LRTMP Committee and Meeting Updates
Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee
At its November 16, 2023 meeting, the Dare County Tourism Board considered recommendations for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) Special Committee/Task Force and unanimously appointed 22 community members. The committee evaluates the LRTMP’s strategic goals, recommends actions to the Dare County Tourism Board, and helps carry adopted recommendations forward. Its membership includes local leaders, Dare County professionals representing varied industries and interests, and concerned residents.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, 9:00 AM, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Administrative Office, Manteo, NC
Special Committee Meeting Recaps and Updates
This section contains meeting agendas, recaps, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and community engagement updates, and presentations.
February 7, 2024
The first meeting of the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee took place on February 7, 2024. Discussion highlights included:
- Nonprofit organization partnerships: The committee considered an OuterBanks.org nonprofit directory, monthly nonprofit organization and community newsletter communication, the 2nd Annual NPO Mission Mixer in April 2024, a future NPO Knowledge Series workshop in September 2024, and proactive nonprofit and voluntourism marketing and PR by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
- Resident engagement program: Members reviewed how the Outer Banks community participated in developing the LRTMP, the value of transparent two-way resident communication, the importance of explaining tourism’s benefits to residents, current and upcoming resident communication tactics, a stronger LRTMP website presence, and possible engagement approaches including an ambassador program.
- Outer Banks Pledge: The group examined why destinations have introduced tourism pledges in recent years, reviewed pledges from destinations worldwide, and considered a preliminary Outer Banks Pledge draft.
Meeting materials included an agenda, presentation, minutes, and video recap.
March 13, 2024
At its second meeting, held on March 13, 2024, the Special Committee focused on:
- Selecting LRTMP strategies and tactics that the group could lead and complete during 2024.
- Determining which local organizations, commissions, and committees already had projects or initiatives connected to LRTMP strategies.
- Collecting information from those groups to help the Special Committee understand issues directly connected to the LRTMP strategic goals.
Agenda, Community Engagement Report, minutes, and video recap materials were provided for this meeting.
April 10, 2024
After receiving community engagement updates, the committee reached consensus to present the latest Outer Banks Promise draft to the Dare County Tourism Board at its April 18 meeting. Members then formed two work groups to address LRTMP Goal #2, Adopt an integrated approach to improve environmental stewardship, and LRTMP Goal #3, Support infrastructure development that benefits the vitality of the community for residents and visitors.
The work groups identified these action items:
- Gather sustainability plans from municipalities, agencies, and non-profit organizations, together with LRTMP survey information, to identify and rank the environmental challenges requiring attention.
- Help develop and promote environmental stewardship communications based on identified priorities, using local recreation outfitters and events organized by various groups.
- Establish what is meant by the structural and human dimensions of “infrastructure,” including roads, sidewalks, high-speed internet, schools, transportation, emergency services, beach nourishment, child care, and other needs.
- Continue building an inventory of local infrastructure partners and work with them to bring a tourism perspective to areas overlapping with LRTMP goals and strategies.
- Work with local stakeholders to understand Dare County accessibility efforts and related resources, then improve awareness and communication about that access.
Meeting materials included an agenda, minutes, and video recap.
May 8, 2024
During its fourth meeting on May 8, the committee began by discussing the Outer Banks Promise, a destination pledge intended to encourage responsible and safe behavior. The Dare County Tourism Board approved the Promise during its April meeting, and preparations were underway to introduce it to residents and visitors before the 2024 summer season.
A community campaign was planned to build local awareness and understanding of the Outer Banks Promise. Visitors would also be able to encounter its seven core messages through Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (OBVB) digital channels, including the website, social, and email, as well as at the four Welcome Centers. Comparable pledges have been adopted by tourism destinations worldwide, including Aspen, CO; Big Sur, CA; Finland, Iceland, Hawaii, and Sedona, AZ.
The committee continued its April work on environmental stewardship and infrastructure development in smaller groups. Priority action items included:
- Review resident feedback about environmental concerns and determine how the committee can align with and prioritize responses to those challenges.
- Collect sustainability plans from other local organizations to help establish priorities.
- Identify environmental, infrastructure, and accessibility experts who can educate the committee, industry partners, and the community about related issues and opportunities.
- Continue locating local councils, commissions, and organizations whose work intersects with the LRTMP, and invite their collaboration and support.
Agenda, Community Engagement Report, minutes, and video recap materials were provided.
