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Economic development group outlines $150,000 ask; council requests an MOU and bylaws before committing
Summary
Wayne County Development Alliance representatives described recent industrial wins and requested $150,000 for a capital campaign; council asked for bylaws, an MOU with deliverables and a follow-up work session before any funding decision.
Representatives of the Wayne County Development Alliance (WCDA) briefed the Goldsboro City Council on Dec. 1 about recent industry recruitment successes and a proposed capital campaign. Robert Benton, who identified himself as chairman of the Impact Wayne capital campaign, outlined recent project wins and said the WCDA is requesting $150,000 starting in 2026 (presented as $30,000 per year for five years) to support staff, land control and continued industrial recruitment.
Benton noted local private- and public-sector investments: examples included multi-million-dollar capital expenditures and job commitments at several projects. He said WCDA plans to acquire or control additional acreage for future industrial development and to expand staffing. "Our request today is for a $150,000," Benton said (presentation).
Council members said they were not prepared to approve funding at the meeting. Several asked for a written memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would define WCDA deliverables and the city’s expected return on investment, and requested copies of WCDA bylaws and more clarity on how board members are selected and how municipal representation is determined. Benton offered to provide bylaws and to meet with the city manager and interested council members for a follow-up work session.
Outcome
No funding decision was made. Council directed staff to obtain WCDA bylaws and to set up a follow-up meeting (work session or small-group briefings) to review an MOU and expectations before any appropriation is proposed to council.
