Public Meetings - Winston Salem, North Carolina

The Finance Committee of the Winston-Salem City Council met on June 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM to consider five general agenda items and approve the consent calendar. All items were unanimously recommended for approval by the full City Council at its June 15, 2026 meeting. The meeting was chaired by Council Member Robert C. Clark and adjourned at 5:10 PM. Consent Calendar - C-1: Resolution authorizing purchase of property and boiler/machinery insurance for FY 2026–2027. Approved unanimously. - C-2: Resolution awarding blanket purchase orders to sole source vendors for FY 2026–2027. Approved unanimously. - C-3: Approval of the Finance Committee summary of minutes from April 14, 2026. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - G-1 – Security Services Contract (Allied Universal Security Services, $3,236,475.50): Darren Redfield, Purchasing Manager, presented the award for a combined city and transit security contract. The contract consolidates city and transit services, includes armed officers, roving security, and three dedicated vehicles. Four proposals were received; the evaluation panel shortlisted Allied Universal and North State. Allied scored highest after virtual interviews and submitted the lowest price. Staff reduced hours to meet budget, resulting in a fixed price for three years with two one-year renewal options. The city retains the right to approve personnel transitions. Mayor Pro Tem Adams raised concerns about local hiring; staff noted no residency requirement exists for vendors. Motion by Adams, seconded by Scippio, passed 4-0. - G-2 – Hydroponics Greenhouse Lease (Anders Family Farms, LLC): Shaleen Miller, Sustainability Director, presented the lease for the Kimberley Park Hydroponics Greenhouse Facility. The facility has been inactive since June 2025 after Hope of Winston-Salem declined a one-year extension. A request for proposals shifted from a city-paid operating contract to a lease model to reduce taxpayer subsidy. Four scored proposals were received; Anders Family Farms scored highest, with a proposed $2,500 monthly lease offset by in-kind education and outreach. Council Member Scippio questioned community access and offset details. The facility will continue food resilience goals with 51% of produce staying local. Motion by Scippio, seconded by Adams, passed 4-0. - G-3 – Long-Term Lease for Downtown Amphitheater Park Land (30-year lease): Aaron King, Assistant City Manager, presented a request from WS Amphitheatre, LLC to lease approximately one acre of city park land adjacent to the amphitheater for 30 years (previously a 5-year lease). Terms: $1,000/month for first five years, then $1,000/month increasing with CPI for years 6-30. The land will support an artist village with permanent structures. A public hearing was advertised for June 15, 2026. The item also triggers an upset bid process. Council Member Scippio expressed concerns about Live Nation's involvement due to past antitrust violations. Chair Clark and Mayor Pro Tem Adams supported the deal, noting a better financial return than the original. Motion by Scippio, seconded by Adams, passed 4-0. - G-4 – FY 2025–2026 Budget Amendments: Scott Tesh, Budget Director, presented year-end budget amendments. Most amendments were technical (moving funds between accounts). Notable items: $163,000 emergency solutions grant from NCDHHS; $150,000 transfer from general fund to ballpark fund for insurance and maintenance; parking fund payment to county for RJ Reynolds lease termination; $125,000 occupancy tax fund support for International Black Theater Festival bus services. A key amendment appropriated $1.5 million from general fund balance to public safety service area to cover police overtime, training, and benefits costs. Police overtime has been reduced 36% since January. Motion by Adams, seconded by Scippio, passed 4-0. - G-5 – Nonprofit Agency Funding Resolutions: Scott Tesh presented proposed allocations from two funding pools: $841,000 from general fund and $378,000 from occupancy tax fund. Previous budget workshops had agreed on most allocations, leaving $114,000 from general fund and $28,000 from occupancy tax undecided. Chair Clark proposed limiting discussion to the undecided amounts. Debate centered on Kaleideum receiving $12,000 from occupancy tax (some council members objected to

The General Government Committee of the Winston-Salem City Council met on June 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM (rescheduled from 4:00 PM) under Chair Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams. Present: Council Members Vivián V. Joiner and Barbara Hanes Burke. Council Member Regina Hall was absent. The meeting covered consent agenda items and five general agenda items, followed by a closed session and adjournment at 4:31 PM. Consent Calendar - C-1. Ordinance Amending Chapter 46 of the City Code Relating to Noise – Phase 2: Committee recommended approval, forwarded to City Council on June 15, 2026. - C-2. Approval of the General Government Committee Summary of Minutes (April 13, 2026): Approved by consent vote. Discussion Items - G-1. Proposed Downtown Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Skate Park Partnership with Skate WS Foundation – Jason Thiel (President, Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership), Bryan Ledbetter, and Jerry Cooper (Skate WS Foundation) presented the concept of a "HiWatt" skate plaza between 7th and 8th Streets on Marshall. Features include a pump track, children's playground, walking path, and branded amenities. Estimated cost: $1.5–$2 million. Council Member Joiner moved to direct staff to prepare a complete exhibit and plan for City Council. Motion seconded by Council Member Burke, carried 3-0. - G-2. Resolution Supporting Partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad, Inc. – Ben Rowe (Assistant City Manager) and William Royston (Director of Recreation and Parks) presented. The partnership would locate after-school and summer programming at Minnie Lee Davis Harris Community Center, with potential expansion. Council Member Burke moved approval; motion seconded by Council Member