Forsyth County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Forsyth County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Data Center Moratorium and Regulations
Residents keep pressing commissioners to pause data center rezonings while the county updates its UDO, but the board has declined, citing state downzoning restrictions. Commissioners are instead asking state lawmakers to return local zoning authority over data centers.
Law Enforcement Detention Center Population Pressures and Security
The jail is running 950-1,000 inmates against a capacity of 1,016. A GPS monitoring program at $5.90 per day — cheaper than the $5.51 the county spends on food alone — could let courts release eligible inmates while keeping track of them.
County Property Tax Authority Opposition
Commissioners and staff discussed growing legislative efforts in the General Assembly to restrict local property tax authority and freeze valuations. Officials warned that such caps could severely impair county funding for public schools, law enforcement, and vital community services.
Sales Tax Revenue Allocation for School Supplements
A public commenter urged the board to increase public school funding and address staffing shortages that affect student support services and safety. Speakers highlighted personal experiences with inadequate classroom staffing.