Shift the burden off residents. Grow our commercial tax base — currently less than 3% — through smart, targeted economic development.

Support current and new small businesses. Encourage the commercial code repair exercise, reducing red tape, and avoiding arbitrary regulations that hinder growth.

Tackle the workforce housing crisis. Partner with nearby towns to push county and state leaders for real, regional solutions.

Plan smarter and spend wisely. Conduct an internal review of Town operations to ensure services, resources, and spending stay aligned with our Town’s evolving needs before considering any tax increases.

Protect public safety. Flooded roads cut off emergency access, isolate homes, and put families at risk - we must act.

Build on what’s working. Expand proven infiltration systems like those recently installed along Ocean Drive.

Invest in the basics. Continue to spend on equipment, staff, and policies needed to improve stormwater collection.

Keep systems flowing. Prioritize maintenance of public rights of way to ensure stormwater can drain as designed.

Create a Tourism Advisory Board. Give residents a real voice in shaping policy, identifying problems, and planning for the future.

Track all rentals. Ensure every rental, no matter how it's listed, is properly registered and paying accommodation taxes.

Set clear expectations for tourists. Educate visitors on how to enjoy Oak Island and respect its residents, rules, and environment.

Stop the FEMA scramble. Emergency funding isn’t a strategy - we need long-term solutions before we hit crisis mode. We should proactively consider alternatives like groins not just dredging.

Make common-sense changes. Improve beach signage, revisit private beach access rules, consider dune-friendly fencing, and change beach-front setback ordinances.

Educate every visitor. Engage and encourage rental companies to help teach tourists why dune protection matters.

Protect what makes Oak Island special. Our tree canopy and coastal ecosystems are part of who we are and they deserve smart, lasting protection.

Keep the tree ordinance strong. Conduct annual review of the Chapter 32 vegetation rules to preserve our Town’s natural character. These policies should work in practice, not just on paper.

Balance growth with stewardship. We can grow responsibly and protect the environment - it doesn’t have to be either or.

Push for more crosswalks. NCDOT must install (more) crosswalks along Oak Island Drive - it’s long overdue. Speed limit must also be reviewed.

Make Yacht Drive safer. Improve walkability on one of our busiest residential corridors by exploring pedestrian-friendly upgrades.

Get serious about golf carts. Establish a clear, town-wide policy that covers safety, education, and enforcement for residents, renters, and businesses.

Keep residents first. Maintain the low-cost resident pass - locals shouldn’t be priced out of their own town.

Make fines effective. Review violation fees to ensure they actually deter abuse.

Expand wisely. Evaluate the need for more parking spaces but do it with residents as priority.