Joiner. Committee recommended approval, forwarded to City Council on June 15, 2026. Vote: 3-0. - G-3. Resolution Awarding a Contract to Provide Services within the Downtown Winston-Salem Business Improvement District (BID) – Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership (DWSP) – $714,460 – Ken Millett (Economic Development Director) presented. DWSP was the sole proposer for three scopes (cleaner environment – scored 500/500; enhanced physical appearance – 493/500; stronger marketing and promotion – 490/500). The economic development scope will be handled separately. Five-year contract beginning July 1, 2026. Council Member Burke expressed support but emphasized the need for intentional economic development in underinvested areas like the Northeast Ward. Motion by Council Member Joiner, seconded by Council Member Burke. Carried 3-0. - G-4. Resolution Authorizing S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation Co-Housing Project Location Site, Service Change and Six-Month Extension – Project moved from North Patterson to a site behind the Enterprise Center. Service changed from five mothers with children to four mothers with accompanying children. Contract extended from December 31, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Council Member Burke moved approval; seconded by Council Member Joiner. Carried 3-0. - G-5. Request for a Public Hearing on UDO-CC35 Text Amendments to Chapters 3–9 of the Unified Development Ordinance – A. Murphy (Planning) presented 16 changes (10 spelling/numbering corrections, 3 clarifications, 3 conflict removals). Clarifications include exempting townhomes and four-unit or fewer multifamily buildings from MLKO standards, aligning child care facility standards with state statute, and removing the three-year renewal requirement for land clearing inert debris landfills. Planning board unanimously recommended approval. Committee approved the request for a public hearing set for August 17, 2026. Motion by Council Member Joiner, seconded by Council Member Burke. Carried 3-0. Closed Session - A motion to enter closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(5) to instruct staff regarding the acquisition of real property was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams, seconded by Council Member Joiner. Carried unanimously (3-0). The closed session ended and the meeting reconvened. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - G-1: Staff directed to develop a complete exhibit and plan for City Council on the DIY skate park. - G-2, G-3, G-4: Recommended for approval, forwarded to City Council on June 15, 2026. - G-5: Public hearing on UDO text amendments scheduled for August 17, 2026. - Closed session held to discuss real property acquisition. - Meeting adjourned at 4:31 PM.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM with all nine members present. Mayor Allen Joines called the meeting to order. The City Manager provided updates on the pool program, parking signage improvements, and the new Dandelion Public Art Project. The Consent Agenda was approved with one item (C-1) pulled for discussion. The council then adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget with a tax rate of 58.9 cents per $100 of assessed value, along with related resolutions, ordinance changes, and four demolition ordinances. Consent Calendar - Items C-2 through C-8 were approved unanimously by an 8-0 vote. These included: resolution conveying five lots for affordable homeownership units by Williams Development & True Homes (Southeast Ward); sale of city-owned property at 2203 Woodland Ave. for $1,600 under upset bid procedure; change order of $352,262.78 for additional engineering design services for the Multi-Use Path Western Section (total contract $775,187.85); contract award of $845,000 for design of the Glade Street Bridge Replacement Project to Whitman, Requardt & Associates; acquisition of easements for the Twenty-Seventh Street Drainage Improvements Project ($5,600); abandonment of public utility easements for Longwood Village Development; and approval of city council minutes from May 18, 2026. - Item C-1 (Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan) was removed from the Consent Agenda and discussed separately before being approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during any of the four public hearings for demolition ordinances (G-4 through G-7). There was no general public comment period. Discussion Items - C-1: Resolution Adopting the FY 2027 Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan: Shereka Floyd, Home Program Manager, answered questions. Mayor Pro Tempore Denise Adams expressed concern that only one Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) applied for funding, urging better outreach to other nonprofits. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. - G-1: FY 2026-2027 Annual Appropriation and Tax Levy and Project Budget Ordinances: Director of Budget and Performance Management Scott Tesh presented the final budget. The recommended tax rate of 58.9 cents per $100 of assessed value is a reduction of 0.4 cents from the proposed 59.3 cents. Tesh noted that Winston-Salem remains the lowest-cost municipal services provider among the five largest cities in North Carolina when combining taxes, water/sewer, and mandatory fees. Councilmember Regina Hall expressed concern about the potential closure of the secondary revenue collection site at the Black Phillip Smith Building, ensuring no employees would lose their jobs. Councilmember Robert Clark clarified that the $956,550 in the budget for nonprofit funding does not allocate specific amounts, which will be determined at the Finance Committee meeting on June 9. The motion carried 8-0. - G-2: Resolutions and Ordinances Related to the FY 2026-2027 Budget Process: This omnibus item included: approval of the Capital Plan for FY 2026-2027 through 2031-2032 as a financial planning guide; adoption of the User Fee Schedule; expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds; orders to collect current and delinquent taxes; amendments to Chapter 75 (Stormwater Management) and Chapter 42 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic, regarding