Winston-Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winston-Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
MWBE to Small Business Enterprise Committee Transition
The city would rename and refocus its Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise Advisory Committee as a Small Business Enterprise Advisory Committee — a change in how the city engages diverse vendors. The committee vote was 3-1.
Forsyth DRIVE Program Funding Extension
Extending the program that helps people restore suspended driver's licenses — which affects who can legally get to work. The Finance Committee backed it 3-1.
Transition from MWBE to SBE Advisory Committee
The city is updating its internal rules and advisory committees to comply with state budget legislation that eliminated traditional minority and women-owned business enterprise programs, moving instead to a small business enterprise model.
Downtown Sidewalk Café Permitting and Noise
The city is moving forward with a new noise ordinance focused on large entertainment venues, setting an 85-decibel threshold enforced by police in response to citizen complaints.
Downtown Improvement District Service Needs and RFP
The committee awarded a 5-year, $714,460 contract to the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership to maintain and market the BID, while council members pressed staff on ensuring retail and economic development investments reach underserved areas like the Northeast Ward.
Fourth and Church Parking Deck Agreement Restructuring
The city is getting out of its lease and operation of the aging Fourth and Church parking deck early, turning full control over to R.J. Reynolds. This deal gives the city $1 million upfront—part of which goes to Forsyth County—and saves the city hundreds of thousands in annual maintenance costs while securing public parking in a nearby lot.
Digital Towing Management System and Fee Adjustment
Winston-Salem is partnering with Autura to implement a digital dispatch system for towing services, cutting down roadside wait times and adjusting towing fees for the first time since 2019.