In a city as vibrant and full of potential as Greensboro, transparency and accountability should be at the core of its government. Yet, for years, the Greensboro City Council has been criticized for operating behind closed doors and making decisions that impact residents without adequate communication or public input. This lack of transparency erodes trust between the council and the tax-paying citizens it serves, hindering the city’s ability to grow and prosper.
Nicky Smith, a proven leader and lifelong advocate for Greensboro, is running for City Council to change this dynamic. With over 45 years of experience as a business owner and community advocate, Nicky understands that transparency, accountability, and community engagement are essential to fostering trust and driving progress. His vision is clear: a City Council that listens to its citizens, communicates openly, and makes decisions that benefit the entire community—not just a select few.
Greensboro residents have grown increasingly frustrated with the City Council’s perceived lack of transparency. Public meetings often feel performative, with major decisions already made behind closed doors. Key issues—such as zoning changes, budget allocations, and development projects—are frequently discussed in ways that leave residents feeling excluded or uninformed.
These practices alienate citizens and create a perception of favoritism and mismanagement. When trust in local government wanes, so does community engagement, and Greensboro cannot afford to lose its people’s voices.
Transparency is not just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of good governance. When decisions are made openly and with public input, communities thrive. Transparency ensures that leaders are held accountable, policies are debated openly, and taxpayers can see how their money is being spent.
In Greensboro, transparency is particularly critical as the city works to balance growth with preserving its family-friendly character. Decisions about infrastructure, business incentives, affordable housing, and public safety must be made with input from all stakeholders. Without transparency, the city risks alienating its residents and hindering progress.
Nicky Smith believes that the citizens of Greensboro deserve better. He is committed to ensuring that the City Council operates with complete transparency, engages with residents, and makes decisions that reflect the community’s best interests. Here’s how he plans to do it:
Nicky will push for monthly town halls where residents can directly engage with council members, ask questions, and provide input on key issues. These forums will keep citizens informed and allow council members to hear concerns firsthand.
City decisions should be easy to understand. Nicky will advocate for clear and detailed explanations of all council actions, including budget allocations, development approvals, and policy changes. This information will be available online in plain language so every resident can stay informed.
Council members should be held accountable for their decisions. Nicky will propose measures to ensure that council votes are tracked and publicly reported, making it easy for residents to see where their representatives stand on key issues.
Nicky understands that not everyone can attend council meetings in person. That’s why he will push for expanded virtual engagement options, including livestreaming meetings, accepting online public comments, and creating interactive platforms for community feedback.
To rebuild trust, Nicky will advocate for establishing an independent oversight committee to review major decisions and ensure they align with the city’s goals and values.
Nicky’s approach to leadership is rooted in his experience as a business owner. For over forty years, he has built successful companies by listening to his team, making thoughtful decisions, and staying accountable to his customers and community. He knows that good leadership starts with listening—and that’s exactly what Greensboro’s City Council needs.
By prioritizing transparency, Nicky believes Greensboro can unlock its full potential. Here’s what a transparent City Council can achieve:
Trust is restored when residents see that their leaders are listening and acting in their best interests. This trust encourages greater civic engagement, which leads to better decision-making and a stronger sense of community.
Transparent decision-making ensures that Greensboro’s growth is guided by thoughtful planning and public input. This means balanced development that preserves the city’s character while creating opportunities for businesses and families.
Businesses are more likely to invest in cities where governance is transparent and predictable. By fostering an open and accountable environment, Greensboro can attract the kind of investment that creates jobs and strengthens the local economy.
Transparency ensures that all voices are heard—not just those with the most influence. This leads to policies that benefit everyone, from small business owners to families in underserved neighborhoods.
Greensboro has immense potential, but it needs leadership that prioritizes transparency and accountability. Nicky Smith is ready to bring his decades of experience and commitment to open governance to the City Council. He believes that the citizens of Greensboro deserve leaders who listen, communicate honestly, and make decisions that reflect the community’s best interests.
This is your city, your voice, and your future. It’s time to demand transparency from our leaders and hold them accountable for the decisions that shape Greensboro. With Nicky Smith on the City Council, you can trust that your voice will be heard and your concerns will be addressed.
Let’s work together to build a Greensboro that thrives through openness, accountability, and community engagement. Vote for Nicky Smith and help create a City Council that works for everyone.
Nicky Smith’s campaign is more than a bid for office—it’s a call to action for all Greensboro residents to demand the transparency and leadership our city deserves. This November, let’s make a change for the better. The future of Greensboro is in your hands.
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
