Greensboro City Council Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Greensboro City Council convened on March 17, 2026, for a long session that included a closed session, a Broadway season kickoff at the Tanger Center, a discussion on the Road to 10,000 housing initiative featuring interviews with task force members, builders, and homebuyers, an announcement that the Norwegian national football team will use Greensboro as its base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and action on several ordinances and resolutions. The council approved Vision 36 strategic framework, a Home ARP rental assistance contract, water treatment facility contracts, and updated commercial building and nuisance codes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items G1–G20 (routine and non-controversial) with a 9-0 vote, after removing G8 and G9 due to recusal by Councilmember Marshall. Items G8 and G9 were voted on separately, passing 8-0 with one recusal each.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason Hicks: Expressed support for the commercial building code ordinance, stating that neglect has been concentrated and sends a message of abandonment. Urged unanimous passage.
• Philip Marsh (commercial property owner): Opposed the ordinance as drafted, calling fines draconian and requesting the item be tabled for more input from property owners. Acknowledged the need to hold bad actors accountable but said the process lacked transparency.
• Cheryl McIver (Whitley community representative): Read a statement from the Whitley president in support of the ordinance, emphasizing that vacant and neglected properties hurt property values, invite dumping and vandalism, and require accountability.

Discussion Items

• Vision 36 Strategic Framework: City Manager Trey Davis presented the framework to guide long-term policy and investments over the next decade. Council members praised the recent two-day retreat as the most focused strategic planning session yet. The framework centers on talent retention, equitable economic growth, neighborhood connectivity, closing the income gap, and aligning existing plans (2040 Comp Plan, Road to 10,000, etc.). Resolution passed 9-0.
• Home ARP Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: Presented by Mr. Hunter. The city will contract with Greensboro Housing Authority for $1,681,072 to administer rental assistance using federal HOME-ARP funds (total grant $6.6 million). Assistance up to 24 months for qualifying populations (homeless, at-risk, domestic violence survivors). Partners include Guilford County Continuum of Care and Servant Center. Approved 8-0 (Councilmember Holston recused due to his role at Greensboro Housing Coalition).
• Townsend Water Treatment Plant Advanced Treatment Project: Approved resolutions: ordinance amending capital revenue bond fund for $35,095,232; contract with Crowder Construction for $33,961,432 (design-build); and contract with HDR Engineering for $1,133,800 (owner's advisor). All passed 9-0.
• Equipment Services Fund Appropriation: $838,000 amendment for Water Resources department. Approved 9-0.
• Commercial Building Code & Nuisance Ordinance Update: Presented by City Attorney Brent Dushawn. Updates include moving non-residential building code to Chapter 6, increasing civil penalties from $200/$10 per day to $500/$100 per day (tiered up to $1,000/$250 for repeat violations), requiring registration for vacant properties in violation, and adding nuisances such as hazardous conditions on public-invited properties. A minor amendment was approved to clarify extension authority. After public comments and council debate, the ordinance passed 9-0.
• Legislative Agenda and Resolution Supporting Repeal of GS 160D-601(d): Approved together 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• Vision 36 strategic framework adopted.
• Home ARP rental assistance contract awarded.
• Townsend Water Treatment Plant advanced treatment design/build contract awarded.
• Updated commercial building and nuisance code adopted.
• Legislative agenda and resolution to repeal a state statute approved.
• Charles Jackson appointed to Parks and Recreation Commission; Samuel Hawkins removed from Minimum Housing Standards Commission (both unanimously).
• Several council members announced upcoming budget town halls and community meetings.