Wayne County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wayne County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Amendment
The board enacted new rules requiring all new home construction in FEMA X zones (shaded and unshaded) to be elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade, enhancing flood resilience outside traditional floodplains.
Water Conservation
Wayne County is asking folks to voluntarily cut back on water use right now. Doing a little bit today helps us dodge mandatory limits later on.
Wayne Community College Hangar Lease at Executive Jetport
The county awarded engineering and planning services for the airport to Ardurra to support ongoing grants and facility improvements.
I-42 Naming in Honor of Jack Best
The county approved a resolution asking the state to name a stretch of I-42 after late former commissioner and transportation advocate Jack Best.
Jeffreys Building Parking Lot Fence Removal
Commissioners debated the fate of a security fence at the Jeffreys building parking lot, ultimately voting to remove and repurpose it.
Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) Formation
The county approved joining a new Rural Transportation Planning Organization for Duplin, Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties with NCDOT. Existing county planning staff will handle administrative duties in-house without needing extra hires.
Zoning Map Amendment Z-26-01 (Brogden Township)
A public hearing was held on rezoning 18.61 acres from residential/shopping to Light Industry to accommodate an existing fabrication shop and future compatible uses.
County Facility Re-Use and Capital Improvements Study
Intrepid Architecture presented a comprehensive study on renovating the Wayne County Jail, Courthouse Annex, and 800 Corporate Drive building to address space needs, security, plumbing, and departmental consolidation.
Property Tax Transparency Tool
A new simulator on the county website shows exactly how your property tax dollars are split among sheriff, schools, EMS and more. Commissioners hope it clears up confusion about the tax rate and revaluation.
Economic Development Lessons from Wilson County
Commissioners came back from a regional retreat arguing Wayne County needs dedicated economic development staffing and front-end infrastructure investment — water, sewer, industrial parks — to land major employers like Wilson County has.
Countywide Litter and Environmental Concerns
Residents and commissioners highlighted the heavy financial and aesthetic toll of roadway litter across Wayne County, urging citizens to properly secure loads and dispose of trash.
Grantham Township rezoning
2.817 acres at Paul Hare Road and US 13 South was rezoned from commercial (Community Shopping) to R-10 residential, allowing residential development at the corner.
Legal Aid Office Relocation and County Lease
The county approved a low-cost lease of county-owned office space to Legal Aid of North Carolina to prevent the organization from closing its local office due to state funding cuts.
Cybersecurity Breach
Wayne County just suffered a cyberattack that could mess with the local government websites and digital services you use every day. It's a wake-up call about how vulnerable our public tech systems really are.