Hi, I’m DeAnna.
I’m running for Charleston City Council because our city is at a turning point—and James Island needs someone who knows it, loves it, and will fight to protect it.
I’ve spent over 20 years living, working, volunteering, and raising my family here. I know James Island. I know the people, the faces, the pride. I’ve stood beside neighbors at school fundraisers, at football games, zoning meetings—you name it. I’ve felt the sense of community that makes this place unlike anywhere else.
But I’ve also seen what’s putting it at risk. Short-sighted development that chips away at our marshlands, our grand oaks, and our way of life. Lip service to “responsibility” while the landscape we love is changed forever. That’s not progress—it’s a warning sign.
I’m not a politician. I’m your neighbor. A parent. I run a small business. Someone who believes that public service means taking care of the place we call home. I'm ready to get to work—and I hope you’ll join me.
PRESERVATION. PREVENTION. PROGRESS. PEOPLE FIRST.
THE ISSUES
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PRESERVATION & ENVIRONMENT
Protecting Charleston’s natural beauty and ecological health
Protect Our Marshlands and Trees
I’ll fight to preserve the grand oaks, marshes, and wooded areas that protect us from flooding and define our Lowcountry landscape.Call Out Greenwashing in Development
I’ll push back against the overuse of terms like “responsible development” when it’s just business as usual, we need real accountability.Champion Climate Resilience
I support long-term solutions that prioritize green infrastructure and protect our neighborhoods from rising tides and stronger storms. -
INFRASTRUCTURE & GROWTH
Fixing what’s broken, preventing what doesn’t belong
Prioritize Flooding and Drainage
We can’t wait any longer. I’ll work to fast-track smart infrastructure projects that actually solve flooding, not just move water around.Smarter Growth, Not Sprawl
I support a vision for Charleston that puts people and the environment first, not developers.Preserve Neighborhood Character
From James Island to the Peninsula, I’ll advocate for thoughtful zoning and planning that protects what makes our neighborhoods special.Improve Traffic Flow and Emergency Access
I’ll work to make our roads safer and more efficient, especially in areas where growth has outpaced infrastructure. -
COMMUNITY & QUALITY OF LIFE
Making Charleston livable, equitable, and welcoming for all
Support Youth and Family Spaces
I’ll invest in the programs, parks, and recreation spaces that give families a reason to stay, and grow, in Charleston.Safe, Walkable Communities
I’ll advocate for sidewalks, lighting, and accessible public spaces so residents can enjoy their neighborhoods safely.Amplify Your Voice
I’ll be the council member who listens, not just talks. I’ll simplify the process so residents understand what’s happening and how to engage.Build Bridges Across Governments
City. County. Town. PSD. It’s time to work together instead of working around each other. I’ll prioritize collaboration.
Charleston deserves leadership that’s driven by more than party lines or developer pressure. My campaign is grounded in four key principles: Preservation, Prevention, Progress, and People-First Leadership. I’m committed to protecting the natural and historic spaces that make Charleston and James Island so special—from our grand oaks to our marshes and waterways. I believe in preventing problems before they start, whether that’s unmanaged flooding, traffic gridlock, or overburdened schools and infrastructure. I support smart, sustainable progress that works for the people who live here—not just those looking to profit. And most importantly, I believe that public service should be people-first. That means listening, showing up, and being a neighbor—not just a name on a ballot.
My campaign is grounded in four key principles: Preservation, Prevention, Progress, and People First Leadership.
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PRESERVATION
Charleston’s natural beauty and historic character are not renewable resources. I’m committed to preserving what makes our community unique - our marshlands, our tree canopies, and our historic homes. On James Island, we're watching grand oaks fall and marshes disappear under the weight of unchecked development. These aren’t small changes, they’re permanent losses. I will advocate for stronger protections for our natural spaces and support land use decisions that put long-term community value ahead of short-term profit.
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PREVENTION
It’s time to stop reacting after the damage is done. Prevention means addressing flooding, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation before they overwhelm us. James Island residents are tired of “we’re working on it” while roads crumble, intersections clog, and stormwater floods yards. I will push for proactive infrastructure planning, smarter zoning, and stormwater regulations that actually work , while also keeping a close eye on new development that eats away at our green space. Prevention isn’t flashy, but it’s the foundation of good government.
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PROGRESS
Prevention means protecting James Island before problems become crises. That includes addressing flooding, infrastructure strain, and environmental loss at the source. Residents are tired of hearing “we’re working on it” while roads crumble, intersections clog, and stormwater fills yards. I’ll push for smarter zoning, stormwater rules that actually work, and careful oversight of new development so we don’t lose precious greenspace. Prevention may not be glamorous, but it’s the kind of steady, responsible leadership our community deserves.
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PEOPLE FIRST
Charleston works best when people are informed and heard. My promise is simple: I will always listen. Every resident deserves to know what’s happening in their community, and every voice deserves a seat at the table. I’ve built a reputation for being fair and neutral. That won’t change. My goal is to make city government easier to understand, more accessible, and focused on what matters most, people, not politics. Because when we put people first, progress follows. Together, we can protect what makes James Island special while finding solutions that work for everyone.
Community Leader & Advocate – Chair of the James Island Charter High School Discipline Committee 2022 - 2025. Former Volunteer Coordinator at Charleston HALOS, Co-Chair of St. Andrews School Improvement Council; helped preserve St. Andrews’ partial magnet status and mentored students at James Island Charter High School and volunteer at We Are Family.
Youth & Family Engagement – An active member of the fencing community, I introduced and expanded fencing programs at the James Island Recreation Center. I also served as Athletic Liaison for the James Island Cheer Team and dedicated years to the James Island Youth Soccer Club as Micro Soccer Coordinator, PR Coordinator, and coach.
Defender of James Island – Research, organize, and advocate against irresponsible development; keep the Ocean Neighbors, Ft. Lamar and Secessionville corridor informed and engaged on local planning, zoning, and environmental issues.
Professional Experience & Education – Nearly two decades in creative leadership and marketing, currently Managing Director at 82 South overseeing national brand campaigns; former Director of Creative Services at Fox 24; College of Charleston graduate with a B.A. in Communication Studies.