Winston-Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winston-Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.