City of Greensboro Announces Partnership with Mobile App Waze

"GREENSBORO, NC (September 14, 2016) – The City of Greensboro announced a data-sharing partnership with Waze, a free, real-time traffic and navigation app owned by Google. Through the Waze Connected Citizens Program, the City can publish data from multiple departments that Waze can integrate, including road closures, construction and special events so drivers can find alternative routes, helping ease congestion within city limits.

“Partnering with Waze is an example of how the City of Greensboro is committed to using open data and new technology to provide greater services for our residents in very tangible ways,” said Jane Nickles, director of the City’s Information Technology Department. “This is a collective effort between multiple City departments to make local government more efficient and effective.”  

Established as a two-way data share, Waze provides partners with real-time, anonymous incident and slow-down information directly from participating drivers. The City will be able to provide Waze users with advanced notice of major traffic events, such as concerts, festivals and special events that may affect their daily commutes.

“The partnership with Waze and the City of Greensboro will disseminate more up-to-date traffic information to the public, so that safer and more reliable transportation choices can be made by drivers who need to move around Greensboro,” said Adam Fischer, director of the City’s Transportation Department.

According to Waze, there are more than 62,000 monthly active Waze users in Greensboro who drive nearly 17 million miles with the app each month. The Greensboro metro area was also found to have the most overall satisfying driving experience in the US, according to the 2016 Waze Driver Satisfaction Index released Tuesday, September 13.

The Waze app is available for download for IOS and Android at www.waze.com/get ."

- A Press Release

City of Greensboro Announces Holiday Closings

"GREENSBORO, NC (December 15, 2015) – City offices are closed on Thurs., Dec. 24 and Fri., Dec.25, as well as Fri., Jan. 1, 2016 for the holidays. The following services and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule:

·         There are no trash/recycling collections on Fri, Dec. 25. That day’s collections instead take place Thurs., Dec. 24, and Thursday’s collections take place Wed., Dec. 23.

There are also no trash/recycling collections on Fri., Jan. 1. That day’s collections instead take place on Thursday, December 31, and Thursday’s collections take place on Wednesday, December 30.

·         The White Street Landfill, Solid Waste Transfer Station, and the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center are all closed on Fri., Dec. 25 and Fri., Jan. 1.

·         The Greensboro Public Library system and the Greensboro Historical Museum are closed on Thurs. and Fri., Dec. 24-25 and Fri., Jan. 1.

·         Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) is operating on the following schedule for the holidays:
●  Thurs., Dec.24 – hourly service, 6 am to 6 pm; SCAT service ends at 6 pm
●  Fri., Dec. 25 – no service for GTA and SCAT
●  Thurs., Dec. 31 – hourly service, 6 am to 6 pm; SCAT service ends at 6 pm

●  Fri., Jan. 1, 2016 – no service for GTA and SCAT

·         Parks and Recreation administrative offices, parks and facilities are operating on an altered holiday schedule. Visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/PRSchedule  to see the complete listing.

·         Emergency service is available for water and sewer needs after normal business hours and on weekends. Water customers can call 373-2489 (CITY) to report water or sewer problems. After placing the call, please follow the prompts to connect to the Water Resources dispatcher."

- A Press Release

Gridiron Battle Kicks Off Second Year of Guilford Cup

"Employees and elected officials representing the City of Greensboro and Guilford County will meet at 11 am Sat., Oct. 17 at Jaycee Park, 3802 Jaycee Park Dr., for the second annual Guilford Cup football game. The gridiron meeting will be the first of multiple sporting events between the two government entities in the battle for the 2015-16 Guilford Cup.

During the inaugural year of competition between the City and County in 2014-15, the City scored victories in all three competitions – besting the County in football, 18-12, in basketball, 72-58, and in softball, 19-11. This year’s football game will also serve as a collection point for food to be distributed through the United Way. In lieu of paid admission, spectators are asked to bring two nonperishable or canned food items.

