Posted: Feb 13, 2026
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Greensboro City Council met in a work session this week with leaders from Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI) to discuss the future of downtown development, revitalization, and long-term investment strategies.
The meeting comes at a pivotal time for downtown Greensboro, following several business closures at the start of 2026 and the arrival of six new council members and a new mayor.
Quick Summary
City leaders explored ideas to improve downtown Greensboro, including more housing, rezoning strategies, better parking, enhanced lighting, and the possible sale of city-owned land for redevelopment. Officials say deeper discussions will continue during an upcoming council retreat.
What Happened
The session at City Hall was described as an introductory workshop between the newly structured council and DGI leadership.
“You all have a vote. Downtown belongs to everyone,” said DGI President and CEO Zack Matheny. “Every dollar you invest in downtown, you get a tenfold return. So what are we going to do with downtown?”
Rather than focusing solely on recent business closures, the session aimed to outline broader strategies to strengthen Greensboro’s city center.
Key Ideas Presented
1. Selling City-Owned Land for Development
Matheny suggested the council consider selling or repurposing city-owned surface lots to encourage mixed-use development, potentially incorporating parking below or behind new buildings.
“The future of downtown is in y’all’s hands,” Matheny said. “DGI does not own land. Y’all own a lot of land. So what can we do with that?”
This proposal could accelerate private investment while reshaping underused properties.
2. More Housing Downtown
Officials emphasized the need for additional residential development.
One proposal includes exploring a downtown residential fund — similar to a past initiative used for the Governor’s Court Condos — which could help offset interest costs if new units sit on the market for extended periods.
More housing is widely seen as a key driver for:
- Supporting local businesses
- Increasing foot traffic
- Enhancing public safety through density
3. Rezoning the Greenway Area
Matheny proposed rezoning everything within the downtown greenway to central business designation to speed up redevelopment and reduce barriers for developers.
However, Councilwoman CC Crawford expressed concern that rezoning efforts not negatively impact historic communities.
4. Parking and Lighting Improvements
Improved lighting and better parking infrastructure were identified as consistent public requests. These improvements are often tied to perceptions of safety and accessibility in the downtown area.
5. Noise Complaints and Potential Enforcement Tools
Noise complaints were also discussed.
Matheny suggested revisiting the idea of noise cameras, similar to red-light enforcement systems, that would automatically issue fines for excessive noise violations.
“It catches you, and you get a fine just like you would if you ran a red light,” Matheny said.
The proposal may spark debate, as similar ideas have faced pushback in the past.
Why This Matters for Greensboro Residents
Downtown Greensboro plays a central role in the city’s identity and economic health. Decisions made now could impact:
- Property values
- Business stability
- Residential growth
- Community character
- Public safety perception
With several businesses recently closing and new leadership in place, many residents are watching closely to see whether these ideas translate into concrete action.
What Happens Next
City leaders plan to continue discussions during an upcoming council retreat, where deeper strategic planning will take place.
Matheny expressed optimism about future collaboration.
“He’s hopeful that the fresh minds on the city council will be able to collaborate on how to move forward downtown,” he said.
No formal votes were taken during the work session.
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