b'Policy & DevelopmentBeaufort County Establishes First Green Space Program of its Kind in South CarolinaBeaufort County continues to be steadfast in our commitment to preserving land that has scenic, natural, recreational, rural, and open space character which is deemed essential to the Countys quality of life.Beaufort Countys historical land-marks, natural resources, and unique Lowcountry culture are our pride and trea-sures.In November of 2022, Beaufort County voters approved a referendum which authorized the establishment of the Beaufort County Green Space Pro- Beaufort Countygramthe first of its kind in South Carolina!This program is designed to preserve open space, to protect critical and naturalGREEN SPACEresources, and to provide land for recreation.This allows us to prevent detrimentalPROGRAMeffects on land use patterns, traffic, public safety, stormwater runoff, water qualityBeaufort Countyor other conservation objectives. GREEN SPACE PROGRAMThis innovative program installs the following Program Guardrails to maintain program effectiveness and accountability:Beaufort County Beaufort CountyThe program is transparent and equally distributes the funds within the county in the interest of Beaufort County residents. GREEN SPACE PROGRAM GREEN SPACE PROGRAMAcquisitions of development rights secured through annexations, rezon-ings, and/or other entitlements occurring after the adoption of this article will be closely scrutinized and use of/access to green space funds may be restricted or prohibited.A jurisdictional letter of support or opposition for projects located in other governmental jurisdictions shall be required at the time of application.Consistency with adopted plans including the Beaufort County Compre-hensive Plan and the Greenprint Plan.The extent to which the acquisition will result in the reduction of vehicle miles traveled and reduce the need for future roadway improvements.The extent to which matching funds will be available for applications.For purchases of existing development rights, how recently the property was entitled for development.Beaufort County Recognizes Class of Emerging Leaders The Emerging Leaders program was established to allow Beaufort County em-ployees the ability to network and develop themselves among colleagues with like-minded goals and talents. So far, over 17 departments have had employees participate in the program. To serve their community, Emerging Leaders partic-ipated in the City of Beauforts Trick or Treat event, hosted two clean-up events on Ladys Island, and hosted the annual Beaufort County Christmas Tree Light-ing. In addition to participating in numerous training and leadership sessions, the Emerging Leaders also established and hosted the first Womens Conference for Beaufort County employees.'