Inside High Point - July 2025

JULY 2025

INSIDE HIGH POINT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2-6

ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET

7-10

2025 STATE OF THE CITY: PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

11

TORVAN MEDICAL ANNOUNCES FIRST U.S. MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN HIGH POINT

12

CITY HOSTS ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE UPDATE OPEN HOUSE

13-14

HIGH POINT MUSEUM LAUNCHES CITY LAKE PARK TOUR ON APP

15

HUMAN RELATIONS CELEBRATES BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPIRIT AT SUMMER JUBILEE

16

HIGH POINT FARMERS MARKET HOSTS PEACH PALOOZA PEACH RECIPE CONTEST

17-18

PARKS & REC EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

19-21

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

CITY COUNCIL

CYRIL JEFFERSON MAYOR

BRITT MOORE

AMANDA COOK MEMBER AT LARGE

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

MEMBER AT LARGE, MAYOR PRO TEM Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

VICKIE MCKIVER

TYRONE JOHNSON

MONICA PETERS

Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov

Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

PATRICK HARMAN

TIM ANDREW

MICHAEL HOLMES

Patrick.Harman@highpointnc.gov

Tim.Andrew@highpointnc.gov

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

WARD 1

WARD 4

WARD 2

WARD 5

Amanda.Cook@highpointnc.gov

WARD 3

WARD 6

2

ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET

On June 2, 2025, the Mayor and City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the City of High Point.

The adopted budget totals $538,044,228, a $19,317,925 (3.7%) increase from the FY 2024-25 budget.

The budget was initially proposed on May 5, 2025, and City Council held budget work sessions on May 12 and May 21. A public hearing was held at the May 19 City Council meeting.

The adopted budget includes funding for the City’s Pay for Performance Program (0-4%). There is no increase in employee contributions to the city’s health plan. The adopted budget adds an additional City holiday at Christmas.

The budget maintains the city’s property tax rate at 64.75 cents per $100 of valuation and includes a 8% increase for water and sewer rates. Fee increases for Solid Waste, Public Services, the High Point Theatre, and the Fire Department were approved.

The budget adds 10 full-time positions, funds $6.0 million in vehicle and other rolling stock replacements, and allocates $250,000 for sidewalk repair/construction.

The proposed budget document can be found here: https://www.highpointnc.gov/212/Budget-Evaluation-Division and the adopted document will be available later this summer.

2

3

4

5

6

2025 STATE OF THE CITY: PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

The highly anticipated annual event was held on Wednesday, July 23 at High Point University’s Nido & Mariana Qubein Arena & Conference Center, the event ran from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with a meet-andgreet and business showcase starting earlier.

Presented by Bank of America, the gathering featured support from sponsors like Novant Health, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Guilford Technical Community College, and AT&T, reflecting highprofile community backing.

Attendees were welcomed by a Business Showcase sponsored by Novant Health, offering networking opportunities before the formal program began.

Mayor Cyril Jefferson delivered a compelling address centered on the theme Progress with Purpose. He emphasized that High Point isn’t just growing—it’s growing meaningfully, ensuring that growth benefits all residents. Mayor Jefferson outlined High Point’s six strategic pillars:

· Thriving economy · Resilient community · Effective urban planning · High‑performing government · Proactive infrastructure · Open communication Mayor Jefferson emphasized that High Point isn’t just growing—it’s growing meaningfully, ensuring that growth benefits all residents.

7

2025 STATE OF THE CITY: PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

CITY HIGHLIGHTS Community & Housing Initiatives A renewed focus on livability includes restoration projects like Highland Commons, development of shared community spaces, and minority‑entrepreneur support via Thrive 2.0.

The city launched a Housing Impact Fund—a $40M goal with $2M already committed—to support low‑interest housing development, targeting 1,000 new units.

High Point earned the distinction of becoming the first East Coast Certified Autism Destination and welcomed inclusive initiatives like Q’s Corner and esp’s programming.

