A brave boy takes advantage of the warm weather to try skimboarding in the not yet warm surf in Nags Head.

The mission of the Town of Nags Head is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens, property owners and visitors of the town, to fulfill the requirements placed on it by the State of North Carolina and to facilitate the achievement of community goals by providing municipal services in a flexible, cost effective, customer friendly manner and to achieve this through an open, consensus driven process that treats all with respect.

The Town of Nags Head is working to build a community populated by diverse groups whose common bond is a love of the Outer Banks.  We recognize that the town must be a good place to live before

Nags Head Water Distribution employee Shane Baum spruces up a fire hydrant on a recent warm spring day.

it can be a good place to visit.  We recognize that those who have lived on this land before us have forged our path and that we must learn from them and respect their memory. We recognize that our natural environment is an integral part of our community and must be considered in all decisions.  We recognize that in order to secure this future we must work together, treating all with respect and fairness and focusing on our common goals.

The Town of Nags Head is working to build a community with an economy based on family vacation tourism.   The base of that economy is a high quality beach experience.  Important elements in developing and maintaining this economy

A portion of Nags Head as seen from a pier.

are:

* A relaxed-paced beach community comprised primarily of low-density development and open spaces

* A diverse supply of accommodations, including single-family homes, hotels, and multi-family dwelling units, that attract and are accessible to visitors from a wide range of economic and social strata

* A natural environment typified by clean water and a landscape of sand dunes and non-invasive, salt tolerant vegetation

* A healthy, well-maintained oceanfront beach that is accessible and usable; not blocked by large structures

* A carefully managed sound front that preserves the natural and beneficial functions of the estuarine environment

Cast netting for shrimp off the Nags Head-Manteo causeway.

while balancing respect for private property rights and the need to provide public access.

* A built environment that reflects the heritage of “Old Nags Head”

* A well-organized pattern of land uses that, when combined with a transportation system that accommodates a variety of travel modes, promotes an active and accessible community

* Commercial services provided by locally owned and operated businesses that share in the building of our community

* Recreational amenities and attractions, both commercial and non-commercial that are wholesome and appeal to a broad spectrum of family members, age groups and interests.