authorizing the town to acquire a 1.7-acre property on Dillon Road for $1.29 million, funded by real estate transfer fees; 2) a resolution authorizing the town to sell its 4.667-acre property on Union Cemetery Road to Beaufort County; 3) a first reading of an ordinance for a long-term ground lease of the Dillon Road property to St. James Baptist Church; and 4) a first reading of an ordinance authorizing the town's sale of the Union Cemetery Road property to Beaufort County. The total estimated cost for relocating the school and building the new church is $9.84 million, with funding from state grants ($4 million + $750,000), a town-county grant ($300,000), the construction escrow ($1.29 million), and a Beaufort County general obligation bond ($3.5 million). The new church is anticipated to be completed by March 2028. Councilmember Tunner highlighted the importance of ensuring the current church property remains open space accessible to the community. Councilmember Becker and others thanked Senator Tom Davis for his initiative in securing funding and recognized the extensive efforts of staff, church representatives, and county officials. All four measures passed unanimously.
Patterson Family Park Project Advances with Wetland Mitigation and Covenant Approvals
The Town Council authorized the execution of wetland impact documents for the Patterson Family Park project, including a declaration of restrictive covenants and a wetland and stream mitigation purchase agreement. The Finance Administrative Committee reviewed the documents and raised questions, which were addressed in staff responses. The project involves a small impact on wetlands, requiring the purchase of one credit. Construction of the wetland impact portion is expected to be completed by March of the following year. Councilmember Tunner expressed appreciation for the staff's work and the clarity provided, while also noting the need to understand the rationale behind purchasing mitigation credits from Weyerhauser, a former timber company, due to limited local mitigation banking options. The resolution was approved unanimously.
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The Hilton Head Island News archive
Board of Zoning Appeals - Media
Board of Zoning Appeals June 22, 2026 Meeting
Planning Commission Meeting - Media
Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods CDC June 17, 2026 Meeting
Planning Commission Meeting - June 17, 2026
Town Council Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 3:00 PM Meeting
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