Myrtle Beach Seeks to Solve Workforce Housing Shortage with Aid of $150K Grant
Grant to Fund Comprehensive Zoning Overhaul, Facilitating More Workforce Housing
In an effort to address the growing housing challenges in Myrtle Beach, city leaders have announced plans to utilize a $150,000 grant awarded by the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. The grant is intended to fund a complete reexamination and overhaul of the current zoning regulations, aimed explicitly at accommodating more workforce housing.
As the population of Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand area continues to increase, the need for essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and first responders is seeing a similar uptick. However, it appears that many of these workers are unable to afford living within the city, owing largely to the city’s existing zoning regulations, as explained by Brooke Morris, assistant to the Myrtle Beach City Manager.
No Definitions for Workforce Housing in Zoning Ordinances
“The city’s zoning ordinances do not define workforce housing. And the zoning code does not identify specific areas of the zoning district where workforce housing is needed and would be most compatible with the existing communities,” Morris stated. The $150,000 grant will enable the city leaders to address this issue systematically and create more inclusive zoning laws.
Workforce Housing: A Priority
Joey Smoak, CEO of Eastern Carolina Housing Organization, lauded the city’s initiative. According to Smoak, even though development in Myrtle Beach has burgeoned, the provision of affordable accommodation for essential workers has failed to keep pace. Alterations in the zoning regulations can potentially open up new areas for housing, providing more options for workers. “I’m thrilled that they’re looking at addressing zoning and maybe opening up some things or removing some things that hinder certain types of housing,” said Smoak.
Time Frame for Zoning Overhaul
The ambitious zoning overhaul is expected to take around two years to complete, as per Morris. As the process unfolds, it promises to make Myrtle Beach a more inclusive and affordable place for the essential workforce that contributes to its growth and development every day.
Please stay tuned to the HERE News Network for updates on this development.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
