High Point · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in High Point public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Economic Development Discussions
The Council is going behind closed doors to talk about an economic development matter. The details are confidential under state law, but this kind of session often signals a potential business recruitment or incentive deal in the works. Any public announcement or vote would come later.
Liberty Academy Charter School Expansion
Liberty Academy is looking to update its property zoning to include high school grades, though total enrollment would remain capped at 799 students. The discussion focuses on traffic mitigation and how the school fits into the surrounding neighborhood.
ElectriCities Customer Service Survey Results and Utility Improvements
The city is purchasing $1.66 million in new digital electric meters from Border States to support new homes and replace aging equipment as part of its ongoing meter upgrade project.
Water and Sewer Rate Structure Overhaul
High Point is adjusting its water and sewer budget by $1.32 million to cover unexpected expenses from last summer's flood repairs and high incinerator hauling costs, covered by insurance and investment earnings.
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.
Replacement Transit Vehicle Procurement
High Point is teaming up with Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington, and PART to let riders use a single transit card across all regional bus systems.
First Baptist Church Property and Downtown Revitalization
City leaders are exploring ways to redesign South Main Street to make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and students while encouraging new housing and business investment. The 1.5-mile stretch currently features wide, high-speed lanes that divide neighborhoods, but upcoming state repaving projects offer a chance to reallocate street space.
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.
Bicentennial Greenway Interlocal Agreement
High Point, Greensboro, and Guilford County are teaming up for the first time to jointly maintain, repair, and brand the 18-mile Bicentennial Greenway, addressing long-standing maintenance backlogs and accessibility issues.
Blighted Property Demolitions
Code enforcement is actively addressing minimum housing violations, public nuisances, and blighted properties through targeted inspections, owner rehabilitations, and demolitions.
Deep River Blueway Trail Grant Application
High Point is applying for a $100,000 state grant to help launch its first water trail (blueway) along the Deep River. The city will provide a 25% match to kick off the waterway project.
Downtown Hotel Development at North Elm Street
The city is selling municipal property at 305 and 315 North Elm Street to Terra Investments LLC for $1 million to clear the way for a new select-service hotel next to Truist Point stadium.
Splashworks expansion at Picker Cotton Mill
A rezoning at 1690 W. English Road lets Splashworks expand inside the old Picker Cotton Mill, turning it into a year-round destination with commercial and residential uses. Supporters say it boosts revitalization of High Point's southwest area and its creative community.
Project Crocodile Economic Incentive
The city approved a $75,000 building upfit grant to help Project Launch transform 1321 Long Street into a venture creation hub and office space, aiming to generate 40 jobs over five years.
Employee Compensation and Classification Study Phase 2
The city reviewed the final results of a major study examining employee pay, market competitiveness, and salary compression across more than 1,000 positions. The findings led to a recommended hybrid parity model and a 2.5% market adjustment funded in the budget to help High Point retain talented staff.
Cedar Drive Pedestrian Bridge Design
The city is partnering with NCDOT to build a pedestrian bridge over I-74, featuring an 80/20 cost share.
Major Watershed Variance for Gallimore Dairy Road Development
Koury NST, LLC is requesting a major watershed variance to address surface water buffer impacts from stream relocation and fill at 501 Gallimore Dairy Road. The case tests the city's watershed protection standards and mitigation requirements for commercial properties in the City Lake General Watershed area.
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.
Congdon Yards Urban Park Development
A private foundation is proposing a new 1.5-acre urban park in downtown High Point to serve as a community gathering space and anchor for future housing and business growth. City officials discussed how the park could partner with municipal infrastructure like the upcoming Elm Street greenway.
Washington Street Property Conveyance to D-UP, Inc.
The city is transferring a vacant lot at 722 Washington Street to the nonprofit D-UP, Inc. to support neighborhood revitalization. The group will use the land as a community garden in the short term and eventually build affordable housing.
Budget Debate
High Point firefighters are pushing city leaders to include better retirement benefits in the upcoming budget. They argue these upgrades are essential for their well-being and crucial for maintaining local public safety.
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.
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.