OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026: Budget Hearing, Ceremonial Resolutions, and Public Comment

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
BodyGreensboro, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, June 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:11:56

Transcript — Verbatim
2:07

Good evening.

2:10

Good evening and welcome to the June 2nd, 2026 meeting of the Greensboro City Council.

2:17

I will need a motion to excuse Councilwoman Black.

2:21

Moved by Mrs.

2:21

Thurm.

2:22

Do I hear a second by Cece Crawford?

2:24

All in favor, please say aye.

2:28

All right, she is excused.

2:30

We are in the Katie Dorset Council chambers, and let the ref let the record reflect that all members are in attendance except for Councilmember Black and Councilmember Marshall is on via Zoom.

2:44

We will begin this meeting with a moment of silence.

5:00

A second violation results in a six month suspension, and a third violation or any instance involving physical altercations results in a 12-month suspension, and any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges.

5:17

Those suspended from in-person participation will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom, ensuring their right to free speech.

5:27

If the Zoom speaker violates the rules of procedure and decorum, they will be muted.

5:33

Speakers may have the city IT team play videos that have already been sent in to the city clerk for its security check.

5:40

Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting are not reviewed or verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, or authenticity.

5:54

Let's see, I'm sorry.

5:56

The city does not endorse or adopt the content of those videos, and all opinions and views expressed are solely those of the speaker.

6:04

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.

6:13

The mayor may modify the time allotted to each individual, and approaching the dais is not permitted.

6:20

Speakers may not address the audience nor employees of the city of Greensboro.

6:26

The public comment period is for speakers to address council members only with their comments and an opportunity for council to listen and take notes.

6:35

Any violation of this protocol in the speaker's time shall be surrendered.

6:40

Zoom participants must refrain from speaking until they are recognized and called upon.

6:45

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.

7:01

All motions will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote tally.

7:07

The consent agenda covering items F1 through F23 consists of routine and non-controversial matters that are approved with a single vote.

7:17

Any council member may request the removal of an item due to a conflict of interest or to vote in opposition.

7:24

Items withdrawn for discussion will be carried forward to the next business meeting agenda.

7:30

If an item is found to be time sensitive, the mayor may request that a vote be taken.

7:36

Closed captioning is provided for this meeting depending on the duration of these proceedings.

7:42

A brief recess is anticipated around 7 30 p.m.

7:46

I first must ask for a motion to cancel the July 14th Greensboro City Council meeting.

7:52

The meeting will take place on July 21st at 5 30 p.m.

7:56

May I have a motion?

7:58

Moved by Mr.

7:58

Holston.

7:59

Do I hear a second?

8:00

Seconded by Mayor Pro Tim.

8:02

All in favor, please say aye.

8:04

Aye.

8:05

And that passes.

8:06

Thank you, Adam Marshal.

8:09

That passes unanimously.

8:11

Thank you.

8:12

We are going to, right after the public comment speakers, we are going to have comments from council if they so wish.

8:22

So now is the time for our ceremonial items.

8:25

We have item E1, a resolution recognizing June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and honoring the Alzheimer's Association.

8:38

And I do have that.

8:43

Resolution recognizing June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and honoring the Alzheimer's Association.

8:51

Whereas more than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia, including over 210,000 North Carolinians and an estimated 12.5% of the 65 plus older population in Guilford County.

9:10

Whereas Alzheimer's is a leading cause of death in the United States and in North Carolina for which there is no cure.

9:18

Whereas Alzheimer's places an immense burden on families and caregivers with nearly 12 million Americans providing unpaid care valued at nearly 413 billion dollars annually.

9:32

And the disease disproportionately affects black and Hispanic communities.

9:38

Whereas June has been designated nationally as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, this is to increase public awareness, encourage early detection, support caregivers, promote brain healthy habits, and advance research towards a cure.

10:00

Whereas the Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research, and provides a 24-hour helpline, caregiver education, support groups, and advocacy at every level of government.

10:14

Whereas the Alzheimer's Association has invested more than 450 million dollars in research and continues to champion policies that expand access to care, protect patients and families, promote risk reduction through public health, and accelerate the path to cure.

