Strategic Priorities
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Awendaw recognize the value of prioritizing its strategic goals and objectives in order to articulate a shared vision for future actions to be taken by Council and to ensure the most efficient and effective use of limited public resources.
On February 26, 2026, the Mayor and Council participated in a goal setting workshop facilitated by staff from the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). The purpose of this workshop was to identify and rank the town’s strategic priorities for the 2026-2027.
On April 2, 2026, Awendaw Town Council adopted Resolution 2026-01, entitled "A resolution adopting the goals and priorities of the Town of Awendaw Town Council as a Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027."
Below is a summary of the town's strategic priorities for 2026-2027:
On February 26, 2026, the Mayor and Council participated in a goal setting workshop facilitated by staff from the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). The purpose of this workshop was to identify and rank the town’s strategic priorities for the 2026-2027.
On April 2, 2026, Awendaw Town Council adopted Resolution 2026-01, entitled "A resolution adopting the goals and priorities of the Town of Awendaw Town Council as a Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027."
Below is a summary of the town's strategic priorities for 2026-2027:
Top Priorities
- Strengthen Town Hall Operations and Facilities
- Complete phased improvements to Town Hall, including sound panels, council microphones and speakers, a new podium, energy‑efficient windows, renovated bathrooms, insulation, a dehumidifier, and surge protection.
- Engage an accounting firm to provide monthly financial reconciliation and strengthen fiscal oversight.
- Review and update the 2024 operational assessment to confirm that the town’s administrative structure, staffing, and resources align with current needs.
- Modernize Water Department Operations
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Water Department, including the billing system, customer service processes, and operational workflows.
- Complete a water rate study to ensure long‑term financial sustainability and fairness.
- Develop and implement standardized procedures for water connections and service requests.
- Hire a Utility Manager to improve service delivery, strengthen compliance, and increase operational efficiency.
Medium Priorities
- Expand Community Capacity and Regulatory Readiness
- Establish a volunteer organization to leverage resident expertise and support town initiatives and projects.
- Adopt a housing program ordinance to ensure compliance with state statutory requirements.
- Identify and engage subject‑matter experts to advise on zoning and land‑use regulation updates.
Other Priorities
- Strengthen Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Support or create community events such as a farmers and floral market or a 5K to build civic engagement.
- Identify community needs and develop a plan to address them through partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and regional organizations.
- Build strong relationships with local, regional, state, and federal partners and create a strategy for maintaining those relationships
- Improve Communication and Public Spaces
- Develop a quarterly printed newsletter to improve communication and reach residents who prefer non‑digital formats.
- Enhance the grounds surrounding Town Hall, including the park and parking areas.
- Address deferred maintenance in town parks in coordination with the Municipal Park Board.
- Improve Safety, Services, and Infrastructure
- Assess Town Hall security and implement improvements that make the building both safer and more welcoming. Explore creating a Community Resource Room with accessible town information.
- Improve security measures for the water system and related facilities.
- Evaluate all current town services—both in‑house and contracted—and determine which services could be brought in‑house to improve quality and responsiveness.
- Advance road and stormwater improvements to address infrastructure needs