Greensboro City Councilman Jamal Fox and Guilford County Commissioner Ray Trapp developed the idea of bringing representatives from the two organizations together on the athletic field. “This is a way of breaking down the walls and barriers, perceived or real, that exist between the two governments,” says Fox. “It’s also a fun way to network, provide some excitement for employees, and gives residents a chance to cheer on their governmental leaders.”

“Sports have a way of bringing people together and that’s what the Guilford Cup idea is really about, finding some common ground and spending time with one another,” says Trapp. “I believe that the fellowship we have on the playing field will translate into the workplace. A good-natured rivalry may lead to stronger working ties which will benefit our community in numerous ways.”

More information about the Guilford Cup is online at www.greensboro-nc.gov/guilfordcup."

- A Press Release

City Kicks Off Annual “Be Greensboro” Campaign; Nominate a City Employee on a Job Well Done

"GREENSBORO, NC (June 2, 2015) – The City of Greensboro kicks off its fourth annual “BE: Greensboro” employee recognition campaign, which will run now through August 31. Greensboro residents are encouraged to send an e-mail to cogcc@greensboro-nc.gov or call the Contact Center at 373-CITY (2489) to nominate a City employee for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing excellent customer service.

The campaign is designed to encourage and recognize City employees for their service to the community. The campaign encourages employees throughout the organization to be excellent examples of City government by being compassionate, helpful, and committed to serving Greensboro’s residents.

“Our ‘BE: Greensboro’ campaign has served as a successful way to thank those outstanding employees who provide excellent customer service to our residents each and every day,” said City Manager Jim Westmoreland. “I personally want to thank our employees for their hard work and dedication in serving Greensboro residents.”

Monthly nominees will be recognized as the “Best of the Best” during City Council meetings and through the City’s website at www.greensboro-nc.gov/BeGreensboro."

- A Press Release

City Hosts Guilford County Legislative Delegation February 12

"City of Greensboro residents will have the opportunity to meet with locally-elected members of the North Carolina legislature during the Guilford County Legislative Delegation’s public forum Thursday, February 12. The public forum portion of the meeting begins at 7 pm in the Council Chamber of the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St.

Greensboro residents are invited to the meeting to express ideas and concerns related to state government. Representatives from the ten-member delegation will be in attendance to listen to residents.

The forum will be broadcast delayed on Greensboro Television Network with airings of the event pre-empted by live coverage of the Guilford County Commissioner’s meeting. The program will air on GTN February 13-15 and a link to the broadcast will be available on the City’s website at www.greensboro-nc.gov."

- A Press Release

City of Greensboro Announces MLK Jr Day Closings

"Greensboro City offices are closed on Monday, Jan.19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

The following services and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule:

·         No garbage, recycling, bulk trash, yard waste, or appliance collections take place on Monday, January 19. That day’s collections instead take place on Tuesday, January 20, and Tuesday’s collections take place on Wednesday, January 21.

·         The White Street Landfill and Solid Waste Transfer Station are both closed on Monday, January 19.

·         The Greensboro Public Library system and the Greensboro Historical Museum are closed Monday, January 19.

·         Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) and HEAT will operate hourly service from 6 am to 10 pm.

·         Parks and Recreation administrative offices, parks and facilities are operating on an altered holiday schedule. Visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/PRSchedule  to see the complete listing.

·         Emergency service is available for water and sewer needs after normal business hours and on weekends. Water customers can call 373-2489 (CITY) to report water or sewer problems. After placing the call, please follow the prompts to connect to the Water Resources dispatcher."

- A Press Release

Police Chief Search Underway, Public Invited to Share Thoughts

"The City of Greensboro is kicking off its search for a new police chief this week and residents of the City will have the opportunity to weigh-in during the process. There will be a community meeting to discuss important factors involved in selecting a new chief at 6 pm on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, 134 S. Elm St. Residents who cannot attend the meeting can log online at  www.greensboro-nc.gov/chiefsearch and complete an opinion survey about the chief’s search.

