Greensboro City Council Meeting May 4, 2026: Resolutions, Public Comment, and Business Items
Greensboro City Council Meeting May 4, 2026: Resolutions, Public Comment, and Business Items
The Greensboro City Council met on May 4, 2026, at the Katie Dorsett Council Chambers with all nine members present. The meeting opened with procedural matters, followed by a series of ceremonial resolutions, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, a lengthy public comment period heavily focused on the hiring of the new police chief, and approval of several business items. The meeting included a brief recess around 7:30 p.m. and adjourned after council comments.
Consent Calendar
- A motion to amend the City Council policy and rules of decorum for signs, posters, and banners (Item D1) was moved by Councilmember Thurm, seconded by Councilmember Black, and approved unanimously (9–0).
- The consent agenda covering items F1 through F10 was moved by Councilmember Marshall, seconded by Councilmember Black, and adopted unanimously (9–0).
Ceremonial & Presentation Items
- Resolution Honoring Willina Reeves Cannon: A resolution was presented to the family of the late civil rights activist and community leader. Councilmember Black read the resolution; family members spoke in remembrance.
- Water Conservation Poster Contest Winners: Mike Borchers, Director of Water Resources, celebrated Drinking Water Week and announced winners of the 2026 poster contest (theme: Guardians of the Drop). Over 816,826 entries have been received since the contest began in 2000. First-, second-, and third-place winners were recognized in three divisions (K–2, 3–5, 6–8).
- Recognition of Elijah Williams: Williams, Water Reclamation Division Manager, received a resolution for his 20 years of work increasing minority- and women-owned business (MWBE) participation in water resources contracting. He accepted the Design Build Institute of America’s 2026 Owner of the Year award on behalf of the city.
- New Garden Friends Varsity Boys Basketball Team: A resolution recognized the team as 2026 NCISAA 1A State Champions. Councilmember Marshall read the resolution; the head of school and coach spoke.
- Resolution Honoring Dr. Patricia Shelton: A resolution honored the late nurse educator and mentor. The motion was made by Councilmember Marshall, seconded by Councilmember Black, and passed unanimously (9–0). Family members and a former student spoke.
- Green May on the Greenway: The mayor read a resolution declaring May 2026 as “Green May on the Greenway” to celebrate the completion of the four-mile downtown loop. The resolution passed unanimously (9–0). Dabney Sanders (project manager) and Phil Fleischmann (Parks and Recreation Director) spoke.
- Historic Preservation Month: Councilmember Parker read a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month. The resolution passed unanimously (9–0). Sharon Graeber, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, spoke about upcoming events.
- Professional Municipal Clerks Week: Mayor Abuzwaiter read a proclamation declaring May 3–9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week after a surprise video message from the mayor and city manager. The clerks were thanked by council members.
Public Comments & Testimony
More than 25 speakers registered; the mayor allowed three minutes per speaker. Key topics included:
- New Police Chief Hiring: Numerous speakers opposed the selection of Chief Cameron Asphall (from Dayton, Ohio). They criticized the lack of transparency in the process, cited concerns about a recent fatal police shooting under his command (Reginald Thomas), and called on the council to rescind the offer. Speakers urged the council to instead promote from within and prioritize community policing, written consent, and policy reform.
- Data Centers: A speaker asked for a moratorium on data center construction, citing environmental and water concerns, low job creation, and the need for zoning regulations. Several council members later acknowledged this issue.
- Homelessness and Housing: Speakers advocated for the unhoused and shared personal experiences about harassment and unsafe housing. One speaker described organizing community support for homeless individuals.
- Police Accountability: Multiple speakers shared personal experiences of feeling mistreated by police and demanded policy changes such as regulatory stop reductions and informed consent.
- Neighborhood Concerns: A resident complained about a basketball court in the street and chickens in a neighbor’s yard; another resident spoke about property damage and lack of police response.
Discussion Items
No separate discussion items were listed on the agenda beyond the ceremonial and business items. Council comments included responses to public concerns.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda and Ceremonial Items: All resolutions, the consent agenda, and rule changes passed unanimously (9–0).
