Bimonthly Morning Discussion Session - July 09, 2026

The Forsyth County Government held a bimonthly morning discussion session on July 9, 2026, focusing primarily on behavioral health system needs and legislative updates affecting county operations. A detailed presentation by Dr. Beavenon Croft from the Human Services Research Institute highlighted a comprehensive behavioral health needs gap analysis, identifying key challenges such as workforce capacity, access to care, racial disparities in treatment, and the importance of peer support services. Recommendations were categorized into three tiers, emphasizing short-term actions like improving information dissemination and peer support, medium-term collaborative efforts including employment support and medication-assisted treatment expansion, and long-term strategic planning for crisis services and care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and developmental disabilities. The session also included a legislative update by County Attorney Gordon Watkins, covering significant state and federal policy changes impacting county budgets and procurement. Notably, the repeal of minority and women business enterprise (MWBE) goals and requirements was discussed, along with potential impacts of new uniform guidance regulations on federal grant management and contracting. Property tax limitations and other legislative measures affecting county revenue and land use were also reviewed. The meeting underscored the need for strategic planning and potential technical assistance to address behavioral health service gaps and adapt to evolving legislative mandates.