Lisa Sulka, Town of Bluffton

Lisa Sulka served the Town of Bluffton as a councilmember and, for 16 years, as its mayor. From the beginning she supported historic preservation as a policy priority even as Bluffton grew from 750 people in the late 90’s to more than 30,000 today. With her support and leadership, historic resource surveys were done, historic districts formed, preservation ordinances passed, more than $3.8 million invested in purchase and rehabilitation of specific historic structures, including the Garvin-Garvey House and compatible, affordable housing was created in the heart of Bluffton’s Historic District. Additionally, a Historic Preservation Grant Program was created, and in two years has made $200,000 in mini-grants given to owners of historic properties in Bluffton. The jury recognized Lisa Sulka’s commitment to preservation as a key component to maintaining livability and character in her community.