Beaufort County State 2% ATAX Committee Presentation Day, September 18, 2026, 9:00am

The Beaufort County State 2% ATAX Committee convened on September 18, 2026, to hear presentations from various local organizations requesting funding from the accommodations tax (ATAX) to support tourism-related marketing and capital projects. Multiple entities including the Art Center of Coastal Carolina, Visit Beaufort Port Royal, Lean Ensemble Theater, Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, Beaufort Film Society, and others presented detailed proposals outlining their marketing strategies, expected tourism impact, and budget requests. Requests ranged from $5,000 to over $1 million, with many focused on digital marketing campaigns targeting out-of-state tourists, event promotion, and infrastructure improvements such as design and permitting for the Waterfront Park. The committee engaged presenters with questions about funding gaps, marketing reach, economic impact, and collaboration with other tourism stakeholders. Several organizations highlighted their efforts to increase overnight stays and visitor spending in Beaufort County. The meeting concluded with plans for the committee to review all applications and develop funding recommendations for county approval.