Good evening.

Welcome to the December first, twenty twenty-five special meeting of the Greensboro City Council.

We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber.

Let the record reflect that all members are in attendance.

Any council member may withdraw an item from the consent agenda due to a conf I was that's what I was trying to do before.

Turn this off.

Of course, it's a great way to have a last meeting.

All right.

All right, it is silent.

All right, tonight's meeting does enclose include closed captioning.

We will start with our ceremonial and or presentation items.

Item D1 is a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Jim Melvin.

Mr.

Mazzini.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Edwin Samuel Jim Melvin.

Whereas Edwin Samuel Jim Melvin led the life defined by faith, family, service, and love, passing away peacefully on August 10th at the age of 91, surrounded by his devoted wife of 56 years, Miss Susan Melvin.

Whereas born on December 24th, 1933 in Greensboro, North Carolina, into a hardworking Greensboro family, Joe was the son of Jim was a son of Joe and Virgil Melvin, who instilled in him the values of faith, perseverance, and community that shaped his life's path.

Whereas Melvin grew up in the Warner's Hill community in 1956, he graduated from Greensboro Senior High School, now called Grimsley High School, and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which he graduated with a degree in business in 1959.

Whereas Melvin's commitment to faith was lifelong as a member of his Westmarket Street United Methodist Church, Waite Hall Sunday School, served faithfully and carried forward Melvin's family deep spiritual roots, whereas Melvin dedicated his life to service to the Greensboro JCs, public office, banking, and as president and CEO of the Joseph M.

Bryan Foundation, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Greensboro and its surrounding communities.

Whereas Melvin served as Greensboro's mayor from 1971 to 1981, he was the first Greensboro mayor to be elected into the office by the public in 1973, during which he focused on education and economic development initiatives to foster greater prosperity in North Carolina's third largest city in the Triad region.

Whereas Mr.

Melvin's leadership, vision, and love for his hometown transformed Greensboro in countless ways, from revitalizing civic traditions like the Greensboro Holiday Parade to championing educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities that will benefit future generations.

Whereas Mr.

Melvin believed in people and measured them not by their circumstance, but by character, mentoring countless individuals, and offering opportunity and second chances to many whose lives he touched.

Whereas Mr.

Melvin's devotion to family was unwavering, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who found joy in Super Saturdays, in times spent at Lake Philpot, Smith Mountain Lake and Pauli's Island, and in creating memories that will live forever in the hearts of his family.

Whereas Mr.

Melvin's passion for golf, sports, and community connected him to others through shared experience, whether cheering for the UNC Tar Heels, the Greensboro Grasshoppers, or playing a round of golf with his lifelong friends.

Whereas even in illness, Mr.

Melvin never lost his drive or optimism, continuing to advocate for projects that strengthened his beloved city, embodying his personal motto, Egg Bar, everything's going to be alright.

Whereas Mr.

Melvin's life of faith, leadership, integrity, and generosity leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who follow his example.

And now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that the Greensboro City Council honors and celebrates the life of Edwin Samuel Jim Melvin for his extraordinary contributions to his family, church, his community, and the city of Greensboro, and that a copy of this resolution shall be presented to the family of Jim Melvin as a token of gratitude for his civic leadership, public service, and love of community.

Moved by Mr.

Matheny, and I will second that.

Council, please vote.

And that passes 9 to 0.

I just want to say I haven't been in these chambers for probably 30 years, and it's wonderful to come back on this occasion and appreciate so much this resolution for Jim.

We have a lot of memories here, and I know he would be so proud of all of you and what you've done for the city, and I just hope that we will, I know we will keep on moving forward because we're in a good spot, and I look forward to watching these meetings as time goes on.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Well, Miss Melvin.

And how strong you were for 56 years with Jim.

I kept him, kept him fed, and well, I certainly had a few phone calls from uh Tim, and I heard another voice in the background on occasion.

That's right.

And so I know y'all make made one heck of a king.

Well, it was it was a a good run.

Well, we thank you and Jim Bow and your family for sharing uh Jim with us and for everything Jim did.

And I also wanted to thank you all for being so helpful after Jim's death and with the visitation downtown and the traffic and to thank the police chief and Nancy and all of you for making it so easy so accessible for everyone came.

Thank you.

Well, and and I want everybody in chambers or that anybody that's watching, uh one of the Jim's favorite things was the holiday parade.

And he sponsored the big balloons every year.

And so when he called me about nine or ten years ago and said, Zach, Jim Melvin Hill, I want you to run and manage the holiday parade.

So I'd like to see everybody at the holiday parade and honor Jim, and we'll have a little tribute.

Uh, but those balloons will be there.

Good.

Uh and Jim and I also shared a birthday.

Oh, that's right.

December 24th.

Um he was a special person, and thank you for sharing.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

I do want to take a moment to recognize um councilwoman elect April Parker and Councilwoman elect Denise Ross.

Have I missed anybody?

Welcome.

We're happy you're here.

Um item D2 is a resolution honoring the legacy of the late Tiffany L.

Rudd.

Whereas the community lost an outstanding community leader with the passing of Tiffany L.

Rudd on June 11th, 2025, whose dedication to service and commitment to empower others left the meaningful impact on the city of Greensboro.

Whereas born on July 20th, 1971 in Burgle, North Carolina, and relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina at an early age, graduated from James B.

Dudley High School, and later attended Bennett College and Grace Christian College Theological Seminary.

She earned degrees in divinity and Christian counseling, achievements that reflected her passion for mentorship and community engagement.

Whereas Tiffany actively contributed to civic leadership through service on numerous boards and commissions, including the Greensboro Board of Adjustment, Board of Directors of Greensboro Academy, People liaison, and the Greensboro Fire Relief Fund, where she lent her voice, expertise, and compassion to the strengthening of community institutions.

Whereas she played an essential role in the city of Greensboro's 500 jobs for youth employment initiative and collaborated closely with community safety and policing partners on initiatives that expanded opportunities and supported youth engagement.

Whereas Tiffany was an engaged member of Core Community Connections, a collective team of dedicated neighborhood volunteers whose mission is to improve the lives of Greensboro residents by transforming the community, one neighborhood at a time, a mission she embraced through active involvement and a heart for grassroots impact.

