City of Greensboro Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council Special

Friday, February 03, 2023 at 8:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Theme: Making Greensboro a Winning City for Generations to Come

Revolution Mill - Color Works Meeting Space - Room 1

1000 Revolution Mill Drive, GSO

Present:

• Mayor Nancy Vaughan, 
• Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter, 
• Councilmember Sharon Hightower, 
• Councilmember Nancy Hoffmann, 
• Councilmember Hugh Holston, 
• Councilmember Zack Matheny, 
• Councilmember Tammi Thurm, 
• and and Councilmember Goldie Wells 

Absent:

• Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson 

Also Present:

• City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba, 
• Deputy City Manager Chris Wilson, 
• City Attorney Chuck Watts, 
• City Clerk Angela Lord, 
• and Deputy City Clerk Tebony Rosa 

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A.

Breakfast

The Greensboro City Council convened at 8:00 a.m. for a pre-meeting breakfast.

B.

Call to Order

This City Council Strategy Session of the City of Greensboro was called to order at 8:45 a.m. on the above date in the Color Works Meeting Space of Revolution Mill.

Mayor Vaughan conducted a roll call to confirm Councilmembers in attendance; referenced the absence of Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson; and stated Councilmember Zack Matheny would participate via Zoom.

B.1

8:45 am – 9:15 am - Welcome –  Review of Day 1 

Ms. Yost outlined the agenda; and referenced main take aways from the previous day.

Discussion took place regarding economic development (ED); equity and inclusion; policy changes; rewording of vision and mission statements; and review of the CityVision and Mission statements as provided below:

CITY VISION - Greensboro is an inclusive community with endless economic opportunity and exceptional quality of life.

CITY MISSION - to build an inclusive future for equitable economic opportunity and sustainable safe neighborhoods through resident focused services and programs.

Council shared insights and feedback on previous day strategy session; and thoughts on Comp Plan 2040 and priorities implementation.

Discussion took place regarding the need to switch the mission and vision statements; reflection of values in the vision; and futuristic and aspirational statements.  The following revised statements were discussed.

Mission – Greensboro is an inclusive community with endless economic opportunity and exceptional quality of life.

Vision – To build an inclusive future for equitable economic opportunity and sustainable, safe neighborhoods through resident focused services and programs.

C.

Ceremonial and/or Presentations

C.1

9:15 am – 10:45 am –The Power of Visioning - Ensuring Everyone Thrives - Case Study

City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba recognized guest speaker, Malcomb Coley, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young (EY).

Mr. Coley spoke to equal economic opportunities; community impacts; made a PowerPoint Presentation (PPP); spoke to community changes; to systemic issues; innovation; and outlined four Mayor's Equity Initiatives: 

1. Highlight top Historically Black College and University (HBCU); redesign curriculum; guarantee student internships/jobs.
2. Strengthen connectivity of constituents; bridge the digital divide.
3. Cordless opportunities in marginalized communities; build platform to grow minority scale and increase equity; law firms provide pro bono services for bidding assistance.
4. Employee commitment; mid-C suite-board positions for black/brown; standards for promotion.

Mr. Coley spoke to success; to quality of life; to affordable housing; voiced concern with school systems and school performance; referenced job creation; business investments; and successful communities.

Discussion ensued regarding commitment and passion; revenue sources; minority business growth; the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) program; fair and equitable participation; housing initiatives; down payment assistance; Federal and State funding; setting a framework; community liaisons; barrier removal; credibility creation; and mentorship opportunities. 

C.2

10:45 am – 11:00 am - Break 

Local artist presented final project from the dynamic exercise from Thursday.

Mayor Vaughan declared a recess at 10:35 a.m.  City Council reconvened at 10:45 a.m. with all members in attendance except Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson.

C.3

11:00 am - 12:00 am Topic #3: Making Greensboro a Winning City for Generations to Come 

Ms. Yost recognized Brent Christensen, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President.

Mr. Christensen made a PPP; spoke to economic development momentum; provided overview of successes, programming, and investments; spoke to Covid-19 impacts; outlined survey results; workforce availability; school system preparedness; and spoke to desirable talent.

Discussion continued regarding available sites; recruitment strategies; housing and amenities; the need to focus on empty storefronts and buildings; private and public resources; property owners; an industrial repurpose focus; infill development; an aging population; housing inventory; workforce frameworks; summer apprenticeships; paid internships; Legislative Agenda requests; mobility; and potential economic growth.

