City of Beaufort Strategic Plan 2021-2023OUR VISION ~ We will ensure that the City of Beaufort offers its citizens broad economic opportunities; housing they can afford; a well-run government; and confidence in the community’s preparedness for weather and climate-related impacts. The City seeks this future while maintaining the diversity, authenticity, history, tourism, and balance between the built and natural environment for which our city is renowned. City of BeaufortCB_0362dad2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Beaufort City CouncilStephen MurrayMayorMitch MitchellCouncilman Phil CromerCouncilmanNeil LipsitzCouncilmanMike McFeeMayor Pro TemBeaufort: Where History, Charm and Business Thrive_0362dcb2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00To ensure that the City of Beaufort honors its values in support of its citizens_0362ddca-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Economic OpportunityWe will ensure that the City of Beaufort offers its citizens broad economic opportunities; housing they can afford; a well-run government; and confidence in the community’s preparedness for weather and climate-related impacts.EfficiencyEffectivenessConfidencePreparednessDiversityThe City seeks this future while maintaining the diversity, authenticity, history, tourism, and balance between the built and natural environment for which our city is renowned. AuthenticityHistoryTourismNatureDevelopmentBalanceSafety & VibrancyContinue to build an authentic, safe, and equitable City_0362df1e-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00A Safe & Vibrant City ~ To continue to build an authentic, safe, and equitable City, the City will pursue affordable housing opportunities for all segments of the population, will provide responsive public safety, and will improve public spaces.HousingPursue opportunities for affordable and workforce housing_0362e02c-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea001Affordable HousingReview for implementation recommendations from the Affordable Housing Task Force._0362e144-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 1.1Affordable Housing Task ForceMulti-Family HousingWork with landowners on developing economically viable multi-family housing through permitting a wide range of housing types with engaged stakeholders._0362e270-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 1.2LandownersHistoric StructuresConserve and reuse historic structures._0362e3a6-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 1.3Facilities & SpacesProvide accessible public facilities and spaces_0362e4fa-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea002ParksComplete an inventory of needs of existing neighborhood parks, and foster partnerships with Beaufort County and Beaufort County School District._0362e8e2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.1Beaufort CountyBeaufort County School DistrictEquipment & StructuresDetermine an update and replacement schedule for park equipment and structures._0362ea40-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.2Southside ParkReview for implementation the Southside Park plan._0362eb8a-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.3Whitehall ParkComplete City assumption of maintenance at Whitehall Park._0362ecc0-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.4Reconstruction Era ParkSupport expansion of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park as Beaufort seeks to become the center for the exploration of Reconstruction history._0362ee00-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.5FacilitiesManage City facilities’ maintenance and master plan._0362eee6-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.6Flood InfrastructureContinue to manage flood infrastructure projects, including Johnny Morrall, Allison Road, Broad Street, Hay Street, Lafayette Street, Kings Ridge, Calhoun Street, and The Point._0362efc2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.7Shared ServicesCooperate with military on a shared services program._0362f210-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 2.8MilitaryPublic SafetyProvide strong public safety support_0362f300-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea003Service LevelsMaintain service level provisions for the Police, Fire, and Public Works departments._0362f454-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 3.1Police DepartmentFire DepartmentPublic Works DepartmentDataContinue to publish law enforcement and firefighting data on website and social media._0362f5bc-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 3.2PoliceExpand Police Department efforts with Community Response Team._0362f710-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 3.3 Police DepartmentCommunity Response TeamRecruitingDevelop strategies for diversity in recruiting._0362f8aa-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 3.4TransportationFacilitate unified and coordinated transportation planning_0362f9cc-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea004Lady’s IslandContinue to participate in the Lady’s Island planning process._0362fabc-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 4.1Lady’s IslandStreetsUpdate street infrastructure plan._0362fba2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 4.2Parking & ShuttlesEvaluate parking and shuttle service._0362fc88-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 4.3PathwaysCreate a connectivity study of pedestrian/bicycle paths to enhance the pedestrian/bicycle access throughout the City, paying special attention to connecting schools, civic spaces, and places of employment._0362fd64-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 4.4VMTEnact land use polices and Beaufort Code changes with the goal of reducing VMT (vehicle miles traveled per capita)._0362fe4a-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 