August 14, 2024
After a two month hiatus, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan met at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island. Updates covered:
- A presentation from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), delivered by Win Bridgers (Division 1 Engineer), concerning road resurfacing, bridge construction and repairs, transportation studies, ADA ramp installations, pedestrian safety initiatives, and funding. The information helped the committee understand NCDOT priorities, their relationship to the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan, and ways those efforts could be supported.
- A recent meeting of local sports teams and recreation leaders organized by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Dare County Parks and Recreation. The meeting addressed athletic facility needs and shared state and local grant opportunities.
- The Outer Banks Promise marketing, communications, and activation plan.
- Progress from the Dare Community Housing Task Force.
- The 2023 North Carolina Visitor Spending report.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse restoration and multi-use pathway projects.
- Retrofitting Wildlife Friendly Lighting at Jennette’s Pier.
- The Blue Zones Ignite Outer Banks initiative, led by Outer Banks Health and Dare County Health and Human Services, addressing the long-term health and well-being of all county residents.
The next Special Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 18 at 9:00am at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
September 18, 2024
On September 18, the LRTMP Special Committee divided into working groups for most of its 90 minute meeting to further rank the plan’s goals and strategies. Alongside the previously established Environmental Stewardship and Infrastructure Development groups, members created a Resident & Visitor Engagement group.
Discussion points included:
- Developing ways to share tourism updates with the local community and collect resident feedback on the LRTMP. Although progress had been made in several areas since publication of the plan last year, creating ongoing opportunities for community input remained a top priority.
- Working with local partners and using technology to continue educating residents about The Outer Banks Promise, the destination pledge designed to encourage more responsible behavior and stronger stewardship.
- Considering methods for reducing the environmental footprint of local events.
- Contacting local municipalities and businesses about sustainability and stewardship plans and best practices.
- Examining accessibility and mobility issues and opportunities within the community.
The meeting also included Outer Banks Visitors Bureau updates. The 2nd Annual Non-Profit Knowledge Series, presented with the Outer Banks Community Foundation, was scheduled for Friday, September 27 (9:30am-4:30pm) at College of the Albemarle’s Dare Campus in Manteo. This FREE workshop was open to non-profit professionals, board members, and community fundraisers, with sessions on strategic planning and fundraising fundamentals. A few spots still remained after a strong response.
The 10th Annual OBX Tourism Summit was scheduled for Thursday, November 7 from 8am-3pm at the Pioneer Theater in Manteo. Topics included the state of tourism in Dare County, bureau updates, and an early look at the new Outer Banks Visitor Profile Study. Early bird pricing was available through October 14.
The next Special Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, October 9 at 9:00am at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
October 9, 2024
The Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) met on October 9 at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
Donna Creef and Malcolm Fearing, Chair and Vice Chair respectively of the Dare Community Housing Task Force, provided an update on the Task Force’s work, progress, and challenges. The Housing Task Force had met monthly since February and continued developing recommendations for addressing key community housing issues. Advocating for increased residential housing diversity is one of the four strategic goals in the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan, and the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee committed to supporting the Housing Task Force’s work.
Members also discussed a resident engagement plan featuring Tourism Town Halls. These gatherings are intended to provide key updates and give community members opportunities to offer feedback and ideas on LRTMP-related topics. Additional information was expected after the next Committee meeting on November 20, including Town Hall dates, locations, and participation details.
The committee learned about efforts by local businesses, including Outer Banks Blue, Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk, and Outer Banks Health, to make The Outer Banks Promise as an organization. Groups and companies interested in supporting the destination pledge and stewardship initiatives could contact Jeff Schwartzenberg, Community Engagement Manager, at community@outerbanks.org.
The next Special Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, November 20 at 9:00am at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
November 20, 2024
The LRTMP Special Committee met on November 20 at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island. Members discussed holding several Tourism Town Halls in Q1 2025 at locations throughout Dare County. The gatherings would share tourism updates and give residents a chance to comment on LRTMP implementation. Dates, times, and locations were to be announced.
The community engagement report covered The Outer Banks Promise and introduced the 2024-25 State of Dare County Tourism Report, a year-in-review view of tourism’s effect on Dare County.
Committee updates included the Dare Community Housing Task Force’s end-of-year report preparations, the need for proactive conversations about environmental challenges during LRTMP implementation, a recap of the recent OBX Tourism Summit, and a preview of a voluntourism video series featuring area nonprofits.
