Winston-Salem residents call for more collaborative approach in public hearing on housing, development priorities

Winston-Salem residents called for a more collaborative approach with neighbors to address local issues in a public hearing on the city's housing and community development plan.

The annual action plan is the second year of the 2024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which is a tool to identify housing and supportive service needs. It's also part of a process to apply for federal funds for programming.

Residents questioned city staff in a public hearing on the plan Tuesday about increasing neighborhood involvement, building affordable housing faster and working more with nonprofits.

Resident Michael Banner said he feels those who get to take advantage of increased funding are often people not directly from the community.

"I just can't continue to push my children forward knowing this is what they're inheriting, they don't have a voice," Banner said. "We're systematically getting weeded out not being able to participate in things."

Assistant Director for Neighborhood Services Samuel Hunter said the discussion was an example of a first step to make officials aware of concerns. And that if there are ways to partner, the city will look to have those larger conversations.

"We talk about what the requirements look like, what it takes for you to secure funding and a contract with the city of Winston-Salem to administer a program," Hunter said.

The plan is expected to be available on the city's website in May.