Whereas she was widely recognized for her devotion to workforce development, economic mobility, and empowerment, contributions that earned admiration from organizations such as Guildford Works, Workforce Development Board, and the Welfare Reform Liaison Project, where her advocacy helped create meaningful pathways for employment and advancement.

Whereas her influence extended into public leadership through her service as campaign manager to Council Member Gold Wells.

She offered strategic guidance and unwavering support that strengthened community-centered governance and civic participation.

Whereas the life of Tiffany L.

Rudd was marked by service, faith, and a profound commitment to upholding individuals and communities.

She leads a legacy that continues to inspire leaders, organizations, and residents throughout Greensboro.

And now, therefore, be it resolved that the City of Greensboro, the City Council in the City of Greensboro, that the City Council hereby recognizes and honors the remarkable life and enduring contributions of Tiffany L.

Rudd, and extends its deepest sympathies to all who were touched by her mentorship and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Greensboro.

That a copy of this resolution shall be presented to the family of Tiffany L.

Rudd as a testament of profound gratitude for her service to this community.

Move the adoption this first day of December 2025.

Second.

Council, please vote.

And that passes 9 to 0.

And she Brian James, who didn't work so close to me.

Would you call it a family?

She was a popular family.

I really don't know what to say, but we're blessed to have a mother that is in the community as much as she was.

It was nothing but her doing her job for the Lord to serve his children to do us right.

So we like to thank you all for this because our mother was a fighter, not only for her family, but for you all too, because you all was a family.

She loves you very much.

We love you.

All right.

Other members of her family out here and her friends, would you all stand those who came to Ana Tiffany?

I I want to thank you for sharing your mom with us.

She really had such an impact on this community.

She came to a lot of our council meetings, and it was great to see her sitting right over there, right where her friends are sitting right now.

And she was always she always had such a good attitude, and she was focused on doing what was right for our community and for our residents.

And thank you for allowing her to do that.

We will miss her.

So I I have a resolution that I want to do.

Right now, uh Durham and Charlotte are the only other cities in North Carolina that has this program.

So I have a resolution recognizing the advocacy of Councilmember Sharon Melvin Hightower to advance the opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.

Whereas in 2013, Sharon Melvin Hightower was sworn in as the City Council representative for District One, committing herself to public service and the advancement of equitable opportunity for all its residents.

Whereas Council Member Hightower immediately emerged as a leading voice for minority and women-owned businesses, MWBEs, championing policies and initiatives designed to expand access, remove systemic barriers, and strengthen economic participation throughout the city of Greensboro.

Whereas she consistently advocated for increased transparency, accountability, and investment in the city's MWBE program, resulting in strengthened reporting practices, expanded outreach, and improved participation outcomes across procurement categories.

Whereas recognizing that meaningful progress required broad of broader legislative authority, Councilmember Hightower supported efforts at the state level, including Senate Bill 292, Greensboro's small business enterprise program to enable Greensboro to establish a small business enterprise program and further local capacity to support historically underrepresented business.

Whereas her leadership has inspired continued collaboration among city staff, community partners, business owners, and statewide stakeholders, contributing to measurable improvements in contracting opportunities and reinforcing Greensboro's commitment to economic inclusion.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that the City Council hereby recognizes and it's and expresses its profound appreciation to councilwoman Sharon Melvin Hightower for her unwavering advocacy, leadership, and dedication to advancing minority and women-owned business opportunities and affirms the city's continued commitment to equity-focused economic development.

I would like to move that resolution.

That was seconded, I think, by just about everybody.

Council, please vote.

And Sharon, it's okay to vote for yourself.

So I want to take this opportunity to give this to you.

And that passes nine to zero.

So thank you, Madam Mayor, for this resolution of support for our SBE.

And we all can take credit for it because you supported the effort when it was brought to your attention.

We also recognize the importance of the MWB program and how it helps our local economy when we support our minority businesses.

Of course, leading to contracts leads to economic empowerment.

And that is what I've always fought for and pushed for.

And not really being, you know, maybe for futuristic looking at how the world was going to change, but we knew the SBE, which was a recommendation of our disparity study, needed to be implemented.

And so as the world has changed, and DEI is something that no longer is on the table the way it was, and even down to not even saying MWBE or black businesses, even, small business enterprise will really have an impact on our local businesses, our small businesses.

2019 to 2025.

That just shows you how slow government can be.

But of course, COVID stepped in on us too and kind of prevented some things.

So thank you again for this support.

And thank you to the community for and the staff for embracing what we know to do is right.

So thank you.

So I know we have a number of people.

So is Dudley Heights?

Yes.

Okay.

Councilman Hightower, good afternoon, everyone.

Councilwoman Hightower.

Councilwoman Hightower.

I'm nervous.

I'm sorry.

I just want you to know we appreciate you in Dudley Heights.

You have always taken care of us.

And I just want to read something real quick.

To live and serve with honor and respect.

To stand up for what you believe in.

This is an extended example you set and why you're so appreciated today in every day.

Dudley Heights Neighborhood Association.

Thank you for always taking such good care of us.

Please don't forget about us.

We love you.

Thank you so much.

So we have a few other special recognitions.

I believe there's one from the fire department.

So maybe a little non-traditional, but uh mayor of all members of council certainly appreciate the opportunity to address you to address the uh distinguished guest of the chamber, but I'm gonna give a quick history lesson on what I have.

So in 19 or 1833, Greensboro City Commissioners formalized fire protection law.

Each household was required to have two ladders on the premises, but no fire station, no fire engine, or no water source existed.

Remember, it was 1833.

The first volunteer company was established in 1847, and the city bought the first pumping engine and two cisterns uh after a devastating fire two years later.

They were unsuccessful at forming a uh volunteer fire company at the time, and in 1872, uh serious loss happened where we lost our courthouse.

So the only history we can find is two ladders were required of every household.

We could not find where uh buckets were required.

There are buckets across the the country that required them, but we can only imagine that a leather fire bucket was part of the requirement.

