25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Memorial Waterfront Park, expected to be completed in July 2024, will include several new features such as a splash pad with a water tower feature, a quarter-mile walking and biking trail, multipurpose sports courts, a restroom facility, dog parks, overflow parking, a calisthenics area and more. Another new, centrally-located recreation complex, Rifle Range Road Park, is currently in design. FINANCIAL STABILITY The Town of Mount Pleasant maintained its AAA (S&P) and Aaa (Moody’s) bond ratings in 2023, a testament to the town’s strong financial position and steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility. Additionally, the town’s finance staff received recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 34th consecutive year for their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The budget office was also recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the GFOA for the 10th year. KEEPING BUSINESS BOOMING The town became home to many new businesses in 2023. Of those, 23 celebrated their opening with ribboncutting ceremonies, which bring together local business owners, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and Mount Pleasant Town Council members to promote growth in our business sector. Mount Pleasant also welcomed an innovative business center in 2023, the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. The center creates an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Charleston region. With support from the Town of Mount Pleasant, the 38,000-square-foot facility provides a collaborative space and houses over 50 high-growth companies. A MODEL OF EXCELLENCE For the third time, the Town of Mount Pleasant was named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2023. The town’s motto for this year’s presentation was “Together We Weave,” incorporating the local art of sweetgrass basket making. The delegation, represented by community members, illustrated how Mount Pleasant weaves diversity into the community by promoting programs that accommodate neurodivergent people and their families. The group also highlighted how Mount Pleasant prioritizes youth mental health and weaves bonds of trust with its residents by investing in programs designed to foster relationships between police officers and young people. Of all the important accomplishments the Town of Mount Pleasant celebrated in 2023, DeMoura is most excited about the 2023 All-America City Award because it is the most prestigious award a local government can receive and serves as validation that the efforts the town is making today will positively impact generations to come. “In Mount Pleasant, we work hard to protect and improve this wonderful community,” explained DeMoura. “To me, winning the All-America City Award is an acknowledgment that, while our work is not perfect, we are on the right track.” our town
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