2025 Greensboro Voter Guide: Meet the candidates & get info on voting
About the 2025 Greensboro Election
Tuesday, Nov. 4 : Election Day (Polls open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
• Find your Election Day polling place
WHAT DOES THE CITY COUNCIL DO?
The Mayor and the other members of the Greensboro City Council make a wide range of decisions affecting your life.
The City Council sets policies and priorities, and oversees the many functions of local government, including:
• The Police & Fire Departments
• Economic & Community Development
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
• Appointments to Boards & Committees
• Water & Waste Disposal
• Tax Rates & the City Budget
• Affordable Housing
• Streets, Sidewalks & Road Repair
• City Govt. Employee Wages & Benefits
• Recreation, Parks & Arts Programs
HOW ARE THE GREENSBORO MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL ELECTED?
The Mayor and three City Council members are elected at large, meaning all Greensboro voters vote for these offices.
The remaining five City Council members are elected from specific districts.
Greensboro’s elections are nonpartisan, meaning candidates for Mayor and City Council do not have a political party label on the ballot.
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR GREENSBORO MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
All candidates have been invited to participate in this voter guide by answering a few questions. Responses from the candidates are below.
CANDIDATES FOR GREENSBORO MAYOR
Marikay Abuzuaiter
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: Business owner – Mahi’s Restaurant for 22 years, 13 years employed at a local university, volunteer for decades and appointed to City Boards and Commissions prior to elected to office. I am currently Mayor Pro Tem, elected to the Greensboro City Council in 2011. I am Chair of the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, Chair of the Municipal Planning Organization/TAC, Vice Chair of the Piedmont Triad Regional Authority, Council Liaison to numerous commissions, Executive Board, Family Justice Center, Board member of Crimestoppers, Kiwanis Club of Greensboro, Casa Azul and 2 others.
Why are you running for this office? The upcoming Council will have 4-5 new members. I am the only Councilperson who has the institutional knowledge and has been present in the meetings and discussions the current Council has had over the last 14 years. Some of the discussions are ongoing and the minute details in those discussions are crucial to some of the future decisions that will need to be made. I have built community, local and regional relationships and believe those will help guide our future. I absolutely love my City and want to see it continue seamlessly on the trajectory of success it is currently experiencing.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priority has always been Public Safety. That includes Police, Fire and GM911 dispatchers. If we don’t have a safe city, we won’t have businesses who want to come, people who want to live here or tourists who visit our venues. All 3 of our Public Safety entities have National Accreditations and awards. A safe city is a successful city. My second Priority is Infrastructure/Housing – If we don’t have the roads, the transit, the water and sewer availability, the housing – all types of housing – I can assure you that businesses and people won’t want to come here.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? First, we must build relationships with our area college/university students – not just with the administration but with the students. As a designated advisor for a group of college students with my service organization, the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro, I am building relationships with college students and listening to their ideas, dreams and career trajectories. Students should always have a voice and I want to bring back the College Commission we once had. College students were involved, learned how the City government works and were able to offer solutions to our challenges.
Robbie Perkins
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: Robbie has been in the commercial brokerage business since graduating with a BA and MBA from Duke University in 1979. Robbie has also been a part of Greensboro community leadership since 1993, serving 16 years on the Greensboro City Council and as Mayor of Greensboro from 2011-2013. Transportation planning, regional cooperation and major community investments such as the Greensboro Aquatic Center and the Seven Tanger Center for Performing Arts were part of his focus as an elected official.
Why are you running for this office? Greensboro is at an inflection point, and strong leadership is needed to make the changes that are necessary to move the city from good to great. Greensboro knows what I stand for, and my track record is clear. My list of accomplishments from my first term as Mayor is positive and significant. I have been successful in working with all of our city’s constituencies. I respect them all. It’s time to get past what divides us and focus on what unites us.
What are your top priorities if elected? Our vision is to build a Greensboro that works for everyone. As your next Mayor, I will prioritize public safety to ensure every neighborhood feels secure and supported, attainable housing to provide affordable and accessible homes for all residents, and smart investments in planning and infrastructure to prepare our city for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Together, we will create a community where families flourish, businesses thrive, and the voices of all Greensboro residents are heard and valued.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I’ll make Greensboro a place where voices are heard. I’ll create more opportunities for young people to serve on boards, commissions, and advisory councils so they have a direct say in shaping our future. We will develop a new generation of leaders that will change Greensboro. When we build a city where young talent can help shape their future, they’ll stay, start businesses, and raise their families here. We will engage our young talent, listen to their concerns, and allow them to feel ownership in the community. Then they will stay-and Greensboro will flourish.
GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL – AT-LARGE (3 SEATS)
Irving D. Allen
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: I’ve spent over 15 years as a community organizer in Greensboro, building coalitions that win results on housing, jobs, and community safety. I’m closest to the median age of our city, which gives me a unique perspective—I’m connected to both younger and older generations and able to help organize Greensboro for the moment we’re in politically and culturally. My track record of bringing people together, pushing for accountability, and delivering real change makes me the most qualified candidate in this race.
Why are you running for this office? I’m running because Greensboro deserves leadership that organizes with people, not just governs over them. For 15 years, I’ve built the skills, connections, and relationships to bring people together and win real change. Too often, our city has failed to listen and respond to its citizens—yet listening is the first responsibility of representation. On Council, I will listen, learn, and lead with equity at the forefront, and help shape an inclusive identity for Greensboro that will last the next hundred years.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. Affordable Housing & Safe Neighborhoods – Strengthen tenant protections, expand affordable housing, and keep families rooted in place. 2. Good Jobs & Worker Support – Grow industries that pay living wages and support unions and city workers. 3. Youth Investment – Expand afterschool programs, job pipelines, and mentorship to create safer, stronger neighborhoods.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Young people will be included in all aspects of local government—from serving on boards and commissions to shaping policies through expanded advisory councils and internships. I will build real pathways for training and education in civic leadership, while fostering a community lifestyle and culture where young people can see a future in Greensboro and choose to stay and lead here.
Richard Beard
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: My 20+ years in business development taught me to navigate complex projects, build consensus among stakeholders, and deliver measurable results. I’ve successfully attracted over $1 billion in economic development to Greensboro and created thousands of jobs. I serve on multiple nonprofit boards, including our Learn to Swim program with Guilford County Schools so I am able to keep a pulse on our community needs and how to deliver opportunity for all Greensboro residents. I understand how to work within budgets, manage timelines, and turn vision into reality.
Why are you running for this office? Greensboro is home. I was born here, went to school and raised my family here and have long championed this city in both my personal and professional life. Now, it’s time to take that a step further in public office. To move Greensboro forward, the city needs a strong, collaborative City Council that can build consensus, drive progress, and hold itself accountable to the people it serves. I am eager and ready to be that leader, helping to shape a more dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous future for my hometown.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. Support Economic Growth: Prepare our current and future workforce for the job opportunities coming. Ensure attainable housing to accommodate growth. 2. Public Safety & Community Programs: Ensure adequate funding for police, fire, and youth programs that provide alternatives to negative influences and strengthen neighborhoods. Update/restore our Community Recreation Centers with modern amenities. 3.Downtown Revitalization + Parks: Create a vibrant, safe downtown district that attracts residents, businesses, and visitors. Prioritize green space and places that bring us together.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Young people are the future of Greensboro and as a Greensboro College alum I am passionate about the local educational institutes being involved in city processes. I will work to give young people and college students a voice in local government through advisory councils, student representation on appropriate boards and commissions and partnerships with our colleges.
Hugh Holston
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: Hugh is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill. He currently serves as an At-Large member of the Greensboro City Council. Hugh currently serves as the CEO of the Greensboro Housing Coalition, a non-profit advocating for fair, safe, healthy, and affordable housing. Previously, Hugh held senior leadership positions with Wells Fargo, AT&T, and Lincoln Financial. Hugh also serves on boards to include the CFNC Inc., North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ), the African American Leadership Group of the United Way of Greater Greensboro, FaithAction International, and Preservation Greensboro, Inc.
Why are you running for this office? 1) I want to continue the incredible momentum we have with over $20 billion in new capital investment, over 23,000 new jobs, and over 1,100 jobs retained, and 2) I want to drive new opportunities in housing, economic development, and public safety by investing in the infrastructure and alternate sources of revenue to attract even more new large and small businesses to provide our residents with better household resources and quality of life. We have much more work to do and I have the Council experience to continue the momentum while also recognizing and avoiding the pitfalls of the past.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Attract good-paying jobs so residents can make a good living and have a better quality of life. 2. PUBLIC SAFETY – Ensure our residents feel and are safe, protected, and respected. Residents and businesses will not remain or relocate to our community if they do not feel safe at home, at work, or at our establishments. 3. HOUSING – We are short over 48,000 housing units. We need these units to satisfy the demand we have created by attracting so many new students and businesses. Rental and purchase prices will remain high until we increase the supply of housing units.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? 1. I have formally engaged college students on campus at NCAT, UNCG, Guilford College, and Greensboro College to inform them of the role of City Council and the importance of their voice in what we do. 2. I have facilitated the appointment of a college student to one of our city’s commissions to roll-up her sleeves on sustainability. 3. I have successfully recommended college students for summer internships to get hands-on experience in our municipal government. 4. I have encouraged students to participate in our City Academy to better understand how all of our city departments work.
GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 1
Crystal Black
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: I’m running for office to bring new leadership and real results to District One. For more than a decade, I’ve served our community through disaster response, youth programs, public safety advocacy, and partnerships with city leaders. I’ve fought for safe, clean neighborhoods, fair development, and accountability from those in power. District One has waited too long for progress—it’s time to reimagine our future with leadership that listens, acts, and delivers.
Why are you running for this office? I’m running for office because District One deserves leadership that delivers results, not promises. For too long, our community has been overlooked while plans sat on shelves and opportunities passed us by. I believe it’s time to reimagine District One — with safer neighborhoods, stronger economic growth, cleaner communities, and more opportunities for our families. I bring the experience, passion, and proven record of service to fight for the change we need and to get real results for our residents.
What are your top priorities if elected? Safe & Clean Communities – Invest in public safety, reduce crime, and hold property owners accountable for maintaining clean, safe neighborhoods. Economic Growth & Job Opportunities – Push for fair development that creates real jobs for District One residents and ensures promises made are promises kept. Equity in City Services – Secure equal access to parks, infrastructure, housing, and resources so every family in District One can thrive.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I will ensure young people, including college students, have a real voice in local government by creating a Youth & Student Advisory Council, partnering with area colleges for regular forums, and making meetings more accessible. I have been a part of a similar model with the Ad-Hoc Committee on African American Disparities. By meeting students where they are—on campuses, online, and in the community—we can empower them to shape decisions on safety, housing, jobs, and the future of District One. Young people are not just the future; they are leaders today and deserve a seat at the table.
Sharon Hightower
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: Resident serving as Councilperson since 2013, building trusted relationships working with neighborhoods for the issues that matter most.
Why are you running for this office? I am seeking re-election to continue serving District 1 because I have a strong passion to keep focus on the opportunities before us while working together to address the challenges of food deserts, lack of retail and corridor improvements. I have attended neighborhood meetings, established trusted relationships, been accessible to listen and responsive to your concerns. We have seen economic opportunity with good paying jobs, better housing development and small business growth. I am committed to advocating for responsible growth, improving infrastructure, water quality and safe communities.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. Economic Empowerment, Continue to grow the economy, support local small businesses by ensuring they are certified SBEs in the City program and exposed to contracting opportunities. Promote entrepreneurship. 2. Infrastructure Investments – of much needed sidewalk projects, equitable paving of streets, safer train crossings, bus shelters. 3. Housing – work with developers that use small, local contractors to build mixed use/income developments that integrates residential, commercial, spaces. Increase forgivable housing rehab funding to serve more seniors on waiting list so they can stay in home.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I have started a youth Courier/Page program that utilizes high school & college students to serve at Council meetings, but is also an internship learning about various job duties. A few years ago, a College commission was created which consisted of representatives from the 7 colleges & universities. It’s time to revisit that committee, where students learn about local government, zoning matters, and participate with policy decisions. Utilization of City facilities close to campus could be used to have student-led meetings, town hall forums, even hosting mock council meetings.
GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 2
GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 3
GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 4
Adam Marshall
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: For more than a decade I have been volunteering my time to serve the city on various boards and commissions. I have served on the Human Relations Commission, Board of Adjustment, Zoning Commission, Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Commission, and am currently on the Greensboro ABC Board. I am a partner at Law Firm Carolinas. We are trained to see both sides of an issue and to think logically. I am a graduate of City Academy and Leadership Greensboro.
Why are you running for this office? I have learned a great deal about city governance through my volunteer service with Greensboro Boards and Commissions. Also, was born and raised in Greensboro. I attended our public schools (Sternberger, Kiser and Grimsley), and my wife and I are now raising our young family here. We are about to see some real growth and economic development in Greensboro. We must keep moving forward so that Greensboro can be a place where our children and grandchildren can live, work , and play. To do that, we need to elect leaders that can work intelligently and collaboratively on behalf of all citizens.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1) Housing – We have an over 30,000 housing shortage. We need attainable housing for our community, housing they can afford with the salary they make. 2) Public Safety – Making sure our public safety officers are well trained, fully staffed, and receiving competitive pay. 3) Economic Development – Capitalizing on our wins like Toyota, Boom Supersonic, and JetZero. We also must support our small businesses and support business incubators like LaunchGreensboro. These incubators help facilitate ideas, pair business owners with mentors, and seek capital investment.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? At 43, I would be one of the youngest council members. I am not so far removed from this age group. I remember what it was like to want to feel like you had a voice. My door will always be open. I welcome conversations from our young people. One of the best ways to have a voice is to get involved. I would encourage service on boards and commissions. It really does educate our citizens on city governance. At the end of the day, I will be one who listens to his constituents. And with colleges like Guilford College, UNCG, and Greensboro College in District 4, that will be critical.
Nicky Smith
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: I have lived and worked in Greensboro for decades as a business owner and employer, creating jobs and supporting schools, churches, and nonprofits. With over 45 years of leadership experience, I know how to manage budgets, solve problems, and deliver results. On City Council, I will be a strong voice for District 4, focused on safety, city services, and responsible growth. My commitment is to listen, represent our neighborhoods, and put the community first above politics.