So they were typically made from a thick leather stitch, like you see this one.

Uh they were stiffened with either pitch or tar, which you you can see that inside.

Uh citizens rushed with their buckets, forming long bucket brigade lines, one filled with water, one empty to get water through the fire.

Owners often painted their name or decorated the bucket so they could retrieve them after.

So we have uh decorated this one from a leather smith that retired from the Greensboro Fire Department in your honor.

And uh, of course, this represents early community driven methods of fire protection.

So today, this bucket means so much more to the fire service tradition, and you've you've shared some of our traditions with us when folks retire.

So uh what we want to say is Mayor, you've carried the water for us.

You absolutely have carried the water, and and that's what we want this to represent.

You've always kept public safety a priority for you and this council.

We appreciate your partnership, your leadership, your valued guidance, and we wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.

Thank you.

So I'm gonna let Ken Cook talk.

So congratulations on receiving antiquated fire service brickabrac.

I'll treasure it.

Uh I will echo the sentiments of Chief Robinson.

We wanted to provide you with a bugle.

The precursor to the bugle was the speaking trumpet, and this is what prior to in the same time period as the bucket would have been utilized in the the two ladders.

This is what the incident commander, whoever the fire chief, whoever was in charge of that incident, this is the tool they utilized speaking through the trumpet to uh essentially coordinate all of activities, coordinate life safety, uh coordinate fire protection, coordinate uh ensuring that the water was getting where it needed to be.

Um you have lent your voice and your vote, much like many, every single person on this count on this council, but under your leadership, you have lent your voice and vote to initiatives that have made the city safer and the lives of firefighters and their families better.

I want to say that again.

What you have done through your voice and your vote along with the rest of the members of this council has made this city safer and made the lives of firefighters and their families better.

You have been, along with the many members of this council at the forefront of the issues that impact us most.

You come to our memorial service.

We have seen you at the funerals of our our members.

Uh this council voted to support firefighter occupational cancer benefits before the state of North Carolina did.

Um we went from having nothing, so only having benefits when we die to now having very comprehensive coverage.

And I can only imagine and know that the work that this council did under your leadership contributed to that effort.

You have made this city safer, and you've made the lives of firefighters and their families better, and that is a legacy I think you and this council can be profoundly proud of.

Thank you so much.

No, thank you.

Thank you.

I will treasure those.

Thank you so much and thank you for your your comments.

I have to say supporting the fire department is an easy lift.

You are here for the city, and we're happy that the city can be here for you.

Thank you.

Justin Summers, Regional Director for Senator Ted Budd's office.

Good evening, everyone.

It's a pleasure for me to be here with you this evening, and I I do not bring a gift nearly as cool as a leather as a leather fire bucket.

That's a tough act to follow.

But Mayor Vaughn speaking on on behalf of myself as a regional director for Senator Budd with responsibilities in 23 Northwestern North Carolina counties.

So thank you for your service here.

And you know what a what a fitting way to start this council meeting and honoring uh great individuals from Greensboro and great North Carolinians.

Uh Senator Bud asked that I um bring a note to you to congratulate you on your retirement as from mayor and um to thank you for your service.

I'll read his words now.

Congratulations on twelve years of distinguished service to the city of Greensboro and the greater Piedmont Triad region.

As you step away from the mayor's office, I look forward to seeing how you will continue to serve the residents of the Piedmont Triad region.

During your tenure as mayor, Greensboro has experienced tremendous gro tremendous growth and numerous significant economic development announcements.

It is apparent that your priority to ensure Greensboro is positioned for long-term success is coming to fruition, not just through economic development, but also through your commitment to public safety and cultural arts.

You're to be commended for your accomplishments as mayor of Greensboro.

It is a privilege to represent strong leaders with a heart of commun heart for community in the United States Senate.

If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely, Ted Budd, United States Senator.

Thank you.

So I'm not quite sure what she has up her sleeve.

So Mayor Vaughn, first I'm going to take a moment of personal privilege, if okay.

And I'm going to ask the city manager to come up, I'll meet him down there, and then we will go from there.

He has a few things for the outgoing council, and we want to do that first, and I also have something for outgoing council.

Thank you, Mary Lick.

Uh I'm going to ask City Attorney Cubage if she would come up with him, please.

So first of all, I want to say thank you to all of you for giving me the opportunity to lead what is truly an amazing city, but also an amazing opportunity to lead with a council who has a too heart to serve, a true heart to see this city advance, uh, and most important, a two-heart for the people of this city.

So thank you to each of you who gave me an opportunity to see what local government can really do in the lives of people.

And I would have to just echo uh city manager's sentiments to thank each of you for the opportunity to serve under your leadership to see how much we could grow in just a short time I've been with you guys for the passion.

I think I wrote this in my email to you all, for the passion that each and every one of you show for this city that leaves me no doubt knowing that when you walk away from this bench or this dais tonight, you don't you leave everything, including love for the city of Greensboro on it.

And as I've heard my father say many, many times when it comes to sports, you left it all on the field.

And I want to thank you for that.

So we just have to a few items that we'd like to to provide, send you away with tonight.

Uh the first is I'm going to present to Councilwoman Hoffman.

Uh we have a gift for you right here.

I'm sorry, I got them all over you.

In recognition, saying thank you to Councilwoman Hoffman for your dedicated service to the city of Greensboro.

Also we have your seal.

And next we have Councilwoman Wills.

You know, they didn't have enough words on here to do the inscription.

I would have said a word of prayer, but then they wouldn't give us that many words on here.

Councilwoman Pinder, please come up.

You can stay right there.

You got a lot of stuff up there already.

No, you come on.

We her inscription says we will all dream about you every night.

Sorry, here's my name.

Next is Councilman Methaney.

Could you please come up?

There's a lot of words we could say about you, but we won't say them.

There's children in the audience.

And last but not least, um, you know, I'm gonna have to talk to the chief because I thought this was gonna be a great gift for you, Mayor.

Uh but the chief's gift was really cool.

Uh but Mayor, if you could come up, please.

Mayor Vaughn.

And again, thank you to you all.

Words cannot describe uh how appreciative we are for you.

