Editor’s note: This is a letter to the editor submitted in response to sponsored content published in The Assembly and The Thread earlier this month. This piece was not edited or commissioned by The Assembly.
After reading the recent sponsored content from “North Carolina Taxpayers for Jobs” published by The Assembly, we felt it was important to address the numerous inaccuracies and omissions that present a distorted picture of Greensboro’s progress.
We fully understand the purpose of sponsored content and the revenue model it supports. However, when a paid advertisement crosses the line into politically motivated messaging, presented under the banner of journalism, it becomes misleading to readers and undermines the credibility that The Assembly has earned through thoughtful, balanced reporting.
This sponsored content read more like a news story than a commentary. In reality, it was an advertisement masquerading as journalism. What was missing was balance. The statistics were misleading, the framing was selective, and the “reporter” effectively hid behind a political action committee to advance a one-sided narrative rather than inform readers with facts.
Greensboro Is Growing—and Leading
The narrative that Greensboro has somehow “fallen behind” ignores the extraordinary economic momentum we are experiencing. In recent years, Greensboro has secured some of the largest economic development projects in North Carolina’s history, including Toyota Battery Manufacturing, Boom Supersonic, Marshall Aerospace, and JetZero (the single biggest investment ever announced in this state). These projects will bring tens of thousands of well-paying jobs, strengthen our regional supply chain, and generate billions in economic impact. That is not stagnation, that is progress.
Facts on Housing and Permitting
The article misrepresents Greensboro’s housing and development performance. Our Road to 10,000 initiative is a five-year plan, not a 10-year one, designed to deliver 10,000 new housing units across all price points and types: single-family, townhome, and multifamily. As of today, 2,363 new units have been approved or completed, with many more underway. That’s nearly 25 percent of our five-year goal achieved in the first seven months, and the pace continues to accelerate.
Equally inaccurate is the claim that Greensboro’s permitting process is slow or restrictive. The truth is quite the opposite. Our average time from submission to approval, while the City has possession of the plans, is 10 days for residential projects and 24 days for commercial ones, well ahead of state guidelines and faster than many major metro areas in North Carolina. Any delays while developers complete their own revisions are beyond City control, but when plans are in our hands, Greensboro delivers.
A City That Says Yes
The article suggests Greensboro has a “culture of no.” That could not be further from the truth. We have worked tirelessly to make Greensboro efficient, business-friendly, and focused on practical solutions. We welcome growth and have backed that commitment with major investments in infrastructure, housing, and workforce development.
Our partnerships with developers, higher education institutions, and employers demonstrate that Greensboro is not just open for business; it’s building for the future. The data show it, the skyline reflects it, and our residents experience it every day.
Moving Forward with Integrity
Greensboro is not defined by outdated perceptions. It is a city of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. While others talk about potential, we are realizing it is bringing new industries, new housing, and new opportunities that position Greensboro as a model for smart, inclusive growth.
We value The Assembly’s contributions to public dialogue and its journalistic achievements, but accuracy and fairness must guide every piece of content—paid or otherwise. Greensboro deserves to be portrayed truthfully and fully, not reduced to a narrative crafted to serve a political purpose.
Our city is not slowing down. We are accelerating confidently, collaboratively, and with integrity toward a stronger, more prosperous future.
Nancy Vaughan is mayor of Greensboro, having served in the position since 2013. She is not running for re-election this year.
Trey Davis has served as Greensboro City Manager after being selected in 2024. Previously, he served as Assistant City Manager for five years.