The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 9:00am at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island. Environmental sustainability and stewardship, in relation to Strategic Goal #2 of the LRTMP (Adopt an integrated approach to improving environmental stewardship), would be the focus.
January 8, 2025
The Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) met at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island on January 8. During the first meeting of 2025, members reviewed previous accomplishments and then concentrated on priorities and goals for the new year:
- Increase community outreach and engagement, with particular attention to Hatteras Island.
- Expand the Voluntourism initiative.
- Support and promote existing local environmental stewardship work.
- Continue locating LRTMP subject-matter experts who can educate the committee about important plan-related issues and opportunities.
The committee also discussed planning for the TourismNext: OBX Student Summit, scheduled for March 5 at Jennette’s Pier. In partnership with Dare County Schools, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau planned to connect with 100 high school students from First Flight, Manteo and Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Students would explore tourism’s role in the local economy, social media marketing and storytelling, industry careers, the Bureau’s responsible tourism initiatives, and their own perspectives on the LRTMP.
April 9, 2025
The Special Committee met on April 9 at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
Coastal Studies Institute Executive Director Dr. Reide Corbett and National Park Service Eastern NC Superintendent Dave Hallac led a discussion about the changing Outer Banks coastline, sea level rise, and coastal erosion in the region. Both Dr. Corbett and Superintendent Hallac serve on the LRTMP Special Committee. Their data-driven perspectives and practical knowledge help inform the committee and community about issues affecting the barrier islands as long-range tourism planning continues. Sharing this information to educate and inform the community is one way the LRTMP committee can contribute.
Additional updates included:
- Key takeaways from the 2025 Visit NC Tourism Conference in Hickory, NC.
- A recap of the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Mission Mixer, held in partnership with the Outer Banks Community Foundation. On April 3, more than 75 local nonprofit professionals, board members, and volunteers representing over 40 local organizations gathered to connect and learn how podcasting can support deeper storytelling and community connection.
- Plans for the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Knowledge Series workshop in the fall, also in partnership with the Outer Banks Community Foundation, continuing the conversation about using new media for nonprofit storytelling.
- The Dare County Tourism Board’s March approval of $252,200 in event grants for 35 area nonprofits and local municipalities, bringing the 2024-25 fiscal year event grant total to $400,000. These events are intended to generate overnight visitation to Dare County during non-peak months.
The next LRTMP Special Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 9:00am at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
June 11, 2025
The Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee met on June 11 at the Visitors Bureau administrative offices in Manteo. Following Bureau updates, members discussed future community engagement efforts, including local meet-ups, continued LRTMP “Road Show” presentations for stakeholder groups, participation in local events, and a possible on-location video podcast covering community, tourism, and LRTMP subjects.
The committee also considered ways to strengthen nonprofit partnerships and the Voluntourism initiative. Ideas included an online platform for managing and aggregating community volunteer opportunities and a possible “Tourism for Good” Volunteer Week in October.
Members discussed Visitor and Resident Sentiment surveys to be conducted in the coming months. The surveys would gather perspectives on the future of tourism in Dare County and the LRTMP while establishing a baseline for tracking sentiment over time.
The next LRTMP Special Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
September 10, 2025
On September 10, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan met at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island.
Highlights included:
- A presentation from Spencer Gregory, Dare County Public Services Director and Parks & Recreation Director, about the Dare County Parks & Recreation Recommendations & Implementation Plan. The plan identifies priorities and strategies for current and future recreational needs throughout the county.
- An update from Lee Nettles, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Executive Director, covering June occupancy and meals tax collections, The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties study and its examination of visitor expenditures across all 100 counties, the Boardwalk project planned for the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, Season 2 of The Outer Edge Video Series, and the OBX Tourism Summit scheduled for November 6 at the Hatteras Marlin Club.
- An update from Jeff Schwartzenberg, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Community Engagement Manager, on Outer Banks Volunteer Week, plans to introduce the Volunteer OBX online community volunteer portal, and the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Knowledge Series Workshop on September 26 in collaboration with the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
November 12, 2025
The Special Committee met at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island on November 12. Meeting highlights included:
- A presentation from Dr. Sheila Davies, Dare County Director of Health and Human Services; Amy Montgomery, Outer Banks Health Executive Director of Operations; and Jennifer Schwartzenberg, Outer Banks Health Director of Community Outreach and Development. The presentation addressed ThriveOBX, a collaborative effort involving Dare County, Outer Banks Health, and the community to promote wellness and well-being across the Outer Banks.