This is from uh the city manager's office, the city attorney's office, and all of the staff of the city of Greensboro for your service to the city.

Thank you so much.

I do want to say that I heard that the um that the seals that we got were actually initially um done by Cone Mills many, many years ago, and I was told they were curtains at some point.

So it's really special.

Um they don't give those seals out very often because there aren't many left.

And um I was on council from uh nineteen ninety-seven to two thousand one, and so to be sustainable, I turned mine into Tori, and she just changed the um the brass plaque to recognize my years of service.

So that's really pretty special.

Thank you for doing that.

And that is something also that I will treasure.

Mayor Elect.

So these are for me personally.

I'm taxparity at all.

And I was up late last night by handy, so please uh you know feel free to open them now or later.

I think that should be your share.

I ran out of boxes, so the mayor gets the bag.

So Ms.

Andrew.

So it's been enjoy working with each and every one of you.

I think we know that.

I know that you know that.

And um, I may be calling on the interview for advice or help or come uh say something about Greenburgh.

So just remember that.

Now moving on, I have something to have the mayor.

If you would come in as a firm or then show, so I would like to be one.

So recognizing the service and leadership of Mayor Anthony Bond, a motion we made by CAC member, Mary Bayer, and second by G member my box for the adoption of this resolution, and upon being put to a vote that was duly adopted.

Whereas Mary Anti served on the Trent Nation Advisory Committee for more than 10 years, where she joined the TAC in 2014 and served as chair through 2014-2015, whereas Mary Bond rejoined the committee in 2017 and has represented the city of Greensboro as a liberal vote of member since that time.

Whereas Mary Bond has able to serve the city for constituents and the NPO region throughout the year.

And whereas Marathon has championed a wide range of transportation projects, including roadway, transit, the destinate bicycles, and railroad safety measures, whereas her dedication to public service has left a substantial and enduring impact on the community, enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations.

Whereas Mayor Bond's thoughtful contributions in collaborative sphere have enriched the Greater Metropolitan Transportation Planning Project.

And whereas the THC wishes to recognize Marathon's legacy of service, and now therefore it is resolved that the Transportation Advisory Committee formally acknowledges and honors the outstanding service in contributions of Mayor Macy Baum.

I'm very favorable to wait as chair of the TAC, which is present as disease.

So a few of us council would be enabled assistance of the smart box.

I do want to read it.

I do by these presents to her the order of the law of the crime with the rank of ambassador as well.

Among which is a special privilege to purpose the fellowship and the policy to award their finances in select company anywhere in the free world.

Here's the land of the lawful incline, the summer land where the sun does shine, where the wheat grows strong and the strong growth proud.

Here's the down under the old north down, the old North State.

Josh Stein got on December 1st, 2025.

This was certainly more than I ever thought.

So everybody else, you're off the hook.

Okay.

So thank you so much.

I decided to have a little bit of fun.

One of the things that a mayor can do unilaterally without anybody's without anybody's approval or whatever are resolutions.

And you know, we we get requests for a lot of different resolutions throughout the year.

But what I wanted to do was recognize my fellow city council people.

I'm not going to read them all, but what we did, what I did was I declared on their birthday that it would be their special day.

So for instance, Dr.

Goldie Wells, um therefore I, Nancy Vaughn, Mayor of the City of Greensboro, to hereby proclaim November 8th, 2026, as Dr.

Goldie Wells Day.

And it says an awful lot, but I'm not going to read it.

So May 3rd, 2026 will be Jamila Pinder Day.

And December 24th, 2025.

Brian Zachary within the day.

February 15th, 2026 will be Nancy Hoffman Day.

And on March 8th, 2026 will be Sharon Hightower Day.

But they're pretty long.

I know that would take a long time.

But I do want to say how much I appreciate my fellow council members, and I hope you do something special on your birthday and think of your service to the city.

Items one through three.

Move this consent agenda.

Second.

It has been moved and seconded.

Does it need to be recorded or okay?

Council, please vote.

And that passes nine to zero.

Now it's time for council comments.

And I would like to begin with some prepared remarks.

Tonight is bittersweet for me.

I announced that I was not going to be running for city council a year ago May.

I gave myself plenty of time.

It really felt like it will never come, but now, 24 hours from now, there will be a new council.

Before I step away from the dais, I want to take a few minutes to say thank you and to reflect on this community and what we have accomplished together.

First, to my colleagues on this council, past and present.

Thank you for the privilege of serving alongside you.

We didn't always agree, that might be putting it politely, but disagreement is not dysfunction.

What matters is that we stayed together at the table, did our work in public, kept our focus where it belongs on the people of Greensboro.

That is democracy.

And I'm proud of how seriously we took that responsibility.

I want to thank each and every one of you.

To our city manager, executive leadership, city attorney, department heads, and every city employee.

To police and fire answering 911 calls, to employees picking up trash, maintaining streets, running our parks, our libraries, our facilities.

You are the backbone of this city.

You carried Greensboro through calm and crisis alike.

The city works because you work.

Thank you for all you do.

To the community, residents, neighborhood leaders, business owners, faith leaders, nonprofits, community advocates, volunteers, and yes, even the folks who send strongly worded emails.

Thank you.

You cared, you cared deeply.

You held us accountable.

You reminded us daily of the impact our decisions have.

Creating opportunity, pride, access, and long-term prosperity.

Growth for growth's sake is easy.

Building a city that works for everyone takes discipline, collaboration, and patience.

We did all of this in the midst of real challenges.

We governed through economic downturns, a global pandemic that upended daily life, the moments of deep pain and civil unrest that tested our community and our leadership.

Those were hard days.

Balancing safety, justice, accountability, and healing is never easy, but we faced it together and we kept moving forward.

What I am most proud of is what is that Greensboro did not retreat during difficult times.

We planned, we invested, we chose progress.

We positioned this city to be stronger, not just for today, but for generations that will follow.

None of this belongs to one mayor or one council.

It belongs to a community that believed in itself, even when it was hard to do so.

We chose to lead rather than stand still.

I want to take a moment to thank my family and my closest friends.

Public service asks a lot, not of just one person holding office, but to the people who love them.

