OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, June 16, 2026
BodyGreensboro, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, June 16, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:38:31

Transcript — Verbatim
1:07

We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chambers and let the record reflect that all members are in attendance and council member Black is on Zoom.

1:19

And Crystal, are you there?

1:23

Is she there?

1:28

Yes, she is there.

1:29

Okay, great.

1:30

Please uh we will begin the meeting with a moment of silence, please.

1:47

Thank you.

1:48

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:50

Councilmember Marshall, will you lead us, please?

2:09

Thank you.

2:18

Please silence any and all electronic devices.

2:21

The City of Greensboro strongly encourages input from all residents, and the council chambers serve as a welcoming and safe environment for all.

2:30

The council rules of procedure and decorum are posted on the city website under the city clerk tab, and all speakers are expected to read and adhere to the rules when addressing the council during any speaking opportunity.

2:44

To address the council this evening, participants must have completed speaker sign-up by 5 30 p.m.

2:50

And this is pursuant to the rules prior to the council meeting.

2:54

Those who registered online should confirm their attendance with Mr.

2:58

Canapino, and all handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution prior to the start of the council meeting.

3:06

Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for remarks.

3:14

All speakers are expected to adhere to established rules of decorum, and any inappropriate or disruptive conduct will result in immediate removal.

3:23

A first removal carries a three-month suspension from in-person participation.

3:28

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.

3:39

Any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges.

3:45

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

3:55

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

4:00

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

4:08

Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting, are not reviewed nor verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, or authenticity.

4:29

Speakers may not transfer their time to others, and the mayor or presiding officer will determine the speaking order.

4:36

Based on the number of speakers, the mayor may modify the time allotted to each individual and approaching the dais is not permitted.

4:45

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

4:50

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.

5:00

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

5:03

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.

5:17

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

5:23

The consent agenda covering items F1 through F7 consists of routine and non-controversial matters that are approved with a single vote, and any council member may request the removal of an item due to a conflict of interest or to vote in opposition.

5:40

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

5:46

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

5:53

Closed captioning is provided for this meeting, and depending on the duration of proceedings, a brief recess is anticipated around 7 30 p.m.

6:04

Council, I would like you to know that the applicant has withdrawn their application for item H9, 2026-443, public hearing for an ordinance annexing territory into the corporate limits for the property located at 4701 Hickory Valley Road, 0.79 acres.

6:24

Joyce and Kilmer P.

6:26

Fisher Jr.

6:27

And item H10, 2026-431.

6:32

Public hearing for an ordinance for original zoning for property at 4701 Hickory Valley Road.

6:38

Colby Fisher for Joyce and Kilmer Fisher Jr.

6:41

And no further action is needed to be taken at this time.

6:46

Now we will have our ceremonial items, and this is the time for our presentation.

6:51

I'm happy to introduce item E1, recognition of 2026 student scholarships on the Mayor's Committee for Disabilities.

7:02

Representative Johnson.

7:29

On behalf of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disability, we would like to thank Mayor and the City for your continued support with Shopard's Day as well as your contribution that makes this scholarship opportunity possible.

7:43

The Mayor's Committee, excuse me.

7:45

The Mayor's Computing for Persons with Disabilities, a 501C3 nonprofit coalition of business human service agencies and individuals of all levels of abilities with the mission to create a barrier-free community.

7:58

The committee works to enhance awareness, education, social and employment opportunities in an effort to promote inclusion and reduce barriers.

8:07

It is also active in many community boards and committees advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

8:13

Every spring, the mayor's committee accepts nominations for the Stephen L.

8:17

Nyer Memorial Scholarship to support high school seniors with disabilities who plan to pursue a higher level of post-secondary education.

8:26

The scholarship is named in the memory of Stephen L.

8:29

Nyer, former executive director of Life Span Inc., longtime member of the mayor's committee, and a community advocate for person with disability.

8:38

This year we had five amazing individuals.

8:41

I'm going to call them up.

8:42

I'm going to read a very little bit about them and then we'll present them.

8:46

Zakia Abdun's dad is going to come up.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████21%
Procedural██████████████████18%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%
Public Safety████████8%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Technology and Innovation█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

The Greensboro City Council met on June 16, 2026, at 9:30 PM in the Katie Dorsett Council Chambers. The meeting covered ceremonial recognitions, board appointments, public hearings on zoning and annexation, adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget, and numerous other items. Notable discussions included a proposal for a six-month moratorium on AI data centers, a contested rezoning on New Garden Road, and the final budget vote with a property tax rate of 79.85 cents per $100 valuation.

Consent Calendar

  • Items F1 through F7 were approved unanimously (9-0).
  • Items H9 and H10 (annexation and zoning for 4701 Hickory Valley Road) were withdrawn by the applicant before the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • H11 – Rezoning at 1701 New Garden Road and 2702 Willoski Drive

    • Amanda Hodiern (applicant’s attorney) spoke in favor, arguing the rezoning to Conditional District Commercial Medium (CDCM) is consistent with the New Garden Road Strategic Corridor Plan’s framework and that the use (a bank) is a low-intensity transition use.
    • Crystal Early (High Acres neighborhood resident) spoke in opposition, stating the rezoning would amend the adopted corridor plan, harm groundwater quality, and break a prior promise of a 20-year residential moratorium. She urged denial and provided the council with ready-to-use findings for denial.
    • Rebuttal: Ms. Hodiern countered that the plan is not a static document, that the site will use public water/sewer, and that stormwater will be managed by an existing detention pond. Ms. Early emphasized that the plan’s intent was to protect the residential edge.

