Issues
“It’s time for a change.” That’s the number one comment I hear from residents and businesses about Myrtle Beach. The second-most frequent comment is, “We’re spending a lot of money!” And both are true. The city’s budget has nearly doubled in seven years. Taxes are up, yet we have dozens of police vacancies. Council and staff have concentrated almost exclusively on downtown redevelopment, with $118 million invested, but that single focus leads to blind spots on other issues that are important to residents, businesses and visitors. Myrtle Beach’s identity as a great place to live and a fun family vacation destination has faded. It’s time to create a city-wide vision, identity and community. A shared vision grows from all of us, not just City Council, and leads to a genuine sense of place.
Support the residents, business and visitors.
City Council, with the mayor’s guidance, should hear and genuinely act on the issues that affect these three key groups. All are vital to our success.
Get smart about spending!
The city’s budget grew from $184 million in 2018 to $361 million in 2026, a 96% increase in less than 10 years. Overall debt grew from $177 million to $255 million during the period. Population growth has been at most 25%. Tourist numbers grew to 20 million in 2020, but dropped back to 17.5 million recently. Council should have more input in budgeting.
Work with the General Assembly and our legislative delegation to make better use of the TDF (Tourism Development Fee).
Keep the tax credit, of course, but revise the amounts dedicated to other purposes, including destination advertising and tourism-related capital projects.
The Arts & Innovation District is good, but not at the expense of the rest of the city.
Myrtle Beach so far has invested more than $100 million downtown, and the end result is years away. Where are the private-sector partners in this effort? Revitalization is worthy, but take care of the neighborhoods’ needs, too. Let’s have an overall vision for the city, not just the downtown.
Revisit the funding and mission for the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance.
Are those 10 extra tax mills being well spent? Program more activities on city-owned spaces, for locals and visitors.
Be much more transparent with our government actions.
The public has a right to know the “who, what, when, where, why and how” for all of the city’s decisions.
Hire more police officers!
Myrtle Beach has had dozens of vacant police positions for years now.
Make the beach and the oceanfront a priority for service, maintenance and beautification.
Maintain the facilities we have, and pay attention to the details.
Replace or repair damaged signs, repaint road lines, and enforce the rules and regulations fairly and promptly. Create more parking east of Kings Highway, especially for golf carts. Add more public pickleball courts. Repair and repave the public street and parking spaces which serve Bark Park South.
Expand Chapin Memorial Library by building a new library at the existing location.
Space exists in Chapin Park to build (or add on) a new facility adjacent to the historic building.
Parking east of Kings Highway should be free from October through February (five full months).
Parking meters help manage demand during the busy summer months, but paid parking during the off-season discourages people from frequenting stores, restaurants and events.
Have an annual review for the city manager.
The manager is the chief executive officer of a $360 million public corporation. City Council should review his performance.
Make the street-lighting in the Market Common area the new city-wide standard.
The public, not just adjacent property owner, benefits from the higher level of lighting at The Market Common. Eliminate the street lighting MIDs and increase lighting across the city to match this standard.
Consider an indoor swimming pool for The Market Common area.
South-end residents are requesting a neighborhood indoor public pool for exercise classes and swim lessons.
Bring back the fun!
At one time, the city hosted concerts, events and/or picnics for St. Patrick’s Day, July Fourth and Oktoberfest, including beach music and food truck events.
Residents come first
Which means protecting neighborhoods from commercial activity and quickly responding to concerns about speeding, safety and maintenance. At the same time, businesses are vital to the community’s success and livability, and visitors are our economic backbone.