I hope your Summer has started off in a good way.
Recently I attended something called Reality Check 2.0 sponsored by the Berkley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments and the Urban Land Institute of South Carolina. This event united about 150+ leaders from government, development, business and the community to collaboratively plan for the region’s growth and align priorities.
Some interesting data from this session:
- By 2045, our tri-county region is expected to grow by 270,000 residents, reaching a population of 1.2 million
- 140,000 new jobs will be created during this period
- Berkley County is forecasted to grow by more residents (137,900) than Charleston and Dorchester Counties combined (132,800)
- Charleston County will see 67% of the new job growth
- Currently over 135,000 people commute to Charleston County daily for work
This meeting was a chance to come together, think strategically and shape a plan that accommodates growth with sensitivity, in balance with the existing nature and community, while embracing a thriving and sustainable future.
While our region’s growth has brought opportunity, it has also introduced challenges. Rapid population gains have placed pressure on housing, infrastructure and natural resources. Rising home prices and limited inventory have strained affordability, leading many to seek housing farther out, fueling sprawl and increasing commute times. Infrastructure systems, from roads to stormwater drainage, are struggling to keep pace with new development.
What does all this mean for IOP? Even more area residents and visitors wanting to come enjoy our beautiful beaches - which is why we must be diligent in:
- protecting our current parking plan
- continuing our stormwater and tidal inundation projects at recommended levels
- leveraging supporting partners to help service our community such as Charleston County, surrounding municipalities and many others
- taking advantage of funding opportunities outside of the city’s budget for projects and other initiatives to make our community more resilient and welcoming
This meeting was time well spent, and it was eye-opening to learn of the continued growth expected for our region and how to translate that into future year strategies for IOP.
I hope you will participate in the upcoming events in our community:
July 4th – Golf Cart Parade – line-up begins at 9:30 a.m. Parade begins at 10 a.m. sharp. Parade starts at 4th and Ocean Blvd & ends at 2nd and Charleston Blvd.
July 4th – Fireworks – Front Beach – 9:00 p.m. Attendees are required to leave the beach and remove their belongings by 6:30 p.m. to allow preparation for the event. The area of the beach between 21st Avenue to Coconut Joe's will close at that time. Guests may remain inside the Isle of Palms County Park area or behind the public restroom facilities to watch the show.
Reminder: fireworks are not permitted in the City of Isle of Palms and must be operated by professionals only.
July 10th – Sea Stroll and Learn – IOP turtles, 25th Avenue beach access, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
July 17th– Farmers Market – IOP Rec Center, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 19th – IOP Beach Run – The Windjammer, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
July 25th– Coffee with the Mayor – City Hall Conference Room (2nd floor) 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island.
Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359