4.5Business & DevelopmentPromote business prosperity and sustainable development_0362ff6c-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea005BusinessesDevelopersCollaboration & PartnershipsProvide a collaborative environment by engaging partners._036300c0-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.1City of Beaufort Economic Development PartnersBeaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCECD)Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention & Visitors BureauBeaufort County Black Chamber of CommerceBeaufort Regional Chamber of CommerceBeaufort Digital CorridorBeaufort Area Hospitality AssociationSouth Coast Cyber CenterDowntown Beaufort Merchants AssociationLandownersContinue to work with landowners on business recruitment and ensure the balanced administration of the Beaufort Code.Provide a collaborative environment by engaging partners, including the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCECD), the Greater Beaufort-Port Royal Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Beaufort Digital Corridor, the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, the South Coast Cyber Center, and the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association as we work toward building a vibrant and sustainable economy. Continue to work with landowners on business recruitment and ensure the balanced administration of the Beaufort Code.ReportPublish a quarterly State of the Business Community report of business startups and closings._03630228-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.2Business StartupsTourismCollaborate with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, University of South Carolina-Beaufort (USCB), the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association, and all stakeholders to enhance and diversify tourism._03630390-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.3Convention & Visitors BureauBeaufort Area Hospitality AssociationUniversity of South Carolina-Beaufort (USCB)Downtown Beaufort Merchants AssociationBeautification/ImprovementIncrease the awareness and use of Beaufort Pride of Place, an initiative to beautify and improve Beaufort through private donations._036304f8-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.4Beaufort Pride of PlaceCreate a campaign for holiday street decorations.Career PathwaysLeverage partnerships with USCB, the Technical College of the Lowcountry, and the Beaufort County School District, charter and private schools, the military, and the Beaufort Digital Corridor to build out career pathways that will help diversify the City’s economic base._03630674-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.5USCBTechnical College of the LowcountryBeaufort County School DistrictCharter SchoolsPrivate SchoolsMilitaryBeaufort Digital CorridorThese include health care, digital commerce, and cybersecurity.PartnershipsProvide funding for the Beaufort Digital Corridor and South Coast Cyber Center through leveraging private partnerships._036307e6-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.6Beaufort Digital CorridorSouth Coast Cyber CenterProperty InventoryCreate a citywide digital inventory of businesses and commercial property, and evaluate vacant or underutilized properties for development opportunities._03630958-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 5.7This will include type of use, financing, incentives, and other resources.Businesses, Industry & IncomesIncrease median incomes as we recruit new businesses and industry that are a good fit for Beaufort_03630ade-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea006Commerce ParkPartner with the BCEDC on prospect development, land transactions, and construction of a spec building in Beaufort Commerce Park._03630c46-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 6.1BCEDCCybersecuritySupport through partnerships and financial contributions the South Coast Cyber Center as we strive to become a City and region known for cybersecurity expertise._03630dc2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 6.2South Coast Cyber CenterEducational PartnersMilitaryBeaufort CountyBeaufort Regional Chamber of CommerceWork with our educational partners, the military, Beaufort County, and the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce to develop career pathways, research, and jobs centered around cybersecurity.Landing PadIn advance of the completion of the second phase of the upfit of the Landing Pad at 500 Carteret Street, prepare an operations plan._03631114-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 6.3AuthenticityPreserve our authenticity_036312ae-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea007Land UseApply the Beaufort Code to ensure a balanced land-use mix for fiscal sustainability._0363142a-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 7.1EducationLeverage Beaufort 2030 (community-based futurism exercise) to continue to influence the discussion about education and support the 1795 Scholarship Committee (stipend for student housing in Beaufort) and others as requested._036315ce-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 7.2WayfindingCoordinate signage and information to make “wayfinding” easier throughout the entire downtown area and Historic District._0363175e-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 7.3 History & HeritageCollaborate with the National Park Service, Beaufort History Museum, historical and perservation groups to promote the Beaufort story and its rich historical and architectural heritage._03631902-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 7.4National Park ServiceBeaufort History MuseumHistorical GroupsPerservation GroupsGrowth & Natural ResourcesManage Growth & Protect Natural Resources_03631aba-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea008To maintain the City’s authenticity and