Breaking the Housing Bottleneck: A Vision for Greensboro’s Future
Greensboro stands at a critical crossroads. With 65,000 to 70,000 new jobs coming to our city, we have an unprecedented opportunity for growth and prosperity. Yet we face a fundamental challenge that threatens to derail this economic boom: our inability to build housing fast enough to accommodate the workers who will fill these positions.
The numbers tell a sobering story: a single-family housing community in Guilford County takes two full years just to get approved—two years before a single shovel hits the ground. Meanwhile, starter homes now cost $400,000, and excessive regulations are adding an estimated $25,000 to each new home. We’re not just failing to build the 10,000 new homes our community desperately needs; we’re pricing out the very families we claim to want to help.
The solution isn’t a mystery—it’s sitting right in front of us, buried under layers of bureaucratic red tape. While other cities embrace 45-day permitting timelines and innovative solutions like third-party inspections, Greensboro’s Planning and Zoning committee and city staff have become the primary bottleneck preventing our growth. With my business experience in streamlining operations and eliminating inefficiencies, I know exactly how to fix this broken system and unlock Greensboro’s housing potential.
A Historic Day for North Carolina: JetZero’s Commitment Changes Everything
Today marks a watershed moment for North Carolina and the Greensboro community. JetZero has officially chosen Piedmont Triad International Airport as the location for a factory that is expected to generate 14,500 jobs — making this the largest single-employer announcement in the Triad’s history and the largest job commitment in North Carolina history.
I had the incredible privilege of witnessing this historic announcement firsthand at PTI today, and I can tell you that the energy in the room was absolutely electric. Governor Josh Stein declared that there could be an economic impact of $250 billion for the state, and as he put it so perfectly: “North Carolina was first in flight, we are also the future in flight.”
The scale of this commitment is breathtaking. The average wage of a job with JetZero will be $89,341, and no new job will pay less than $18.75 an hour. This isn’t just about quantity — it’s about quality jobs that will support families and build generational wealth in our community.
But here’s what today’s success really tells us: North Carolina can compete with anyone when we have the right leadership and business-friendly policies in place. After 47 years as a successful business entrepreneur and leader in this community, I know what it takes to attract and retain companies like JetZero.
JetZero, PTI, and a New Era of Economic Growth for Greensboro
Big news is officially on the horizon for Greensboro — and it has the potential to completely reshape our economic future.
This Thursday, June 12th, critical meetings at both the Greensboro City Council and Guilford County Board of Commissioners could help bring JetZero — the innovative aerospace company behind the world’s first blended wing body commercial aircraft — to Piedmont Triad International Airport. JetZero has narrowed its list of potential locations for its new factory to three finalists, with PTI Airport in Greensboro confirmed as one of them. The factory would create as many as 10,000 jobs.
The company is requesting performance-based economic incentives of up to $75.93 million over 20 years, representing one of the largest economic development opportunities our region has ever seen. JetZero officials said an announcement could be made before or at the high-profile Paris Air Show that runs June 16-22.
As someone who has spent the last 45 years building successful businesses from the ground up, I know what it takes to create jobs, attract investment, and lead with vision. Economic development doesn’t just happen — it takes leadership, strategy, and the ability to close deals when opportunity knocks.
Supersonic Flight Boosts Greensboro’s Economy
Greensboro is ready for takeoff. With Boom Supersonic investing in next-generation aircraft manufacturing at PTI and new federal support lifting decades-old restrictions on supersonic flight, our city is positioned to lead the future of aerospace innovation. In this article, Nicky Smith—Greensboro City Council candidate with 45+ years of business leadership—explains how this momentum can drive local job growth, economic expansion, and why strong, experienced leadership is key to making it happen.
How Greensboro Can Tackle Homelessness with the Healthy Opportunities Model
Homelessness in Greensboro is more than a housing issue — it’s a health crisis. In this blog, Nicky Smith explores how the Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program (HOPP) offers a smart, compassionate model to address homelessness by connecting people to housing, food, transportation, and medical respite care. With the right leadership, Greensboro can adopt these proven strategies to create real, lasting change.
Bringing Back the Heart of Greensboro
I still remember being a kid in Winston-Salem when my mother would take me to the department stores downtown – those trips weren’t just errands, they were social events where we’d run into family friends and feel the pulse of a thriving community. That experience drives my vision for Greensboro today. As a business leader running for City Council District 4, I’ve seen what cities like Greenville, South Carolina have accomplished, and I know we can bring that same vibrant energy to downtown Greensboro. With strategic development, community engagement, and proven leadership, we can transform our downtown into the beating heart of our city once again.
Standing Guard: A Greensboro Marine’s Decade of Remembrance
Every Memorial Day for nearly a decade, 67-year-old Skip Nix has stood at attention on a busy Greensboro corner in his Marine dress blues, holding his father’s folded American flag. The retired Marine and former fire chief endures two hours in the heat, his aging body protesting, because he believes someone must remind us that “freedom is not free.”
For years, his nephew—Police Sergeant Dale Nix—quietly watched his back from a patrol car, never seeking attention, just ensuring his uncle’s safety during the solemn vigil. But this Memorial Day will be different. Dale was gunned down in December while trying to stop a crime, leaving behind a void that Skip will feel deeply as he takes his post alone.