10:32

Whereas the city of Greensboro is home to residents and families personally affected by Alzheimer's and is committed to standing in solidarity with them, their caregivers, and the organizations that serve them.

10:45

And now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that the City Council hereby proclaims June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in the City of Greensboro and encourages all residents to join in the observance of this important month.

11:03

That the City Council extends its deepest gratitude to all caregivers, health professionals, and those volunteers who support those living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, and that the City Council encouraged residents to wear purple during the month of June in solidarity with those affected and to take positive steps for their own brain health.

11:27

Adopted this the second day of June 2026.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████16%
Procedural█████████████13%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Historic Preservation█████████9%
Public Engagement████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Homelessness███████7%
Technology and Innovation██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Greensboro City Council met on June 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM (with a break anticipated around 7:30 PM) in the Katie Dorsett Council Chambers. Councilmember Black was excused; Councilmember Marshall attended via Zoom. The meeting included ceremonial resolutions, a consent agenda with multiple public speakers, a public hearing on the FY 2026-27 budget, and extensive public comment on topics including police conduct, homelessness, and data centers.

Consent Calendar

  • Motion to excuse Councilwoman Black (passed unanimously).
  • Motion to cancel the July 14 meeting and reschedule to July 21 at 5:30 PM (passed unanimously).
  • Consent agenda items F1-F23 were approved 8-0, with item F18 (2026 City Council subcommittee meeting schedule) moved to the next meeting for additional discussion.
  • Speakers addressed items F5 ($290 million water/sewer bond), F14 ($2 million coliseum concessions improvements), and F23 (budget adjustments for coliseum LED lighting). The city attorney clarified that the mayor is not required to recuse herself from voting on coliseum items despite serving on the Greensboro Sports Foundation board, citing state statute and ethics training. Councilwoman Thurm confirmed she consulted the School of Government on the matter.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Public Hearing on H1 (FY 2026-27 Budget): Approximately 60 speakers addressed the budget. Key points include:

    • Firefighters (Martin Barrow, Dave Coker) requested special separation allowance for those with 30 years of service, noting it is less than 1% of the proposed budget and already provided to police. Council members expressed support.
    • Susan Danielson and Keith Holiday requested funding for the Guilford County Veterans Memorial rebuilding project (total cost $750,000, deficit remains).
    • Jenny Kaiser (Parks and Rec Commission) requested $2.5 million for deferred maintenance (including Lindley Park pool), $750,000 for staffing, and $5 million annually for Bingham Park; also public-private partnerships for Gillespie Golf Course ($2M) and Guilford Woods ($2M).
    • Marcia Fauch raised concerns about data center impacts (water, noise, pollution) and requested more information.
    • Philip Marsh questioned the status of East Washington Street corridor funds.
    • Eric Aft (Second Harvest Food Bank) reported 11.7 million pounds of food distributed in Guilford County last year, the largest amount to any county served.
    • Reverend Fritz, Sarah Seagwin, and Malia Hines (Gate City House/Team Project) requested continued funding for eviction prevention legal aid, noting 850 households avoided eviction in 2025.
    • Charles French (former city employee) criticized budget growth without proportional service improvements and proposed accountability measures.
    • George Hartzman argued the property tax increase is effectively 21% and the revaluation example was misleading.
    • Jason Hicks critiqued the police budget increase (9.9%) and lack of outcome measures.
    • Del Stone and others opposed police funding increases, citing the killing of Saeed Azine.
    • Deanna DiLiberto asked for affordability considerations.
    • Multiple speakers (Aidan, Courtney, Deirdre) urged a moratorium on hyperscale data center development.

  • Public Comments (Non-Agenda): Topics included:

    • Homeless encampments on city property (Dr. Amad, Shirley Foster) in the Kensington Trace area.
    • Domestic violence awareness and funding for the June 26 silent march (James, Dr. Shipman).
    • Police killing of Saeed Azine on August 5, 2025; speakers from the Working Class and Houseless Organizing Alliance demanded firing of Chief Absal and City Manager Davis, and criticized council silence.
    • Black Patriots Commemoration Project (Eric Woodard) seeking support for a July 14, 2026 event.
    • Scott Jones (Hope Center) disputed the city decision to halt a day labor contract due to his use of tasers on premises; the city attorney and manager explained liability concerns.