Safety & Public Service Year‑to‑date crime dropped 16%.

The city onboarded 56 new fire recruits, enhancing emergency response capacity.

High Point contributed to regional disaster response, notably during Hurricane Helene.

8

2025 STATE OF THE CITY: PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

CITY HIGHLIGHTS Economic Momentum In 2024, over $5 billion in development investment and roughly 15,000 new jobs were generated.

Projects featured included Palladium South, an urban greenway, the new SpringHill Suites hotel, and expansions in HPU’s Law and Dental schools.

Notably, all this progress happened under a balanced city budget, with AAA bond rating, and no increase in utility or waste fees.

Panel Discussion & Honor A panel on workforce housing—moderated by Rachel Collins, President & CEO of Business High Point—featured City Manager Tasha Logan Ford, Congdon Foundation CEO Dr. Joe Blosser and Wynnefield Development’s Craig Stone.

A special congratulations to our very own, Tasha Logan Ford, who was also recognized as the 2025 Chamber Hero Award recipient for her outstanding leadership.

9

2025 STATE OF THE CITY: PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

10

TORVAN MEDICAL ANNOUNCES FIRST U.S. MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN HIGH POINT

Torvan Medical, a Canadian medical equipment manufacturing firm specializing in ergonomic decontamination equipment, has announced a new manufacturing facility in High Point, North Carolina. Torvan Medical will invest $15 million and create 35 new jobs at 4500 Green Point Drive.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Torvan Medical is a leader in the design and manufacturing of equipment for medical and scientific workspaces. They provide both custom and ready-made products, including endoscope cabinets, heigh-adjustable workstations and reprocessing sinks. The company’s new facility will house its U.S. Headquarters, research and development, training, manufacturing, assembly and distribution operations.

“We’re proud to welcome Torvan Medical to High Point,” said Mayor Cyril Jefferson. “Their specialized expertise in medical equipment manufacturing aligns perfectly with our city’s growing reputation for innovation and advanced manufacturing. This investment is a testament to the strength of our community and the bright future of life sciences in our region.”

“Torvan Medical is a welcome addition to the Triad’s expanding life sciences ecosystem,” said Peter Bishop, director of High Point Economic Development. “Their investment in High Point strengthens our region’s position in North Carolina’s world-class life sciences cluster and provides Torvan a strategic foothold in the rapidly growing U.S. healthcare market.”

11

CITY HOSTS ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE UPDATE OPEN HOUSE The City of High Point offered another opportunity for community members to participate in a public open house about the City’s Development Ordinance update on Thursday, July 24, from 6–8 p.m. at Deep River Recreation Center, 1529 Skeet Club Road.

This drop-in event allowed residents, business owners, and stakeholders to engage directly with City staff to help shape the future development of High Point. Attendees had the opportunity to review an initial assessment, ask questions, and provide input to ensure the ordinance aligned with the community's vision for High Point’s future.

There was also an opportunity to give input online at http://www.inspireengagement.com/HighPointDOUpdate. All feedback was required to be submitted by July 31, 2025.

The Development Ordinance served as a key tool that set the standards for land use and development in the city, covering a wide range of topics such as zoning, use standards, landscaping, parking, signage, and more.

The goals of the update were to align the ordinance with the community's vision outlined in the High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan and to ensure that the revised regulations were clear, concise, and user-friendly.

The process required reorganizing sections of the regulations to resolve duplications and conflicts, clarifying and streamlining development processes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the Development Ordinance.

As part of the update, the ordinance was considered for organization as a Unified Development Ordinance to reflect the many topics covered. This update aimed to incorporate policy changes, best practices in urban design, and community priorities.

For more information about the Development Ordinance update and to stay informed on future meetings, visit https://www.inspire-engagement.com/HighPointDOUpdate.

