2025 Annual Comprehensive Report

The budget serves as the foundation for the City’s financial planning and control. Annually, the City Manager presents a proposed budget to Council for review as well as to the residents of Greensboro for questions and/or concerns. North Carolina General Statutes require all governmental units to adopt a balanced budget by July 1 of each year for all funds for which a budget is required. Activities of the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds (except for Grant Project Funds), Debt Service Fund, and Proprietary Funds are included in the annual appropriated budget. Project-length financial plans are adopted for Grant and Capital Projects Funds. A budgetary comparison for the General Fund is presented in Exhibit A-7 as part of the Basic Financial Statements. Detailed budget to actual comparisons for other funds with annual and project-length budgets are presented in this report beginning with the “Special Revenue Funds” section.

COUNCIL BUDGET PRIORITIES Five strategic goals are the primary focus of funding within the City’s budget:

Prioritizing Efficiency - Balancing the City’s budget focuses on outcomes, stewardship, and smart prioritization. Each department critically reviews staffing, project timing, and service delivery; evaluating ongoing expenditures and rising costs to maximize every dollar. This year’s budget addresses $12.8 million in increased expenditures necessary to maintain existing service levels, including increased expenses for contracted services, utilities, technology, employee benefits, and other areas where inflation, service demands, or market conditions have driven up prices. New investments have been limited and include $3.3 million for critical staffing and programmatic support. Targeted reductions and operational adjustments total $12.3 million. These include a hiring freeze for non critical General Fund positions, delaying the Police take-home vehicle program, deferring citywide equipment replacement, and other programmatic efforts. These reductions reflect a disciplined approach—one that protects core services while ensuring we remain agile and resilient. Collectively, these adjustments demonstrate a proactive and strategic response to fiscal constraints

Ensure Public Safety - Public safety remains a top priority. The City’s approach to community safety is comprehensive, grounded not only in emergency response but also in prevention, data, transparency, and community. The City continues to support our reopened and renovated fire stations and plans for expanded service areas. The Department of Community Safety continues to grow and innovate, providing new non-traditional responses that reduce reliance on law enforcement for behavioral health crises and other community needs. Investments in technology, especially our new Records Management System and enhanced real-time public safety tools, equip our teams with the information they need to act quickly and wisely. Additionally, the City invests in safety beyond the badge. The Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program has targeted feedback directly from the community. Parks & Recreation will again offer more than 2,000 program opportunities next year, creating spaces where young people can grow, neighbors can connect, and community bonds are built.

Enhancing Infrastructure - The City’s infrastructure provides a foundation for every aspect of community life, and a commitment to maintaining and modernizing it with strategy and sustainability. The City’s infrastructure projects are vital for continued growth and reflect the City’s long-term planning through the $1.1 billion Capital Improvement Program. At the same time, the City is advancing transformative projects. The Windsor Chavis Nocho Community Complex is officially under construction and will serve as a model for equitable, place-based

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