High Point Wants Public's Help To Shape City's Future

The city of High Point is hosting a town-hall style discussion to hear public input about challenges facing the city and ideas on how to solve them. 

The public meeting comes as the city will undergo an upheaval of leadership this fall. Former manager Strib Boynton retired in July after 16 years of service. Also, Mayor Bernita Sims and two council members are not seeking re-election. Becky Smothers, one the council members whose term is ending, says the city has had a hard time regaining its footing since the domestic furniture market has declined. She says that's a key issue the new manager will have to address.

“I think it's going to take a more aggressive approach from the community at large to make sure that we do have the workforce that can meet the future jobs that will come," Smothers says.

Last week, the Greensboro High Point area was ranked among the top ten areas in the country where poverty is growing fastest, according to the Brookings Institution. 

The city manager's office is responsible for executive leadership and organizational support for the city. It oversees a workforce of almost 1,500 people.

The town hall meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday in High Point City Hall.