Winston-Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winston-Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sunrise Towers Mural Project Parameters
The committee is choosing an artist to create a meaningful public art installation in east Winston-Salem. Residents weighed in on finalists, showing strong support for an artist whose work honors local history and legacy.
Business Oversight Committee
Winston-Salem is shaking up its business advisory committee and small-business rules due to a new state law. This matters because it changes how local tax money and city contracts get handed out to entrepreneurs.
Removal of Minimum Parking Requirements
The planning board recommended eliminating minimum parking requirements across local zoning codes to comply with new state legislation, House Bill 162. This change gives developers more flexibility on how much parking to build while keeping design and safety standards in place.
Historic Property Renovations and Outbuilding Demolition
Property owners across Winston-Salem and Walkertown sought approvals for home additions, fences, a pool, and the demolition of a historic 1891 barn. The commission carefully balanced modern property needs with preserving local historic district and landmark character.
Youth Protection Curfew Ordinance Extension
The city is considering extending its youth protection ordinance through October 2027 to address juvenile safety during overnight hours. Police data shows a drop in young crime victims, but some council members worry about civil liberties and a lack of alternative activities for teens.
Youth Curfew Extension
Winston-Salem is looking at extending its youth curfew all the way through 2027. If you live downtown or have teenagers, city leaders are about to heavily debate whether this rule actually keeps everyone safe or just cramps kids' styles.
Youth Curfew Ordinance and Public Safety
Police presented crime statistics showing a 13.4% drop in overall crime and discussed the early success of the city's youth curfew ordinance. Officials noted zero teen takeovers and a decrease in youth-involved firearm incidents during the summer.
Public Safety Surveillance and Flock Cameras
The police department updated officials on its surveillance tech, assuring residents that it does not use controversial Flock license plate readers and only accesses voluntary community camera feeds for criminal investigations under state law.
Temporary Youth Protection Curfew Ordinance
The city passed a temporary curfew making it illegal for unsupervised minors under 18 to be in public places from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Supporters argue it protects youth and deters late-night crime, while opponents and youth advocates contend it criminalizes children and fails to address root causes like poverty and lack of recreation.
World Cup base camp
Winston-Salem is scoring big by being picked as a home base for a German soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning a massive wave of visitors and global attention is headed our way. Get ready for a lively influx of international fans and plenty of local events tied to the tournament.
US-52 Bridge Replacements and Architectural Betterments
The city approved additional funding and a supplemental agreement with NCDOT to address a budget deficit for replacing the structurally deficient West First Street bridge over the railroad tracks.
Public Safety and Community Violence Intervention
Following a tragic fatal shooting at Lineback Park earlier in the day, city officials and community advocates stressed the need for collaborative public safety strategies and ongoing funding for programs like Forsyth Wins to combat youth violence.
Animal Sanctuary Ban
Winston-Salem's animal sanctuary ban is heading to the state Supreme Court in a massive property rights showdown. This case could ultimately decide what you're actually allowed to do on your own land.
Animal Sanctuary Lawsuit
Winston-Salem is locked in a legal fight over its strict ban on animal sanctuaries, which could shake up local zoning rules for exotic pets. If the city loses, it might have to completely rewrite how and where people can keep unusual animals.
Weather Preparedness
Winston-Salem officials are gearing up for potential winter weather, which means they'll be prepping roads and services. Keep an eye out for updates so you aren't caught off guard by icy commutes or sudden closures.
Legal Dispute
Winston-Salem is tangled up in a lawsuit with an animal sanctuary, and an appeals court is about to rule on it. This case could totally change local animal laws and leave the city on the hook for major liability.
Cybersecurity Attack
Winston-Salem recently suffered a cyberattack that knocked several city services offline, meaning you might experience some annoying delays when dealing with local government stuff. The city is currently working on fixing the network to get everything back up and running normally.