TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. – On Thursday, Tybee Island Mayor Brian West presented the 2026 State of the City address, reflecting on milestones achieved in 2025 and outlining future initiatives for the coming year.

Accomplishments in 2025

Mayor West highlighted that the previous year brought significant advancements in public safety, infrastructure, resilience, sustainability, and overall quality of life for the island’s residents.

A notable development was the appointment of Justin McMillian as the new fire chief. Additionally, the city secured land for the construction of a new $12 million fire station, marking a significant investment in public safety.

Crime statistics were promising, with Tybee Island Police reporting a substantial 40% reduction in Part 1 crimes, which include serious offenses such as murder, rape, and larceny.

August brought unprecedented rainfall, challenging the city’s infrastructure. In response, city staff undertook the rehabilitation of 27 manholes and crucial sewer lines to mitigate the impact.

Mayor West said budgeted money intended for other project was allocated to the flooding damage repairs.

“We had to move some things around from what happened this past year,” said West.  “We are looking for renourishment this year. We’re not sure we have funding for it now. So, we’re concerned about that.”

The city also implemented a 10-year capital improvement plan to restore and replace water and sewer systems. 

A new $300,000 re-paving program was also put into motion to improve roads throughout the island. 

Tybee created their first five-year sustainability plan with a new sustainability committee. With a $250,000 grant, they were able to improve their recycling program which will help with beach and dune renourishment efforts, said City Manager Brett Bell.

The city was awarded a “Bee City USA designation” which honors cities for preserving pollinators native to them. 

Lastly, the city passed one of the lowest property tax rates in Chatham County.

Looking to 2026

Mayor West said the city is going to have to keep up with the rapid growth of the area and tourism. 

The 2 million tourists that visit the island annually, bring $500-$600 million in regional economic activity supporting 8,000 jobs. One thousand and nine hundred those jobs are on Tybee.

But that tourism adds strain to Highway 80 and the city has to secure public safety resources to keep up with the influx of people, said West.

“This area of Georgia is growing exponentially. We have the Gulf Stream growing, the ports are growing, the Hyundai Plant,” said West. “So, there is going to be more of a demand for people to be here so it’s going to put more strain on our infrastructure, having enough police force, fire force to cover all the other people that come to see us. And we love those people. We want them here.”

He said using expenses like charging for parking, helps pay for those services but they are always searching for federal grants, state programs and anything that can help us keep up with the visitors that come to the island.

In 2026, the city is moving forward with the $20 million beach renourishment project.