GREENSBORO, N.C. — “I think this year’s theme is most appropriate, Mission in Motion as the mayor of this great community I am proud to say we are realizing our mission.,” said City of Greensboro’s Mayor Nancy Vaughan.
Mayor Nancy Vaughan took the stage tonight to talk about the economic growth the city of Greensboro saw in 2023.
In talks of public safety, Greensboro police saw an increase in officers with 52 graduates between 2023-2024, Guilford metro answered over 550,000 calls, and Greensboro fire saved residents 481 million dollars in property/contents. But she says there’s more to do with crime prevention.
“We are concerned very concerned over what’s happened in the last couple of years and you will hear more of that roll out over the next month, initiatives that we have that we hope that people in our community will be a part of,” said Vaughan.
During the address, Vaughan also had a panel where they discussed several economic opportunities, one of which is a food and beverage tax. The tax would make a McDonald’s combo go up ¢4 and an outback steak ¢25. Here’s why the mayor is thinking about bringing this to Greensboro.
“It’s not asking restaurant owners to increase their prices; this is a consumer tax. To see the millions of millions of dollars that is bringing across our state to these communities that have it. Said Vaughan. It’s really something that in fairness the city of Greensboro needs because our residents are relying on property tax right now, and why not have the people, our tourist help us pay for these facilities.”
City councilmembers also chimed in on what each is doing in their districts.
District one will be able to hit a golf ball in a revitalized course “with prominent ties to the civil rights movement.”
District two focused on the Downtown Greenway’s success in becoming a hub, “there are more than 600 million dollars in plans and in completed projects along the downtown greenway.”
District three will renovate the 1899 depot “back to its former glory.”
District four showed their creativity for the arts and culture with the Greensboro culture center with “more than 500,000 people crossed the threshold to attend events hosted by a creative Greensboro.”
District five is focusing on the affordable housing issue with construction beginning “early this summer with completion expected in 12 months.”
The at-large members highlighted the bus transit system, and community land trusts that will help families become homeowners.
With all this Vaughan wants residents to know the mission in motion
“To shape an inclusive future for equitable economic opportunities and sustainable, safe neighborhoods through resident-focused services and programs,” said Vaughan.
