Rob (planning staff) presented a proposal developed by a subcommittee of local planners to hold elected-official workshops and stakeholder sessions to align growth boundaries and produce a regional roadmap. He said the staff-level work would inform elected officials and recommended two half-day workshops with an independent facilitator.

Why it matters: The presentation framed coordination as necessary to manage rapid growth and avoid compounding infrastructure and transportation problems. Rob said the proposal would help jurisdictions identify areas to preserve and areas intended for future growth or infill, and could lead to an intergovernmental agreement similar to arrangements used in Northern Beaufort County.

Cost and cost-share: The subcommittee estimated consultant costs between $50,000 and $75,000 and recommended budgeting up to $100,000 as a cushion. Rob provided an example cost-share that would allocate roughly $43,000 to the largest jurisdiction in the region and much smaller amounts (about $3,000) for smaller towns; he characterized the per-jurisdiction hit as “relatively low.”

Timing and next steps: Rob said fall would be the likely timeframe for the workshops, noting that summer schedules make rapid progress difficult. The subcommittee plans to refine the work program, further pinpoint costs and return with product samples and procurement options. Staff also noted an opportunity to coordinate with the Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority’s master planning work to avoid duplication.

Discussion: Committee members asked for previous products from consultants and requested clearer graphics; several members emphasized the need to link growth locations with transportation access and affordable-housing siting. Rob said the program would identify preferred locations for higher-density housing near services and transit.

Ending: The committee asked staff to add the item to a future agenda for fuller review and to return with refinements on costs and schedule.