A New Tool for Tybee’s Future: What the BPFA Means for Our Community
In 2025, Tybee Island took a major step forward in preparing for its future. In partnership with state lawmakers, the city helped establish a new, state-backed entity: the Tybee Island Building and Public Facilities Authority (BPFA). This new body gives our small community powerful new tools to plan, fund, and deliver public projects that will serve residents for generations to come.
Now, the city is recruiting three community members to help guide its work. Here’s what you need to know—and why it matters.
🏛️ What Is the BPFA?
The BPFA is a public authority, meaning it’s a legal body—created by legislation—that operates alongside the city but with its own powers. It can do things that the city government cannot easily do on its own, such as:
Issue revenue bonds to finance infrastructure
Own property and build facilities
Partner with nonprofits, schools, or businesses on shared projects
Pursue grants and outside funding sources
In short, it’s a way to fund and fast-track public projects without raising taxes or overloading the city budget.
🏛️ How It Was Created
The authority was established through state legislation—specifically, Senate Bill 78, passed by the Georgia General Assembly in early 2025 and signed into law that May. The legislation, known as the City of Tybee Island Buildings and Public Facilities Authority Act, officially created the BPFA as a body corporate and politic under Georgia law (Act 53, 2025 Session).
You can view the legislative history here.
🛠️ Why It Matters
Tybee Island has long needed better tools to maintain and improve public spaces—whether that means updating Memorial Park, exploring a community center, or finding a long-term home for the Tybee Island Maritime Academy.
Now, with the BPFA in place, the island has a mechanism to:
Plan and finance a community center
Support development of a new school facility
Create shared-use spaces for recreation, education, and community events
Build partnerships with local organizations who want to invest in Tybee’s future
All without putting strain on the city's limited operating budget.
📣 Now Recruiting: Community Members
To get started, the city is currently seeking three Tybee residents to serve on the BPFA board. This is a unique opportunity to be at the ground level of something meaningful. Board members will:
Help shape Tybee’s long-term infrastructure priorities
Review and oversee proposed projects
Ensure transparency and accountability as public funds are invested
🗓 Deadline to Apply: July 14, 2025
📄 Download the application here:
👉 BPFA Application PDF
📘 Learn more about the BPFA here:
👉 City of Tybee BPFA Information