off-street parking lots). Approved unanimously (8-0). - G-3: Resolution to Amend Article II of the Personnel Resolution: Standardizes pay increase timing across police, fire, and general employees. Approved unanimously (8-0). - G-4 through G-7: Demolition Ordinances: Four public hearings were held with no speakers. Each property owner had been notified. The council approved demolitions for 1135 Argonne Boulevard (Southeast Ward), 1331 Houston Street (Southeast Ward), 2705 Stokes Avenue (Northeast Ward), and 410 Barry Street (East Ward). All passed unanimously (8-0 each). - G-8: Resolution Amending the 1976 Agreement with Forsyth County Relating to the Utility Commission: Assistant City Manager Aaron King explained the amendment expands the prohibition on elected officials serving on the Utility Commission to include any elected official in Forsyth County, not just city council or county commissioners. Councilmember Clark praised the commission's performance. The amendment requires approval by the county commissioners as well. Approved unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - Adopted the FY 2026-2027 Annual Appropriation and Tax Levy Ordinance with a tax rate of 58.9 cents per $100 of assessed value and the Project Budget Ordinance (8-0). - Approved all budget-related resolutions and ordinances (G-2) and the personnel resolution amendment (G-3) unanimously. - Approved four demolition ordinances at 1135 Argonne Blvd, 1331 Houston St, 2705 Stokes Ave, and 410 Barry St (each 8-0). - Approved the amendment to the Utility Commission agreement with Forsyth County (8-0); the county will consider it next. - Next steps: The Finance Committee will meet on June 9 at 4:00 PM to allocate specific nonprofit funding, and the council will take final action on those allocations at the June 15 meeting.

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM, the Winston-Salem City Council met as a Committee of the Whole to continue discussion of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 recommended budget. Key topics included potential general fund reductions, community agency funding, merit increases, property tax rate adjustments, and the impact of state-level constitutional amendments. The meeting concluded with a recommendation to the full council for a 2.2 cent property tax increase (from 2.6 cents in the proposed budget) and approval of a 3% merit increase for all employees meeting performance expectations. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation on General Fund Reductions: City Manager Scott Tesh and staff presented a series of potential general fund reductions totaling approximately $2.4 million. These included delaying merit implementation to December, correcting stormwater fund positions, reducing public safety leased lines, increasing Winston Lake Golf Course revenue projections, eliminating the decorative street lighting subsidy, closing the secondary revenue collections location at the Black Phillips Smith building, eliminating unallocated community agency funding ($115,000), and eliminating a human relations position. Councilmembers discussed the impact on the tax rate (roughly half a penny per $2 million). - Health Insurance and Benefits: Dr. Keena presented a comparison of employer/employee cost shares for health insurance, showing the city's proposed 87% employer share. The health insurance increase for the most common employee-only PPO plan is $1.39 per pay period. City Manager Pate noted that no employee will see a net pay decrease due to the increase. - Merit Increases and COLA: Staff clarified that 99% of employees meeting performance expectations would receive the 3% merit increase. A potential 1% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would cost approximately $1.13 million for the general fund if implemented in January (half-year cost). Councilmember Hall expressed interest in future COLAs, but Mayor Pro Tem Adams urged caution given uncertain state revenue. - Community Agency Funding: Councilmember Clark presented a prorated allocation of $115,000 in unallocated general fund money and $400,460 in occupancy tax fund money. The occupancy tax allocation (for culture, recreation, and tourism) included Collideum, Summer Youth Program, and Triad Film Consortium. Debate ensued over whether Collideum should be funded from both the general fund and occupancy tax; some councilmembers argued it should be only in one pot. Councilmember Clark recommended keeping the $115,000 in the general fund and not cutting the decorative street lighting program. - Property Tax Rate Discussion: Councilmember Clark proposed a 2.2 cent increase (from 2.6 cents) to show sensitivity to citizens, citing pending state constitutional amendments that could restrict local revenue. The proposed new rate would be 58.9 cents per $100 valuation (current is 56.7). Mayor and councilmembers expressed support for the lower increase as a responsible message to the state legislature. - Housing and Unhoused: Councilmember Joyner asked about additional funding for the unhoused. Councilmember Clark noted that the general fund already provides hundreds of thousands of dollars for homeless services (e.g., Bethesda Center, City with Dwellings, Samaritan Ministries) and that a new local housing trust fund is being developed. Mayor Pro Tem Adams cautioned that the city's role in social work is limited and may be further restricted by state actions. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend a 2.2 Cent Property Tax Increase: Councilmember Clark moved to recommend a 2.2 cent increase (from 56.7 to 58.9) instead of the proposed 2.6 cents, supported by the identified general fund reductions (excluding the unallocated community agency funding and decorative street lighting program). The motion passed unanimously (all aye). - Merit Increase: The 3% merit increase for all employees meeting expectations will be maintained, with implementation delayed to December to save $1.2 million in the current fiscal year. No layoffs will occur; two positions eliminated (one vacant, one relocated via attrition). - Community Agency Funding: The $115,000 in unallocated general fund community agency funding will be retained in the budget. Councilmembers may adjust allocations before the final vote on June 1, 2026, but must provide a balanced proposal. - Next Steps: The committee's recommendation will be presented to the full City Council on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM for final budget adoption. The meeting also previewed routine resolutions (capital plan, tax collection, opioid settlement, user fees, stormwater fees, and personnel regulations) that will be voted on as part of the budget package.