City of Kinston, Lenoir County launch joint working committee
In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration and spurring regional growth, the City of Kinston and Lenoir County Government held the inaugural meeting of their newly formed Joint Working Committee this week.
The committee, composed of members from both the Kinston City Council and the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners, is designed to serve as a collaborative platform to align city and county priorities on issues such as economic development, housing, infrastructure, tourism, and retail recruitment.
“This joint effort reflects our shared commitment to progress and unity as we work together to strengthen our community,” Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy said. “Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous future for all who call Kinston and Lenoir County home.”
Committee members include Mayor Hardy, Commissioners Chair Linda Rouse Sutton, Antonio Hardy, Preston Harris, Felicia Solomon, and June Cummings. City Manager Rhonda Barwick, County Manager Michael James and Assistant County Manager Adam Short will also serve in advisory and planning capacities.
According to Sutton, the committee builds on previous joint efforts, including the successful demolition of the former Super 8 Motel and other smaller projects. The decision to form the Joint Working Committee came after a recent meeting of both full boards, during which members identified overlapping priorities and agreed to establish a more formalized structure for cooperation.
“We’ve already reached out to La Grange and Pink Hill about participating in future efforts,” Sutton said. “There are many big topics we hope to tackle—housing, infrastructure investment, improving city entrances, and offering grants or incentives for small businesses. We want to take these initiatives slowly and deliberately so we can make a real difference.”
The committee will meet monthly, or more frequently if needed, to coordinate plans, pursue funding opportunities, and identify areas for improvement, such as city beautification and litter removal.
“This is about rolling up our sleeves and starting somewhere, even on a small scale,” Sutton said. “We are excited and ready to get to work.”
The City of Kinston and Lenoir County leaders say they remain committed to transparency, public engagement, and building a future rooted in shared success.
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