  • I-4 – Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget

    • Dave Coker (Professional Firefighters of Greensboro) spoke in support, highlighting the need for fire separation allowance, replacement of aging fire trucks, and expansion of the behavioral health response team (BHART).
    • Robert Isner (resident) spoke in opposition, expressing concern that the city budget increased 80% over 10 years while population grew only 8%, and urged better stewardship.
    • Jason Hicks (resident) criticized the late posting of the agenda (5:50 PM the day before) and the appearance of recusals only after public pressure, questioning the transparency of the $910 million budget process.

Discussion Items

  • AI Data Centers – Councilmember Crawford called for a six-month moratorium to study impacts on water, power, and neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tem Roth and the city attorney explained that council already directed staff to flag any new data center applications and that a policy process is underway. The city attorney noted that North Carolina moratoriums are in litigation and that a moratorium cannot stop already-approved projects. Council agreed to improve community communication on the issue.
  • Councilmember Comments – Several members highlighted upcoming events: Juneteenth celebrations, Pride month activities, World Refugee Day, coffee with council series, and community meetings with the police chief. Councilmember Marshall proposed reinstating the Greensboro Community City Working Group to examine systemic racism and racial disparities, citing a 16-year life expectancy gap between Black and white residents.
  • H11 Rezoning Debate – Council members debated the merits of the New Garden Road rezoning. Supporters (Marshall, Thurm, Parker, Mayor) argued the corridor plan is a guideline, not a static promise, and that a bank is a low-intensity use that fits the changing area. Opponents (Crawford and others expressed concerns about precedent) but ultimately the vote was 9-0 to approve. The council amended the New Garden Road Strategic Plan’s future land use map accordingly.
  • Budget Discussion – City Manager Trey Davis presented a revised budget after the state legislature’s action on property revaluation. The proposed tax rate of 79.85 cents (a 12.6-cent increase) was necessary to maintain services, fund public safety positions, fire separation allowance, code enforcement, and infrastructure. Council members noted that inflation, supply chain costs, and state/federal mandates (e.g., PFAS regulations, body cameras) drove the increase. They emphasized that the budget is not a luxury budget but a necessity to sustain core services.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda – Approved 9-0.
  • H1/H2 (3704 Liberty Road) – Annexation and R3 zoning approved 9-0.
  • H3/H4 (1202-A Rankin Mill Road) – Annexation and R3 zoning approved 9-0.
  • H5/H6 (1818-1830 Andrews Farm Road) – Annexation and conditional RM18 zoning approved 9-0, with an added buffer condition.
  • H7/H8 (4800 Westgate City Boulevard) – Annexation and conditional commercial medium zoning approved 9-0.
  • H11 (1701 New Garden Road) – Rezoning from R3 to CDCM approved 9-0, with amendment to the New Garden Road Strategic Plan.
  • H12 (Justice Assistance Grant) – Approved 9-0 for three traffic enforcement vehicles.
  • Spring 2026 General Text Amendment – Approved 9-0; includes nine sections updating the Land Development Ordinance for state law changes, administrative clarity, and Board of Adjustment rulings.
  • I-2 through I-20 – All budget and grant ordinances approved 9-0, with the following recusals:
    • Mayor recused on I-4A (Greensboro Sports Foundation).
    • Councilmember Holston recused on I-4B (Greensboro Housing Coalition).
    • Councilmember Thurm recused on I-4C (Downtown Greensboro Parks Inc.).
  • Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget (I-4) – Approved 9-0 after public hearing. The budget totals approximately $910 million with a general fund of $485 million and a property tax rate of 79.85 cents per $100 valuation.
  • Recess and Reconvening – The meeting was recessed to reconvene on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1:15 PM in the Katie Dorsett Council Chambers to finalize budget ordinances and the tax levy.

Meeting Transcript

We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chambers and let the record reflect that all members are in attendance and council member Black is on Zoom. And Crystal, are you there? Is she there? Yes, she is there. Okay, great. Please uh we will begin the meeting with a moment of silence, please. Thank you. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Marshall, will you lead us, please? Thank you. Please silence any and all electronic devices. The City of Greensboro strongly encourages input from all residents, and the council chambers serve as a welcoming and safe environment for all. The council rules of procedure and decorum are posted on the city website under the city clerk tab, and all speakers are expected to read and adhere to the rules when addressing the council during any speaking opportunity. To address the council this evening, participants must have completed speaker sign-up by 5 30 p.m. And this is pursuant to the rules prior to the council meeting. Those who registered online should confirm their attendance with Mr. Canapino, and all handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution prior to the start of the council meeting. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for 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 results in a 12-month suspension. Any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges. And 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 into the city clerk for IT security check. Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting, are not reviewed nor verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, or authenticity. 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 and the speaker's time shall be surrendered. 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 F7 consists of routine and non-controversial matters that are approved with a single vote, and 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. And then 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, and depending on the duration of proceedings, a brief recess is anticipated around 7 30 p.m. Council, I would like you to know that the applicant has withdrawn their application for item H9, 2026-443, public hearing for an ordinance annexing territory into the corporate limits for the property located at 4701 Hickory Valley Road, 0.79 acres. Joyce and Kilmer P. Fisher Jr. And item H10, 2026-431. Public hearing for an ordinance for original zoning for property at 4701 Hickory Valley Road. Colby Fisher for Joyce and Kilmer Fisher Jr. And no further action is needed to be taken at this time. Now we will have our ceremonial items, and this is the time for our presentation. I'm happy to introduce item E1, recognition of 2026 student scholarships on the Mayor's Committee for Disabilities. Representative Johnson. On behalf of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disability, we would like to thank Mayor and the City for your continued support with Shopard's Day as well as your contribution that makes this scholarship opportunity possible. The Mayor's Committee, excuse me. The Mayor's Computing for Persons with Disabilities, a 501C3 nonprofit coalition of business human service agencies and individuals of all levels of abilities with the mission to create a barrier-free community.

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