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting included a proclamation, consent agenda approvals, public hearings on zoning petitions and the FY2026-2027 budget, and a public comment period. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Honorariums - Proclamation Declaring May 18, 2026 as Delta Sigma Theta Day: Camille French, President of the Winston-Salem Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., received the proclamation. Consent Calendar - All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously by an 8–0 vote (Council Member James Taylor, Jr. absent from vote? Note: minutes show 8 ayes, no nays). Items included: - Budget ordinances for FY2025-2026 (amendments to appropriation and project budget). - Mayor Joines' appointments/reappointments to Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee, Recreation and Parks Commission, Police Officers' Retirement Commission, Public Art Commission, Public Assembly Facilities Commission, Community Sustainability Program Committee, City-County Planning Board, and Affordable Housing Coalition. - Approval of City Council Summary of Minutes from May 4, 2026. General Agenda – Opportunity Zones 2.0 - G-1: Council Recommendation on Opportunity Zones 2.0 Designation Priorities: Ken Millett, Director of Economic Development, presented staff-recommended census tracts (maps 1, 3, 4, 22, 23, and optionally 11) for submission to the Department of Commerce. The council voted unanimously (8–0) to endorse the recommendation. Public Hearings and Zoning Petitions - G-2: BVJ Properties, LLC (W-3680) – Rezoning from RS7 to RS7-S on 0.40 acres on Hemlock Drive. No public speakers. Approved unanimously (8–0). - G-3: Efincia Companies, LLC (W-3681) – Rezoning from RS9 to RM8-S on 11.17 acres on Sentry Point Lane. No public speakers. Approved unanimously (8–0). - G-4: High Heat Marketing, LLC and M Legacy Properties, LLC (W-3683) – Rezoning from RS9 to RSQ-S on 0.62 acres at Jerry Street and Lansing Drive. No public speakers. Approved unanimously (8–0). - G-5: Everly Development, LLC (W-3682) – Site plan amendment for 37.21 acres on Teague Road, changing from 96 townhomes to 62 single-family homes. Public hearing held: - Proponent: Stephen Phillips (Thyme Properties) stated the change aligns with original single-family zoning, reduces density, and included community outreach. He noted three lots partially in the floodplain but said recertification is underway. - Opponent: Mohamad Gadder (4260 Morning Star Lane) expressed concern that 11 lots are in the 100-year floodplain, citing wider actual flooding. He requested those lots be moved or not built. - Staff Comments: Director Murphy explained that 11 lots are within the mapped floodplain; the petitioner will seek a Conditional Letter of Map Revision from the Army Corps of Engineers for seven lots. The Planning Board recommended approval. - Councilmember Taylor moved for approval, citing the reduced density and plan. Approved unanimously (8–0). - G-6: UDO-CC34 Text Amendment – Amendments to Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the Unified Development Ordinance to comply with North Carolina House Bill 926 (changes include removal of waiting period after rezoning denial, vested rights clarification). No public speakers. Approved unanimously (8–0). Public Hearing on Proposed FY2026-2027 Budget - G-7: Budget Director Scott Tash presented the proposed $703 million budget, including a 4.6% property tax increase (approx. $5.50/month for median home), 5% water/sewer increases, $1/ton solid waste increase, and 4% stormwater increase in January. Over 34 speakers signed up; 30 spoke (two-minute limit). Speakers represented organizations including Bookmarks, The Dwelling, Old Salem Museums & Gardens, IFB Solutions, Piedmont Environmental Alliance, Rejuvenation Support Services, Kaleidum, Crosby Scholars, Smart Start, Legal Aid, Authoring Action, World Relief, Child Care Resource Center, and others. Many requested funding for specific programs. The public hearing was closed. No vote taken. Public Comment Period - Fifteen speakers addressed general city matters: - Heat safety for lifeguards (Jen McGarvey, Carolynn Warren cited a June 2025 incident at Waterworks where four lifeguards were hospitalized for heat exhaustion). - Noise ordinance enforcement downtown (Forrest Bulley, Ty Alford, Brittany Crandall requested stricter enforcement and earlier cutoffs for sidewalk corrals). - Fair Justice and Public Safety Ordinance (Olivia Doyle, Miranda Jones, Marilyn Lacunza, Jen Wiles, Mikhail Holt) urged mandatory citation in lieu of arrest for marijuana possession, citing disproportionate arrests of Black residents. - Gun violence prevention (Asante Benton Bailey, Kani Adon Bey) called for redirecting police funds to housing and establishing an Office of Violence Prevention. - Support for city boards (Matthew Mayers praised reappointments). - Announcement of a community meeting (Tanya Sheffield for Forsyth IAF). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda and all zoning petitions approved unanimously (8–0). - Council endorsed Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tract nominations. - Budget public hearing held; further budget workshop scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM; adoption slated for June 1, 2026. - Public comments received on heat safety, noise, marijuana enforcement, violence prevention, and community engagement. - Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Note: Council Member James Taylor, Jr. was absent from votes? The minutes list 8 ayes from all members except the mayor (who votes only in ties). The transcript shows unanimous votes with 8 ayes. No dissents recorded.

