GREENSBORO, N.C. — Mayor Nancy Vaughan is touting opportunity, growth, and innovation in the city of Greensboro.
She stopped by the WFMY News 2 studio to discuss crime, housing, and construction. Mayor Vaughan also took questions texted in from viewers and answered them live on-air.
CRIME
Gun violence is one of the top concerns in Greensboro. Mayor Vaughan said the Greensboro Police Department is looking to increase officer pay and benefits in the upcoming city budget.
"One thing I appreciate about Chief Thompson [Greensboro Police Department] is that he is very direct on what his task is. Last year, we did increase benefits and pay, but he came before City Council at our last meeting and said that we really needed to get up to $57,000 in order to attract and retain employees," Mayor Vaughan shared.
She also spoke about ramping up patrol in some areas but made clear extra policing is not the only way to reduce violence. The Mayor said building better relationships with the community is also an important part of promoting safe neighborhoods.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Greensboro isn't the only city dealing with housing pressure.
"I am part of the 'Metro Mayors' which are the larger cities in North Carolina and I can tell you every one of us talks about affordable housing being in a crisis."
She said the issue is tied to a range of reasons such as available inventory and pricing. The city is currently working with local developers on ways to increase safe affordable housing stock.
PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM
The city hopes a new "Tax Refund Pilot Program" will help lower costs for homeowners. Low-income families could get between $50 to $150 back in property taxes. The minimum household income to qualify is $47,000. The deadline to apply is June 15.
COMBATING HOMELESSNESS IN THE CITY
Mayor Vaughan also championed the success of a temporary pallet home program in Greensboro. 30 temporary homes were built at Ponoma Park during the winter months last year to help those experiencing homelessness.
"They worked really well. We were able to transition 57 people out of the pallet shelters into long-term housing," said Mayor Vaughan.
She said the Department of Insurance only allows the homes to be up 180 days at a time, but there are plans to place them in another location in the future.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
The City Council is working to improve mobility in Greensboro over the next 17 years. Leaders are dedicating more than $569,000 in hopes of becoming a car-optional city by 2040. The plan is geared towards strengthening public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, and riding rails in the city.
"We just announced there are 2.6 miles along Holden Road that are being stripped right now. We know that we have over 1,100 miles of road in the city of Greensboro, so we are making in-roads on the bike lanes," said Mayor Vaughan.
She also said there are plans to increase para-transit for people unable to access full-size city buses.