Getting to Know Bluffton

Did you ever wonder how development happens in Bluffton? How did the town grow from a one-square mile town to a 54-square mile town? What are the rules, regulations and ordinances that govern how our town is developed or not developed? How does South Carolina annexation law operate, and how does this law explain why the town’s jurisdictional boundaries zig zag through areas?

We have two venues for a baseline education about Bluffton’s government and our town’s culture. Town staff members host “Mobile Town Halls.” The event management and hospitality training staff members at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort host the Bluffton Ambassador Program.

Town staff presents Mobile Town Halls to neighborhoods and civic groups and hosts public sessions as well. The last one, held at the Bluffton Police Department, June 30, was well attended and included a tour of the department.

During this free workshop, participants receive an overview of town government, operations, initiatives, projects, and policies. Town staff also give short presentations on annexation, economic development, and governance.

Representatives of the town’s departments such as the Bluffton Police Department, Public Services, Watershed Management, and Growth Management are also available for a question-and-answer session after the presentation.

The Mobile Town Halls are focused on how local government operates and its parameters. This is designed to give residents a 360-degree perspective of what local government does and the services it provides. This baseline knowledge helps residents participate more effectively in the decision-making of our government.

The Bluffton Ambassador Program, held via ZOOM, is another free workshop for residents. This program is comprised of quick summaries of Bluffton history, amenities, governance, future planning and touches on cultural aspects such as natural resources, marine life, festivals, and the arts.

The Bluffton Ambassador Program is designed to give an overview of “what is means to be a Blufftonian” and is perfect for new residents, local Realtors, merchants and, especially, for hospitality employees. This program is highly recommended for new employees who interact with the public.

For more information about the Mobile Town Halls, please contact Public Information Officer Debbie Szpanka at dszpanka@townofbluffton.com. For more information about the Bluffton Ambassador Program, please contact Su Gibson at gibsonsl@uscb.edu. Both programs can be presented to private groups or via a public session.