High Point · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in High Point public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Foster Care Resource and Support Needs
A representative from the Family Room foster care resource center highlighted the critical shortage of licensed foster homes and resources for children entering care.
Firefighter Staffing and Separation Allowance
Firefighters and supporters urged the city council to fund a special separation allowance to improve recruitment and retention and provide retirement healthcare support.
High Point Police Department H.O.P.E. Team Rollout
The police department is launching a 5-year, $1.54 million drone program with Axon Enterprises to speed up emergency response times and support fire and rescue operations.
Fire Department Fleet and Apparatus Replacements
The committee approved major apparatus purchases totaling over $4 million to replace aging fire trucks, tankers, and aerial towers that have exceeded standard mileage and pump hours.
Blighted Property Demolitions
Code enforcement is actively addressing minimum housing violations, public nuisances, and blighted properties through targeted inspections, owner rehabilitations, and demolitions.
Fire Department Data Analytics and Risk Reduction
The fire department highlighted its elite ISO Class 1 rating, strong inspection metrics, and new health initiatives that successfully diagnosed a hidden medical condition in a firefighter during routine physicals.
Opioid Settlement Fund Allocations
The city allocated opioid settlement funds to local providers Caring Services and GCSTOP to support outpatient treatment and addiction services. Officials discussed how the money is paid out in annual installments through 2039.
Solid Waste Fleet and Routing Upgrades
A resident questioned why non-residents use city-funded recycling facilities for the same cost as local taxpayers, suggesting a resident sticker system or fee adjustments.
Police Fleet Upgrades and Equipment Installation
The city is purchasing 10 new police SUVs and outfitting them in-house with newly ordered equipment.
Special Populations Task Force Creation
Mayor Jefferson established a temporary task force to review and improve municipal engagement and programs for individuals with special needs and disabilities.
Police Department Annual Performance and Crime Trends
The police department reported a drop in overall crime and calls for service for 2025 while highlighting new community policing efforts, youth programs, and upcoming specialized task forces to tackle internet crimes against children.
Expansion of Police Drone and Real-Time Crime Center Capabilities
The city is investing $1.54 million over five years in a new Drone as First Responder program to improve emergency response times and assist fire and rescue operations.
Washington Terrace Park Early Voting Access
Residents and council members rallied to protect Washington Terrace Park as an early voting site, arguing that its closure would disproportionately harm minority, elderly, and transportation-constrained voters on High Point's Southside.
Ward Elevated Storage Tank Demolition and Monitoring
The city is moving forward with demolishing the historic 1930 Ward water tank and hiring engineering consultants to monitor vibrations and lead paint to protect nearby historic homes.
Police Chief Appointment
High Point has a brand new police chief, Curtis Cheeks, stepping in to lead the department. This means a shift in top-level leadership for the city's law enforcement, which could bring new community safety strategies.
Public Safety
High Point city officials are cracking down on the InTown Suites after a recent homicide and a staggering 900+ emergency calls. They're demanding the property owner clean up the crime and safety issues immediately.
Police Chief Retirement
High Point Police Chief Travis Stroud is retiring after more than 25 years on the job, leaving the city with the big task of finding a new top cop. This leadership change means local public safety is entering a major transition period.