Recently, the Old Guilford County Court House in Downtown Greensboro served as the setting for a very animated and optimistic State of the County speech: Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston delivered the 2025 address before a crowded commissioners meeting room on Thursday, Oct. 30, where he blended storytelling and data with a series of slickly produced video segments showing a county on the rise.
The speech, titled “One Guilford: Measuring Success, Building for Our Future,” showcased Alston’s trademark preacher-vibes as he celebrated Guilford County’s record-setting growth in recent years while acknowledging there’s still a whole lot of work to be done.
“We’ve transformed how Guilford County operates,” Alston said. “We are tracking results, identifying gaps, and ensuring that every tax dollar produces a measurable impact.”
Alston wasn’t exaggerating. According to the figures highlighted during his presentation, Guilford County has seen a somewhat astonishing $5.1 billion in new capital investment over the past year alone, bringing 15,738 new jobs to the local economy.
Taking a five-year look back, he noted, “We have added over 27,000 new jobs to Guilford County since 2021. Folks, this is outstanding!”
Among the highlights he cited were Jet Zero’s 14,500 new jobs and $4.7 billion investment in the county, and a new Delhaize distribution center near Highway 61 that will bring 500 new jobs and $865 million in capital investment.
“Guilford County is truly in the midst of an economic boom,” Alston declared. “While we may not yet match our state’s two largest counties in population size, we’re matching them in strategic investments, community amenities, quality jobs, and excellence in education — and we’re seeing results.”
His speech drew applause frequently when he spoke of the county’s successes.
Education was a centerpiece of the speech. Alston spotlighted the ongoing rollout of the $2 billion school bond program approved by voters in 2020 – one of the largest local education investments in North Carolina history. Over the past year, ribbon-cuttings have celebrated Claxton Elementary, Peck K–8 Expeditionary School, Brooks Global, Foust Elementary, Kiser, and Peeler-Hampton, with many more in the pipeline.
“Our school system has celebrated the opening of several new and renovated facilities,” Alston said. “At the same time, we continue to see steady enhancements across all our schools in the areas of security, safety, and technology.”
He also made a point of recognizing both the progress and the limits of current funding.
“We remain fully committed to the successful implementation of the voter-approved school bonds,” he said, “but we are mindful that current funding still falls short of meeting the full scope of our schools’ needs.”
Alston’s speech, while largely celebratory, also turned serious when addressing the county’s growing pains.
“With growth comes new challenges — particularly in housing and infrastructure,” he said. “We must ensure that progress is inclusive, that every worker and family has a place to live, and that our growth builds and strengthens communities.”
To that end, the county plans to host a Countywide Housing Summit early next year, bringing together public and private partners to tackle affordability and supply issues across all income levels – from apartments to retirement homes.
The county’s chairman for life – well, he is at least getting a tenth year of being chair early next month – also praised the county’s collaboration with cities and towns on ARPA-funded water and sewer improvements, eviction mediation programs, and parks and recreation projects that “strengthen our infrastructure and enhance educational facilities across the county.”
Alston devoted considerable time to public health, behavioral health and social service innovations – areas where Guilford County has drawn statewide attention.
“Our Behavioral Health Center continues to be a national model for crisis response and integrated care,” he said. “Our Family Justice Center remains a shining example of coordinated victim support that’s saving lives every day.”
He also touted Guilford County’s growing Community Paramedicine and Adult Resource Team programs, which aim to provide preventive care before emergencies occur, as well as school telehealth initiatives and the deployment of mobile health clinics.
Next year, Guilford County will open two major new facilities – the Prince Edward Graves Recovery and Treatment Center, a long-term residential program, and a Women with Children’s Recovery Center that’s expected to open by the end of 2026.
“These will be transformative programs that give families hope and a pathway to stability and long-term independence,” Alston said.
At a time when many governments struggle to modernize, Alston wanted to emphasize the efficiency efforts and collaboration going on in Guilford County.
“Behind the scenes, we’re streamlining county operations – improving accessibility, modernizing technology, and mapping services to ensure efficiency and equal access,” he said. “At the heart of our innovation is our people.”
Alston spotlighted the new Legal Support Services Center in High Point, which helps residents navigate the court system without legal representation, and the county’s partnerships with nonprofits through its Community-Based Grant Program, supporting youth mentoring, arts and basic-needs assistance.
“Nonprofits are an essential part of the fabric of our community,” Alston said. “They lead youth mentorship and after-school programs, enrich our cultural and economic vitality, and strengthen our social safety net.”
He described a new People and Animal Welfare Support initiative – a collaboration between Animal Services and Social Services – designed to ensure residents receive help “no matter which county door they happen to walk through.”
Toward the end of his 45-minute address, Alston spoke about the county’s high infant mortality rate – 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, roughly 28 percent higher than the state average.
“What is even more troubling,” he said, “is the racial disparity behind these numbers. Of the 53 infants who did not live to see their first birthday, 70 percent were African American.”
He called the statistics “unacceptable” and announced the launch of an Infant Mortality Task Force to coordinate action across healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies.
“This isn’t just a health department challenge – it’s a community challenge,” Alston said. “With sincere action, shared responsibility, and unwavering commitment, I know we can, and we will, turn the tide.”
Throughout the speech, Alston balanced optimism with reminders of fiscal reality.
“We’re balancing historic investments in education, infrastructure and public safety with responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources,” he said. “We must continue to be innovative in how we fund essential services.”
