North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess highlighted a 15% drop in violent crime and $2.8 billion in new investment during his annual State of the City address Thursday, while acknowledging rising housing costs threaten longtime residents.

Burgess told an audience of roughly 200 business leaders and residents at the Charleston Area Convention Center that the city has added 847 new jobs in the past year and expects to break ground on four major development projects by summer.

“We’re not just growing, we’re growing smart,” Burgess said. “Every decision we make has to balance progress with preservation of what makes North Charleston home for working families.”

The mayor’s remarks come as North Charleston grapples with public safety challenges that have drawn regional attention, including recent shootings that highlighted ongoing concerns about violence in certain neighborhoods.

Burgess credited increased police patrols and community policing initiatives for the crime reduction, noting that response times have improved by 12% since 2023. The city added 18 officers in the past year and plans to hire 25 more by December, bringing the total force to 312.

But the mayor spent considerable time addressing affordability concerns that mirror challenges across the Charleston metropolitan area. North Charleston’s median home price jumped 23% in 2023 to $285,000, according to city data.

“Growth that pushes out the people who built this city is not real progress,” Burgess said.

The city plans to dedicate $15 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funding toward affordable housing initiatives, including down payment assistance for first-time buyers and rehabilitation of older housing stock. Officials expect the programs to help 400 families over three years.

Burgess announced plans for a mixed-income development on 47 acres near Park Circle that would include 280 housing units, with 30% reserved for households earning less than 80% of the area median income. The project requires City Council approval and faces a public hearing March 12.

Economic development dominated much of the 45-minute address. Boeing’s announcement of a $1.2 billion expansion at its North Charleston facility will add 500 jobs by 2026, while the Port of Charleston’s inland port project is expected to generate 1,200 positions.

“We’re building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,” Burgess said.

The mayor outlined infrastructure improvements funded by a $125 million bond package approved by voters in November. Projects include road resurfacing on 23 miles of city streets, drainage improvements in flood-prone areas, and expansion of the city’s fiber internet network.

Burgess defended the city’s development incentive policies against criticism that tax breaks for large corporations strain municipal services. He said Boeing’s expansion alone will generate $28 million in new property tax revenue over 10 years, even after accounting for incentives.

“These aren’t giveaways,” Burgess said. “Every dollar we invest returns three dollars to our community.”

City Councilman Michael Brown, who attended the address, said constituents remain concerned about gentrification pressure in established neighborhoods like Chicora-Cherokee and Liberty Hill.

“The mayor’s talking about affordable housing, but we need to see concrete results,” Brown said. “People are getting priced out right now.”

Burgess acknowledged the city faces challenges recruiting teachers, firefighters and other public employees who can no longer afford to live where they work. Starting salaries for police officers increased 8% this year to $52,000, and the city expanded health benefits for all employees.

The mayor also highlighted quality-of-life improvements, including completion of the East Coast Greenway extension that connects North Charleston to downtown Charleston via bicycle and pedestrian paths. Three new parks opened in 2023, and the city plans to break ground on a 12-acre community park in the Ferndale neighborhood this spring.

Burgess said the city will launch a comprehensive review of its zoning ordinances to address concerns about incompatible development in residential areas. The process will include community input sessions in each council district.

“We’re at a crossroads,” Burgess said. “We can choose managed growth that benefits everyone, or we can let market forces alone determine our future.”

The mayor announced his intention to seek a third term in the 2025 municipal election, citing “unfinished business” on affordable housing and infrastructure improvements.

City Council will vote March 26 on the proposed 2024-25 budget, which includes a 2.5% property tax increase to fund additional police officers and road maintenance. The $287 million spending plan represents a 6% increase from the current year.

Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for March 19 and March 24 at City Hall.