The Greenville City Council kicked off its annual planning session with a look ahead from a blast from the past.

City Manager Barbara Lipscomb organized the retreat to focus primarily on economic development. Sessions included topics ranging from economic development opportunities to transportation and recreation projects to how to provide funding for major projects and initiatives.

On Friday night, Charlotte Deputy City Manager and former Greenville City Manager Ron Kimble gave the City Council an overview of Charlotte’s downtown success story. Included were projects like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, three new sports stadiums, two new performing arts centers, retail redevelopment, transportation initiatives, and more. Most importantly, he spoke of how the City paid for the projects.

“I chose to highlight Charlotte’s efforts, not because we’re trying to be Charlotte,” said Lipscomb, “but to see their successes, how they got there, and to see some of the tools in their toolbox. From that, you can ask questions, discuss which ones you would like to use if you use any of them in trying to grow Greenville.”

Kimball stressed the need for partnerships and working together to achieve a common vision for the city. He also discussed, in depth, the funding mechanisms used to create those projects and pointed to creativity in thinking and having public money used to leverage private investment so that there is a tremendous return on investment for the public.

Saturday’s presentations started with an update on City finances, which are in good shape so far this Fiscal Year, and moved on to development and the tax base (26% of land inside the city limits is tax-exempt and pays no property taxes). The presentations continued with opportunities for economic development, transportation projects, parks and recreation projects, and economic thrust projects all spurred a great deal of discussion.

Projects with partnerships with other entities, such as the Innovation Station, the Uptown Theater (both with East Carolina University), and the GO-Science center were highlighted. Visions for a Medical Office / Research park, a small business incubator, development along First Street, and the potential development of an Arts & Entertainment district along Dickinson Avenue were all included in the discussion.

The need for transportation improvements such as street resurfacing, building sidewalks, and improving Arlington Boulevard and 5^thStreet were presented. Public Works Director Kevin Mulligan even presented options for how those needs could be addressed as well as how Raleigh and Charlotte pay for needs like these.

Facilitator David Long wrapped up the session by helping the Council identify their most important issues, needs, and opportunities to move Greenville forward. Results of those discussions will be summarized by Mr. Long and returned to the Council at a later date. Council Members indicated they will continue to review the information provided by staff and discuss those topics at future City Council meetings.

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