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.
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!
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.