The Committee of the Whole of the City Council held a budget workshop on May 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The workshop covered the Citizens Budget Advisory Council (CBAC) report, the FY 2026-27 capital plan, community agency funding recommendations, and occupancy tax fund review. No votes were taken on the overall budget; the council gathered information ahead of a public hearing on May 18 and final adoption on June 1. Citizens Budget Advisory Council Presentation - Tony Piacenza (Chair, CBAC) presented the committee's work plan and recommendations based on the 2025 resident survey and the city manager's proposed FY 2026-27 budget. Key recommendations included: - Conducting a follow-up survey of local businesses to better understand economic development needs. - Increasing police presence, youth programming, and community-police relationships to address crime. - Continuing investment in public transit, sidewalks, streets, and parking, with follow-up evaluation of recent initiatives (e.g., new parking program, WSTA microtransit). - Dedicated resources for affordable housing production and rehabilitation, especially given property tax increases. - Expanding access to waste collection and disposal to reduce illegal dumping. - Improving park and recreation facility maintenance, programming, and hours of operation. - Exploring alternative fuels for city fleet and facilities, with a formal written sustainability policy. - Enhancing data collection at the ward level to better capture community feedback. - Piacenza noted the CBAC report (26 pages) was available for detailed review. Council members thanked the committee for their service. Capital Plan Improvement Discussion - Scott Tesh (Director of Finance) presented the FY 2026-27 capital budget and the six-year capital plan. Key points: - Over $70 million in non-utility projects moved from design to construction or were completed in the past year. - FY27 capital budget is approximately $100 million; the six-year total is just under $600 million. Utilities (water/sewer) remain the largest component. - Transportation projects include major additions: Lowry Street reconstruction ($13 million total), Piedmont Regional Greenway, and sidewalks on Rushy Fork and Jonestown Road, all requiring significant cost increases due to scope creep or post-COVID inflation. - Street resurfacing funded at $7.2 million annually; achieving a 30-year cycle would require an additional $4-5 million per year. Current cycle is 50+ years. - Unfunded needs list reduced to below $1 billion for the first time, but still dominated by transportation (sidewalks, streets) and public safety facilities (e.g., Special Operations Division building, Public Safety Center). - Facility condition assessments (by Alpha Facilities, San Antonio) are underway; on-site work ends June 2026, with a draft report expected in August. - Funding sources include reserves (pay-go), revenue bonds, limited obligation bonds, federal transit administration grants, and local motor vehicle privilege tax. Council member Driver asked about reliability of federal funding; staff expressed confidence but noted potential risks. - Council discussion included questions on the landfill life (targeted for next retreat), progress on the stormwater repair at Research Park (essentially complete), and sidewalk condition assessments (CBAC also recommended this). Council member Clark cautioned that the $1 billion unfunded list is not realistic given annual spending of $50 million on non-utility capital; hard prioritization is needed. Community Agency Funding Recommendations - Scott Tesh presented the base scenario for local community agency funding derived from council votes: $841,000 out of a total available $956,550 in the general fund. The base scenario included agencies that received four or more votes from council members. - The list included 20 agencies (e.g., Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Second Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan Ministries, City with Dwellings, The Dwelling, etc.). A color-coded sheet showed which agencies would receive increases, decreases, or new funding compared to FY26. - Council members added requests for organizations not in the base scenario: Partnership for Prosperity (Mayor Allen), Center for Creative Economy (Councilmember Joyner), Liberty East Redevelopment (Councilmember Scipio), and Anchor (Councilmember Scipio). Councilmember Hall also suggested Authoring Action and Lee Girls. - Councilmember Joyner raised concerns about fully funding any agency's entire budget with city money, preferring to spread funds to impact more organizations. - Chair Clark proposed using the $841,000 as the base and then allocating the remaining $115,000. A motion to adopt the $841,000 base was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Chair Clark will work with staff to develop a proposal for the remaining funds, incorporating council suggestions, and present it at the next budget workshop on May 21. Occupancy Tax Funds and Associated Sponsorships - The occupancy tax fund budget totals $406,000. The base scenario (from council votes) included four incumbent agencies (Piedmont Triad Film Commission, RiverRun International Film Festival, NC Black Repertory Company for the International Black Theater Festival, Old Salem) plus the Winston-Salem Symphony at $378,000, leaving $28,000 unallocated. - Discussion on using the remaining $28,000: Councilmember Taylor suggested youth events (Fairground Fridays); Councilmember Joyner proposed Tri-City Film Consortium to support film industry growth; Chair Clark added Collideum (a children's museum) as a potential one-time grant. - A motion to adopt the $378,000 base scenario was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Chair Clark will work with staff to finalize the additional $28,000 allocation. - Council also reviewed the full occupancy tax fund budget, including transfers to the convention center, fairgrounds, and public art funds. No changes were made. Key Outcomes - CBAC Report: Received and filed; council expressed appreciation for the committee's work. - Community Agency Funding: Adopted the $841,000 base scenario unanimously. Chair Clark and staff will develop a proposed allocation for the remaining $115,000 to be discussed May 21. - Occupancy Tax Agency Funding: Adopted the $378,000 base scenario unanimously. Chair Clark and staff will propose how to allocate the remaining $28,000. - Next Steps: Budget public hearing on Monday, May 18, 6:00 PM; next budget workshop on Thursday, May 21, 2:00 PM; budget adoption on Monday, June 1, 6:00 PM.

