Two Goldsboro residents addressed the City Council during the Jan. 5 public comment period, urging immediate, concrete action to address gun violence and gaps in prevention programming.

Rodney Robinson, who said he lives in neighborhoods impacted by shootings, criticized elected leaders for failing to act on community reports: "So what are you gonna do about it?" he asked, adding that residents have filed reports and expect the city to follow up.

Nicole Dixon said she reviewed the Goldsboro Police Department’s strategic plan and could not find evidence that the community police services division — which the plan lists as a vehicle for youth engagement, neighborhood meetings and schools-based training — is operational. "The time for plans is over. The time for accountability, transparency, and implementation is now," she told council.

Council members responded by acknowledging the urgency and pressing staff and the police department to increase outreach and implementation of community-based programs. Multiple councilmembers emphasized continued engagement with youth organizations, neighborhood watches and faith-based partners and said they would pursue funding and programmatic options as part of upcoming budget and CIP discussions.

Next steps: Council discussion during member comments referenced possible CIP-supported purchases for community programs and technology to support police operations; staff and council asked residents to continue providing specific evidence and suggested follow-up with the police department and relevant staff.