Greensboro City Council Meeting: January 6, 2026

The Greensboro City Council met in the Katie Dorset Council Chambers on January 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM. All nine members were present. The meeting included recognition of the Grimsley High School football team as state champions, adoption of departmental and engagement calendars, honoring Parks and Recreation Director Phil Fleischman with the NCRPA Meritorious Service Award, public comments on housing, homelessness, police oversight, and community initiatives, and approval of consent agenda items including routine business.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items G2, G5, G6, G10, G11) was approved with separate votes due to recusals and public comments. All votes were unanimous (8-0 or 9-0) with specific recusals noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ben Holder objected to not being allowed to play a video during speakers from the floor, arguing it was not a personal attack but clips from council meetings. He claimed the decision was "shady" and urged the council to override the restriction. The Mayor stated the video was disallowed due to personal attacks.
• Beth McGee Huger (Interfaith Housing Initiative) expressed full support for strengthening code enforcement, urging the city to preserve housing through penalties, liens, transparent information, partnerships, and consistent enforcement.
• Malik Hoff advocated for the homeless community, requesting council support for "Beauty on the Streets" and asking why people are being pushed out of parking decks. He called for a new housing plan and protocols, addressing Councilmember Crawford directly. The Mayor and Councilmember Crawford pledged to follow up.
• Curtis Harrison Jr. spoke about racial tension and police violence against Black men, asking for an example of a Black officer killing a white man. He received no response from council.
• Billy Belcher (Working Class and Houseless Organizing Alliance) criticized anti-homeless policies, such as ordinances criminalizing sleeping and unattended belongings. He urged repeal of those policies, enactment of a homeless bill of rights, and removal of surveillance cameras.
• Fonta Dorley addressed food access for elders, noting the closure of Save A Lot at Yanceyville and Cone. She requested consideration of a large grocery store for that low-income area, and urged inclusion of elders in decision-making.
• George Hartzman alleged that city management, legal, and code compliance systematically dismantled the Minimum Standards Housing Commission, citing cancellation of five of twelve 2025 meetings and 381 active cases. He accused the council of stripping the commission's enforcement power at the request of the Triad Real Estate Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC).
• Thane Garnett proposed a duck hunting club at Lake Townsend, supported by the lake manager and Ducks Unlimited. The club would have designated hunting days, permanent blinds 500 yards from dwellings, waivers, and a membership fee.
• Laverne Lamb highlighted the sudden closure of Save A Lot and the impending closure of a food line on Lee Chapel, both in District 2, creating a food desert. She also raised concerns about a substance abuse center being placed next to a high school.
• Luther Falls Jr. expressed support for crime prevention through police-community relations programs, small business support, and continued collaboration with Parks and Recreation.
• Dr. Portia LaJoy Shipman announced the launch of the Domestic Violence Intervention Academy (DVIA), a court-aligned program for offender accountability and behavior change. She invited council to an open house on January 28.
• Alexandra Arpage (Carolina Theater Executive Director) reported that the theater welcomes 100,000 visitors annually, generating $4 million in economic impact. She noted plans for a centennial capital campaign in 2027 and invited council to upcoming shows.
• Treyvon Worth (with Working Class Houseless Organizing Alliance) advocated for recognition of people who speak at meetings, and requested the ability to extend speaking time or receive minutes. He asked for a follow-up call from the city.
• Brett Tannis thanked the former council and encouraged the new council to know their districts, build trust, and help the most vulnerable.
• Eric Robert (property owner at 816 South Elm Street) stated the city has inconsistent definitions of his property's location—inside the South Elm Street redevelopment boundary but outside the central business district for billing. He asked the council to resolve this contradiction.
• Jason Hicks raised concerns about police accountability, noting that the GC Jack website had an inactive link for filing complaints but an active link for praising officers. He asked what the council will do to restore transparency and independence in oversight.
• Valerie Jones Robinson (Operation Excel) described their free after-school STEM and mentoring programs for Title I schools, citing up to 91% improvement in science proficiency and reading gains of one grade level in six weeks. She requested a partnership with the city.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Grimsley High School Football Team (E1): Councilmember Marshall read a resolution honoring the team as 2025 NCHSAA Class 7A state champions, marking their second consecutive undefeated season (31-0 over two years). The resolution passed 9-0. Principal Jed O'Donnell and quarterback Faizon Brandon spoke, expressing gratitude and pride in representing Greensboro.
• Adoption of Departmental Events Calendar (E2): The council adopted the 2026 calendar, which includes events like Lights Out, Recycle Rodeo, Juneteenth, and National Homeless Persons Remembrance Day. Passed 9-0.
• Adoption of Engagement Calendar (E3): The council adopted the 2026 engagement calendar, recognizing heritage months such as Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and LGBTQ+ Pride Month, among others. Passed 9-0.
• Recognition of Parks and Recreation Director Phil Fleischman (E4): The council recognized Phil Fleischman for receiving the NCRPA Meritorious Service Award. Speakers praised his leadership, humility, and commitment to equity, community, and staff development.
• Council Comments: Councilmembers announced upcoming events (Code Compliance Academy Feb 9, Comprehensive Plan meeting Jan 14, Small Business Expo Feb 7), honored community organizations, and thanked new council members for their engagement. Mayor also noted a tour of Resurgent on East Market Street and reminded residents of MLK weekend events.
• City Manager Comments: City Manager Trey Davis updated on actions at 830 West Market Street (The District), including a warning letter to the owner to begin corrective action for life safety issues. He also noted progress on the Regency senior housing project: Phase 1 will have 50 senior units, Phase 2 will have 60 family units.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution E1 (Grimsley football recognition): Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Resolution E2 (2026 departmental events calendar): Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Resolution E3 (2026 engagement calendar): Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved with separate votes on G2 (Marshall recused, passed 8-0), G5 and G6 (Holston recused, each passed 8-0), G10 (passed 9-0), and G11 (passed 9-0).
• City Manager Direction: Staff will continue enforcement actions at The District and provide council with updates on housing projects.
• Follow-ups: Councilmembers agreed to contact Malik Hoff and Treyvon Worth regarding their concerns. The council will continue to engage on code enforcement, police oversight, and homelessness initiatives.