Who We Are

The Town of Southern Shores was incorporated in 1979. The area encompassed by the town — approximately one mile by four miles, located north of US Route 158 and south of Duck, NC, and between the Atlantic Ocean beaches and the Currituck Sound — was a real estate development of the Kitty Hawk Land Company. A Southern Shores Civic Association, initially established by the developer, was instrumental in obtaining the Town’s municipal incorporation. The first Town Council, appointed after its incorporation by the legislature, drew its membership from the Civic Association.

Many town services are still routinely provided by volunteers who augment the staff and professional’s work. This tradition dates back to early days when a volunteer pothole crew repaired the roads, now largely maintained by contractors.

Town Government Today

A Mayor-Council form of government was adopted at the incorporation of the Town, and was changed April 2004 to Council-Manager. Town staff includes a Town Manager, Town Clerk, Administrative Support Assistant, Financial Planner/ Support Assistant, Finance Technician, Code Enforcement Administrator, Code Enforcement Officer and Administrator and a Public Works Department.

The Police Department has a Chief, Lieutenant, Sergeant, seven police officers, a part-time reserve officer and a police specialist/records clerk.

The Fire Department is a private corporation staffed by volunteers and under contract to the Town.

Each Council Member has a set of responsibilities and works closely with the Town Manager. The Town Council members serve without pay.