The City has retained Developmental Associates LLC to conduct the search. The position will be advertised through mid-December, with candidate screening and assessments scheduled to take place in January and early February. The new chief is scheduled to be selected in mid-February."

- A Press Release

Oct. 10 and 11 events will cause traffic problems in Greensboro

“Better Blocks” Event will Affect traffic in

the Hamburger Square Area on Oct. 10

GREENSBORO, NC (October 3, 2014) – “Better Blocks” event on October 10 will affect traffic in the Hamburger Square area from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Motorists can expect permanent closures from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Vehicular traffic will be prohibited along:

• Davie St. between Washington St. and McGee St. 

• McGee Street between Elm Street and Martin Luther King St

Motorists are reminded that pedestrians have the right of way, and are asked to use caution where participants are present.

Cannonball Run Half Marathon Affects Traffic on North end of Lawndale Dr.and South end of Lake Brandt Rd Area Oct. 11

GREENSBORO, NC (October 03, 2014) – “Cannonball Run Half Marathon” on October 11 will affect traffic on the north end of Lawndale Drive and the south end of Lake Brandt Road area from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Motorists can expect permanent and intermittent closures along the route (see map) from 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.  Vehicular traffic will be prohibited along:

• One southbound lane of Lawndale Drive from Regents Park Lane to Orman Road (8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

• Turn lane of Lake Brandt Road from Regents Park Lane to Old Battleground Road (8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

Other streets along the route will experience intermittent closures as the race progresses to provide a safe route for participants.

Motorists are reminded that pedestrians have the right of way, and are asked to use caution where participants are present.

Mad Hatter Run:  Affects Traffic on Friendly Ave. at Radiance Dr. and Neighboring Community North of Friendly Ave.

GREENSBORO, NC (October 03, 2014) – “Mad Hatter Run” on October 11 will affect traffic on Friendly Ave at Radiance Dr. and neighboring community north of Friendly Ave. area from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Motorists can expect permanent and intermittent closures along the route (see map) from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.  Vehicular traffic will be prohibited along:

• E. Radiance Dr. between W. Radiance Dr. and Friendly Ave. (full closure 9:00 a.m. - 9:45a.m.)

• Mimosa Dr. between Aycock St. and Candlewood Dr. (full closure, 9:00 a.m. - 9:30a.m.)

• Other streets along the route will experience intermittent closures as the race progresses to provide a safe route for participants. (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)

Motorists are reminded that pedestrians have the right of way, and are asked to use caution where participants are present.

- Press Releases

City and County Set for Gridiron Battle

"Employees and elected officials representing the City of Greensboro and Guilford County will meet at 11 am Saturday, September 20 at Jaycee Park, 3802 Jaycee Park Dr., for fun, fellowship, and football. The gridiron meeting will be the first of three sporting events between the two government entities in the battle for the Guilford Cup.

Greensboro City Councilman Jamal Fox and Guilford County Commissioner Ray Trapp developed the idea of bringing representatives from the two organizations together on the athletic field. “This is a way of breaking down the walls and barriers, perceived or real, that exist between the two governments,” says Fox. “It’s also a fun way to network, provides some excitement for employees, and gives residents a chance to cheer on their governmental leaders.”

“Sports have a way of bringing people together and that’s what the Guilford Cup idea is really about, finding some common ground and spending time with one another,” says Trapp. “I believe that the fellowship we have on the playing field will translate into the workplace. A good-natured rivalry may lead to stronger working ties which will benefit our community in numerous ways.”

Teams comprised of employees and Council/Commission members will kick off the Guilford Cup with the flag football game September 20. That event will be followed by a basketball game later in the fall and a softball game in the spring of 2015. A points system is being developed based on winners of the athletic events and volume of donations to the selected nonprofits that will receive charitable contributions in lieu of entry to the events. The government team with the most points will be awarded the Guilford Cup.

Residents and spectators interested in attending September’s football game are asked to bring donations for the Teachers’ Supply Warehouse. A list of items requested by Teachers’ Supply Warehouse and information about the game is online at www.greensboro-nc.gov/guilfordcup."

