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.

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