On May 12, 2026, the Winston-Salem City Council met as a Committee of the Whole for a budget workshop. The meeting included a presentation from the UNC School of Government on measuring board effectiveness and a detailed overview of the proposed FY2026-27 operating and capital budgets. Council discussed health benefit changes, a proposed 2.6-cent property tax increase, and other budget drivers. No formal votes were taken. UNC School of Government Presentation - Cole Jensen and Becca Fisher Gabbard from the UNC School of Government presented a research project to develop a diagnostic tool for board effectiveness. They asked council members to complete a voluntary 10-minute survey, emphasizing that responses would be anonymous and reported in aggregate. Council members chose to complete the survey outside of the meeting and return it to the city clerk. The presenters offered to share a one- to two-page summary of findings and use the results to inform training for other municipalities. Council asked clarifying questions about the scope of participating jurisdictions. Proposed Budget Overview - Scott Tesh, City Budget Director, presented the proposed FY2026-27 budget, totaling over $700 million. Key components included: - Property tax increase: 2.6 cents per $100 valuation (to 56.7 cents), generating approximately $12 million for the general fund. This equates to about $5.50 per month for a median-value home. - Public safety: Two-thirds of the general fund increase is allocated to police, fire, and emergency management. - Employee compensation: A 3% merit raise for employees receiving satisfactory performance appraisals (over 95% of staff typically qualify). - Health care: Proposed plan changes effective January 2027, including increased deductibles, copays, and maximum out-of-pocket costs; removal of preventive brand and GLP-1 weight-loss medications from zero-dollar copay; implementation of medical management programs; and a 7% overall premium increase. The city's cost share would shift from 84% to 83%. - Other fee increases: Stormwater fees by 4%, water/sewer rates by 5% on average, solid waste disposal fees (minimal impact), and various user fees (picnic shelters, EV charging, etc.). - Not funded: Over $3 million in departmental personnel requests, $7 million in non-personnel requests, $4 million for affordable housing, and additional youth programming, street resurfacing, and website replacement. - Council members asked questions and made comments: - Councilmember Scipio asked about the number of municipalities participating in the UNC study. - Councilmember Clark inquired about the cost share comparison with peer cities and the potential for reducing the city's share. - Councilmember Bowen asked about the causes of rising health claims (medical conditions, not enrollment changes). - Councilmember Taylor asked for clarity on grant-funded positions transitioning to general fund (19 positions: 15 firefighters, 4 BEAR team members) and the net cost of the police Axon contract. - Councilmember Hall requested information on a 2% COLA option and the percentage of employees receiving satisfactory ratings. - Mayor Pro Tem Adams asked if staff could identify $2 million for affordable housing without raising the tax rate; the city manager agreed to provide analysis. - Chair Clark made extensive remarks, noting rising health insurance costs, the need to monitor legislative attention on property taxes, and the benefit of subsidies for public amenities. He also requested data on bus ridership trends and debt schedules. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made during this workshop. - Staff was directed to provide additional information on: - Feasibility of funding affordable housing without a tax rate increase. - Cost of a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) versus the proposed 3% merit raise. - Percentage of employees receiving satisfactory performance appraisals. - Detailed debt schedule and cemetery plot availability. - Next steps: - Continued budget workshop (Committee of the Whole) on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM. - Budget public hearing at City Council meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. - Additional workshop on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM. - Budget adoption scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

On May 11, 2026, the Winston-Salem City Council met as a Committee of the Whole to consider consent agenda items, receive presentations on hurricane preparedness and police staff awards, discuss amendments to the noise ordinance, review recommended census tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0, and approve funding for affordable housing rehabilitation. All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. Consent Calendar - C-1, C-2, C-3: Requests for public hearings on demolition ordinances for structures at 1331 Houston Street, 2705 Stokes Avenue, and 410 Barry Street, set for June 1, 2026. Approved without discussion. - C-5: Resolution authorizing a change order ($352,262.78) for additional engineering design services for the Multi-Use Path Western Section. Approved. - C-6: Resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned property at 2203 Woodland Ave under upset bid procedure ($1,600). Approved. - C-7: Resolution authorizing acquisition of easements for the Twenty-Seventh Street Drainage Improvements Project ($5,600). Approved. - C-9: Resolution awarding a contract for the Glade Street Bridge Replacement Project design to Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP ($845,000). Approved. - C-11: Approval of Committee of the Whole summary of minutes from March 9, 2026. Approved. - C-4, C-8, C-10: Removed from consent agenda for individual discussion (see below). