Beaufort SC, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve has announced his resignation from his position in Beaufort effective October 31, 2025. He plans to return to private legal practice in North Carolina and will focus on supporting his family and his wife’s business. Sauve’s tenure led to several key initiatives that improved the city’s infrastructure and services, including a housing repair assistance program and enhanced project management procedures. City officials will now search for a successor to continue these initiatives.
Beaufort’s Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve has announced his resignation from his position, effective October 31, 2025. Sauve, who has been in the role since early 2024, will step down to focus on supporting his family and his wife’s growing business. He plans to return to private law practice in North Carolina.
During his 20-month tenure, Sauve was instrumental in several key city initiatives that significantly improved Beaufort’s infrastructure and community services. Notably, he launched a housing repair assistance program and played a pivotal role in incorporating the Housing Impact Analysis into the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, he developed standard operating procedures for project management and the Capital Improvement Program, enhancing the efficiency of city operations.
Among Sauve’s critical contributions was the oversight of a new public portal designed for tracking capital projects, which increased transparency and public engagement. His leadership helped propel important infrastructure initiatives, including:
- King Street and Charles/Craven stormwater initiatives
- Allison Road Streetscape
- Progress on the design and engineering of the Duke Street Streetscape
Sauve has expressed pride in the advancements made during his time as Deputy City Manager and has confidence in the future success of Beaufort. City Manager Scott Marshall praised Sauve for being an exceptional partner, acknowledging that his departure will create a significant void in the city leadership team while also expressing gratitude for Sauve’s service and dedication.
As part of his resignation announcement, Sauve committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining progress on ongoing city projects in the weeks leading up to his departure. It is important to note that Sauve’s resignation is not linked to a recent situation involving the release of sensitive documents from the city. The city is currently under investigation in connection with a Freedom of Information Act request that resulted in the release of thousands of documents, some of which contained sensitive information.
Although Sauve had initially contemplated resigning earlier in 2025, he decided to postpone his decision due to the circumstances surrounding the investigation. The City of Beaufort is taking proactive measures in response to the document release and has decided to hire an independent law firm to investigate how the sensitive records were made public.
In light of Sauve’s anticipated departure in 2025, city officials will now begin the search for a new Deputy City Manager who can continue the work initiated by Sauve and further advance the city’s goals and initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is J.J. Sauve?
J.J. Sauve is the Deputy City Manager of Beaufort who announced his resignation effective October 31, 2025. He joined the city management team in early 2024.
Why is J.J. Sauve resigning?
He is resigning to support his family and his wife’s growing business, and he plans to return to private law practice in North Carolina.
What initiatives did Sauve contribute to during his tenure?
During his time as Deputy City Manager, Sauve helped launch a housing repair assistance program, navigated significant infrastructure projects, and implemented a new public project tracking system.
Is Sauve’s resignation linked to the document release investigation?
No, Sauve’s resignation is unrelated to the investigation regarding the release of sensitive documents from the city. He had been considering resigning since early 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Deputy City Manager |
| Resignation Effective | October 31, 2025 |
| Tenure | 20 months |
| Key Initiatives | Housing repair program, stormwater initiatives, project management procedures |
| Future Plans | Return to private law in North Carolina |
| Investigation Context | Ongoing investigation regarding sensitive document releases |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort’s Deputy City Manager Announces Resignation
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article
- Google Search: Beaufort Deputy City Manager
- WSAV: Beaufort Deputy City Manager Resignation
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.