Steadied me when the work was hard.

We celebrated quietly when the work went well.

I am forever grateful.

Your love and steadiness made this service possible, and I will never take that for granted.

As I step away from this role, I do so with a full heart and profound gratitude.

Public service is not about permanent.

Thank you for trusting me, for challenging me, for allowing me the great honor of serving this city, of being your mayor.

And for the last time from this seat, I say thank you.

My son John, my son Michael, and my daughter Catherine, my mother, my sister, my grandchildren.

Yes.

Macy and Keaton, my wonderful daughter-in-law, Nicole, and my special friend, Robbie.

My friends Devin and Evelyn, I want to thank you for being here tonight and sharing this evening with me.

We can't stop that.

Wow.

I just find it an honor to be able to sit in this seat today because many of you all had an opportunity of working with on the other side in leading and serving the city.

And I just thank you all, each and every one of you all up here for entrusting me to fill a seat from someone who was not replaceable.

And how y'all, you all welcomed me into this phase.

And from Tammy just sitting here, like, is this okay?

Is this the right thing I'm supposed to do?

Y'all were just very welcome me, and I'm I'm very thankful for that.

Um it's hard, but it's one of those things is meeting the moment of where we are right now, and I want to say today is full circle because I completed my assignment.

Doesn't mean the work is done, but I completed my assignment in serving we the city of Greensboro.

And I'm very honored to be able to have the opportunity to be able to do that.

And that wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't learned servant leadership for my mother.

Who was here today?

Because growing up, just from a faith standpoint, my father being in the service, and in the service you lead from in service of country, and what was instilled in me is in service of community, and everything I've had up to this point led me to where I am now.

And just like that, continuing to be able to grow and serve this community.

So I say it's not finished, it's just I ran my course.

In a moment of time where we had highs and lows, but collectively we came together and I felt welcomed.

And I thank you all for that.

And most importantly, I thank you, the staff, because a lot of times we don't acknowledge the invisible work that goes on.

And that's one thing I can truly say, which just warms my heart as I walk across the city in different aspects of the city.

And when I ask people, why do you do what you do?

And we hear staff say, everyone down from public safety, making sure our streets are safe, down to the individual that works in order and sewer to say it brings me joy when I know when someone gets up in the morning and they flush the toilet that they can flush the toilet or when they put the faucet on water is coming out.

Everybody has value, everybody is valued, and I just want to acknowledge each and every one of you, the staff that's here because again, many times you hear what you're not doing, but you don't hear enough of what you are doing that makes this city work and operate.

So I just thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Um it's hard to follow that, but I'm just I'm just very thankful and honored to be able to be in this space to be able to serve this community and we'll continue to serve the community in whatever way I can to be able to be a contributor.

Um, and I just say thank you.

And I give each one of you all a card with words, so I won't go through all of that, but I just say thank you.

And this is just the end of this chapter and looking forward to next.

So thank you.

Dr.

Wells.

Well, good evening to our colleagues, our neighbors and friends.

Tonight marks a close of a chapter, my final meeting as a member of the Greensboro City Council.

After over 12 years representing District 2, I chose not to run again.

I sit here with deep gratitude for the privilege to serve and with pride in the path we've walked together.

My journey began long before I took the seat.

I served as spokesperson for the concerned citizens of Northeast Greensboro for eight years, advocating for justice, dignity, and environmental responsibility.

That work led to one of our community's most significant victories, closing the White Street landfill to municipal household waste.

It was a hard fought battle, and it taught me that change begins with conviction, but it's sustained by collaboration.

When I first ran for office in 2005, my slogan was where there is a will, there's wells.

I believed that when we served, that we could move mountains.

But however, my experience taught me that the will of a single council member cannot reshape a district overnight.

Real progress takes time, it takes persistence, it takes unity, it takes holding fast to your vision, working shoulder to shoulder with fellow council members, and never losing sight of the goal.

Later, my slogan became changing trash to treasure.

And I'm thankful to say that many treasures have indeed been found, and many more have been created in District 2.

From legacy projects to neighborhood revitalization, from policy shifts to community healing.

We've turned challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.

I want to thank my families for their support, my campaign managers, Cynthia Penix, Barleen Primus, and the late Tiffany Rudd for their faith and dedication, which carried me through many through each election.

I thank the volunteers, my friends and supporters, and the citizens who stood with me from the beginning.

Your trust has been my compass.

I've had the honor of working with three great mayors, the Honorable Keith Holiday, Yvonne Johnson, and Nancy Vaughan.

I've worked with five city managers, outstanding city attorneys, capable staff, and council colleagues, each of whom were committed to moving Greensboro forward.

Together, we built a city that is growing, thriving, and looking forward to a bright future.

To the citizens of District 2, thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve.

I've moved over 800 agenda items during my tenure.

Some were widely embraced, others drew questions, but each was made with the sincere belief that it would make it benefit our city and our district.

One motion that I hold dearly is a resolution of apology for the events of November 3rd, 1979, a day etched in our city's memory.

I first sought that resolution a decade earlier.

When it finally passed, I believe it brought a measure of closure and healing to our community.

That moment reminded me that reconciliation is possible and that acknowledgement is a powerful step toward justice.

Though I will no longer be sitting in this seat, I'm confident that the District 2 will be in good hand, capable hands, led by someone committed to progress, equity, and the welfare of all citizens, and to the incoming council members who will continue this work.

May you lead with dig with integrity, listen with compassion, and never lose sight of the people behind the policies.

May you remember that every ordinance, every vote, every budget item is a chance to uplift a life, to restore neighborhood or reignite someone's hope.

May you ever never forget that public service is not a title, it's a calling.

May our leaders remain remain rooted in service, and may our people ever never lose faith in the power of unity, vision, and perseverance.

So thank you.

And God bless you.

And onward we go.

Thanks very much, Mayor.

Um serving on City Council has been certainly the greatest honor and privilege of my life.

And I am deeply grateful to the citizens of District Four who have supported me and cast their votes for me in five elections.

And I am truly appreciative of the council colleagues.

I've had the enormous pleasure and good fortune to work with, as well as our professional city staff.