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were presented during the meeting. Discussion Items - C-4: FY2027 Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan (CHCD). Mayor Pro Tem Adams requested explanation of outcomes. Staff (Ms. Floyd) described increased community engagement, street outreach, and events like Project Homeless Connect. Council approved unanimously. - C-8: Abandonment of public utility easements for Longwood Village Development. Councilmember Scipio questioned why the city is involved in property outside city limits. Staff explained utilities are held in city name; easements are no longer needed. No money exchanged. Approved unanimously. - C-10: FY2025-2026 Budget Ordinances. Councilmember Scipio asked about interest earnings on grant funds for "The Grounds" and fairgrounds budget variances. Staff clarified interest must go to grant purpose; fairgrounds net loss projected $450,000 higher due to lower revenues and higher costs. Approved unanimously. - Public Safety Item 1: Hurricane Preparedness Week and Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP). Mr. August Vernon presented on hurricane risks and a COOP project for all city/county departments. Councilmember Clark recalled Hurricane Hazel. Approved as information; no vote. - Public Safety Item 2: WSPD Staff Members of the Year. Captain Mayb presented awards to Officer Sherm (Officer of the Year), Corporal Cheek (runner-up), Jonathan Lewis (Professional Staff Member of the Year), Tommy Leonard (runner-up), and Brittany Gomez (Positive Wolf Award). Approved as information; no vote. - General Government Item 1: Demolition at 1135 Argonne Boulevard. Request for public hearing on June 1, 2026. Approved unanimously. - General Government Item 2: Amended resolution to convey five lots for affordable homeownership by Williams Development & True Homes. Staff explained original 2022 agreement allowed lots at $20,000 each; developers requested $1 per lot due to increased construction costs. Councilmember Clark noted developer previously paid market price. Approved unanimously. - General Government Item 3: Phase 2 amendments to Noise Ordinance (Chapter 46). Mr. Rao presented information on regulating amplified sound from commercial establishments, complaint-based enforcement, decibel thresholds, and penalties for chronic violators. Council discussed crowd noise, barking dogs, and sidewalk cafes. Councilmember Hall urged clarity on "chronic" definition. Information only; no vote. - General Government Item 4: Opportunity Zones 2.0. Director Millet recommended five census tracts (map numbers 1, 3, 4, 11, 22) for nomination. Council debated equity and inclusion, with several members advocating for including map 23 (part of original Opportunity Zones, covering East Winston). Councilmember Taylor specifically requested map 23 be included. Councilmember Scipio highlighted historic disinvestment in East Winston. City manager noted deadline June 7, 2026. Council directed staff to send individual preferences to the city manager by May 12, with apparent consensus to replace one recommended tract with map 23. No vote taken. - Finance Item 5: Use of $1,031,800 in HOME ARP funds for rehab of eight apartment units at 1600 E. 24th St (Curry Apartments). Staff (Ms. Floyd) described master lease model for permanent supportive housing for homeless families. Councilmember Clark raised concerns about the owner potentially selling the property after rehab. Staff and city attorney noted deed restrictions would remain, but owner could sell with restrictions. Councilmember Clark requested contract language to prevent windfall. Councilmember Hall sought clarification on rent and management. Councilmember Burke asked about property history (vacant 25 years). Councilmember Scipio requested handicap accessibility. Approved unanimously (G-5). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items C-4, C-8, C-10 approved individually by unanimous votes. - General Government Item 1 (1135 Argonne demolition) approved unanimously; public hearing set for June 1, 2026. - General Government Item 2 (Williams Development lots) approved unanimously. - Finance Item 5 (Curry Apartments rehab) approved unanimously; contract language to be developed to address resale windfall concerns. - Opportunity Zones 2.0: No vote taken; council directed staff to compile councilmember preferences and bring a revised recommendation for a vote at the next meeting (May 18 or June 1) before the June 7, 2026 deadline. - Phase 2 Noise Ordinance amendments remain as information; staff will incorporate feedback and bring back for future action. - Budget amendments (C-10) approved; staff to provide more detail on fairgrounds expenses. - Public safety presentations received without formal action.