Beaufort, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve has announced his resignation from the City of Beaufort, effective October 31, 2025. During his 20-month tenure, Sauve contributed significantly to community living and infrastructure, including the launch of a housing repair assistance program and critical infrastructure projects. His decision to resign is to support his family and return to private law practice, unrelated to the recent release of sensitive city documents. City Manager Scott Marshall praised Sauve’s leadership and impact on the community.
Beaufort Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve Resigns
Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve has announced his resignation from the City of Beaufort, effective October 31, 2025. Sauve, who has held the position since early 2024, is stepping down to support his family and his wife’s business, as well as to return to private law practice in North Carolina.
During his 20-month tenure, Sauve made significant contributions to the city, spearheading key initiatives that aimed at enhancing community living and infrastructure. His efforts included the successful launch of a housing repair assistance program and the adoption of the Housing Impact Analysis into the Comprehensive Plan. Furthermore, Sauve implemented standard operating procedures for project management and the Capital Improvement Program, and he oversaw the rollout of a public portal for capital projects, improving transparency and public engagement.
Sauve played an instrumental role in guiding several critical infrastructure projects, which included the King Street and Charles/Craven stormwater initiatives, the Allison Road Streetscape project, and advancements in the design and engineering for the Duke Street Streetscape.
City Manager Scott Marshall acknowledged Sauve’s substantial impact, praising his leadership and dedication to addressing long-overdue priorities that ultimately benefited residents, businesses, and visitors to Beaufort. While Marshall recognized the void left by Sauve’s departure, he extended best wishes for his future endeavors.
The resignation comes amid concerns regarding the recent release of sensitive city documents. Sauve clarified that his decision to resign is unrelated to the document incident. He was previously leading an internal investigation into how the documents were released but has confirmed via email that his resignation was not influenced by this situation. In light of the document release, the city has opted to hire an independent law firm to conduct an investigation into the matter.
Sauve has expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition in the weeks leading up to his departure. Before serving as Deputy City Manager, he also held the position of Assistant City Manager of Beaufort, bringing a wealth of experience to his role.
Background on J.J. Sauve’s Tenure
Before becoming Deputy City Manager, Sauve’s background included substantial involvement in municipal management, honing his skills in urban planning, community development, and city governance. His leadership during various initiatives was instrumental in shaping the city’s future direction, particularly in enhancing community services and infrastructure resilience.
As Beaufort continues to evolve, Sauve’s contributions are expected to have a lasting impact on the community, helping set a foundation for future growth and sustainability.
FAQ
Why is J.J. Sauve resigning from the City of Beaufort?
J.J. Sauve is resigning to support his family, his wife’s business, and to return to private law practice in North Carolina.
When is Sauve’s resignation effective?
Sauve’s resignation is effective on October 31, 2025.
What contributions did Sauve make during his time in office?
Sauve contributed to the launch of a housing repair assistance program, the adoption of the Housing Impact Analysis, implemented project management procedures, and guided critical infrastructure projects such as stormwater initiatives and streetscape improvements.
What actions is the city taking regarding the recent document release?
The city has decided to hire an independent law firm to investigate the release of sensitive documents.
Key Features of J.J. Sauve’s Tenure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resignation Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Tenure Duration | 20 months (Early 2024 – October 2025) |
| Main Contributions | Housing repair program, Housing Impact Analysis, project management procedures |
| Infrastructure Projects | Stormwater initiatives, Allison Road Streetscape, Duke Street design |
| Next Steps for the City | Hire independent firm for document investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Island Packet
- WTOC
- WSAV
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google Search: Beaufort city management
- Google Scholar: Beaufort infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort South Carolina
- Google News: Beaufort Deputy City Manager

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

