In recent years, Savannah’s city council has undertaken several initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and improving infrastructure to accommodate the city’s growth.
Public Safety Enhancements
In June 2025, the council approved a comprehensive strategic plan, Savannah GPS, identifying public safety as the top priority. The plan includes commitments to end gun violence through community partnerships, prevent deaths from fires and vehicle crashes, and build stronger community-police relationships through enhanced transparency and interactive online engagement tools. Additionally, the plan calls for modernizing public safety facilities and expanding wellness programs for personnel.
To further bolster public safety, the council allocated community grant money from SCAD Serve for the purchase of Flock License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras. This decision aims to enhance surveillance capabilities and deter criminal activities in the city.
Infrastructure Improvements
Recognizing the need to strengthen Savannah’s water supply, the city council approved $146 million in state funding for its water treatment plant. This investment is intended to accommodate the rapid increase in water usage, with estimates projecting growth from around 50 million gallons to 80 million by 2028. The upgrades will improve the city’s water base and ensure reliable tap water for residents and businesses.
In May 2025, the council approved an $8 million contract to construct an additional parking lot at Enmarket Arena. A significant portion of this funding will be used to remediate the site by removing toxic chemicals from the soil, fulfilling the city’s environmental obligations and providing necessary parking infrastructure for the arena.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
To address the rising housing costs and increase residential density, the city council approved an ordinance creating an Affordable Housing Overlay District. This measure allows property owners to more easily develop high-density and multi-family housing in neighborhoods traditionally consisting of single-family homes. The overlay spans approximately 440 acres, including parts of the Thomas Square, Metropolitan, and Victorian Districts, as well as a smaller section of the Live Oak neighborhood.
Environmental Efforts
In June 2025, the Savannah Riverkeeper installed seven litter booms in strategic spots along the city’s canals. These booms passively trap floating litter, such as Styrofoam cups and plastic bottles, carried by runoff from streets and parking lots during rainfall. This initiative aims to reduce pollution in Savannah’s waterways and protect local wildlife.
Through these strategic initiatives, Savannah’s city council continues to prioritize public safety, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability to meet the evolving needs of the community.