- Business Items (I1–I7): All passed unanimously (9–0):
- I1/I2: Community Project Funding grant agreement and budget of $4,000,000 from HUD for the Elmugene Gateway Complete Streets Project.
- I3: Amendment No. 6 to contract with Vines Architecture Inc. for the Windsor Chavis NOCO Community Complex ($82,195).
- I4: Change Order No. 3 with SAMIT Corporation for Windsor Chavis NOCO Building Construction ($760,203.45).
- I5/I6: Authorization and acceptance of the 2026–2027 Annual Action Plan for HUD funds totaling $5,780,763.28, including Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grant, and HOPWA funds.
- I7: Budget amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Fund of $750,000.
- Boards and Commissions Appointment: Councilmember Thurmond appointed Theodore Rhodes to the Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission; approved by voice vote.
- Council Commitments: Councilmembers pledged continued work on police policy reforms (written consent, regulatory stops), equity in data center siting, and housing relocation for displaced residents of Studio 6 motel (128 units, 64 occupied). City Manager Davis was asked to consult council before any data center proposals advance and to respond to a letter from C2 Contractors regarding procurement.
- Studio 6 Closure: Councilmember Thurm and Holston reported that after two years of effort, Studio 6 was closed and residents were being relocated with help from the Greensboro Housing Coalition and faith communities. Holston noted broader issues of wages, mental health, and credit history affecting housing stability.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. If everyone could find a seat, please. Thank you. Welcome to the May fourth, twenty twenty six meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council chambers, and let the record reflect that all members are in attendance. And this is pursuant to the rule rules prior to the council meeting. Those who registered online should confirm their attendance with Mr. Canapino. Canopino, and all handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution prior to the start of the council meeting. For the public comment period, each speaker signed up to speak will get three minutes. If there are more than 25 speakers, the time may be reduced to two minutes per speaker at the discretion of the presiding officer. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for their remarks. All speakers are expected to adhere to established rules of decorum and any inappropriate or disruptive conduct will result in immediate removal. A first removal carries a three-month suspension from in-person participation. A second violation results in a six-month suspension, and a third violation or any instance involving physical altercations will result in a 12-month suspension. Any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges. For those suspended from in-person participation, they will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom. This ensures their right to free speech. If the Zoom speaker violates the rules of procedure and decorum, they will be muted. Speakers may have the city IT team play videos that have already been sent into the city clerk for a security check. Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting are not reviewed or verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, completeness or authenticity. The city does not endorse or adopt the content, and all opinions and views expressed are solely those of the speaker. Speakers may not transfer their time to others, and the mayor or presiding officer will determine the speaking order based on the number of speakers. The mayor or presiding officer may modify the time allotted to each individual, and approaching the dais is not permitted at all. Speakers may not address the audience nor employees of the city of Greensboro. The public comment period is for speakers to address council and only with their comments. This is an opportunity for council to listen and take notes. Any violation of this protocol and the speaker's time will be surrendered. Zoom participants must refrain from speaking until they are recognized and called upon. State statute requires council members to vote on all matters unless a direct financial interest exists, or if the council member serves on the board of a nonprofit organization that receives city funding. All motions will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote tally. The consent agenda covering items F1 through F10 consist of routine and non-controversial matters that are approved with a single vote. Any council member may request the removal of an item due to a conflict of interest or to vote in opposition. Items withdrawn for discussion will be carried forward to the next business meeting. And if an item is found to be time sensitive, the mayor may request that a vote be taken. Closed captioning is provided for this meeting depending on the duration of proceedings. A brief recess is anticipated around 7:30 p.m. We have first item D1, a motion to amend Greensboro City Council Council policy and procedures, and rules of decorum for signs, posters, and banners. If everyone has read or if anyone needs explanation, I would accept the motion. Move by Mrs. Thurm. Do I hear second? Seconded by Miss Black. Any further discussion? Hearing none, council please vote. And that carries nine to zero. Thank you. Now the updated rules of decorum and procedure may now be found on the city website under the city clerk department. This is the time for the ceremonial and presentation items. We are going to present the Willina Cannon family with a resolution, and Councilmember Black would like to read it, please.
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