- An update from Outer Banks Community Foundation President & CEO Chris Sawin about OBCF's Trusted Partner Program, which is intended to help the community prepare before, during, and especially after a major storm or event.
- OBVB updates on occupancy and meals tax collections, the 11th Annual OBX Tourism Summit, the new OBVB website planned for early December, and Season 2 of The Outer Edge video series, scheduled for unveiling in January.
- Additional LRTMP news, including the soft launch of the Volunteer OBX online portal, a recap of the inaugural Outer Banks Volunteer Week, the recent Outer Banks Promise pledge made by Brindley Beach Vacations & Sales, OBVB participation in an NC Northeast Regional Trail Organization Workshop, and upcoming community outreach and engagement opportunities.
January 14, 2026
On January 14, 2026, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) held its first meeting of 2026. Chair Richard Hess welcomed the group, returning and new members were introduced, and Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lee Nettles reported on Dare County Occupancy and Meals Tax collections and the release of five new episodes of The Outer Edge video series.
The balance of the meeting centered on 2025 LRTMP accomplishments and possible implementation actions for 2026. Topics included:
- Improving engagement opportunities for residents, homeowners, and visitors.
- Continuing to expand The Outer Banks Promise destination pledge.
- Advancing Voluntourism and partnerships with area nonprofits.
- Activations and partnerships supporting environmental stewardship in Dare County.
- Supporting and advocating for community infrastructure and workforce housing efforts led by partner organizations.
The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island and was open to the public.
February 11, 2026
On February 11, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee continued its 2026 implementation discussions. Priority action items included:
- Expanding nonprofit partnerships with Outer Banks Community Foundation, Coastal Studies Institute, Coastal Environmental Educators Network, Outer Banks Health and others.
- Continuing to grow, communicate, and build awareness of the Volunteer OBX portal.
- Holding the 2nd Annual Outer Banks Volunteer Week from October 10, 2026 – October 17, 2026.
- Creating new ways to connect with local students and the younger workforce population, including a May Tourism workshop with students from First Flight High School, Manteo High School, Cape Hatteras Secondary School and the Dare Early College.
- Hosting Community Open Houses at the OBVB Welcome Centers in Kitty Hawk, Roanoke Island, and Hatteras Village to celebrate tourism and local partners.
- Exploring a Tourism Ambassador/Training Program offering tools and resources that improve visitor experiences while helping the community understand tourism’s local impact.
- Establishing stronger communication channels with second homeowners.
- Exploring deeper engagement with the Hatteras Island community and developing a better understanding of the natural challenges and threats facing the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- Learning more about how current business practices affect capacity management, including alternative visitor check-in days, and determining how OBVB communications assets can support responsible growth planning and management.
2026 Special Committee Members
- Richard Hess (Chair), Sun Realty
- Amy Montgomery, Outer Banks Health
- Tim Cafferty, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services
- Elizabeth Morey, Town of Southern Shores
- Dr. Shannon Castillo, Dare County Schools
- Lee Nettles, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
- Jamie Chisholm, Hilton Garden Inn - Kitty Hawk
- Bobby Outten, Dare County
- Donna Creef, Outer Banks Assoc. of REALTORS®
- Mike Remige, Jennette's Pier
- Fay Edwards, College of the Albemarle - Dare
- Susan Rice, Outer Banks Homeowners Alliance
- Augusta Feldmann, KPMG
- Chris Sawin, Outer Banks Community Foundation
- Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy, The Coastland Times
- Bobbie Stager, Waveriders Coffee + Deli + Market
- Nick Graham, Standard Insurance & Realty
- Hunter Walsh, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
- David Hallac, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina
- Natalie Kavanagh, Frisco Rod & Gun
Special Committee members not pictured:
- Jamie Chisholm
- Augusta Feldman
- Elizabeth Morey
- Bobby Outten
- Hunter Walsh
Past Special Committee Members
Special thanks are extended to past Special Committee members who served:
- Mark Ballog - Lucky 12 Tavern
- Karen Brown - Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Reide Corbett - Coastal Studies Institute
- Ronnie Sloan - Outer Banks Health
- Tim Sweeney - College of the Albemarle
- Chris Vlahos - Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill & Bar