Kinston City Council approves incentives for new industry, hires lobbying firm as residents press for action on crime, homelessness

The Kinston City Council approved incentives Tuesday night to bring a new industry and 20 jobs to the city, formalized support for the Highway 70 Welcome Center, and voted to hire a high-profile lobbying firm while residents urged leaders to take stronger action on crime, homelessness and government transparency.

Residents Call for Accountability, Safety, and Compassion

During public comment, three speakers delivered passionate appeals for the city to address concerns.

Sister Moore said the community is paying close attention to how the city uses its authority and taxpayer dollars. “There’s been too much lying, too much deceiving, too much misuse of funds,” Moore said. “No more hoodwinking, no more okie-doke. We’re going to be here every meeting, calling it out.”

Rosemary Jones focused on crime and public trust in policing, urging the city to consider faith-based partnerships like the “Ten Point Coalition” model used in Indianapolis.“Crime and taxes are the biggest issues in Kinston,” she said. “Police need help rebuilding trust, and churches can play a role. Other cities do it. We can, too.”

Quarla Blackwell spoke emotionally about homelessness in her neighborhood, describing people living in tents and on porches. “Public safety is more than policing,” she said. “We need warm beds, mission houses, showers, meals—real help.

Blackwell also questioned why the police department’s budget exceeds $10 million while homelessness services remain underfunded.

Council Approves Incentives for New Cardon Rehabilitation Headquarters

Economic Development Director Trey Cash presented a performance-based incentive agreement with Cardon Rehabilitation, a Canadian manufacturer of physical therapy and rehabilitation tables.

The company plans to open its first U.S. headquarters in Kinston, creating at least 20 jobs with an average salary of $48,965 and investing over $4 million in improvements to a 60,000-square-foot facility on Berkeley Avenue. “This project brings quality jobs and a major investment to our community,” Cash said. “It puts Kinston on the map as Cardon’s American home base.”

After a public hearing with no opposition, council members unanimously approved the four-year incentive agreement, which refunds a percentage of property taxes only after jobs and investment are verified.

Council Splits on Downtown Property Sale, Tables Decision

A proposed sale of 229 S. Queen Street—a small downtown parcel—sparked debate about long-term redevelopment strategy.

Council members Suggs and Hardy said the city owns very few downtown properties and should be careful not to sell them without a clear plan. “We just invested in a Downtown Master Plan,” Suggs said. “We need to be strategic. Once we sell a property, we can’t get it back.”

The motion to approve the sale died for lack of a second. Council later voted to table the item until more information is provided about the buyer’s intended use.

City Hires Lobbying Firm Despite Concerns About Timing

The council also approved a contract, which was not included in the public agenda, with CheckMate Government Relations, a Raleigh-based lobbying firm that represents multiple large cities across North Carolina.

Mayor Don Hardy said the firm will help Kinston secure major state and federal funding. “To compete with larger cities, we need someone in Raleigh and Washington every day,” Hardy said. “This is about bringing resources home to Kinston.”

Councilwoman Felicia Solomon supported the idea of hiring a lobbyist but argued the decision should wait until the new council is sworn in on Dec. 16. “It’s only fair that the incoming council review a contract of this size and importance,” Solomon said.

Her motion to table the vote did not receive a second. The contract passed unanimously, with a conflict-of-interest disclosure to be added by the city attorney.

Mayor Pro Tem Hardy requested that homelessness funding become a top legislative priority for the firm.

Finances Stable; Nearly All ARPA Funds Spent

Finance Director Donna Goodson reported that first-quarter spending is on track for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with revenues and expenditures around 25 percent—typical for this stage of the budget.

She also noted the city has spent $6.28 million of its $6.4 million in federal ARPA funds, leaving about $100,000 to be spent before the 2026 deadline.

Welcome Center Lease Formalized; Kinston 101 Promoted

Council approved a formal agreement outlining the city’s in-kind services for the Highway 70 Welcome Center, including utilities, restroom cleaning, and trash service.

City Planner Abbey Friday also promoted Kinston 101, a free nine-week citizens’ academy designed to help residents understand how city government works. “It builds trust and connection,” Friday said. “People leave with a real understanding of who to talk to and how decisions are made.”

Meeting Will Resume December 16

Instead of adjourning, council recessed the meeting until Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. with the purpose of swearing in newly elected board members.




Editors note: We used a transcription of this meeting and AI to help us summarize the key moments from this meeting.