Hilton Head Island, SC, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A recent cooking event in Hilton Head brought together Charleston Representative JA Moore and Hilton Head Representative Jeff Bradley to discuss the urgent issue of affordable housing for hospitality workers. The dinner, part of South Carolina’s restaurant and lodging industry conference, highlighted the challenges faced by over 14,000 workers commuting daily due to the housing crunch. While they shared a meal, the legislators debated potential solutions, including enhanced public transportation and new housing projects, reflecting their differing political views.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Charleston Representative JA Moore and Hilton Head Representative Jeff Bradley recently came together for a cooking event aimed at addressing the critical issue of affordable housing for hospitality workers in Hilton Head Island. This dinner, held during the annual conference for South Carolina’s restaurant and lodging industry at Sonesta Resort, provided a platform for discussion on workforce housing while the legislators engaged in preparing a meal.
The conversation highlighted the pressing need for affordable accommodations, particularly as over 14,000 workers commute to Hilton Head daily due to the housing crisis. Representative Bradley expressed skepticism about government funding for affordable housing projects, while Representative Moore advocated for enhanced public transportation to assist workers in their commute. Moore emphasized that while improved transport would help, it does not directly tackle the rising costs of housing.
During the event, the chefs discussed not only housing issues but also broader political debates, such as gun control and abortion, which they also focus on in their new PBS cooking show. This program, created by SCETV, features the two legislators cooking meals while exploring contentious political topics. Their first episode included discussions about gun control, prompted by Moore’s personal history related to the Charleston church shooting in 2015, which profoundly influenced his political career.
As they prepared a meal of seafood, red rice, and peach cobbler, both legislators acknowledged their differing viewpoints but found commonality in their passion for food. Moore supports measures like universal background checks and raising the minimum age for gun purchases to 21, while Bradley proposed prioritizing mental health resources as a strategy for preventing school shootings. Neither politician discounts the skepticism surrounding the effectiveness of gun control laws in curbing violent crime but hopes that their collaborative efforts can break down political divisions within South Carolina.
Looking beyond the cooking show, Moore is developing a political cookbook filled with personal stories from his time in office, set to be released in August 2026. Furthermore, Novant Health has announced plans to construct 141 workforce housing units designated for essential local workers, including nurses, to help combat the housing shortage. This development aims for a mix of living arrangements and is expected to break ground in early 2026 with completion targeted for mid to late 2027.
Residents have expressed frustrations at recent town meetings regarding the slow progress in addressing workforce housing. The town council has recently passed a Housing Displacement Mitigation Support Plan to foster communication and assist communities during housing challenges. This plan comes after nearly two years of discussions about the critical state of workplace housing on Hilton Head, where rising rental prices have exacerbated the situation.
As the urgency surrounding workforce housing continues to grow, local council members have spoken out about their varying perspectives on prioritizing these issues, indicating a fragmented strategy in response to the community’s needs.
Key Facts Summary
- Event focused on workforce housing for Hilton Head hospitality workers.
- Over 14,000 workers commute daily due to a shortage of affordable housing.
- Novant Health plans to build 141 workforce housing units for essential employees.
- First episode of PBS cooking show discusses gun control amid meal preparation.
- Legislators aim to bridge political divides through their culinary discussions.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the cooking event on Hilton Head Island?
The cooking event aimed to discuss the pressing issue of affordable housing for hospitality workers on Hilton Head Island while fostering dialogue between legislators from opposing political parties.
What is the status of workforce housing on Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island faces a significant shortage of workforce housing, making it necessary for over 14,000 workers to commute to the island daily.
What legislative efforts are being made to address housing issues?
Local representatives are advocating for various solutions, including the construction of new housing units by Novant Health and a Housing Displacement Mitigation Support Plan recently approved by the town council.
What other topics do the legislators discuss on their PBS cooking show?
The legislators discuss several contentious issues, including gun control and abortion, integrating food preparation with political dialogue to engage the audience.
Chart: Key Features of Workforce Housing and Legislative Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Workforce Housing Units | 141 units planned by Novant Health to support essential workers. |
| Legislative Dialogue | Rep. Moore and Rep. Bradley discuss housing and gun control via a PBS show. |
| Community Challenges | Over 14,000 workers commute daily due to rising housing costs. |
| Future Developments | Construction of workforce housing begins in early 2026, aiming for late 2027 completion. |
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Novant Plans Affordable Housing
- WSAV: Locals Urge Council for Workforce Housing Solutions
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Workforce Housing Plan
- MSN: Beaufort & Jasper Counties Affordable Housing
- WSAV: Novant Health Aims to Address Housing Crisis
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Hilton Head Housing Crisis
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Crisis
- Google News: Hilton Head Affordable Housing
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