Why are you running for this office? I am running for City Council to give District 4 a strong, reliable voice that puts people first. Too many decisions in Greensboro have been made without listening to neighborhoods. I want to restore accountability, improve basic services like public safety and leaf collection, and make sure our growth benefits residents, not just developers. My goal is to represent families, seniors, and businesses with fairness and respect, keeping our community safe, vibrant, and financially responsible.
What are your top priorities if elected? My priorities are restoring reliable city services, strengthening public safety, and supporting responsible growth. Bringing back loose-leaf collection and improving trash services will ease burdens on families and seniors. Ensuring police and fire are fully staffed and equipped will make neighborhoods safer. By streamlining zoning and permitting, we can support new housing and businesses while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. These steps will directly improve quality of life across District 4.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I will make it a priority to engage young people by meeting with student groups, supporting internships, and holding listening sessions at our local colleges. Greensboro’s future depends on keeping our best and brightest here, so their voices must be part of city decisions. By creating open channels for dialogue and opportunities for service, I will ensure students and young residents are heard and valued in shaping our community.
GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 5
Jeannette Davidson-Mayer
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: I bring experience from living in multiple locations across the United States. With this, I have a strong background in HR and Business management, spent several years as a disaster response trainer across the country, a personal coach, and a business development consultant. I have been actively involved in military family nonprofits for over a decade. Complacency isn’t always the best approach. I bring a multidisciplinary, fresh perspective that our Great Community of Greensboro requires.
Why are you running for this office? I care deeply about Our Community and want to see Our Community thrive. I want to revive the concept of a politician who truly represents the people, making informed decisions, and one who brings dignity to the individuals who also make Greensboro their home. At the local level, we have an excellent opportunity to influence public policy positively. It’s important to have representatives who genuinely listen to our community, thoughtfully plan for the city’s growth, and remain accountable for the decisions they make. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for everyone in our city.
What are your top priorities if elected? Reduce Crime by empowering our Police Chief, who can, in turn, enable officers and staff to perform their duties effectively. Ensure a fully operational fleet of vehicles, equipment, and training. Affordable housing starts with assessing infrastructure capacity, maintenance, and replacement plans, as well as planned growth. We need to bring all parties to the table when constructing the plan. Lowering Taxes stats show that < 40% of earned income goes towards living taxes, healthy living should be 30%-33%. Guilford County has the highest tax rates in comparison to Mecklenburg and Wake.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Town hall meetings held across the city, along with surveys and open-door policies, encourage community members to engage with key personnel. This aims to ensure Greensboro remains a safe place to live, work, raise a family, and feel secure.
Tammi Thurm
Please describe your background, experience, and qualifications for this office: I’ve served on City Council since 2017. Prior to running for office, I worked as a CFO, VP of Finance and Operations for large family-owned businesses and as a law firm administrator in the Triad. I also served on the Minimum Housing Commission, held various positions with the Greensboro Jewish Federation, and B’nai Shalom Day School. Since taking office, I have served as Vice-Chair of Jordan Lake One Water Alliance, on the Board of Directors of the NC League of Municipalities, and on the Board of Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. I also serve on the TAC and as an alternate on the CVB.
Why are you running for this office? I understand the great diversity of needs throughout our community. I’ve worked closely with residents and understand the issues they are facing. In addition, with so many of our current council members leaving, it is important to maintain institutional knowledge. We’ve improved public safety, started work on GSO’s first permanent supportive housing (PSH) initiative, and boosted our economy with new jobs (Publix, Toyota, Boom, and JetZero) and supported our local businesses. Our work isn’t done, but I know that we can continue this progress and make GSO a more prosperous city for all.
What are your top priorities if elected? Public Safety: I’m committed to continuing our work on improving public safety by supporting police and fire, building community trust, and ensuring all of our residents feel safe, respected, and protected. Housing: Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. I’m committed to expanding attainable housing so more people can build their lives and futures in Greensboro. We also need to ensure we’re helping our unsheltered population. Economic Development: We must continue our work to drive high-paying jobs to our area and support our existing businesses – providing opportunities for all.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I’ve always believed in listening to all the voices in the room, especially our youth. I’m proud to have appointed younger adults to boards and commissions – giving them an avenue for direct input into our future. We must ensure that our city has what young people need to keep them in Greensboro, starting with giving them a voice in our decisions. As someone who moved to GSO to attend college and never left, I know that this is only possible if our city has what is needed to obtain a good job, secure safe and affordable housing, and have the attractions needed to have a thriving community.
Other ways to learn about Greensboro’s election and the candidates for office:
Questions about the election?
Contact the Guilford County Board of Elections at (336) 641-3836.