- A Press Release

Big Changes – Big Results Families and Local Economy are Top Beneficiaries of Science Center

GREENSBORO, NC -- The 2013-2014 fiscal year was record-breaking for the Greensboro Science Center, thanks to its supporters, donors, members, staff and volunteers. The Center saw a 111% increase in general attendance over the previous fiscal year. Over 430,000 visitors came through the doors representing 98 North Carolina counties and all 50 states. The Center's previous attendance record occurred in 2010-11 with over 320,000 visitors, in part due to the blockbuster Bodies Revealed traveling exhibit. Seeing this record attendance is humbling and brings happiness to a team that worked hard to bring the Carolina SciQuarium to fruition. "I don't know what to say other than "Thank you"," said Kevin Baker, chair of the Greensboro Science Center's Board of Directors.  "Thank you to the incredible staff with the enthusiasm, imagination and foresight to provide for the continuous reinvention of this amazing place; thank you to a Board of dedicated individuals who give selflessly of their time, expertise, and other resources to help guide and achieve the strategy of the GSC; thank you to the City of Greensboro for supporting this near perfect example of public-private partnership, and last but far from least; thank you to all those who have given generously, and enabled the Greensboro Science Center to become what it is today." Thanks to voters and donors, the Center's first expansion project, which included the Carolina SciQuarium, is playing a vital role in bringing visitors from across the country to Greensboro. As the Center continues to grow and draw more and more visitors, Greensboro's many great attractions and assets all combined will help re-brand our community as an even more dynamic and vibrant place to visit and live. An economic impact study completed before the 2009 bond by Dr. Andrew Brod projected the Center would generate $25M per year economic impact following the completion of the Center's full Master Plan. Based on visitation following just the first phase, those initial projections are already applicable. The Center has now set its sights on generating $30-$40M per year in economic impact with the completion of museum reinvention and renewal and zoo expansion, which entails the construction of a new realm called "The Rainbow River Gorge." - A Press Release

CALL FOR ARTISTS 2015 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Poster Competition

ATTENTION NORTH CAROLINA ARTISTS Greenhill and the U.S. Figure Skating Championships are looking for an original artwork portraying the spirit, athleticism and grace of figure skating for the official poster of the 2015 U.S. Figure Skating Championships taking place at the Greensboro Coliseum from January 18-25, 2015.  The winning artist will receive $3000 for reproduction of their work on the poster as well as royalties from sales during the Championships. Second and third place entries will receive $750 and $500 respectively.  A People's Choice award of $750 voted by the public will also be awarded. Entries are due by September 30, 2014 CLICK HERE to submit your entry Rules for Submission: 1.  Eligibility: The competition is open to current residents of North Carolina (temporary or permanent) or out-of-state residents who have earned a degree from a North Carolina college or university.  2. Artworks must be 2-d.  All media (painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, fiber art) are accepted. Photography is excluded. Do not include typography or illustrated text in your artwork. 3. All submissions must be an original design by the entrant, not an adaptation of another artist's design, and conceived for reproduction as a 40 x 30 inch poster. 4.  Artists may submit up to two entries in the form of jpeg digital images. There is a $10 fee per entry. Submit online at:  www.greenhill.slideroom.com Please address any questions to:  edie.carpenter@greenhillnc.org 5. All submissions must be received by September 30, 2014. 6. Entrants must agree if they are selected as one of the 40 semi-finalists, to exhibit their work at the Coliseum from January 18-25, 2015 and prepare their work for display. 7. Semi-finalists will be notified by October 15, 2014. 8. Drop-off of semi-finalists' work at the Orientation Room, Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 North Davie Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 for juried review:  December 11, 2014. 9. Notification of winning design and 2nd and 3rd place entries:  December 15, 2014. 10. Awards conferred during a ceremony at the Greensboro Coliseum on January 16 or 17, 2015 (to be announced). 11. Works picked up at Greenhill, 200 North Davie Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 on January 28 and January 29, 2015. 12. The winning artists give Greenhill and the U.S. Figure Skating Championships the right to use their artwork, or part thereof, in any publication, advertising, or promotional materials.   For more information on the 2015 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, please visit the website at www.northcarolina2015.com.