I can tell you that they are amazing people, our city staff is truly extraordinary.

And we have worked together always for the common good.

That governing a city of 300,000 people is complex and complicated.

That listening to all sides, voices and concerns is important and necessary.

And that balancing needs and wants with scarce resources is challenging.

Yeah, I'm really proud of the work and the accomplishments that we have had over these 14 years.

We've done some really big things.

Cecilia Thompson, who's the executive director of Action Green Torah, and Regid Reggie Delaheny asked me to have coffee one morning back in, I think probably 2012.

And they had just discovered, they'd been doing some research or reading, they had just discovered the National Folk Festival.

So they came to me with sort of a presentation about its history.

And they said, what do you think about trying to get the National Folk Festival in Greensboro?

And I said, absolutely we should.

It would be wonderful.

And so I came back, spoke with our my colleagues on council, and we passed a we passed the resolution 9 to 0 to really attempt to get the folk to the next national folk festival.

We applied, we went through the vetting process.

We didn't have very much time, I remember, only a few months before the deadline.

And so 12 years later, we have a very successful North Carolina folk festival under the exciting and visionary leadership of Jody Ruppel, who's taking this festival really to the next level and really reaching out.

We truly are beginning to make it a North Carolina festival, not just a Greensboro Festival.

So Celia and I like to have coffee a lot, so another one of our coffee meetings.

She said, why can't why don't we can't we have food trucks in downtown Greensboro?

And I said, you know what?

Every other great American city, and I've lived in a number of them.

I mean, food trips, food trucks were just a an ordinary, it was it was just a part of life.

And so today we have them, not without some difficulty.

The mayor will remember that we had to go through uh almost a year probably of convincing our restaurant community that it was not going to be negatively impactful to their business.

But think about it today.

I mean, it's those these are two things that we just take for granted.

Um it's always important uh, you know, I don't care where good ideas come from.

Um when there's a good idea, somebody suggests it, uh suggest it to you, you know, jump on it and go with it.

You know, the Tanger Center has been amazing.

I was a I was just uh on that train from the first small group meeting that we had with with Matt Brown because you know I I saw what it could do as an economic generator for it for downtown and for Greensboro.

And so it's it has met all of our it has met and and passed all of our expectations in terms of attendance and financial expect uh expectations.

I don't know whether whether everybody remembers what this chamber looked like 14 years ago.

It was a little dowdy and outdated.

Uh and so I I went to, you know, Betsy Richardson was our uh city clerk.

I went to Betsy Universe.

We had these old sort of broken down office faux leather chairs that weren't very comfortable and they were ugly.

So I said to Betsy, is it possible that we could get some air on chairs?

Those would be really cool for the uh for the chamber.

And Betsy said, interesting that you should ask me.

I'm just getting ready to have our this beautiful wooden walls re cleaned and refurbished, and we're going to get new carpet.

I said, Great.

I said, Well, the other thing I would think like to think about doing is perhaps commissioning a an iconic sculpture for the for the dais.

You know, back then, if you looked at us on television or in a photograph, you could it could have been anywhere.

This could have been a room anywhere.

So all of that came together.

I commissioned uh Jim Gallucci, he and I worked on the concept for Greensboro is our home, and it was my gift to the city.

And so in every photograph now, and and as people watch on television, they know that this is this is our home.

This this is this is a this is a place, and we know what it is.

So, yeah, and I'm just those little things sometimes make a difference.

And then, you know, um at our little Arlington Park across across from Union Square, there are three amazing monumental sculptures.

Um ribbons one and ribbons two, which kind of anchor that corner, and then sort of behind them is a pair, uh well, and call the pair.

It's really a it's it's a male-female figure, not really, but you know, that's what the PR stands for, and they're one's red and one's yellow.

And those belong to friends of mine here in uh Greensboro, the Bernsteins, and they were moving from Greensboro to a town home in uh Denver.

So I I ran into Nat one day in Costco.

I said, What are you telling you going to do with this council?

She said, Interesting that you should ask me, come, let's talk about it.

As a result, um they offer offered uh to sell them at a very modest below market that price.

And so I agreed that I would uh I would work, I would take care of the financing, and they would uh have Jim Gallucci uh do any repair that was necessary and move them.

So I went to my friend Don Cheney and said, This is what I want to do, Don.

Can will you match what I will am willing to do here?

And she said, yes, of course, whatever you ask.

And so I went to Jim Melvin at the Bryan Foundation and Susan Schwartz at the Singler Foundation who did likewise.

And so we were able to do those and um and to put them in, you know, downtown, sort of anchoring that community.

And I love driving by them all the time, and I stop and visit them from time to time.

Um, in my business career and in my public elected career, you know, I've I've really mostly focused and been interested in uh trying to do work that was good and lasting.

Um and so you know, I kind of I get up every day thinking about tomorrow, you know, what can I do tomorrow?

What needs to be done tomorrow?

Um I and I hope that serving with my associates on council that I've been able to just make uh make it make a difference in in small ways.

Um I've I I've really taken to heart um something that David Axelrod, he he worked in for uh President Obama and worked in the Obama administration, and afterward wrote a book called The Believer.

But this is what David said winning an election is a gateway to do meaningful things.

It is not a final destination.

You know, I've those words really resonated with me in terms of being an elected official.

So I believe that the work of our councils over the four the past 14 years has really been meaningful.

Uh and in saying farewell, I will continue to be engaged in the city, the work of our city, the work of our state.

I look forward to uh another beginning, and you know, I in my life I've always tried to follow the Zen philosophy of remaining open to all possibilities.

Um so I want to thank again the citizens who elected me, you gave me an opportunity to serve not just our district, but to get to know thousands of people all over the city and to get to know communities all over the city, and that has been uh truly meaningful for me.

So uh thank you so much.

Mr.

Mithini.

What thank you, Madam Mayor.

And you were fantastic as our leader for 12 years and beyond that.

And thank you for everything you've done for the community.

And the rest of my fellow colleagues on the council.

Honestly, you know, it's been said that we didn't always agree, but we we worked it out.

I gotta be honest, we agreed more than we disagree.

We, you know, having challenging difficult decisions.

