Understand your city government before casting your vote

By Marian Gore

As North Myrtle Beach residents prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, it’s worth pausing to look closely at what our city council and mayor actually do. The decisions made inside city hall shape nearly every part of local life from beach access to business permits and your vote helps choose the people who steer those choices.

City Council is the community’s voice.

North Myrtle Beach’s City Council serves as the city’s legislative body. Its members represent different wards and neighborhoods, bringing community concerns directly to the decision table.

Together, they set policy, approve ordinances and adopt the annual city budget that funds everything from public safety to parks.

Council meetings, that are open to the public, are where issues like zoning changes, development proposals and local tax rates are debated. Council members also review contracts for road projects, approve festival permits and monitor how city departments use taxpayer money. They also appoint citizens to advisory boards, ensuring residents have a say in areas such as planning, recreation and tourism.

If you’ve ever wondered who decides whether new sidewalks are built, short-term rentals are regulated, or beach parking fees change—the answer almost always includes the city council.

The mayor leads and represents the city.

The mayor serves as both the ceremonial head and the chief elected spokesperson for North Myrtle Beach. While the mayor has one vote on the council, just like any other member, the role carries unique responsibilities: presiding over meetings, helping set agendas and representing the city in regional and state discussions.

The mayor often works behind the scenes to coordinate with business leaders, regional planners and neighboring communities on issues that cross city limits, like hurricane preparedness, water and sewer systems and transportation improvements. The mayor also serves as the face of North Myrtle Beach during emergencies, providing leadership and communication when residents need clear guidance most.

Together they balance growth and quality of life.

Both the council and mayor are tasked with balancing the realities of growth with the values of small-town life. They must manage tourism pressures while protecting year-round residents’ quality of life, make infrastructure investments without overburdening taxpayers and encourage economic development while safeguarding the natural beauty that defines our coastal community.

Major topics this year include stormwater management, responsible development and maintaining public safety staffing in line with a growing population. Understanding where candidates stand on these issues can help voters make informed choices that reflect their priorities.

How residents can get involved.

Beyond Election Day, residents can attend council meetings (usually twice a month at city hall), watch sessions online or sign up to speak during public comment. Citizens can also apply for city boards and commissions giving real opportunities to shape policies on everything from planning to environmental stewardship.

Your vote for mayor and city council helps decide how North Myrtle Beach grows, spends and preserves what makes it special. An engaged, informed electorate ensures that city hall reflects the voices of the people it serves. As ballots open, take time to learn who is running, what they stand for and how they plan to guide our city’s next chapter.