Discussion Items

  • Ceremonial Resolutions:
    • E1: Recognized June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Passed 8-0. Ben Yeager (Alzheimer's Association) spoke about 7.5 million Americans with Alzheimer's, rising costs, and hope for prevention.
    • E2: Honored Jordan Alexandria Pearson. Passed 8-0. Family and council members spoke about her community service.
    • E3: Honored Theophilus T.O. Stokes Jr. Passed 8-0. Family, Rev. Daryl Aaron, and Judge Paul Jones spoke about his legacy.
  • Item I1: Resolution authorizing an amendment with the Natural Science Center for $525,000 for parking expansion (passed 8-0).
  • Item I2: Resolution authorizing a contract with Alter Planning and Design for a bicycle/pedestrian master plan update (passed 8-0).
  • Boards and Commissions: Reappointed James Upchurch to the ABC Board (passed unanimously).

Key Outcomes

  • Budget: Public hearing closed; no final vote tonight. Council discussion continues. The city manager was asked to return with options to lower the tax rate and identify cuts. Next work session June 11; final vote scheduled June 16.
  • Consent Agenda: Approved 8-0 with F18 deferred.
  • Item F5 (Water/Sewer Bonds): Staff explained the $290 million will cover regulatory compliance (PFAS treatment, wastewater plant upgrades) and infrastructure. The city has the second-lowest water/sewer rates among major NC utilities.
  • Item F14 (Coliseum Concessions): Staff clarified the $2 million is from a donation by OVG Hospitality (not taxpayer funds) for a premium suite to generate revenue.
  • Eviction Prevention: Council indicated continued support for the Team Project/Legal Aid funding.
  • Data Centers: Mayor Pro Tem announced a working group of council and staff to study data center impacts and consider an ordinance; any inquiries will be flagged.
  • Police Accountability: Several council members acknowledged the Saeed Azine case and noted ongoing policy work, including expansion of the B-HEART program.
  • Hope Center: The city will identify another provider for day labor services; the contract with Scott Jones will not continue due to liability concerns over taser use.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Good evening and welcome to the June 2nd, 2026 meeting of the Greensboro City Council. I will need a motion to excuse Councilwoman Black. Moved by Mrs. Thurm. Do I hear a second by Cece Crawford? All in favor, please say aye. All right, she is excused. We are in the Katie Dorset Council chambers, and let the ref let the record reflect that all members are in attendance except for Councilmember Black and Councilmember Marshall is on via Zoom. We will begin this meeting with a moment of silence. A second violation results in a six month suspension, and a third violation or any instance involving physical altercations results in a 12-month suspension, and any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges. Those suspended from in-person participation will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom, ensuring 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 in to the city clerk for its 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, or authenticity. Let's see, I'm sorry. The city does not endorse or adopt the content of those videos, 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 may modify the time allotted to each individual, and approaching the dais is not permitted. Speakers may not address the audience nor employees of the city of Greensboro. The public comment period is for speakers to address council members only with their comments and an opportunity for council to listen and take notes. Any violation of this protocol in the speaker's time shall 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 F23 consists 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 agenda. 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 these proceedings. A brief recess is anticipated around 7 30 p.m. I first must ask for a motion to cancel the July 14th Greensboro City Council meeting. The meeting will take place on July 21st at 5 30 p.m. May I have a motion? Moved by Mr. Holston. Do I hear a second? Seconded by Mayor Pro Tim. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. And that passes. Thank you, Adam Marshal. That passes unanimously. Thank you. We are going to, right after the public comment speakers, we are going to have comments from council if they so wish. So now is the time for our ceremonial items. We have item E1, a resolution recognizing June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and honoring the Alzheimer's Association. And I do have that. Resolution recognizing June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and honoring the Alzheimer's Association. Whereas more than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia, including over 210,000 North Carolinians and an estimated 12.5% of the 65 plus older population in Guilford County.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com