Myrtle Beach, January 27, 2026
Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a $500,000 lighting project to enhance safety and economic vibrancy in downtown Myrtle Beach. The project will illuminate Ocean Boulevard, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors while supporting local businesses. This initiative aligns with the Downtown Master Plan’s vision for revitalization, showcasing the community’s commitment to public safety and economic growth.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is Myrtle Beach doing to improve its downtown area?
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a half-a-million-dollar investment for a new decorative lighting project along Ocean Boulevard to enhance safety and economic vibrancy.
Where will the new decorative lighting be installed?
Installers will place the new decorative lighting along Ocean Boulevard, specifically targeting the area between 9th Avenue and Mr. Joe White Avenue.
What are the main goals of the downtown lighting project?
The primary goals are to enhance public safety, actively prevent crime, create a more inviting atmosphere for families, and improve visibility for local businesses and law enforcement.
How is Myrtle Beach funding this new lighting initiative?
Funding for the project comes from the city’s Capital Projects Fund, part of the recently approved FY26 budget, which includes $60.7 million for Capital Improvement Projects without any tax increases.
How does this lighting project fit into the larger plans for downtown Myrtle Beach?
This project directly implements a component of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Master Plan, a comprehensive vision for creating a vibrant, safe, and accessible year-round destination, including future developments like an Arts and Innovation District.
Myrtle Beach Illuminates Downtown for Enhanced Safety and Economic Vibrancy
Myrtle Beach is taking a significant step towards bolstering its downtown core, with the City Council recently approving a substantial investment in a new lighting project. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering an environment where public safety and economic prosperity can shine brightly, reflecting the community’s proactive approach to urban development and small-business support.
The half-a-million-dollar allocation for decorative lighting along Ocean Boulevard is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our local economy and the well-being of residents and visitors alike. This move aligns with a broader vision for downtown revitalization, championed by dedicated local leaders and organizations like the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, who recognize the power of thoughtful infrastructure in nurturing a thriving community spirit and entrepreneurial landscape.
Such public investments, meticulously planned and executed, lay the groundwork for private sector growth without imposing additional burdens on local enterprises. By creating a more secure and inviting atmosphere, the city empowers its businesses to flourish, attracting more foot traffic and encouraging sustained local investment—a testament to the effectiveness of targeted public-private collaboration.
A Brighter Boulevard: Enhancing Public Safety and Appeal
The Myrtle Beach City Council has formally approved a half-a-million-dollar project to install decorative lighting along Ocean Boulevard. This significant investment will target the area between 9th Avenue and Mr. Joe White Avenue, aiming to transform the visual landscape of a key downtown corridor.
The primary objectives of this lighting initiative are multifaceted. City leaders emphasized that the new decorative lighting is intended to create a more inviting atmosphere for families and to actively contribute to crime prevention. Improved visibility is expected to benefit store owners, residents, and visitors, while also providing law enforcement with clearer lines of sight, thereby enhancing overall public safety.
This decision came after city officials engaged with Oceanfront merchants and members of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, who identified enhanced lighting as a crucial need for the area. This collaborative approach highlights how community feedback and local business insights are instrumental in guiding municipal development efforts.
The Downtown Alliance: A Catalyst for Community and Commerce
The Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit place management organization, plays a pivotal role in the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Myrtle Beach. Its mission is to cultivate a distinctive downtown environment that enriches the lives of all who live, work, shop, and visit. The organization is committed to embracing local heritage, propelling innovation, and celebrating diversity to foster a distinct haven that thrives on inclusivity, enhances economic prosperity, and champions equitable growth.
Beyond advocating for public projects like the new lighting, the Downtown Alliance actively supports local businesses by working with them to implement additional lighting on their buildings. This collaborative effort further contributes to enhancing public safety across the downtown area.
The Alliance’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to drive quality and public-private partnerships in redevelopment, with a goal of infusing private investment into revitalization initiatives. They also advocate for policies that preserve local culture and mitigate unintended consequences of redevelopment, demonstrating a holistic approach to urban renewal.
Strategic Growth: The Downtown Master Plan’s Vision
The recently approved lighting project is a tangible component of the long-term vision outlined in the Myrtle Beach Downtown Master Plan. This comprehensive plan was adopted by the City Council in March 2019, following an extensive public input process that involved over 100 individuals, including business and property owners, real estate professionals, developers, educational institutions, and potential investors.
The Master Plan envisions downtown Myrtle Beach as a vibrant, safe, and accessible year-round destination, characterized by new family attractions, parks, an improving food scene, and enhanced accommodations. Key elements of the plan include new streetscapes and intersections designed to calm traffic and improve safety, along with changing public art at key intersections to create visual landmarks and a distinctive ambiance.
Ongoing revitalization efforts under the Master Plan also encompass the development of an Arts and Innovation District, signaling a commitment to cultural and economic diversification. This strategic planning ensures that individual projects, like the new lighting, contribute to a cohesive and impactful transformation of the downtown area.
Fiscal Responsibility and Future Investments
The funding for the Ocean Boulevard lighting project will be sourced from the city’s capital projects fund. This demonstrates a commitment to utilizing existing resources for vital infrastructure improvements.
The City Council’s responsible fiscal management is evident in the recently approved $360.7 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This spending plan includes $60.7 million allocated for Capital Improvement Projects, all while notably avoiding any tax increases or business license increases for the community. This approach provides financial security and stability, benefiting both residents and the local business community by not adding to their financial burdens, thus fostering a predictable environment for economic growth and private investment.
The prudent allocation of funds for projects like the downtown lighting is crucial for sustained progress in Myrtle Beach. It enables necessary upgrades that directly contribute to public welfare and business vitality, without compromising the financial health of the city or its entrepreneurs.
Table: Key Features of the Downtown Lighting Project and Revitalization Efforts
| Project Name | Downtown Decorative Lighting Project |
| Location | Ocean Boulevard, between 9th Avenue and Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach |
| Investment | Half-a-million dollars |
| Funding Source | City’s Capital Projects Fund |
| Primary Goals | Enhance public safety, prevent crime, create inviting atmosphere for families, improve visibility for businesses and law enforcement. |
| Key Partners | Myrtle Beach City Council, Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, Oceanfront Merchants |
| Broader Context | Part of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Master Plan and ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, including the Arts and Innovation District. |
| Related Fiscal Policy | FY26 budget includes $60.7 million in Capital Improvement Projects; no tax or business license increase. |
A Beacon for Myrtle Beach SC Business and Community
The approval of the downtown lighting project represents a strategic investment in the future of Myrtle Beach. By prioritizing public safety and creating a more inviting atmosphere, the city is directly supporting the resilience and growth of Myrtle Beach small business owners and encouraging continued private investment. This initiative, alongside the broader Downtown Master Plan, exemplifies how thoughtful civic leadership can cultivate an environment conducive to entrepreneurial innovation and a vibrant community.
As these enhancements take shape, the collective efforts of the City Council, the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, and engaged local businesses will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term economic prosperity of the area. We encourage all residents and visitors to explore the revitalized downtown, support the local businesses that are the backbone of our economy, and stay engaged in the ongoing exciting developments shaping the future of Myrtle Beach’s economy.
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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.
