Greensboro City Council Virtual Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Greensboro City Council held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, due to continued public safety concerns. The meeting included adoption of rules of decorum, appointment of a new poet laureate, public comments on a wide range of issues, discussion of historic preservation and ethics, and council updates on snow response and downtown concerns.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items G1 through G6) was adopted unanimously with no items removed. It covered routine and non-controversial matters.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mustafa Sultan requested elimination of the $2 fishing fee at city lakes, arguing it double-charges license holders and discourages families, especially veterans. He noted neighboring counties do not impose such a fee.
• Ms. Dorley thanked council for addressing housing issues and urged code enforcement to provide solution lists for elderly residents still recovering from the 2018 tornado. She also praised the city for allowing peaceful marches.
• Umika Truesdale raised concerns about housing stability and affordability, asking how the city’s $830 million budget was allocated toward housing and what can be done to prevent evictions. She noted many working people are living in cars or hotels.
• Dr. Elma Harrison (candidate for NC House District 59) outlined her platform on health care, education, affordable housing, and fiscal responsibility, urging support for her campaign.
• Jason Carter (CEO of Mod Squad) and Isaac Kane presented a proposal for a public-private partnership called Ardent Square International, a mixed-use development including residential, hotel, civic, and entertainment pavilion. They stated they have capital and seek city partnership. A one-minute video was played but not visible to council; it was to be shared later.
• Greg Williams requested a four-way stop on South Elam Avenue to address speeding, noting that speed bumps were denied due to emergency vehicle access.
• Sherelle Davis (via message) requested a new Zoom link and a check.
• Malik Hoff (video without audio) was shown; he is unhoused and working on a nonprofit.
• Jason Hicks spoke about the need to address ongoing community harm rather than focusing on potential future crises like ICE detention facilities.
• Lewis Medina strongly criticized the city’s statement on ICE facilities as inadequate, called for a clear stance against ICE concentration camps, and warned of fascism.
• Del Stone raised concerns about surveillance by Flock Safety, questioning the status of the city’s contract, data sharing with ICE, and the use of automated license plate readers. He requested answers on the city’s real-time intelligence center.
• Trayvon Worth asked about the master plan for homelessness in 2026 and proposed relocating the Interactive Resource Center to 407 East Washington Street.
• Toad of the Mountain urged the mayor to convene a commission on homelessness and named potential participants.
• Ben Holder attempted to play a video about a group home and police calls, but was cut off. Councilmember Marshall noted a memo he wrote ten years ago.
• Kim Grimsley Ritchie and Philip Ritchie (downtown business owners) detailed multiple challenges: parking confusion, safety, vacant buildings, and the need for more residents downtown. Philip Ritchie suggested moving the coliseum downtown.
• Alex Ritchie (Kim’s spouse) emphasized downtown safety and the need for mental health facilities and foot patrols.
• Bonnie Case (owner of Centsi's) cited prolonged construction and parking issues affecting her business for years.
• John Hill noted that apartment tenants occupy free street parking for weeks, hurting customer access.
• Nishant Dixit (hotel general manager) reported increased unauthorized entry, drug use, and human feces in staircases, with 30-40 minute police response times.
• Alexis Chandler (business owner) asked for clarity on paid parking signage.
• Carmen Calhoun opposed any ICE detention facility at the former American Hebrew Academy (AHA), citing human rights violations and the Baptiste group’s past license revocation.
• Marilyn Lacunza (DACA recipient) also opposed the AHA site, noting job listings nearby and unmarked cars that create fear.
• Rev. Drumright (Greensboro Pulpit Forum) thanked council for temporary housing for displaced individuals and urged continued transparency and opposition to any ICE or resettlement facilities.
• CJ Brinson asked council to publicly state their positions on regulatory stops and written consent for police, referencing Black History Month and ongoing racial justice concerns.
• Dr. Michael Roberto urged council to question the constitutionality of HB 318 and to protect civil society from federal overreach, referencing events in Minneapolis.
• Nicole Holgins (downtown resident) described safety issues and interactions with unhoused individuals, urging action to bring downtown back on track.

Discussion Items

• I1 – Resolution supporting nomination of the Magnolia Hotel to the National Register of Historic Places: Natalie Pass Miller, owner, requested support for the nomination to recognize its significance as a restored 1949 Green Book site, and for a multiple property designation for all Green Book sites in North Carolina. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Council members praised her work and the hotel’s cultural importance.
• I2 – Resolution repealing and replacing the Code of Ethics for the City Council: City Attorney summarized changes: clarified gift limits, voting conflicts, and ethics complaint process (city attorney reviews before independent investigation). Adopted unanimously.
• I3 – Boards and commissions appointments: Councilmember Marshall appointed Emily Schwenninger to the Greensboro Transit Advisory Commission. Councilmember Parker announced vacancies in District 3 for several boards.

Council Comments

• Councilmembers thanked city staff for snow/ice response (water, public safety, solid waste). Several acknowledged Black History Month and Bennett College centennial.
• Councilmember Crawford requested portable bathroom units downtown and addressed AHA concerns, stating the city has seen no proposal and will communicate with residents.
• Councilmember Parker announced downtown business walks on February 10, 13, and 23, and a relaunch of “Coffee with the Council Women” on second Tuesdays. She also noted a service employee parking program expected by June 2026.
• Councilmember Thurm requested updates on the fishing fee issue (parks and rec to provide explanation) and the traffic rerouting on David Caldwell (neighbors affected).
• Councilmember Black echoed the need for community involvement in traffic changes.
• Mayor thanked all, noted the unprecedented storm, and asked the city manager to provide a follow-up summary of resolved issues.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous including adoption of rules of decorum, poet laureate appointment, consent agenda, historic nomination, ethics code replacement, and board appointments.
• James Daniels appointed as Greensboro Poet Laureate for two years.
• Historic Magnolia House nomination to National Register supported; city will seek state and federal approval.
• City code of ethics updated to clarify gift policy, voting conflicts, and complaint procedures.
• City manager committed to follow up on downtown parking, safety, and fishing fee analysis.
• Council will conduct downtown business walks in February and launch regular office hours.