Winston-Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winston-Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Manufactured Home Special Use Permit Renewals and Applications
The board reviewed and approved multiple renewals and new applications for manufactured homes and accessory dwellings across Forsyth County. These permits ensure that residential placements comply with local zoning standards and building codes.
Street Yard Setback Variance at 2255 New Castle Road
Property owners sought relief from standard zoning regulations, resulting in one approved lot-size variance for a property split on Apple Street and the withdrawal of a garage setback variance on New Castle Road.
Chatham Block Local Historic Landmark Designation
The commission is reviewing an application for a new wall-mounted sign at 651 Summit Street to ensure it fits the historic character of the West End district.
Choice Neighborhood Residency Artist Selection
A cluster of art projects — a pavilion and courts at Rupert Bell Park, a Brunson Elementary sculpture, a Brown School Lofts shade structure, a resident artist program, and murals at the Dream Center and Sunrise Towers — are moving forward in the Choice Neighborhoods area.
Art Crush 10-Year Anniversary Event (November 20)
The commission is planning its November 20th Art Crush event marking ten years of public art in Winston-Salem. It's a chance for residents to engage with the city's public art program.
Newell-Massey Greenway Repairs
A $584,559.55 contract to repair the Newell-Massey Greenway — a win for walkers, runners, and cyclists who use the trail.
Demolition of Dilapidated Structures at Three Addresses
Three public hearings on tearing down problem buildings: 835 Gray Avenue, 2018 Dellabrook Road, and 5716 Polaris Road. Blighted structures affect neighborhood safety and property values.
Expanded Recreation Center Hours for Youth and Teens
Select recreation centers would stay open longer with more programming aimed at young people — more safe options after school and on weekends.
Prosperity Alliance Homes on City-Owned Lots
Two city-owned lots — 82 East Rhyne Avenue and one on Sides Road — would be developed with detached single-family homes by Prosperity Alliance, adding housing stock in the Southeast Ward.
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.
Community Roots Day Planning
The Trees and Woodlands committee is planning for Community Roots Day, scheduled for February 2027. This initiative engages the community in tree planting and urban forest awareness.
Economic Development
Winston-Salem is hosting its 8th annual small business mixer on October 27 at the Benton Convention Center. It's a great chance for local entrepreneurs to link up directly with city departments and get the resources they need to grow.
City Hall Centennial Preparation and Painting Change Order
City Hall is getting a fresh coat of paint and repairs just in time for its 100th anniversary celebration on November 16th.
Election Deadline
Need to vote by mail in Forsyth County? Make sure to request your absentee ballot by Tuesday at 5 p.m. so you don't miss your chance to cast a ballot from home.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Committee members are planning the second annual Winston-Salem World Day of Remembrance to raise awareness about traffic safety and honor victims of road crashes.
Marshall Street Redevelopment Assistance
Developers behind the Marshall Street project asked for more time to finish their phased commercial and culinary hub, sparking a discussion among leaders about balancing community investments with tight city budgets.
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.
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.
Long Creek Park Expansion
The city is accepting a 9.27-acre land donation from the Conservation Fund to expand Long Creek Park as passive parkland.
2027-2032 Street Resurfacing Plan Integration
City staff and committee members are reviewing upcoming street resurfacing lists to proactively incorporate bicycle lanes and striping improvements where roadway widths allow.
Rescission of HOME-ARP Funding Allocation
The city returned over $2.25 million in federal housing funds after programs with Step Up America fell through.
Demolition of 1955 Structure at 712 Chatham Road
The commission approved tearing down a 1955 house in the West End Historic Overlay District because it was built after the district's period of significance and lacked historic features.
Country Club Road Office Rezoning
A property owner wants to rezone a 0.3-acre single-family parcel on Country Club Road to allow office and child care uses, preserving the existing home while fitting into a transitional area.
Disposition of West Clemensville Road Park for Affordable Housing
The city proposed selling an undeveloped 4.9-acre park parcel to Prosperity Alliance for a nominal fee to build 33 affordable housing units. The planning board supported the transfer, noting the site has remained a vacant park for nearly 70 years.
Manufactured Home Placements on Tyler Street and Otis Drive
The board reviewed and approved two separate requests to place Class A manufactured homes in established residential neighborhoods, ensuring they met UDO standards and compatibility guidelines.
Zoning Petition W-3694 (University Parkway Highway Business)
The owner of a small residential property at University Parkway and Laura Avenue seeks a highway business rezoning to help sell the home for commercial use, drawing neighborhood concerns about cut-through traffic.
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.
Kimberley Park Hydroponics Greenhouse Lease
The city is handing over operation of the Kimberley Park hydroponics greenhouse to Anders Family Farms, eliminating hundreds of thousands in annual city subsidies while maintaining food resilience goals.
Utility Commission Agreement Amendment
The city and county updated their 1976 utility agreement so that no elected official in Forsyth County can serve on the Utility Commission, keeping politics out of water and sewer operations.
Lifeguard Heat Safety Regulations
Community members and pool staff called for common-sense regulations and shorter rotations when heat index levels soar, following incidents of heat exhaustion among city lifeguards.
Upcoming June Zoning Docket and Area Plans
The planning board previewed a massive June docket featuring 17 items, including major subdivisions, special use permits, and rezoning cases. Staff also highlighted the final public meeting for the Northeast Suburban Area Plan.
Concrete Plant Expansion on Lowry Street (W-3676)
Concrete Supply Co. received approval to expand its asphalt and concrete plant on Lowry Street, incorporating rail transport to reduce heavy truck traffic and ease neighborhood road wear.
Unified Development Ordinance Amendment for NC House Bill 926
The city is updating local zoning chapters to comply with state law regarding application refiling waiting periods and vested rights.
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.
Isenhour Homes Residential Rezoning on Chickasha Drive
Isenhour Homes requested a rezoning from agricultural to RS-40 for a 13.35-acre parcel on Chickasha Drive. Nearby residents raised questions about lot layouts, property values, and potential street connections.
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.
Retaining Wall and Slope Regulations UDO Amendment
The city is proposing to remove height limits for retaining walls from the zoning code and move them to engineering guidelines to give design professionals more flexibility.
Winston-Salem Fire Department 2025 Annual Review
Fire Chief Trey Mayor presented the fire department's annual report, highlighting a 33% reduction in inspection backlogs, decreased civilian fire fatalities, and ongoing behavioral health response integration.
Neighborhood Demolition Schedule for 2026
Neighborhood Services outlined plans to demolish 11 deteriorated properties over the coming months after owners failed to address minimum housing code violations.
Beltway Development
City planners are looking at new ways to develop the land around the local beltway, which is going to seriously change how traffic moves and what neighborhoods and shopping areas look like near you.
Zoning Petition W-3672 for Walnut and Broad Streets
A developer wants to replace an old house with three new townhomes at West Walnut and South Broad streets. A nearby business owner worried that new homes might clash with the area's growing bar and restaurant scene, but the council approved the plan.
Tourism and Economic Development
Winston-Salem is scoring big for the 2026 World Cup by hosting the German National Soccer Team at Wake Forest and Graylyn Estate. This means massive international spotlight and a serious boost for local tourism and pride.
Demolition of Substandard Structure at 622 East 25th Street
The city ordered the demolition of an unsafe, blighted structure where repairs would cost far more than the building's value.
City Parks Code of Conduct
The city established a formal code of conduct for public parks to improve safety and manage behavioral issues. This clarifies rules for park visitors and staff.
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.