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Town News This Week - June 20, 2025 |
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On February 26 and 27, the Hilton Head Island Town Council, Town staff, and community members gathered to discuss progress on recent strategic priorities and to plan for the next set of priorities that align with the Town’s vision, mission and community goals.
The Town team has spent the past several months refining and putting together more detail on the priorities that rose to the top of the list during the February two-day workshop. Next week, Town Council will finalize the new priorities during another Strategic Action Plan Workshop.
The workshop is slated for Tuesday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Benjamin M. Racusin Council Chambers, located at 1 Town Center Court. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about what the Town will prioritize during the next three fiscal years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028), as well as provide feedback during the public comment session. For the duration of the workshop as needed, Town staff will be available for Spanish translation.
This is an excellent chance to hear firsthand how the future of Hilton Head Island is taking shape. If you are unable to attend in person, a live broadcast of the workshop will be available on our Town of Hilton Head Island YouTube page. A recording will also be available on that page following the meeting.
Read about the progress made to date on the 2023-2025 Strategic Action Plan in the 2024 Hilton Head Island Annual Report:
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A native of eastern North Carolina, Michele Bunce has spent her career in public service through various municipal government roles. Most recently, she served as the Community and Economic Development Director for the Town of Manteo, North Carolina, from February 2020 to August 2024. During her time there, she also took on the roles of Public Information Officer, Special Events Coordinator, and Main Street Director. Ten months ago, Michele made the move across state lines to join the Town of Hilton Head Island as its Senior Grants Administrator — a position she’s embraced with great energy and enthusiasm. In this role, she manages grants that support key Town projects and initiatives.
What brought you to Hilton Head Island?
My family and I vacationed here for quite a few years and enjoy the Island’s adventures and beauty. When the opportunity arose to join the Town, I thought it was a perfect time to relocate. I feel very fortunate to have obtained this position and call Hilton Head Island home.
What is your role with the Town?
My primary responsibility is identifying and securing a variety of grants to support a wide range of Town projects. One of the grants I oversee and manage is the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program—a federal initiative through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CDBG provides funding for projects that benefit individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.
How long has the Town participated in the CDBG program?
The Town has been a part of the CDBG program since 2015. Over the years, we’ve received funding for several important community projects. For 2025, the Town has been allocated $210,564 in CDBG funding, which we plan to use for Taylor Family Park.
How can the community support your efforts?
Community engagement is essential to the success of any grant program, such as the CDBG program. I rely on public input to help identify the most pressing needs and ensure that funding is used in ways that truly benefit residents. When we share information about grant opportunities, I encourage everyone to get involved—your feedback helps shape priorities and projects. In addition, engaging with community members helps me better understand Hilton Head Island’s unique culture and characteristics.
Michele can be reached via email at MicheleB@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or by phone at (854) 255-7166.
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The Town of Hilton Head Island has prepared a draft of its 2025 - 2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan, as required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive funding through the CDBG Entitlement Program. Public comments on these plans are being accepted now through Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Copies will be available for review Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at Town Hall, or online at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
The Consolidated Plan outlines the Town’s long-term community development needs and priorities, guiding how CDBG funds will be invested over the next five years in alignment with federal program goals. The accompanying Action Plan details the proposed activities and funding allocations for the 2025 program year, targeting local needs identified in the Consolidated Plan.
Public input plays a vital role in shaping these plans. Community feedback helps the Town make informed, data-driven decisions while reinforcing the unique character and priorities of Hilton Head Island.
Written comments are welcomed and may be submitted by mail to:
Michele Bunce, Senior Grants Administrator
Town of Hilton Head Island Finance Department
1 Town Center Court
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
or by email to: MicheleB@hiltonheadislandsc.gov
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The Town of Hilton Head Island will have two park enhancement projects underway during the next several months, with work kicking off this week.
 Barker Field Extension Improvements
At Barker Field Extension (160 Mitchelville Road), Town crews have begun work on a series of upgrades, including replacing existing drainage, regrading the field, installing a new irrigation system, laying new sod, and adding new bleachers and field lighting. Work will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is expected to continue for approximately three months. New LED lighting will be added in November.
The pathway to Fish Hall Beach Park and the beach will remain open during construction. Impacted areas will be marked with orange fencing, safety cones and caution signs. Visitors are encouraged to avoid restricted areas during this time and use caution while at the park.
 Jarvis Creek Park Sidewalk Enhancements
Sidewalk improvements at Jarvis Creek Park (100 Jarvis Park Road) are scheduled from June 23 to June 30, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
This project includes installing new sidewalks to improve accessibility among the parking area, playground, and park pavilions. Additionally, new outdoor grills and concrete pads will be added at the pavilions. For safety, the pavilions will be temporarily closed while the work is underway. Visitors are asked to follow posted safety signs and use caution throughout the park during construction.
For more information on these projects, contact Stephen Barnes, Senior Project Manager, at 843-341-4656 or at Stephenb@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
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The Town of Hilton Head Island administrative offices will close on Friday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day and will reopen for regular business hours ( 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) on Monday, July 7.
The Beaufort County Convenience Center at 26 Summit Drive will also close on Friday, July 4, and return to its regular schedule on Saturday, July 5. Throughout the holiday, Town emergency services will remain fully operational.
On behalf of our Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager, and Town staff, we wish everyone a safe and happy fourth of July!
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We are excited to kick off our new fiscal year on July 1, 2025! On June 3, the Town Council approved a $174.7 million consolidated budget for fiscal year 2026, marking our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. The fiscal year, representing our new budget year, will run through June 30, 2026. We are eager to see the positive impact of these investments in our community.
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As part of our ongoing commitment to preserve our beach, the Town will soon be undertaking the 2025-2026 beach renourishment project. Our beach will remain open throughout the project for residents and visitors to enjoy. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect during this project.
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Calling all Artists: The Hilton Head Island Airport is looking for a visually striking image to be reproduced and featured on a large prominent glass wall installation in the airport’s new terminal. The Selection Committee is seeking entries that reflect the island’s natural beauty, rich culture, vibrant community, and sense of place.Learn more about this exciting opportunity:
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This past Saturday, the Town of Hilton Head Island was honored to support the Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Mayor Alan Perry, presented an official Juneteenth Proclamation on behalf of Town Council, recognizing the importance of this day in our nation’s history and the legacy of Mitchelville, the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.
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 Our Emergency Manager, Tom Dunn, recently appeared on WHHI-TV to educate viewers about the 2025 hurricane season and share important tips on being prepared.
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Each month, Mayor Alan Perry updates residents on Town initiatives and community events through his columns published in the Hilton Head Sun and CH2 Magazine.
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