James T. Willis
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 12
- Total speaking time
- 1:52:56
- Avg per meeting
- 9:25
- Segments
- 1928
Want every word Willis has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Willis said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Speed bumps request on Midland Way
Downtown revitalization and Brownfields plan
The $500,000 EPA grant has closed; staff will pursue the next round of EPA grants, and implementation costs are estimated in the plan.
Disposal of vacant city-owned parcels
Residents report spending hundreds to thousands of dollars repairing damage and maintaining lots the city owns.
55-unit multifamily housing behind Johnson School
The first two phases were already funded by a state grant tied to hurricane recovery; no city money was committed.
Potential electric rate impacts from NCEMPA wholesale rate change
$300,000 shifted within the electric fund — no new spending or cash impact.
Community Garden Special Use Permit
Unknown — property value impact was the contested question and no appraisal evidence was presented.
Water and sewer capital projects
$1.7M sewer contract plus $659K pump station contract, with $18.9 million in grant applications pending.
Bridge Creek demolition
$93,500 in state ARPA funds — no local water and sewer dollars used.
Zoning appeals consolidated under City Council
Peden Street duplex rezoning
Special Use Permit request on Dundee Drive
No city infrastructure costs; the hospital funds its own development.
FY 2026-2027 City Budget
A penny on the tax rate is worth about $120,000 under new revaluation values; even a cut to 38 cents would raise more revenue than current years.
Recycling and solid waste finances
Residential service costs about $6 more per month than the fee charged, and a transfer station option could cost $3–3.5 million.
2026 Sky High Aerospace Expo
Sponsorships and donations fund the nonprofit event; ticketed day is Saturday only.
City vs. County water system friction
McGirt's Bridge Road multifamily special use permit
Three sidewalk projects
The city pays only 20 percent; the rest comes through NCDOT.
Purchasing policy and minority participation requirements
No direct cost; noncompliance risked voiding state-funded contracts.
Tree removal compensation claim (U.S. 401/Montclair)
Unspecified compensation claim for lost trees and alleged property value impact.
Downtown Social District hours
Decisions during term (82)
Recorded while Willis was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.