Um we were able to work through them and have open dialogues.

Sharon and I had probably one of the better relationships that I've had, and I respect the heck out of Sharon.

Um Hugh and Nancy Hoffman, who I worked with for a long time.

Mary Kay, congratulations, Mayor.

Uh Gordy Wells, I've said this before, hired my mother, who's to my left, um back in States Full Iredale County as a school teacher, um, just a couple of years ago.

Um Tammy and you know, our relationship grew uh pretty fast.

And Jamela, I can't wait to spend more time with you.

I think when you stepping in and the way you handled yourself, stepping into a role of a person that you're right, and I I said it a year ago, was irreplaceable.

But you did it with honor and integrity, and I commend you for that.

Umors they worked with.

I think I've done I worked for four.

Um recognizing Tom Phillips to my left beside my mom.

You know, I started at this in 2005.

Tom was the city council person in District 3, and he put me on the zoning commission.

So I'm 20 years in on this, 12 as an elected official.

Um I've seen a lot, we've been able to participate in a lot.

Uh and I am proud of the work that we've done as at this council and previous councils.

You know, you get elected in my case in a district.

Sometimes you don't get elected.

Uh but being elected in a district doesn't mean you only represent that district.

Some of the best decisions that were made were beginning when we build a relationship with the Randolph County, which ultimately led to Toyota.

That wasn't in District 3.

It had to do with our community.

Working with Dr.

Wells on a building uh in District 2 and bringing self-help to the table uh to make that significant investment.

Um, working with Sharon on housing and thinking about supporting you on John Demery Way and things like that.

So we may get elected by the district, but you represent that was said earlier, over 300,000 people.

Um I am sad to be leaving, not going very far.

Um, but I appreciate the time that I've had serving this community.

And I'm proud of the work that we've done.

And you know, to city staff, I know I'm a pain in the ass sometimes.

I send a lot of emails, but it's because I care about this community.

My heart is genuine to this community.

Um but I look down at this row and this bench as we call it, and we've got significant talent and people that have significant hearts.

And I just really appreciate working with y'all.

Um and all of the folks, including the ones that protect and serve us, including the ones that clean up after us.

Um so I really have a special place.

I got my tissues here, by the way.

Those of you who know me knew I wasn't able to get through it.

Greensboro is a wonderful city.

It's a city, it's been very good to me and my family.

Um I can't see now.

And we have, you know, thinking about the Toyota, the investments we made at the airport, the Aquatic Center, the Tanger Center, the festivals that quite frankly, by the way, again, shameless plug.

We have a festival Friday night.

If you want to come see a tree lighting and then a parade on Saturday.

But I I've enjoyed it.

And you know, the strategic and difficult and challenging decisions that were made were made with knowledge and passion for our community.

I enjoy serving.

I get that, as Jim Miller said earlier.

My work ethic, my desire to serve from my mother.

Mom, thank you.

You know, my wife has diagnosed with cancer.

My mom dropped everything.

Moved to Greensboro to help me and to help raise my children.

And to my children.

William and Lily Grace.

You are the light of my world.

City Council does not define me.

I will still serve.

You are my world.

You are what defines me.

And so, Gigi, I'm sorry, but I'm taking Tuesdays back.

Every once in a while I got that can go.

William and Lily.

You know, thank you for loving me.

Thank you for supporting me.

Thank you for doing everything you do.

And I want you to know that this is what it feels like to serve, and that we gotta give back to our community.

And I appreciate you letting me do that really since you've been born.

I love you with all my heart.

Thank you to the Greensboro community for letting me serve.

Mrs.

Hightower, a woman of few words.

I would have to come behind you and try not to do what you're doing.

So with the mayor saying that, no.

So good evening, Mayor and fellow council members and Mayor Lack, who is currently the mayor pro ten, but tomorrow she will be our mayor.

City staff and chair cherished members of our community.

After twelve remarkable years, serving as District One City Council woman for Greensboro City Council, I am both humbled and grateful as I bid farewell to this world.

However, I know that when God closes a window, there is a door wide open for me to walk through and continue to serve with integrity and passion.

Twelve years ago, I walked into this chamber as a newly elected council member, eager to make a difference.

Since then, I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals whose passion for our city has been both inspiring and motivating.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent my neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens working collaborating to shape the future of our vibrant community.

There have been times of debate and disagreement, but I believe those moments have only strengthened our resolve, my resolve to serve District One with integrity and compassion.

Our differences have challenged us to think critically, to listen intently, and to ensure that every decision reflects the best interest of the people we serve.

It is this spirit of collaboration and respect that I will miss most.

Together we have navigated challenges and celebrated countless achievements, improving infrastructure, monumental job creation, enhancing our transit system, supporting economic growth, small business opportunity, and housing stability, ensuring all voices were heard.

Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed our city grow and transform.

I am deeply proud of the progress we have made.

And I'd like to share with you a few right now.

And I have to write them down because there are a few.

Straight through the heart of East Greensboro, an area that could not need that.

But working with state leaders to get a million-dollar grant for tornado relief that rehabbed homes, purchase lots to rebuild, and help under and uninsured homeowners and help to relocate renters.

Then there's infrastructure, supporting building of two major water treatment plants that will remove PFOS and P4, supported a regional water agreement, which will now allow Pleasant Garden and Sedelia to hook up to City Water.

Then there's transit as the GTA liaison, supported keeping fares low to make ridership affordable, purchase of the first electric buses in the state, first one seat cross town route running east to west, which will move people for work and leisure, with the North to South Cross Max Orange starting in 2026, and then starting a micro transit system that will serve employers like Publix, Toyota, Proctor Gamble, and the airport that are in the outer areas of the city.

Then we've had the first and on I did the first and only business district walk.

When I got on council, they used to do walks through neighborhoods.

And then I said, well, let's do a walk along Ranneman Road in 2014.

And it resulted in the 2015 corridor plan.

But when the COVID happened, phase two didn't quite occur as quickly as should because the world changed.

Now phase two will be implemented along with a retail strategy to recruit business and to invigorate that corridor.

There's economic development.