City Names Jane Nickles Director for Information Technology Department

"GREENSBORO, NC (July 18, 2014) – The City of Greensboro has named Jane Nickles as its new director of the information technology department. Nickles, who originally retired from the City in 2012 as Network Services Division manager, has served as interim director since February 1, 2014, replacing departing director, Darryl Jones.

Nickles began with the City in 1983 as a programmer analyst and became a GIS application developer in 1995 and database administrator in 2000 before being appointed a division manager in 2005. During her retirement, Nickles provided IT project management consulting services for project such as infrastructure upgrades, enterprise rollouts, software integration and application development services for web-based systems and database design.

“Jane’s experience with the City and her knowledge of our operations made her the perfect candidate to fill this role,” says City Manager Jim Westmoreland. “I am confident that Jane will continue to serve us well and continue to enhance the IT department.”"

A Press Release

Duke Energy Set to Resume Vegetation Management in Westerwood

"GREENSBORO, NC (July 18, 2014) – Duke Energy will resume its vegetation management and tree trimming around electrical lines in the Westerwood neighborhood on Monday, July 21. The efforts come after City of Greensboro and Duke Energy officials met with neighborhood representatives and collaborated to develop a plan for completing the work.

The first phase of work that will begin in Westerwood affects homes along Woodlawn and Crestland avenues, North Mendenhall, Courtland, Fairmont and Lakeview streets, and East Lake Drive. The growth and proximity of vegetation in the neighborhood is extremely heavy, and, in some cases, crews will need to de-energize the lines to work safely.  Any necessary power outages will start at approximately 8 am and last approximately three hours. Affected customers will be notified in advance of the outage.

The City, Duke Energy and neighborhood representatives met in June to discuss the resumption of the vegetation management. The focus of the discussions was on reducing the impact on residents and Duke Energy customers, ensuring the safety of residents and workers, and using directional pruning methods to train the tree to grow away from the line while maintaining the health of the trees.

To enhance the safety of property owners, motorists, pedestrians and tree trimming crews, there will be controlled access points to the neighborhood while the work is ongoing. Residents will still be allowed to access their property, but traffic will likely be limited to one lane and motorists will be required to drive at slow speeds through the neighborhood.

For more information about Duke’s vegetation management program and species of trees that might be more compatible in various areas, visit the following link: http://www.duke-energy.com/safety/right-of-way-management/before-you-plant.asp"

Submitted by City of Greensboro

The Nutella Truck Tour Is Rolling Through Center City Park on July 9th

"Come out and enjoy again or try for the first time some of the best chocolate around.
There Will Be:
Delicious Samples Of Nutella On Your Favorite Foods
Fun Activities
A Photo Experience To Capture It All
AND
Cool Giveaways Like T-Shirts and Stickers

You Know You Don't Wanna Miss This,
Come On Its FREE NUTELLA We're Talking About Here!!!

Plus Tunes @ Noon Will Still Be Happening In The Park with Food Trucks!!

http://nutellausa.tumblr.com/"
A Press Release

Police Chief Ken Miller Announces Retirement Plans

POLICE CHIEF KEN MILLER

"City of Greensboro Police Chief Ken Miller announced today his plans to retire from the City of Greensboro and pursue police or executive leadership opportunities in other jurisdictions or corporations. Miller intends to retire between September 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014.

According to City Manager Jim Westmoreland, the City is appreciative of Chief Miller’s work and the positive growth of the police department under his direction.  “Chief Miller has improved relationships between the police department and community, he’s worked hard to drive down crime across the city, and the men and women of our police department have focused on keeping Greensboro safe and secure during his watch,” says Westmoreland. “Because of his efforts, we’re moving in the right direction as a department and I expect our next chief build off the foundation that Chief Miller has established.”

