Fixing Greensboro: Real Leadership, Lower Taxes, Better Results

By Nicky Smith
May 19, 2025

Greensboro is a city full of promise. We’ve been recognized nationally for our affordability, strong job market, and quality of life. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked us #23 on its 2024–2025 list of Best Places to Live.

But here’s the truth: despite the accolades, Greensboro families and businesses are being taxed more than most in North Carolina — and we’re not seeing the return we deserve.

Let’s Look at the Numbers

Greensboro’s median effective property tax rate is 1.36%, far higher than the state median of 0.82% and the national median of 1.02%. And while our home values are lower, recent tax hikes erode that advantage. Greensboro’s property tax rate now surpasses Durham and is catching up to Charlotte.

That’s a growing burden on working families, retirees, and small businesses alike.

Affordability Shouldn’t Mean Higher Taxes

Our cost of living index is 84.2 — well below the U.S. average. Housing remains more affordable here than in Charlotte, Raleigh, or most large cities. The median home price in Greensboro is about $229,900, compared to $289,300 statewide.

Even utility costs here are 7% below the national average.

So why are we letting City Hall chip away at our wallets?

City Government Should Work For You — Not Against You

Greensboro has the highest city property tax rate among the five largest cities in North Carolina. Yes, we benefit from low or no fees for services like trash and yard waste pickup, and that’s worth protecting.

However, rather than managing resources wisely, City Hall keeps increasing taxes to fund questionable priorities. That’s not leadership — it’s a lack of it.

A Proven Business Leader Who Puts People First

For over 45 years, I’ve built businesses right here in Greensboro. I’ve created jobs, mentored talent, and delivered innovative technology solutions. My core value has always been simple: treat every customer like they matter.

Whether I’m helping a school district modernize communications or supporting a small business, I solve problems and deliver results. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to City Council — because you deserve the same service and responsiveness from your city government.

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about trust, results, and responsibility — and that’s what I’ve delivered my entire career.

Let’s Bring Common-Sense Leadership to City Hall

We don’t need more taxes. We need:

• A strategic budget that prioritizes needs over political wants
• Transparent decisions grounded in accountability
• Stronger partnerships to bring jobs and businesses here
• Growth that doesn’t come at the expense of homeowners and neighborhoods

Greensboro is a great place to live, but it can be even better if we elect leaders who prioritize citizens over city hall politics.

The Time for Change Is Now

I’m ready to bring business experience, fiscal discipline, and a customer-first mindset to City Hall. If you believe Greensboro deserves better, your donation — whether $10, $25, or more — will help us reach voters and restore accountability.

If you believe Greensboro deserves better, now is the time to act. Your donation, whether $10, $25, or more, will help us reach more voters, spread our message, and build a stronger, more affordable, and more accountable city government.

Let’s fix what’s broken. Let’s take back our city — together.

Nicky Smith,
Candidate for City Council District 4