The Kinston City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at City Hall, addressing public safety concerns, approving multiple grant-related ordinances, and selecting a consulting firm to lead the search for the city’s next permanent city manager.
All tagged city council
Election certification and swearing-in status ahead of Jan. 6 meeting
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has certified Kareem Moore as mayor, Les Lipford and Sammy Aiken as members of the Kinston City Council.
Kinston to accept $65,000 grant for bike and pedestrian planning
The Kinston City Council will consider accepting a $65,000 multimodal planning grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to update the city’s bicycle and pedestrian network plan.
City plans demolition of three condemned properties, 118 remain on list
Kinston officials are moving forward with the demolition of three condemned properties, while more than 100 others remain under review, according to a demolition update scheduled for presentation to City Council.
Council to amend historic preservation rules, approve $32,000 project
Kinston City Council will consider changes to historic preservation procedures and approve funding for an update to the city’s design standards.
Kinston revises travel policy for elected officials
The Kinston City Council heard wide-ranging public concerns Tuesday night during its Nov. 18 meeting, which included discussions on property taxes, policing, abandoned structures, stormwater issues and frustrations about the city’s public comment process.
Kinston council hears growing frustration over tax rate; attorney says rollback unlikely
Tension filled the Kinston City Council chambers Monday night as residents once again urged city leaders to reduce the property tax rate before year’s end, calling the 73-cent rate approved in June an “unfair burden” that has pushed some homeowners to the brink.
Kinston council hears citizen tax concerns, adopts downtown master plan proposal
Property taxes and neighborhood conditions dominated Tuesday night’s Kinston City Council meeting, where residents voiced frustrations over rising costs before council members approved several measures, including a downtown master plan proposal and a new city investment policy.
Milton Foster: Scientist and Business Owner Aims to Bring Practical Leadership to Kinston City Council
Local business owner and scientist Milton Foster is running for Kinston City Council, bringing two decades of residency, professional experience, and a data-driven mindset to his first bid for public office. Foster said his campaign is focused on practical solutions to issues like taxes, property values, and economic development.
Kristy Kelly: Kinston doesn't need performative outrage
Yesterday, I witnessed a handful of adults berate the city council and call for the reallocation of police funds because an officer allegedly abused his power and was caught on video doing so. The police department gave a canned “we are investigating the issue” statement, and the mayor co-signed their message by way of copy and paste.
Kinston City Council approves artistic projects, fireworks permits, and rezoning requests at May 6 meeting
The Kinston City Council covered a full slate of action items Tuesday evening, advancing local development projects, community initiatives, and public safety permits during its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall.
BJ Murphy: Beyond the Keyboard - 4 Ways to Make a Difference in Elections
We’re finally here - Election Day! As many people vented their frustrations about national, state, and local politics on social media this election (and I’m sure it’s not over, gahhhhhh), it’s common to see heated debates, complaints, and accusations aimed at politicians and the government. However, real change doesn’t come from being a keyboard warrior—it comes from taking action.
Kinston residents urged to attend city council meeting on traffic light removal
A crucial decision regarding the removal of traffic lights on Queen Street will be discussed at the Kinston City Council meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and voice their opinions.
Kinston City Council votes to establish downtown social district
In a pivotal decision this afternoon, the City Council of Kinston voted to approve the ordinance establishing a Downtown Kinston Social District. The special meeting convened at 3:00 p.m. to deliberate on this long-anticipated move.
Barbara Seaforth takes oath of office in Kinston City Council meeting
At the most recent city council meeting, Barbara Seaforth was sworn in as a Kinston City Council member. Presiding over the swearing-in was the Honorable Keith Gregory, Wake County Resident Judge Superior Court.
BJ Murphy: Out of the Park, Not Out of Hope
The disappointment felt by our community this past week as a result of the Down East Wood Ducks (DEWD’s) team being sold and eventually moving to South Carolina, is less a result of business and market forces out of our contol and more a sense of losing hope our community can sustain minor league baseball indefinitely.
City of Kinston announces new Planning Director; tables inspection discussion
At a recent City Council meeting, the topic of an agreement between Lenoir County and the City where the county would manage all inspections services including building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing for the city of Kinston, was tabled until the new Director of Planning assumed their new role.
Third time's a charm - Mayor and Council get the raise they "deserve"
The Kinston City Council passed the proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget Tuesday evening. The budget included increased salaries for the mayor and the city council and funding to increase the hourly rate of part-time city employees. This was the third year in a row the council attempted to give themselves increased salaries. Council member Robbie Swinson voted against the increased mayor and council salaries both times it came for a vote Tuesday.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews council candidate Les Lipford
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with candidate Les Lipford to discuss his City Council bid and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews council candidate Chris Suggs
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with candidate Chris Suggs to discuss his City Council bid and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.