Mayors Vaughan, Joines will join other officials in White House visit

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan and Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines are among a group of city officials who will be heading to the White House next week. 

The city leaders will be meeting with White House officials on Thursday to discuss federal funding for local governments.

In a news release, Mayor Joines highlighted the importance of support the cities have received through the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as money expected through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He says the grants have helped address needs such as affordable housing and bridging the digital divide.

Mayor Vaughan says she is pleased the most recent round of ARPA funds went directly to cities, as opposed to state and county governments. She says she’s looking forward to joining her mayoral colleagues in bringing that message to White House officials.

"We all have the same issues," says Vaughan. "Whether it is housing or infrastructure, water and sewer, that as our cities are aging, there is a need for federal help when it comes to things like water and sewer and transportation."

In addition to hosting Vaughan and Joines, the White House has invited mayors of eight other North Carolina cities, along with the chairpersons of Guilford and Wake counties’ boards of commissioners.