school superintendent, recognizing that workforce development begins with quality local schools.“We need an educational system that will prepare our students for all the things that we’ve talked about, these jobs,”he says.“We need nurses, we need doctors, we need lawyers, we need tradesmen, electricians, we need every type.” Hardeeville’s transformation to South Carolina’s fastest-growing municipality is an example of how strategic planning, regional cooperation, and sustained leadership can create unprecedented economic opportunity. With major infrastructure investments underway and continued population growth projected, the city has positioned itself as a model for managing rapid development while preserving community character and ensuring broad-based prosperity. We’re adding between 1,200 to 1,500 new singlefamily homes every year.”The city has permitted over 10 million square feet of industrial and warehousing development alongside thousands of multifamily units, creating a comprehensive growth strategy. Infrastructure planning requires years of advance preparation to avoid bottlenecks that could constrain economic development. “One of the top priorities is we have to get the infrastructure needs started in place, whether it be a road, a power line, whatever,” Mayor Williams explains. “These things take time. And the first thing you have to start with is getting the design and engineering in each one of these projects.” The mayor participates directly in committees allocating the $470 million road infrastructure funding to ensure projects align with anticipated development patterns. Education system improvements are another critical component of long-term success. Mayor Williams was asked to participate in the search for a new 235 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 HARDEEVILLE, SC
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