The future of Greensboro depends on strong leadership that prioritizes action over bureaucracy, business growth over red tape, and common sense over politics. The citizens of District 4 deserve a representative who understands the challenges of running a business, creating jobs, and making Greensboro a more vibrant, competitive city.
For too long, Greensboro has been held back by the same political mindset that values committees and commissions over real solutions. While experience in city government can be beneficial, excessive time spent serving on boards and commissions without delivering tangible results is not the leadership Greensboro needs. We need someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, advocate for smart growth, and bring real business acumen to city leadership.
Too Much Bureaucracy, Not Enough Action: Having experience in city commissions is valuable, but if that experience is solely rooted in governance without meaningful economic results, it becomes a liability. Greensboro needs leaders who make things happen, not those who just talk about what should happen. Sitting on multiple boards does not equate to understanding what it takes to run a successful business or create real job opportunities.
Lack of Business Acumen: Our city deserves leaders who understand how businesses operate, how job creation really works, and how excessive regulations can stifle economic growth. Greensboro cannot afford another leader who is focused on meetings and commissions rather than the real economic needs of our city. We need a leader who has actually run a business, understands the challenges of entrepreneurship, and can help small and mid-sized businesses thrive.
In the recent selection process for Greensboro’s at-large City Council seat, several candidates emphasized the importance of business experience in city leadership. For instance, one applicant highlighted over three decades of experience in business and community service, underscoring the need for leaders who understand the intricacies of running a business and fostering economic growth.
A Record of Overpromising, Under-Delivering: Experience on zoning boards and criminal justice committees is important, but what concrete results have been delivered? Talking about improving housing, economic development, and public safety is one thing, but actually implementing policies that create jobs, build attainable housing, and ensure a safer community is another. Greensboro needs a leader who can cut through the noise and make a real impact.
In 2024, the City of Greensboro established the Community Safety Department to address ongoing public safety concerns. Despite this initiative, residents have continued to express apprehension about rising crime rates and the effectiveness of city interventions. This situation underscores the need for leadership that not only proposes solutions but also delivers tangible results in enhancing public safety.
Recycling the Same Ideas Won’t Bring Progress: The same policies and leadership styles that have been in place for years have not resulted in the kind of growth and prosperity Greensboro deserves. More of the same will only continue to hold our city back. A fresh approach is necessary—one that prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and real-world business experience.
In 2015, the Triad Business Journal highlighted concerns regarding Greensboro’s economic development efforts, noting that the organizations responsible seemed to attract more criticism than results. This sentiment underscores the need for a fresh approach that emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and practical business experience to drive the city’s growth and prosperity.
Nicky Smith is not a career politician or a bureaucratic insider—he is a business leader, a problem-solver, and someone who understands the struggles of working families, business owners, and the broader Greensboro community. With a proven track record of advocating for innovative, common-sense solutions, Nicky Smith is ready to bring a fresh perspective to the Greensboro City Council.
Real Business Experience: As a business owner, Nicky Smith knows what it takes to create jobs, navigate regulations, and drive economic growth. He understands the challenges businesses face firsthand and is committed to making Greensboro a more business-friendly city.
Results-Driven Leadership: Unlike those who have spent years in committee meetings with little to show, Nicky Smith has a history of taking action. Whether it’s advocating for economic growth, supporting responsible city planning, or fighting for taxpayers, he has consistently worked to deliver real solutions.
A Common-Sense Approach to Government: Greensboro needs a leader who will focus on real priorities—economic development, public safety, and infrastructure—without getting bogged down in unnecessary bureaucracy. Nicky Smith will work to cut through red tape, support our local police and first responders, and foster policies that promote homeownership and business growth.
Fighting for the People of Greensboro: Whether it’s standing up for homeowners, advocating for responsible development, or ensuring taxpayers get the most value for their dollars, Nicky Smith is committed to putting the people of Greensboro first.
Greensboro cannot afford more of the same leadership that keeps us stuck in bureaucracy, slow growth, and outdated policies. The time for real, actionable change is now. Nicky Smith is ready to bring the leadership, experience, and business-minded approach that District 4 needs.
It’s time for Greensboro to move forward with a leader who can make things happen. Vote for common sense. Vote for business-savvy leadership. Vote for Nicky Smith for Greensboro City Council District 4.
Nicky Smith’s leadership will transform Greensboro into a city recognized for its thriving business community, innovation, and opportunity. He will create a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all residents by supporting small businesses, fostering startups, and attracting industries.
Vote for Nicky Smith this November and join the movement to make Greensboro a beacon of growth, innovation, and prosperity. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city.
Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
Additional Reading References:
Rhino Times – City of Greensboro Creates New Department To Keep Everyone Safe
Triad Business Journal – Time is ripe to fix Greensboro’s economic development efforts
City Journal – In Cities, Common Sense Is Common Ground
Business Leader Poised to Drive Positive Change in Politics
Kansas City – Mayor feuds with staff over economic development efforts
Greensboro Deserves a Fresh Start like San Francisco