Supported large-scale regional projects such as the Toyota Mega Site and Boom Supersonic and the Airport, which are expected to create over 3,400 jobs and help to retain local university graduates and supported the largest influx of jobs with JET Zero, 14,500.

What a change that's going to make in this community.

Instrumental in getting public distribution warehouse with those 1,000 plus jobs located in East Greensboro.

And also supported businesses in the McConnell Center, Long I 40, 85, as I've named Penske and Sunlight, also Coca-Cola, and recruited a black-owned business, core molding technology in to East Greensboro, that is now expanding into its own $28 million building.

A 100 million mixed use development occurring on Alamance Church Road.

It's being developed by Mount Zion, which will include Fellowship Hall, living market rate apartments, senior apartments, single-family homes, and a medical facility.

All the things we need in our district.

So defining a game changer for the area in District One.

Advocate supporting and recruiting of black and brown minority and women businesses in construction, professional services, and goods for inclusion on city contracts, especially addressing the disparities that were listed in our disparity study that was done, reflecting the most significant disparities being among black businesses.

Supported the creation of the Greensboro Business League that is focused on black businesses that have been traditionally underrepresented and advocated for inclusion opportunities, as well as they did the first economic summit in the state on the black of the state of the black community.

I also supported and pushed for funding for Piedmont Business Capital that is a CDFI and a resource for small businesses.

Supportion by working with the state, as you know, to get bipartisan support for that SBE bill.

And you know, in this day and time, that's not something easy to do.

But it enabled us to have legislation that will allow the city of Greensboro to create an SB program, which it will be one of three in the state of North Carolina.

Monumental in the stay and time.

Push city workers' minimum wage to $15 starting back in 2015.

That had now increased to 20 and going toward 23, but hopefully 25 in the next two years for a living wage.

Parts and rec have always supported efforts of Parks and Rec.

Whether it was completing the visitor center building, the Gateway Garden, or celebrating the Roof Wicker Women Memorial, in the city's only event center, which is now called Yvonne Johnson Event Center in Barber Park.

The Root Wicker honors Greensboro women who have made significant contributions to the city of Greensboro.

The Root Wicker honors Greensboro women who have made significant contributions to the city of Greensboro, or whether it's purchasing land behind Brown Recreation Center to expand that building and the trails for healthy living, creating partnerships with Cone Health to improve Warner's Village Center with equipment and furnishings and a book vending machine that is free to the youth attending the center.

Can't wait to see Windsor Chavis Inoko, a community complex in East Greensboro.

That will be a catalyst for change in this area with an innovatively designed facility with this unique look and amenities inside.

And I'll tell you, if we had not put two million dollars in that design, I wonder what we would have gotten.

But because we did, we've got something we're going to be proud of for years.

Or whether the community park that's being designed has supported the community part that's being designed on Short Farm Road that's going to be next to a fire station.

How unique is that over in Southeast Greensboro?

And yes, let's talk about it.

Bingham Park.

That's an important concern for full remediation or removal of the dirt.

That has never been off the table for me, but have fully supported it, which is why I sought money from all potential sources, but I only got a little.

And thank you, Zach, for contributing what you contributed to us.

The current proposal is to begin full remediation when funding becomes available.

But making this decision was very difficult for me as a council member, as well as a community member.

And I reflect on it each time I pass Bingham Park, which is daily.

And then we demolished it with a tour with the tornado grant money to create opportunity for possible housing and a health or wellness space as well.

Then I've supported youth programs like job training internship with Dudley High School and Sam Construction, as well as a council youth courier program for those young people who are interested in learning more about local government.

Instrumental in making Juneteenth a citywide holiday where city workers get paid, co-created the Ad Hot Committee for African American Studies that looked at finding solutions in five key areas of health and housing, economic development, public safety and community service, supported public safety by the purchase of body-worn cameras, as we were the first in the state to do so for transparency and accountability, supported the launching of the Cure Violence Program, and supported the initiative for the behavioral health team to help with mental health crisis and homeless individuals, have served on the original participatory budgeting committee, what was a democratic process for the five districts to have been up and close and personal to have up and close personal experiences on the type of projects they want to see in their community, which led to the trial being supported by all five districts.

But also Glenwood got a much-needed bus shelter, instrumental in advocating for the South Area Plan, which is going to be a guide that's going to enhance neighborhood connectivity and attract business and have responsible development for growth.

Engage in the planning processes with local residents and leaders, community members, business owners, and even our neighbors from Pleasant Garden.

It just shows you what collaboration can do.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and relationship of the mayor and fellow council members, committee, managers, attorneys, directors, and dedicated city staff in every department, from coal, parts, economic development, solid waste, water, all departments that are needed in this city.

Partnerships with our business community, and most importantly, the rest of relationships with residents and neighborhood associations who entrusted me with their concerns, hopes, and dreams for our community.

Which I've recognized that there have been disappointments along the way.

And you let me know.

I am sure that the citizens will never let us ever forget where our responsibility lies, and that is to serve their interests and needs to make a community better and enhance the quality of life.

As I step aside, I do so with tremendous faith in Greensboro's future by continuing the city's vision for this important work.

Throughout my chapter on the council, though my chapter on the council is ending, my commitment to our city remains steadfast.

And I look forward to contributing in other ways.

My role as a community advocate will continue.

This has always been an extraordinary journey, and I've always checked cherish the privilege of being our city council woman for District One.

Thanks to my family and friends.

Thank you for your support.

I appreciate it.

It's been unwavering.

But especially to the two loves of my life, my daughter Sharonda and Lali Bob.

My grand who makes me smile and warms my heart when she calls me knowing.

So I thank you all so much for listening to me for allowing me to serve this city.

I love this city, and I want it to be better because I want Lollipop to have a great place to live.

Thank you.

I know we've all worked with Chris for a very long time.

Thank you for being here tonight.

Tammy, Mary Kay, and Hugh.

I know that they'll have comments tomorrow.

So I'll I'll be happy to take a motion or go ahead, Zach.

Go ahead, Zach.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

All right.

Tomorrow 5:30.

Yes.

But I would like my family to meet me down here so I can get a picture.

Council White.

If you'd like.