Miller joined the Greensboro Police Department in 2010 after serving as deputy chief for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for four years. As Greensboro’s chief, he’s overseen the reorganization of the department with a focus on improving discipline, operational efficiency, crime reduction and partnerships among police and the public.. He has helped shepherd the development of an emerging Family Justice Center to better address local problems of domestic violence and child/elder abuse.  Overall, crime in the City is at its lowest levels in four decades and overall community satisfaction with the work of the department has climbed to 80 percent.

“Chief Miller has served this community well and will be missed,” says Mayor Nancy Vaughan. “He has done a great job responding to multiple requests, serving various needs, and creating ties with the community. Most importantly, he’s leaving our department in better shape than he found it and should be commended for accomplishing that goal as our chief.”

Before joining Greensboro, Miller worked for Charlotte-Mecklenburg police for 21 years (1989-2010) and was an auxiliary deputy sheriff in Greeneville, Tennessee for two years. He also served as a security police sergeant in the United States Air Force.

“For the past four years, I have loved calling Greensboro my home.  The community warmly embraced my family and me, and has welcomed the many changes in the department and in our policing strategies.” says Miller. “I have had the good fortune of working with a great City leadership team, and working with outstanding and committed employees of the police department.  Policing a free society is difficult work, but I have found the men and women of the Greensboro Police Department to be prepared and willing to meet the challenges directly and lift the department and community to new heights along the way.  Words can hardly express my pride in the GPD and our community for all we have done together to make our city safer. I look forward to watching more exceptional progress in the coming years.”

The City will begin the process of hiring a consultant to guide the selection process for a new chief. Depending on the timing of Miller’s departure, the City is prepared to name an acting chief to serve in the transition between Miller and the newly hired chief."

A Press Release

Greensboro Selected by NC Department of Transportation for Watch for Me NC Campaign

"The N.C. Department of Transportation will partner with various communities from the mountains to the coast in 2014 to spread the Watch for Me NC campaign message of pedestrian and bicycle safety. The City of Greensboro, UNCG, and NC A&T have been selected as partners in the Watch For Me NC program, which improves enforcement of bicycle and pedestrian safety laws and educates motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on safety awareness. The goal of the campaign is to reduce bicycle and pedestrian crashes and fatalities in North Carolina.

Each year more than 2,400 pedestrians and 960 bicyclists are hit by vehicles in North Carolina. On average, about 160 pedestrians and 20 bicyclists are killed each year in the State, representing about 12% of all traffic fatalities that occur on North Carolina roads. In collisions with cars, pedestrians in particular have a lot to lose. Those hit at 40 mph have an 85 percent chance of dying.

The City of Greensboro will be working with NC A&T and UNCG to put together a local campaign which will roll out during the fall. Additional partners from throughout the community will be asked to help support and organize the educational aspects of the campaign.

We all share the responsibility to make sure North Carolina roads are safe for everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Safe places to walk and bike are important for supporting active, vibrant communities. As a campaign partner, Greensboro will receive assistance with printed and multi-media materials and police officer enforcement training. Additionally, the Highway Research Center at UNC-Chapel Hill will provide technical support with campaign implementation. For more information on the Watch for Me NC initiative visit: www.watchformenc.org. For more local information visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=4493."

A Press Release

City Responds to Black Network Television Lawsuit

"GREENSBORO, NC (June 18, 2014) – Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan has released the following statement in reaction to today’s filing of a civil lawsuit against the City of Greensboro by the owners of Black Network Television (BNT).

“I am disappointed in the action taken by Michael and Ramona Woods today. Furthermore, I adamantly disagree with any insinuation that City Council makes its decisions based on race. I am confident that the City of Greensboro and City Council acted appropriately last summer in determining not to move forward with the loan for Black Network Television. At the end of the day, the Woods and Black Network Television could not meet the terms and conditions of the loan offer, most specifically those related to the City’s lien position on the property that was offered by the Woods as collateral.