12

HIGH POINT MUSEUM LAUNCHES CITY LAKE PARK TOUR ON APP The High Point Museum is excited to announce its walking tour of City Lake Park history is now available on the High Point Museum App. The guided tour takes participants through the history of the park’s creation while highlighting a few of its most iconic landmarks. It features audio by Gary Pressley, the City Lake Park Supervisor from 1979 – 2007 and the Senior Park Supervisor for City Lake Park and Oak Hollow Park until 2012. It also includes several photos of the park from the museum’s collection, as well as stories about the changes made to the park over the last 90 years. The tour begins at the park’s flagpole, is about a 1.7-mile loop and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

City Lake Park celebrates its 90th birthday this year. It is High Point’s largest municipal park, covering over 500 acres and offering a variety of amenities, including an aquatic center, marina, event center, picnic shelters, rides and amusements. The City of High Point dammed the Deep River below its two forks to form a municipal water supply in 1928. The city park was constructed around the lake in the mid-1930s, with the assistance of the Federal New Deal. Along with a pool and amphitheater, the park’s original amenities included clay tennis courts, picnic areas, a log cabin “fishing hut,” and ballfields. The park has continued to evolve over the decades.

“City Lake Park is one of our city’s most beloved places with its own rich history that we are thrilled to feature as a walking tour on our app,” said High Point Museum Director Edith Brady. “We are particularly excited to be launching this tour during Parks and Recreation month in City Lake Park’s 90th anniversary year and hope people will enjoy learning more about how the park began and evolved over time.”

13

HIGH POINT MUSEUM LAUNCHES CITY LAKE PARK TOUR ON APP The High Point Museum App features driving, walking and biking tours of High Point, as well as tours for local partners. Additional walking tours include Historic Washington Street, Highland Mills, Uptowne Main Street, Johnson Street and Hedgecock Farm.

Driving tours include the African American Heritage Trail, a High Point Furniture History tour and a High Point Civil War Tour. The 3.5-mile biking tour highlights notable people in High Point’s history and is narrated by Dolly Jennings of Bicycle Toy and Hobby.

This is a free app for all ages. Search “High Point Museum” in the app store to download it or visit the following: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/high-point-museum/id1536632569? platform=iphone.

14

HUMAN RELATIONS CELEBRATES BACK-TOSCHOOL SPIRIT AT SUMMER JUBILEE

On July 26, the Human Relations Division teamed up again with the Library and BASiC of High Point to host our sixthannual Summer Jubilee back-to-school celebration.

The many City Departments in attendance, including Police, the Museum and Parks & Recreation, created a festive and welcoming atmosphere for families across our community.

At this year’s Jubilee, we gave away nearly 1,000 backpacks. Each was filled with essential school supplies, from pencils and notebooks to glue sticks and markers, ensuring kids start the new school year prepared. Families also enjoyed face painting and creative balloon artistry that brought smiles and vibrant colors to the crowd.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Summer Jubilee a memorable and meaningful celebration of learning, community, and togetherness!

15

HIGH POINT FARMERS MARKET HOSTED THE PEACH PALOOZA PEACH RECIPE CONTEST On Saturday, July 12, the Farmers Market hosted its first recipe contest of the summer, Peach Palooza 2025!

There were six delicious entries, and the winners were: First Place Peach Cobbler Cookies, prepared by Kate Pancho Second Place Peach Mango Salsa, prepared by Eboni Barnes Third Place Peach Delights, prepared by Rose Kline

This contest wouldn’t have been possible if it hadn’t been for our esteemed panel of judges. Our thanks go to Joe Barnes, VP of Resource Development for the United Way of Greater High Point, Eric Olmedo, High Point Assistant City Manager, and Miss High Point 2025, Ella Parker.

Thanks to everyone who came out to cheer on the participants, and we hope you enjoyed sampling the submitted recipes!

