City Council June 16, 2026

The City Council of Wilmington held a meeting on June 16, 2026, where key procurement and budgetary matters were discussed. The council approved a budget including a property tax increase of 4.9 cents per $100 valuation, which funds a living wage increase for city employees, with 70% of the increase directed toward public safety staffing to address high vacancy rates. The council also approved a capital projects fund appropriation that unlocks over $31 million in additional borrowing capacity for infrastructure projects such as bridge replacements, bulkhead repairs, road widening, and multi-use paths. Additionally, the council authorized the use of city-owned goats for vegetation management on public properties, with an estimated maintenance cost of a few thousand dollars annually. Amendments to floodplain regulations and domestic animal waste ordinances were also approved. The council passed a resolution opposing North Carolina House Bill 437, which would impose unfunded mandates on municipalities regarding homelessness. Public engagement efforts and the adoption of the Greater Downtown Plan were highlighted, with plans to issue RFQs for district master planning in FY27. Overall, the meeting focused on budget approvals, capital project funding, contract and ordinance amendments, and policy resolutions affecting future procurement and city operations.