Steve Riley, Principal

My career has consisted of private sector land use planning experience, as well as an extensive public service career in land use planning and local government management; including over 26 years as the Town Manager for the Town of Hilton Head Island, SC.  I have also have experience in commercial real estate and appraisal.

Hilton Head is a coastal barrier island incorporated in the early 1980s that brought together 10 large Planned Developments, but outside these PUD’s there was a lack of public infrastructure, particularly in the areas of roads, drainage, and public recreation and open spaces.  

I came to work for the Town in 1991 as the Community Development Director, and focused on community building – including an aggressive land acquisition program, capital investment, disaster planning, and fiscal management.  I was named the Town Manager in 1994 and retired in 2020.  During that time the Town achieved a AAA bond rating from Moody’s, annually received the GFOA CAFR and Budget Presentation Awards, had an extensive and award-winning capital improvements program, won numerous awards and recognition for those capital projects, as well as recognition as a place for visitors, retirees, and families.  The Town successfully managed responses to hurricane strikes in 2016 and again in 2017.

Philosophy

During my public-sector career, I endeavored to plan and build for future generations.  I strive to bring that same long-term perspective to my clients.