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