Council Takes a Look at Greensboro’s Future
At a two-day work session at the Center for Creative Leadership this past weekend, Greensboro’s City Council talked candidly and constructively about the role of City government in shaping the city’s future. Council spent about 18 hours over Friday and Saturday identifying critical issues and addressing the ways in which municipal government can contribute to their resolution. These discussions will help pave the way for upcoming budget sessions, which will focus more on big picture issues and less on budget detail. In addition, Council members discussed ways in which they might work together in other forums than the traditional briefings and formal sessions to ensure that these goals are carried out.

In discussing with their facilitator what went well and what might be improved in the sessions, Council members highlighted the openness of the conversations and their ability to set the agenda and lead the discussions themselves. A handful of City staff was present, including the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the Budget Director. Staff’s role was primarily to answer questions and to hear and convey to the organization the desires of the Council. One outcome of the meetings was a decision to create and publicize ways for residents to give feedback to Council about the City’s budget and proposals for a bond referendum.

City Council wants to hear from you at two upcoming meetings:

Share your thoughts on the next City budget
February 21, 5:30 pm, Council Chamber
Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St.

Share your thoughts on possible bond projects
March 21, 5:30 pm, Council Chamber
Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St.

New City Department Named
The new City department that will consolidate services from Transportation, Parks & Recreation, and Environmental Services has been named the "Field Operations Department." Effective March 1, the Field Operations Department will provide many of the most visible City services, including solid waste collection, street maintenance, street cleaning, storm water maintenance, loose leaf collection, snow and ice removal, park maintenance, and right-of-way maintenance.

Greensboro Firefighters Among the Best in the World
Greensboro firefighters burned past the competition in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge World Finals held recently in Florida. Only 80 teams in the world qualified to attend this competition. At the completion of the World Finals, the Greensboro Senior Team placed eighth and the Rookie Team placed 20th.

Questions or comments about this newsletter should be addressed to: Nancy Lindemeyer, Communications Manager, 373-2105 or email.