Small staff, big goals for Myrtle Beach's Downtown Development Office

Myrtle Beach’s new Downtown Development Office (DDO) is focused on implementing the Downtown Master Plan that City Council adopted in March 2019. The Downtown Redevelopment Corporation (DRC) phased out operations in late 2019, after 20 years of successful work transforming the area between 16^th Avenue North and Sixth Avenue South.

Enter the city’s Downtown Development Office as the next step in the process. Two staff members from the DRC – the director and executive assistant – joined the city staff in this new role. The DDO embraces the city’s vision for a thriving Arts & Innovation District and is bringing it to life.

“The creation of this new Downtown Development Office fits perfectly with City Council’s goal of revitalizing the original downtown area and enhancing Myrtle Beach’s overall economic growth,” said Myrtle Beach City Manager John Pedersen. Specifically, the DDO will:

Lead the Arts & Innovation District and Master Plan execution process.
Create and promote economic incentive programs.
Educate the business community about available incentives and business strategies.
Host events to encourage foot traffic during shoulder seasons.
Implement strategic aesthetic and business development goals.
Strengthen partnerships with small businesses, private investors and development sector professionals.
Actively promote the Opportunity Zones in Myrtle Beach.

The Downtown Development Office also collaborates with city staff, architects, engineers, development experts and others to accomplish the projects and goals of the Master Plan. The DDO director reports to the city manager and shares monthly progress reports with City Council.

“It is exciting to be a part of the city’s daily life and to have implementation of the Downtown Master Plan as our primary focus,” said Lauren Clever, director of the Downtown Development Office. “2020 is going to be a busy and productive year, and the DDO team is ready to welcome new businesses, all while preserving the historic character of Myrtle Beach.”

As of January 2020, the DDO is beginning Phase II of the Downtown Master Plan. Phase II includes tasks that affect infrastructure, funding, marketing and branding, incentives, regulatory topics, place-making and nuisance abatement.

The DDO also hosts an online presence that keeps the public informed about the city’s progress. See www.myrtlebeachboardwalk.com/downtowntoday for details about investment opportunities and Myrtle Beach’s future.

For more information about the Downtown Development Office, contact Lauren Clever at 843-918-1055 or lclever@cityofmyrtlebeach.com.