Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in High Point public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with critical priority
Water and Wastewater Plant Equipment Upgrades
New water meters from Badger Meter, meter lids from Core & Main, tank recoating at the Ward plant and a clarifier rebuild at the Eastside plant were all on the consent agenda — routine but essential water system upkeep.
Affordable Housing and Property Acquisition on Vail Avenue
The city would accept donated parcels at 1310 Tipton Street and 512 Carr Street.
CDBG-CV Fund Reallocation for Public Services
The city is shifting over $450,000 in unused COVID-19 relief funds toward rent assistance and local food pantries to help low-income residents before the funds expire at the end of September.
Firefighter Staffing and Separation Allowance
Firefighters and supporters urged the city council to fund a special separation allowance to improve recruitment and retention and provide retirement healthcare support.
Wastewater Incinerator Downtime & Biosolids Disposal Costs
Emergency hauling costs rose due to an incinerator shutdown, highlighting ongoing sludge management needs.
High Point Police Department H.O.P.E. Team Rollout
The police department is launching a 5-year, $1.54 million drone program with Axon Enterprises to speed up emergency response times and support fire and rescue operations.
Electric Operations Center Construction
The committee advanced the Electrical Operations Center project with a $5.16 million concrete and structural steel amendment, alongside substantial investments in primary wire and supplemental labor contracts.
Low-Income Homeowner Tax Assistance Program
High Point is looking to boost its down payment assistance from $7,500 to $20,000 to help residents keep up with rising home prices. The plan also adds a $5,000 bonus for buyers fixing up homes in specific historic or lower-income neighborhoods.
Tenant Housing Conditions and Safety Concerns
Residents testified about severe maintenance neglect, lack of air conditioning, and dangerous gun violence in local rental communities, asking the city for housing relief and safety interventions.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvements
High Point is tracking 44 major capital and strategic projects, with post-pandemic inflation driving up cost estimates for key initiatives like Triangle Lake Road, 300 Oak Street, and the BUILD Grant project.
Guilford County Property Tax Concerns
The City Council adopted a resolution pushing back against state proposals that would restrict local governments from setting property tax rates. Leaders warned that arbitrary caps could severely impact funding for police, fire, and infrastructure.
Washington Terrace Park Early Voting Access
Residents and council members rallied to protect Washington Terrace Park as an early voting site, arguing that its closure would disproportionately harm minority, elderly, and transportation-constrained voters on High Point's Southside.
Five-Year Housing Strategy Implementation
High Point officials reviewed a comprehensive housing blueprint aimed at producing and preserving 5,000 housing units over five years. The plan addresses rising costs, aging housing stock, and gaps for renters, seniors, and workforce households.