Goldsboro council approves 4-year MOU with Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation

The Goldsboro City Council voted unanimously Aug. 18 to approve a revised memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the citys Downtown Development Department and the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation (DGDC).

Erin (city downtown staff) and Doug McGrath, past DGDC president, spoke to council about the changes and the nonprofits ongoing role supporting downtown revitalization. Doug McGrath said the purpose of the MOU is to document an existing partnership and recommended a 48-month term so private investors and volunteers would have predictability.

The MOU defines responsibilities, reporting and expectations between the city department and the DGDC; staff described the MOU as a tool to clarify the partnership rather than change it. City staff noted downtown generates a high return on investment and that DGDC volunteers provide significant in-kind support, including lease of office space to the city at no charge.

Council members asked for better tracking of in-kind hours provided by city staff and volunteers; staff said they are exploring ways to capture that information and would provide a policy or reporting approach as appropriate. During debate Councilwoman Wieck (recorded comments) asked that city staff document in-kind hours and staff time spent on nonprofit activities to support transparency and potential audits; staff committed to returning with a mechanism for tracking.

After discussion the council approved the MOU by a 7-0 vote. The MOU will be the basis for continued collaboration on downtown projects, including grant applications and maintenance work where DGDC and city staff coordinate.