We can’t wait for the next contest on Watermelon Mania Day, August 9. The Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest is open to all ages, and we welcome back Ryan Ferguson as our MC. 16

CITY HONORS ASPIRE STAFF AND ADVOCATES IN CELEBRATION OF ADA’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

As part of the 35th birthday celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recognition of National Disability Pride Month, High Point Parks & Recreation's ASPIRE staff, along with several other community advocate organizations, was honored by High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson and High Point City Council with a proclamation.

ASPIRE, which stands for Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation, is part of High Point Parks & Recreation’s commitment to providing more inclusive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities in our community.

To learn more about services and programs provided by ASPIRE, please visit www.highpointnc.gov/ASPIRE or call our office at 336.883.3481.

17

HIGH POINT DECLARES JULY AS PARKS & RECREATION MONTH High Point Parks & Recreation was honored at the July Council meeting with a proclamation from High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson and the High Point City Council, declaring July 2025 as National Parks and Recreation Month in our beautiful city.

In part, the proclamation reads, "Parks and recreation programs and services promote health and wellness and community connection and improve the physical and mental health. They promote active lifestyles (and provide) educational activities such as youth athletics and after school and summer camp programs.

They are fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community and help increase economic prosperity."

For more information on High Point Parks & Recreation, please visit https.//www.highpointnc.gov/pr, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or call 336.883.3469.

18

Promotions CLAIRE H. ENGEL Library Assistant to Library Associate MICHAEL J. KAZEL Fleet Parts Specialist II to Fleet Technology Coordinator KAYLIE M. PARRISH Local Codes Enforcement Officer I to Code Enforcement Manager CHASE B. RICH Parks Maintenance Crew Leader to Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor DONA J. TURNER Administrative Coordinator to Executive Assistant

New Hires GREGORY BONHAM Groundskeeper I LAURA A. BREEDEN Telecommunicator Trainee 19

ALEX W. BRIDGHAM Assistant Parks Supervisor

ALAN A. HERNANDEZ GPS Technician

GRAYSON T. BRINKLEY GPS Technician

NAFARI M. HORNE Transit Equip Serv Attendant

RAMONTE F. BRYANT Water Plant Operator I

CARLA V. HUGGINS Budget Analyst

NEAL E. COUNCIL Transit Operator I

COOPER J. KORSON Recreation Attendant

ANDRESSA A. DONOHOE Library Associate

CHRISTOPHER E. LONG Motor Equipment Operator I

MELISSA C. FUENTES Administrative Coordinator

BRITTANY F. MANESS Assistant Parks Supervisor

ASHA M. GRAY Paratransit Operator I

ALEXANDRA S. MENEZES-RUTLEDGE Assistant City Attorney

JASMINE N. GREENE Library Assistant

JAMES R. MILLER Water Meter Service Tech I

ZACHARY H. HANSON Police Officer Trainee

FAITH E. MOHAMMED AWAL Transit Operator I

20

TRAVIS R. MOORE Summer Camp Counselor

ALAN M. SIDES Assistant City Attorney

JASON A. MUHAMMAD Transit Customer Service Specialist

TRENA SIDES Executive Assistant

GREG T. PARRET Buyer

VLORA SMITH Utility Locator

LA'MYA S. PEARSON Seasonal Park Attendant

CURTIS R. SPENCE Summer Camp Counselor

JORGE A. PULIDO Motor Equipment Operator I

ZECHARIAH W. SPRUILL Camp Ann Counselor

ELVIRA R. RENEAU Police Officer Trainee

BENJAMIN G. STROTT Lifeguard

CHRIS L. RUTAYISIRE GPS Technician

JASON R. THOMPSON POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

TAYLOR M. SHEPARD Library Associate

PATRICK H. WIKE Planner

BLAKE W. SHIMP Seasonal Park Attendant

21

INSIDE HIGH POINT BROUGHT TO YOU BY: CITY OF HIGH POINT COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

HAVE A SUBMISSION FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE? EMAIL THEM TO PIO@HIGHPOINTNC.GOV.