Volunteers Help Shape Our Town's Policies and Decisions

May 2024

All Hilton Head Island residents have opportunities to participate in shaping our town's policies and plans. While our dedicated town council represents the community through elections, we also rely on the expertise and commitment of citizens and stakeholders on various boards and committees.

Serving on a town board or committee is a meaningful way to contribute your time and skills to public service within our community while gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of town governance. Many successful town projects, such as our comprehensive plan, parks and recreational activities, affordable housing initiatives, and distribution of accommodations taxes, have greatly benefited from the input of our residents. Your involvement and dedication help us develop effective policies and decisions that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Before assuming my role as mayor, I served on several town boards and committees. This experience gave me invaluable knowledge and insight into local issues, enabling me to contribute to important decision-making processes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers currently serving on our boards and committees. It is time-consuming, but we truly appreciate the input we receive.

Periodically, we announce opportunities for volunteers to join these boards and committees, mainly when there are vacancies to fill. I encourage residents to explore these opportunities and consider applying when positions become available.

In addition to our three standing town council committees, we have several other boards and committees that rely on the dedication of volunteers, including:

• Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee: Evaluates applications from community organizations seeking tourism grant funds.
• Board of Zoning Appeals: Reviews land use issues and proposed variances.
• Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals: Hears appeals related to building regulations.
• Design Review Board: Assesses the aesthetics of new and existing developments to preserve island character.
• Gullah-Geechee Land and Cultural Preservation Task Force: Identifies and addresses issues to help preserve Gullah-Geechee culture.
• Housing Action Committee: Addresses the town's workforce housing needs and makes recommendations for implementing housing plans.
• Northpoint Public-Private Partnership Housing Advisory Committee: Recommends development partners to help the Town build a sustainable neighborhood on its Northpoint tract.
• Parks and Recreation Commission: Provides recommendations for enhancing the town's parks and recreation system.
• Planning Commission: Prepares and updates the Comprehensive Plan and reviews proposals for public projects and zoning changes.
• William Hilton Parkway Corridor Independent Review Advisory Committee: Provides a comprehensive review of the William Hilton Parkway Gateway Corridor Project on behalf of the town.
• Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation: Preserves culture and fosters progress in historically rich neighborhoods.

Additionally, the Town Council nominates volunteers to serve on county-wide boards overseeing independent agencies such as the Beaufort County Airports Board, Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling Board, Beaufort Housing Authority Board, Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust, and Beaufort-Jasper Water Sewer Authority.

To be considered for any of these boards and commissions, interested individuals should complete the online application available at hiltonheadislandsc.gov. To qualify for committee service, applicants must be registered voters within the Town of Hilton Head Island.