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the adoption of consent agenda items, public hearings on four demolitions, a presentation on affordable housing projects, and the City Manager's presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. All votes were unanimous (8-0) with all nine members present. Honorariums - H-1: Resolution declaring May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month in Winston-Salem. C.J. Idol, chair of the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission, accepted the resolution and spoke about the commission's work, including the historic marker program, partnerships with communities, and staff accomplishments (only three certificates of appropriateness denied in 2025). The resolution passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - C-1 through C-19 (except C-5 through C-11): Routine approvals including: - C-1: 2026 Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Memorial Walk of Fame inductees. - C-2 & C-3: Rescinding demolition ordinances for 1120 E. 24th Street and 1427 E. 23rd Street (Northeast Ward). - C-4: Amendment to Transforming Urban Residential Neighborhoods (TURN) Program eligibility requirements. - C-12: Agreement with Forsyth County to share 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds ($249,047). - C-13: Sole source purchase order for Live911 Platform Renewal with HigherGround, Inc. ($114,000). - C-14: Design contract for Old Greensboro Road Bridge Replacement with RK&K Engineering ($733,061.85). - C-15: Construction contract for Sprague Street Recreation Center renovations with MWM Construction, Inc. ($517,440). - C-16: Early termination of lease and conveyance of Fourth and Church Parking Deck to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. - C-17: Lease agreement with T-Bird Enterprises, LLC for the Twin City Thunderbirds. - C-18: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget ordinance amendments. - C-19: Approval of City Council Summary of Minutes from April 20, 2026. - The balance of the consent agenda (excluding C-5 through C-11) was approved unanimously on a single motion. Discussion Items - Affordable Housing Projects (C-5 through C-11): At Mayor Pro Tempore Adams' request, Michael Blair, Director of Housing Development, presented a summary of seven affordable housing resolutions. The combined projects add 358 multifamily rental units (28 at Vespers Apartments for elderly residents, 60 at Sage Pointe, 62 at 600 Peters Creek, 148 at Cornerstone at Salem, 60 at Zachary Pointe) and 22 homeownership units (14 by Habitat for Humanity Forsyth on Urban Street, 8 by Prosperity Alliance in Happy Hill). Total city investment: approximately $3.5 million. Blair noted that tax credit pricing at $0.82 on the dollar is creating gaps; future projects may be affected if prices drop further. Councilmember Joiner highlighted that while these 380 units do not meet the overall goal, they significantly increase the housing stock. The items were approved unanimously under a single motion. - G-1: Demolition at 633 Mulberry Street (South Ward): Public hearing held. Property owner Tammy Watson requested a 60-day extension to allow her contractor time to prepare; staff clarified that if approved, she would receive 90 days before enforcement. Councilmember Joiner expressed reluctance but noted the neighborhood's need for improvement. Approved unanimously. - G-2: Demolition at 844 Rich Avenue (East Ward): No public speakers. Approved unanimously. - G-3: Demolition at 1457 Hattie Avenue (Northeast Ward): No public speakers. Approved unanimously. - G-4: Demolition at 4541 Indiana Avenue (North Ward): No public speakers. Approved unanimously. - G-5: City Manager’s Presentation of FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget: City Manager Pat Pate presented a "no-frills" budget focused on maintaining service levels, strategic investments, and addressing rising costs. Key points: - Total General Fund increase: 3.1% (about 5% on an apples-to-apples basis). - Proposed property tax increase: 2.6 cents (from 56.7 to 59.3 cents per $100 valuation), a 4.6% increase; for the average homeowner, this equates to less than $5.50 per month. - Recommended a half-cent dedicated to affordable housing and unhoused services (0.5 cents of the 2.6 cent increase). - Water/sewer rates: 5% increase (about $3/month for average residential user). - Solid waste disposal fee: $1 increase; stormwater fee: 4% increase. - Inflation stress: Since 2019, consumer inflation rose 30%, while city costs for a police officer rose 43%, fire trucks 96%, garbage trucks 60%, and building construction 86%. Property tax base growth (adjusted for revaluation) was only 17% over the same period. - The city has approved nearly 1,000 units of affordable housing in the last two years (including tonight's actions). - Employee compensation: Aim to be a regional employer of choice; health care costs are a major driver. - Infrastructure: Resurfacing funding maintained at $7.2 million, but ideal need is $12 million to achieve a 30-year cycle. - Budget work sessions scheduled for May 12 and May 14, public hearing on May 18, final workshop May 21, anticipated adoption June 1. - Councilmember Hall asked about community engagement opportunities; Pate confirmed multiple pop-ups and online availability. Councilmember Clark noted the scrutiny from Raleigh and encouraged council input. - Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Clark announced two new housing projects in the West Ward (Meadowlark area, approximately 350 homes) that do not require council approval due to existing zoning. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (excluding C-5 to C-11): Approved unanimously (8-0). - C-5 to C-11 (affordable housing financing): Approved unanimously (8-0). - G-1 (633 Mulberry St demolition): Approved unanimously (8-0) with 90 days for owner to demolish. - G-2 (844 Rich Ave demolition): Approved unanimously (8-0). - G-3 (1457 Hattie Ave demolition): Approved unanimously (8-0). - G-4 (4541 Indiana Ave demolition): Approved unanimously (8-0). - Budget Presentation: No vote taken; the proposed budget was presented for council review and upcoming work sessions. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.