Winston-Salem City Council Meeting - September 21, 2026

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Allen Joines and adjourned at 9:27 PM. The agenda included honorariums and recognitions, a consent agenda, six general agenda items (resolutions, text amendments, and five zoning petitions), a public comment period, and a closed session. All council members were present. Many items passed unanimously, with one zoning petition (W-3699) passing 7-1.

Consent Calendar

• C-1: Resolution reappointing the Civil Service Board Chair (approved unanimously).
• C-2: Appointment of Joseph Hamby to the Fair Planning Committee (approved).
• C-3: Appointment of Ivis Romero to the Public Art Commission (approved).
• C-4: Appointment of Donna Jones to the Public Assembly Facilities Commission (approved).
• C-5: Approval of the City Council summary minutes from September 8, 2026 (approved).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Youth Curfew (16 speakers): The majority of speakers opposed the proposed one-year extension of the youth protection ordinance. Speakers argued that curfews are ineffective, racially biased in enforcement (citing zero charges in police district 3), and that resources should instead go to youth programs, extended recreation center hours, and community engagement. Olivia Doyle, Nikoya Gooden, Qumekia Shavers, Yajaria Cintron, Paul Robert Ford, Linda Winikoff, Oliver Andree-Bowen, Bink Jones, Marilyn Lacunza, Sarah Girard, Kelie Easton, and others expressed opposition. Linwood Davis (President, Winston-Salem Police Foundation) and Calvin McRae spoke in support, citing reduced teen takeovers and a responsible police approach.
• Community Impact: Louis Finney (Smart Start) thanked the council for recognizing Smart Start Month and for zoning alignment that supports child care businesses.
• Sustainability: Matthew Mayers urged the city to invest in electricity-based infrastructure (EVs, heat pumps) and referenced the city’s greenhouse gas emissions report.
• Parking: Mark Peterson (downtown business owner) requested an extension of parking options for employees after a lot was sold back to Reynolds.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Update (Mr. Pate): Announced upcoming community events, including the City Services Expo (Sept. 24), Long Branch Trail connector public meeting (Sept. 30), a Salem Creek Greenway flooding survey, and “Winston Weaving” public art project. Reported that the Winston-Salem metro was ranked in the top third nationally for affordable housing (median list price ~$347,000, median household income $66,500). Congratulated Mayor Pro Tempore Adams on her selection for the Elevate North Carolina Higher Education cohort.
• H-1 – Resolution Honoring Gaurang Doshi: Recognized Mr. Doshi as a 2025 North Carolina Heritage Award recipient for his work in Indian classical music. Unanimously approved.
• H-2 – Proclamation for Smart Start Month: September 2026 declared Smart Start Month. Dr. Luis Finney (Executive Director, Smart Start) accepted.
• H-3 – Mayor Joines’ Inaugural Summer Youth Employment and Camp Initiative Report: Judge Denise Hartsfield presented the program, which served 33 participants. Youth employee Fatima Amina Cream Takwa, parent Tina Lewis, and employer Mary Ann Gilliam (Triad Pest Control) spoke positively, noting job skills, internships, and long-term certifications.
• G-1 – Resolution Designating John Larson Tranquility Square: Council Members Joiner and Scippio spoke in favor, honoring former Council Member Larson’s service. Unanimously approved.
• G-2 – UDO-CC35 Text Amendments (Chapters 3–9): Director Chris Murphy explained a last-minute correction to align LCID language with county procedures. No public speakers. Unanimously approved.
• G-3 – Zoning Petition W-3696 (Skinner et al., 7.06 acres, GI/LI to PB-L): No opposition; approved unanimously.
• G-4 – Zoning Petition W-3697 (Brookberry Farm LLC, 1.82 acres, MU-S & RS9 to MU-S): No opposition; approved unanimously.
• G-5 – Zoning Petition W-3698 (360VisionBuilds LLC, 1.42 acres, RS9 to RM8-S): No opposition; approved unanimously.
• G-6 – Zoning Petition W-3699 (A. Ralph Davis Marital Trust et al., 35.27 acres, RS9 to RM12-S): Proponent Luke Dickey (Stimmel Associates) presented plans for 336 two-story townhomes/apartments (9.5 units/acre). Opponent Christopher Smith (representing family on Solomon Drive) raised concerns about traffic, inadequate speed bumps, missing sidewalks along remaining single-family lots, and potential stormwater issues. Dickey and developer Ben Dolton responded that improvements would be made on frontages, speed bumps could be reviewed by DOT, and stormwater systems would be designed to avoid past failures. The motion passed 7-1, with Council Member Hall voting nay. Council Member Scippio noted the area’s rapid development and need for housing.
• G-7 – Zoning Petition W-3700 (Randall S. Burnette, 31.81 acres, RS9 to RM8-S): No opposition; Council Member Scippio noted the site’s proximity to Salem Lake and need for housing. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items and general agenda items (G-1 through G-7) were approved with the following votes:
  • G-6 (W-3699): 7-1 (Council Member Hall opposed).
  • All others: 8-0 or voice votes unanimous.
• The council held two closed sessions: one for the City Manager’s annual performance evaluation (N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(6)) and one for privileged confidential information (N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(1)). Both motions passed unanimously.
• No formal action was taken on the youth curfew extension; the public comment period was informational ahead of an October 12 deadline.
• Mayor Joines directed city staff to follow up with the Traffic Department on speed cushion modifications for Solomon Drive and to explore missing sidewalk connections as discussed during the W-3699 hearing.