As with all lawsuits filed against the City, our attorney and his staff will review the claims and defend the City’s interests.”  

The City of Greensboro and City Attorney’s Office will not make additional comments about this lawsuit because of the pending litigation. However, a web page – www.greensboro-nc.gov/BNT - has been created on the City’s website that includes a demand letter from Black Network Television representatives from October 2013, the City’s response to that letter from November 2013, and the resolution outlining the loan offer from June 2013."

A Release from the City of Greensboro

Greensboro Receives $25,000 Grant to Support Local Out-of-School Time Programs

"GREENSBORO, NC (June 3, 2014) – The City of Greensboro’s Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), has received a $25,000 grant to support its out-of-school time healthy food access and nutritional literacy programs. The gift is part of a $2.3 million grant NRPA received from the Walmart Foundation to support out-of-school time programs in 50 park and recreation agencies. The purpose of the grant is to:

·         Increase the number of healthy meals children in low-income communities receive through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) during out-of-school times.

·         Provide age-appropriate nutrition literacy to children that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and leads to behavioral changes.

·         Implement nutrition and physical activity standards that increase access to healthier foods and increase opportunities for physical activity.

The Parks and Recreation Department will also receive additional support for meals from USDA afterschool and summer feeding programs and nutrition literacy materials to help ensure life-long healthy habits for the City’s youth.

According to the USDA’s 2010 Hunger report, 16.2 million American children live in food-insecure households. The same report finds that 19.5 million low-income children receive free or reduced meals during the school year, but fewer than 3 million of these children participate in the Summer Food Service Program."

A Press Release

Statement from Mayor Nancy Vaughan Regarding Privilege License Tax Repeal

"Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan has released the following statement on behalf of the City of Greensboro in reaction to today’s signing of a law that eliminates the ability of local municipalities to charge privilege license taxes.

“I’m disappointed with how this bill materialized and how quickly it moved through the North Carolina House and Senate, seemingly without regard for how it will negatively impact local governments and taxpayers. Members of Greensboro City Council visited Raleigh this week in an attempt to provide insight into how this law could affect our city. We expected the legislature to at least consider a $100 cap on the privilege license. I am extremely disappointed in the fact that this final version of the law ultimately takes away a traditional local government revenue source and decision. Unfortunately, in Greensboro, this will leave us with over $3 million to replace in the 2015-16 budget. The only way to do that is to raise property taxes or cut services, so this law could have a significant impact on Greensboro’s residents.”"

Submitted by City of Greensboro

Youth Leadership Greensboro Accepting Applications

By Jasia Stevenson

Director Greensboro Youth Council

Youth Leadership Greensboro (YLG), a program of the Greensboro Youth Council and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department, is now accepting applications for early acceptance for the 2014-2015 school year. YLG operates in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, as a division of Leadership Greensboro.

YLG is a program that seeks to offer high school sophomore, junior, and senior students an in-depth look at their local government and community issues. The students will attend at least five day-long workshops focusing on aspects of the community. The participants will have the opportunity to meet local leaders as well as realizing their own rights and responsibilities as citizens. 

The session topics are Law and Justice, Diversity and Tolerance, Politics and the Media, Environment and Economic Development, and Serving Society. Applications are available in all high school guidance offices, via email at gyc@greensboro-nc.gov, or online at www.greensboroyouthcouncil.com (select the Applications link). Only 25 participants are accepted each year into this prestigious program. Applications are due on Friday, June 6, 2014 to the GYC office by 5 pm for early acceptance. There is a $80 fee if accepted into the program. Mail applications to Youth Leadership Greensboro, Attn: Jasia Stevenson, PO Box 3136, Greensboro, NC 27402 or in person at the GYC office 501 Yanceyville St Greensboro 27405.

For more information on Youth Leadership Greensboro or Greensboro Youth Council, call (336)373-2734 or email gyc@greensboro-nc.gov.