He mentioned the upcoming Quarter-Cent Sales and Use Tax referendum, which could help fund teacher pay, fire protection and small-town initiatives. Alston described it as a crucial tool for long-term sustainability. He also reaffirmed partnerships with GTCC, workforce boards and neighboring municipalities to ensure Guilford County’s rapid growth remains sustainable and beneficial to all.
In closing, Alston invoked the theme that ran through the afternoon – unity.
“We measure success not just in numbers,” he said, “but in lives improved and opportunities created.”
Then, echoing the community-wide call he’s used in the past, he urged the audience to join him in the effort to unite people and local governments throughout the county.
“Together, as One Guilford, we’re not just building a stronger county – we’re building a stronger, more livable community for everyone who calls Guilford County home.”
Alston made it clear in the speech that he believes the county’s best days are yet to come.
“Alston made it clear in the speech that he believes the county’s best days are yet to come.”
I do have one question Scott…WHEN can we expect those days to come Maybe after (if ever) you leave office?
Jet ZERO’S 14,000 jobs?
Hmmm and just exactly where is this mega facility with a huge parking lot teaming with cars and employees?
Having met Skip Alston, I see a slick politician that will say most anything to stay in power. Most of us just can’t fathom his personality. Skip is going to exploit Guilford citizens for his own purposes. I have learned to listen carefully to everything he says. After elections he is coming to rob us. A robber uses a gun and force to extract money from people unwilling victims. That’s what we are, unwilling victims. Wake up Guilford.
Amen!
, “the county plans to host a Countywide Housing Summit early next year, bringing together public and private partners to tackle affordability and supply issues across all income levels – from apartments to retirement homes.“
Surprise Skip! It’s called supply and demand. Private businesses will fill the demand for housing as it is dictated. AFFORDABLE HOUSING? That falls on Skippy and his minions. Keep taxes at present rates and the private sector will answer the demand for housing. If taxes make new housing unaffordable it’s on you Skippy. The government, at any level, cannot and must not be involved in creating housing for the private sector! Stay in your lane Skippy, do better with what you have. We’re already paying higher taxes than Mecklenburg and Wake County!
DO BETTER WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Skippy!
The better question would be what is Skippy and his sycophants getting out of it.
————–
It’s strange how Democrats always preach “Unity!” when they’re in power, and “Protest!” and “Resist!” when they’re not….
————
Have you ever seen Skip Alston not wearing black? Neither have I. Even his cars are black. Black paint, black wheels, black interior. Wow.
Do you think his race is central to his identity?
I noticed him on television the other day, wearing a large gold necklace that supported the letters S.A. prominently displayed at chest level. His initials, “Skip” Alston. [ He’ll be ignorant of the historical reference ]
A casual observer might conclude that he’s a narcissistic black megalomaniac…
Austin, drive by his gated plantation his fence and gates are black but in the middle is a a big gold SA in each gate. Kinda comical to me
Austin it reminds of the movie Scarface. He had the same gated initialed compound
Rebel, there was an old British army Major my family knew back in the day. He was born in Rhodesia and witnessed firsthand what the surrender of white rule did to his country. He said that “The Breadbasket of Africa” (which is what Rhodesia used to be called) had become the basket case of Africa – after Mugabe seized control.
He had owned a farm there that employed dozens of black Rhodesians, latterly Zimbabweans, and he always said that Africans have the mentality and maturity of small children, and should be treated as such.
Little children love to see their own name in lights, or at least prominently displayed. Well, they’re just little children, aren’t they?
Maybe he was right.
Sorta like the gold chain with SA hanging around skips neck
Austin,
S.A. has another definition…go back about 85 or 90 years
2022 saw an average increase in Guilford County property taxes due to revaluations of about 27%. 2026 could see a 50% increase on average. He wants a sales tax increase in 2026 as well. Of the 3 largest counties in NC., Guilford has the lowest median household income at about $66,000 and yet the highest property tax at $0.73/$100 compared to Wake at $103,000 and $0.40/$100 and Meck at $85,000 and $0.53/$100.
Keep an eye on how those property revaluations are being done neighborhood to neighborhood in Guilford. Make sure this is transparent and political favoritism is not being granted to keep certain houses and neighborhood increases lower than others. Would not put it past those in power to do this to stick it harder to certain areas when it comes to property tax revaluations.
Meantime, as the tax spend goes up, the numbers show the following.
Record homicides in 2023. Highest increase of any major NC city from 2022 to 2023.
Over the last two years, a 42% increase homelessness.
14% eviction rates making Guilford the 4th highest of the 100 counties in NC.
Guilford has the highest number of foster children of any of the 100 NC counties.
Of the 200 largest metro areas in the USA , our area fell from 106 in the Milken economic index to 187 while Raleigh was number one and Charlotte was around number 12.
Road audits have not changed over the past ten years as Guilford continues to receive D ratings.
Guilford County Schools have about an 18% teacher turnover rate which is one of the worst in the state. School test scores are still in a very poor state and 1 in 3 GCS students are chronically absent from GCS schools. GCS schools continue to decrease in the number of students each year with 4 elementary schools to be shut down.
Spend, spend, spend.
Tax, tax, tax.
Where are the results??
Dangerous having one person in charge for so long in this county. He needs to step down.
We are becoming a mini Detroit, slowly but surely.
Unity? For whom?