Gilbert Combs

The meeting recognized outgoing council members for their years of service before the newly elected council members took their oaths of office. Key actions included swearing in three newly elected council members, the re-swearing of Bill Sappo as mayor for his tenth term, and the election of Kevin Spears as council's new mayor pro tem. Additionally, Penelopey Spicer Sidbury was appointed as city clerk and Meredith Everheart as city attorney.

The Wilmington City Council held its second regular meeting for January. Key actions included awarding a $3.7 million construction contract for section 3 of the Greenville Loop Trail, which involves creating a 1.4 mile multi-use path with ADA accessible ramps and pedestrian signal improvements. Additionally, a $3.99 million construction contract was awarded for stage two of the Wisteria Clearbrook drainage improvement project, which also required approving an agreement with CFPUA for water and sewer facility relocation. Finally, the council passed a resolution adopting the city's 2026 state and federal legislative agenda.

The first regular meeting of 2026 included a presentation of the CFPA annual report and an update on the city's homeless shelter strategy. Council appropriated $4 million from the sale of the existing parks and recreation facility to pay down debt service on the Skyline Center and fund lease back costs for the new operations facility construction. An agreement was authorized with NCDOT to receive $254,000 for resurfacing related to the Dawson Worcester Streets project, which includes pedestrian and aesthetic enhancements. The council passed a resolution supporting the NCDOT's proposal to reduce lanes on South 16th Street and passed a resolution opposing the NCDOT's plan to extend Independence Boulevard to the MLK Parkway, requesting that associated funding be reallocated to other city projects.

The City of Wilmington adopted Vision Zero, a national strategy to eliminate all traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2036. This initiative addresses traffic safety as a public health priority, aiming for safe and equitable mobility. It involves implementing Vision Zero principles and strategies in projects, focusing on designing road systems and policies to prevent fatalities and severe injuries resulting from human error.

The Wilmington City Council held its first regular meeting for February. Key actions included adopting a proclamation recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers and recognizing members of the City County Joint Housing Task Force. The council awarded a $23,000 contract for resurfacing 11 tennis courts at the Althia Gibson tennis complex at Emp Park. Additionally, $1 million was appropriated for the acquisition of 25 acres of property for a new park off Greenville Loop Road, supported by a companion resolution with New Hanover County and a $7,750,000 endowment grant. Finally, a resolution was passed urging state and federal decision-makers to review the potential effects of the Wilmington Harbor 403 project, which aims to increase harbor depth.