Despite diabetes and a damaged shoulder, Skip will continue his tradition at Wendover Avenue, honoring not just Dale, but all who gave their lives for our freedom. His simple act of remembrance has touched people worldwide, proving that one person’s dedication to memory can inspire countless others to never forget the price of liberty.
Breaking the Housing Crisis: Smart Solutions for Working Families
The Reality on the Ground. Grace Clifford, a local real estate broker, captures the urgency perfectly: homes under $300,000 are disappearing within hours of hitting the market. Families are making offers sight unseen, with inspectors walking through homes because buyers have less than 24 hours to decide. This isn’t a healthy market—it’s a crisis that demands immediate action. As someone who has spent 45 years building businesses and solving complex problems, I understand that effective solutions require leadership that can work with all stakeholders—developers, builders, city planners, and residents—to create real pathways to homeownership.
Greensboro Needs New Leadership — And Here’s Why
Greensboro has been named one of the best places to live in America — but rising property taxes and poor fiscal management are putting that status at risk. In “Fixing Greensboro: Real Leadership, Lower Taxes, Better Results,” City Council candidate Nicky Smith calls for common-sense leadership that prioritizes citizens over politics. With over 45 years of business experience, Smith lays out a plan to lower taxes, control spending, and bring real accountability to City Hall.
Amazon Expands in Greensboro – A Powerful Boost for Local Jobs and Growth
Amazon is making a major investment in Greensboro with plans to build a $24.4 million, 192,000-square-foot delivery station on Ritters Lake Road. This expansion strengthens Greensboro’s position as a key logistics hub in the Triad and promises to bring new jobs and faster deliveries to the region. As a candidate for Greensboro City Council, I see this as a strong sign that our city is ready for smart, strategic growth—and I’m committed to making sure projects like this benefit our entire community.
Too Much, Too Fast — Greensboro Needs Balanced, Not Blanket, Housing Solutions
Greensboro is at a crossroads in its approach to affordable housing. While the recent approval of over $6.5 million for new projects aims to expand access, concerns about equitable development cannot be overlooked. Councilwoman Sharon Hightower highlights the risks of concentrating affordable units in underserved areas without essential services. As we strive for a balanced and intentional growth strategy, it’s crucial to ensure that every neighborhood benefits. Join me, Nicky Smith, in advocating for a Greensboro that prioritizes smart growth and inclusivity, where every resident has a fair shot, regardless of their ZIP code.
Preserving Greensboro’s Voice: Why I Oppose House Bill 765
As a committed advocate for Greensboro, I believe our neighborhoods should be shaped by those who know them best—our local community and leaders. House Bill 765 threatens this principle by centralizing zoning decisions at the state level, stripping Greensboro of critical authority. This bill could compromise neighborhood integrity, lower property values, and overwhelm our infrastructure. Join me in opposing this legislation that undermines our local governance and unique character. Together, we can ensure Greensboro retains the power to protect our neighborhoods and manage our growth responsibly. Your voice matters—let’s make it heard!
Building a Brighter Future: Why Downtown Greensboro’s $62M Development Is Just the Beginning
Greensboro is on the brink of transformation with the groundbreaking of Carroll at Parkside, a $62 million development that promises to reshape our city’s landscape. This project isn’t just about new buildings; it’s a catalyst for job creation, tourism, and economic growth. Imagine hundreds of new jobs, a vibrant downtown destination with a rooftop bar, and more options for residents. As a candidate for City Council, I’m committed to fostering even more private investment and ensuring our city thrives. Join me in making Greensboro a place that welcomes big ideas and opportunities for all.
Greensboro’s Budget Band-Aid: Why a Temporary Hiring Freeze Isn’t Enough
In a recent article, Greensboro’s City Manager Trey Davis outlined a budget plan aimed at avoiding tax increases amidst a projected $5 million to $7 million shortfall. While a temporary hiring freeze has been implemented, questions arise: Why not extend this freeze until the budget is balanced? With rising costs and potential funding losses, residents deserve transparency and accountability. As Greensboro stands at a financial crossroads, it’s crucial to demand leadership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility. Discover how we can ensure a sustainable future for our city and why your voice matters in the upcoming City Council election.
Reid Phillips: The case for open spaces
Recently, my neighbors and I were labeled as “NIMBYs” for opposing the rezoning of property at the entrance to our community, New Irving Park in Greensboro. While developers argue that in-fill projects enhance the tax base and maximize land use, I urge you to consider the true cost of sacrificing our green spaces. These areas are vital for our well-being, improving air quality and providing a calming environment. As we face the push for more development, it’s crucial to ask: should every patch of land be built upon? Join me in advocating for the preservation of Greensboro’s green spaces.
Rebuilding Greensboro: Laying the Groundwork for Economic Prosperity
Greensboro stands at a pivotal moment, with our aging infrastructure—roads, water systems, and broadband access—crying out for attention. In 2023 alone, the city repaired over 3,400 potholes, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive maintenance. As we look to the future, investing in our infrastructure is not just about fixing today’s problems; it’s about laying the groundwork for economic prosperity and attracting new businesses. Join me, Nicky Smith, as we explore a strategic plan to revitalize Greensboro’s infrastructure, ensuring a brighter, more connected future for all residents. Together, we can transform our city into an engine of growth and opportunity.