attractiveness, while accommodating future growth and preparing for climate related challenges, the City will evaluate environmental, municipal, and private constraints on growth; will identify commercial and residential areas requiring immediate attention; and will promote balanced growth through infill.Growth BoundariesManage Northern Regional Plan growth boundaries._03631c54-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 8.1InfillManage and encourage infill development_03631df8-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea009IncentivesPromote infill incentives._2d2be558-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 9.1Preservation ManualUpdate the Beaufort Preservation Manual from 1979, known as the Milner Report._2d2be7c4-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 9.2SurveyUpdate the survey of above-ground structures in the Historic District that are in the National Register._2d2be986-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 9.3AnnexationManage annexation_03631fd8-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea0010ParcelsFocus annexation efforts on parcels surrounded by city limits and contingent properties in Tax District 100._2d2bebf2-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 10.1ServicesExpand delivery of services within the growth boundaries of the City._2d2bed96-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 10.2Sea-Level RisePlan for sea-level rise_0363219a-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea0011Disincentives & FundingDiscourage development in hazard zones and seek funding for resiliency planning with the Army Corps of Engineers and other partners._2d2bef26-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 11.1Army Corps of EngineersEngagementEngage community and other stakeholders in discussion, plans and actions related to sea-level rise._2d2bf0d4-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 11.2MitigationDevelop mitigation and implementation strategies. _2d2bf26e-ee50-11ec-8017-98880e83ea00Initiative 11.3Organizational ExcellenceProvide a transparent, efficient organization_03632348-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00To provide a transparent, efficient organization, the City will engage its citizens and community and business stakeholders, will integrate technologies which enhance the execution of City functions, will staff the organization with highly qualified personnel, and will provide municipal education opportunities for boards, commissions and citizens.EngagementEngage community stakeholders_03632596-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea0012Training & EducationEstablish separate training and education programs for board and commission members and citizens._0363273a-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 12.1Create recruiting programs to build diversity in membership.Social MediaContinue to build social media presence, increase distribution of monthly newletter, and increase subscriptions to Notify Me._036328e8-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 12.2SurveysIncrease use of surveys to gather more input from community on important ssues._03632aaa-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 12.3OperationsTransparency in City operations_03632c4e-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea0013Live StreamingContinue live-streaming of all boards, commissions, and public meetings; encourage public comment through Zoom, Facebook, email, and traditional means._03632dfc-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 13.1Digital DashboardDevelop a digital dashboard to show progress on City initiatives._03632fd2-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 13.2FinancesPromote availability of financial transparency tool._03633180-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 13.3Project DashboardCreate a community and econonomic development dashboard for proposed and and current projects._03633342-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 13.4ServicesProvide responsive, efficient and innovative services_03633518-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea0014WorkforceRecruit and retain a diverse, educated, and high-performing workforce._036337ca-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 14.1Customer ServiceEstablish customer service training for new hires._03633996-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 14.2Regional ServicesContinue to find ways to make operations more efficient by sharing in regional services, such as fire, building inspections, code enforcement, etc._03633b80-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 14.3Finance, Infrastructure & PlanningSustainability in finance, infrastructure, and planning_03633d4c-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea0015TaxationAdvocate for a change in state legislation concerning the local government fund, changes in Act 388 to allow for local autonomy in taxing, and support the addition of Local Option Sales Tax in Beaufort County._03633f0e-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 15.1Beaufort CountySouth Carolina LegislatureBudgetInclude Strategic Plan in annual budget document._036340e4-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 15.2Capital PurchasesTie all capital purchases to identified initiatives in Strategic Plan._036342b0-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 15.3PaymentsIncrease efficiency in online payment receipt and processing._03634472-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 15.4Project DataCapture data connected to projects in one place._03634648-edf2-11ec-b549-4eb4fd82ea00Initiative 15.5 2021-01-012023-12-312022-06-17https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/DocumentCenter/View/6506/Beaufort-Strategic-Plan_2021_LATEST_FINALOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net