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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greensboro’s PTI Airport Soars Toward the Future: A New Era of Aerospace Manufacturing
Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is rapidly emerging as a national leader in aerospace manufacturing, attracting innovative companies like JetZero, which could bring 10,000 new jobs to the region. With a strong foundation in aviation education and a skilled workforce, Greensboro is poised to become America’s next aerospace powerhouse. This transformation is not just about jobs; it’s about creating a legacy of innovation and sustainability. Join us as we explore how Greensboro is taking flight into a new era of economic growth and opportunity, and discover how you can be part of this exciting journey!
Greensboro’s Digital Future: How Data Centers Can Supercharge Our Local Economy
The arrival of Enovum Data Centers in Madison, NC signals more than just a new occupant for the former Unifi site—it marks the beginning of a new era of economic opportunity for the Triad. With a $53 million investment and plans to power its operations with 100% renewable energy, Enovum is poised to bring high-paying tech jobs, advanced infrastructure, and sustainable innovation to the region. For Greensboro and surrounding communities, this is a chance to position ourselves at the forefront of the digital economy—where growth, green values, and cutting-edge technology intersect.
Greensboro Soars: Boom Supersonic and the Rise of America’s New Aerospace Hub
Boom Supersonic’s decision to build its $500 million Overture Superfactory at Greensboro’s PTI Airport is a game-changer — not just for aviation, but for the city’s entire economic future. With over 1,700 new high-paying jobs and global attention from aerospace giants, Greensboro is rapidly emerging as a national manufacturing powerhouse. Local business leader and tech innovator Nicky Smith, known for his successful ventures and passion for smart growth, is poised to help lead this charge. His experience in building companies from the ground up makes him the kind of leader who can attract and support the next wave of international investment.
We Cannot Let the American Hebrew Academy Campus Sit Dormant
The former American Hebrew Academy campus on Hobbs Road—once a premier educational institution—is now a symbol of government waste and growing local concern. After the federal government spent nearly $242 million to prepare the site for migrant housing, not a single child was ever housed there. Now, with the property back in the hands of its Chinese-linked owners and no clear plans in sight, residents fear the campus may fall into disrepair. City Council candidate Nicky Smith is calling for immediate action to find new ownership and put the campus to productive use before it’s too late.
Greensboro’s Growth Is No Accident — It’s a Vision for Families, Jobs, and a Thriving Community
Greensboro is on the brink of an exciting transformation! Local developer Andy Zimmerman has unveiled a visionary four-phase project to expand Forge Greensboro, turning it into a vibrant hub for work, play, and community. This initiative is not just about buildings; it’s about creating a thriving environment for families and fostering innovation. With plans for affordable housing, job-ready skills training, and community spaces, this project promises to enhance the quality of life for all Greensboro residents. Join us in building a future where our city flourishes together—let’s make Greensboro a place where families can truly thrive!
Building Greensboro’s Future: Nicky Smith’s Vision for 10,000 New Homes
Greensboro is at a pivotal moment in its history, and I, Nicky Smith, am ready to lead the charge towards a bold vision of 10,000 new homes by 2030. With over 45 years of proven leadership, I understand the importance of fostering collaboration and transparency to unite our community. Housing is about more than just structures; it’s about creating vibrant neighborhoods where families can thrive. Join me in this transformative journey to ensure Greensboro remains a welcoming city for all. Together, we can build a brighter future—let’s get to work!