(A copy of the PowerPoint Presentation is filed in Exhibit Drawer F, No. 5, which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)

C.4

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm - Lunch 

Mayor Vaughan declared a recess at 12:00 p.m. Council reconvened at 12:45 p.m. with all members present except for Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson and Councilmember Matheny.

C.5

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Ms. Yost continued with the PPP from the previous day strategy session.

Discussion took place regarding strengths and weaknesses; and opportunities and threats.

Strengths – visionary; dedication; passionate professionals; commitment; talented; longevity; academia; and diverse population

Weaknesses – follow through; unresponsive; retention; complacency; sense of urgency; and brand marketing

Opportunities (external) – job announcements; momentum; potential; public-private partnerships; regional ED; remote work; history; affordable; amenities; and academia

Threats (external) – regulations; peer city competition; transportation; labor force participation; diverse thought processes establishing a subculture; housing inventory

Discussion continued regarding a growing and aging population; community drivers; supportive workforce; focus' on younger generation; higher wages; outdoor amenities; sport and branding opportunities; long term development projects; telework and mental health impacts; sales tax revenues; and a walkable and car optional city.  Discussion ensued regarding the growing economy; established and higher pay occupations; an evolving talent development; job training; rising economic equities; poverty thresholds; wage imbalances; collaborations and partnerships; and megaregions.

C.6

2:00 pm – 3:15 pm – Formulating a Strategic Action Framework

Ms. Yost continued discussion regarding the City Vison and Mission statements; and guided City Council into break out groups for a brainstorming session at 2:15 p.m.

Council reconvened for group discussion at 2:53 p.m. with all members in attendance except Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson and Councilmember Matheny.

Mayor Vaughan outlined 5 guiding principles including:  1) Safest City; 2) most educated workforce (in targeted industries; 3) youth sports capital of southeast; 4) easiest place to do business; and 5) most connected city.  

Discussion ensued regarding a revised vision statement; topics of a skilled workforce; youth sports capital in South East; inclusion of entertainment and recreation hub; and ample attainable housing.

Mission – Greensboro will be a community with endless economic opportunities and exceptional quality of life.

Vision – To build a vibrant, inclusive community with equitable economic opportunities and sustainable, safe neighborhoods.

Discussion continued regarding staff communications; collaborations; deficiencies; Economic Development incentives; immigrant community inclusion; nonprofits; Guilford County School System partnerships; sustainable policies; data research; legal review; countywide development standards; outreach efforts; concurrent movement; the need for housing policy changes; identification of district concerns; Randleman Road corridor lighting; connection of initiative to the vision; long term goals; and broadband expansion. 

C.7

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm - Break 

Mayor Vaughan declared a recess at 3:15 p.m.  Council reconvened at 3:30 p.m. with all members in attendance except Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson and Councilmember Matheny.

C.8

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Bringing It All Together 

Ms. Yost spoke to framing priorities.

Mayor Vaughan outlined priorities as discussed:  1. Safest city 2. Most educated workforce 3. Youth sports capital of southeast 4. Easiest place to do business 5. Most connected city

Discussion ensued regarding retention and making connections; inclusion of amenities, entertainment, and Parks and Recreation; an aspiration list; addressing homelessness; and aligning priorities with the budget.

Councilmember Matheny joined the meeting at 3:55 p.m.

City Council set out priorities as follows:

1. Safest city
2. Most skilled  workforce (in targeted industries)
3. Youth sports capital of the East Coast
4. Easiest place to do business
5. Most connected city
6. Entertainment and recreation hub (amenities)
7. Adequate Supply of Attainable Housing options

C.9

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Dynamic Exercise Part 2 

Ms. Yost spoke to bringing it all together; and called on City Council to explain artwork from previous day exercise. 

D.

Adjournment

Moved by Councilmember Thurm, seconded by Councilmember Holston, to adjourn the Special meeting. The motion carried by voice vote. 

The City Council Adjourned at 4:18 p.m.

 

___________________________                        ____________________________

Nancy Vaughan, Mayor                                           Angela Lord, City Clerk

E.

Dinner

4:45 p.m. Council convened for dinner to conclude the City Council Strategy Session.