Savannah unveils record $2.1 billion, 287-project five-year capital portfolio; SPLOST 8 expected to contribute about $268M

City officials on Monday presented what they described as the largest capital program in Savannah’s history: a planned $2.1 billion portfolio spanning 287 projects over the next five years, funded by a mix of SPLOST revenue, state and federal grants, and other sources.

Christy Lawrence, senior director of capital projects and real estate, told the council the city’s current budgeted capital scope totals about $2,100,000,000 and that the portfolio includes more than 75 active projects for 2026 and 110 projects anticipated to start during the five-year window. Lawrence said the administration has introduced monthly progress tracking and quarterly reviews with the city manager to keep projects on time and on budget.

The presentation included SPLOST details: staff reported $263,600,000 collected to date and said SPLOST 8 collections will begin in October with a city share projected at approximately $268,000,000 across recipients. Lawrence said SPLOST 8 is expected to support 34 named projects already in the portfolio and remains a significant funding stream for neighborhood and citywide work.

Staff highlighted several large investments already underway or in design: an $18 million Northwest police precinct (targeted December 2026 finish), a $10.9 million Civic Legacy Arena removal, the Windsor Forest community center ($10.4 million, under construction), a $9.63 million Waterworks Building stabilization project, and new housing infrastructure for the Legacy Fairgrounds where the city’s infrastructure portion is expected near $5.7 million (supported by a $2.5 million 1 Georgia grant). Lawrence also flagged a $203,000,000 deployment in 2026 alone within the broader plan.

Council members pressed staff on how those projects translate to individual districts. One council member representing the 4th District told staff they saw insufficient near-term investment for priorities such as the Montgomery Crossroads trail and more sidewalk and safety spending in neighborhoods south of Durant Avenue. City Manager Jay Dunn acknowledged those concerns and said staff will provide more granular prioritization and public-facing tracking.

Dunn and staff said not every project could be advanced at the same pace because of grant requirements, environmental reviews and design complexities. Dunn committed to providing council with links to the capital project appendix in the budget and a more user-friendly online tracker so residents and council members can monitor status in real time.

Why it matters: the plan represents a multiyear effort to accelerate infrastructure, public safety facilities and neighborhood investments. Council members said they want to ensure distribution is equitable and that the presentation better reflects district-level priorities and timelines.

The workshop generated no formal votes; staff said follow-up materials and online trackers would be provided to council within the budget season.