Beaufort, SC (February 18, 2026) – The City Council of the City of Beaufort has officially established a Downtown Advisory Board through resolution as a special purpose advisory body to provide recommendations to City Council and staff regarding downtown-related policies, programs, and initiatives in support of the City’s Strategic Plan.

The Downtown Advisory Board will serve in an advisory capacity, offering insight on matters impacting downtown Beaufort, including economic vitality, neighborhood livability, tourism, hospitality, preservation, and strategic growth. The Board is intended to strengthen collaboration among business owners, residents, property owners, and community organizations while supporting the long-term vision for downtown.

Board Composition

The 15-member Downtown Advisory Board will consist of:

1. Downtown Business Representatives (3)

• One (1) retail business representative
• One (1) accommodation business representative
• One (1) tour operator representative
  Appointed by majority vote of City Council.

2. Downtown Property Owners/Developers (2)
Appointed by majority vote of City Council.

3. Neighborhood Representatives (3)

• One (1) representative from The Point Neighborhood
• One (1) representative from the Old Commons Neighborhood
• One (1) representative from the Northwest Quadrant Neighborhood
  Appointed by majority vote of City Council.

4. Organizational Representatives (6)

• Historic Beaufort Foundation
• Beaufort-Port Royal Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce
• Beaufort Area Hospitality Association
• Freedman Arts District
  Each representative will be appointed by majority vote of the respective organization’s governing board.

5. At-Large Member (1)
One (1) individual who lives or works downtown, appointed by majority vote of City Council.

Applications Now Being Accepted

The City of Beaufort is currently accepting applications for the following City Council-appointed seats:

• Three (3) Downtown Business Representatives
• Two (2) Downtown Property Owners/Developers
• Three (3) Neighborhood Representatives (The Point, Old Commons, and Northwest Quadrant)
• One (1) At-Large Member (must live or work downtown)

Applications must be submitted by close of business on March 16.

Interested individuals must complete the Boards and Commissions application available on the City’s website at:
https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/260/Boards-Commissions

City Council will conduct interviews of applicants during the March 24 Work Session at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must be available to attend.

The City encourages residents, business owners, and stakeholders who are passionate about the future of downtown Beaufort to apply and help shape policies and initiatives that support the community’s strategic goals.