Monroe City Council gathered at City Hall on Sept. 16 for its annual Strategic Planning Retreat, spending the day reviewing accomplishments, hearing updates on major initiatives, and setting direction on future projects.
2024 Priorities
Council heard that many of its 2024 goals are on track, including progress on Dowd Center Theatre operations, golf course upgrades, permit center efficiency, and road improvements.
Monroe Country Club Renovations
Work is underway at the Monroe Country Club golf course to improve facilities and maintain momentum on upgrades for members and visitors. Council received more detailed timelines for new additions including virtual driving ranges, scheduled for opening later in 2025.
Reserved Parking Program Update
Staff reported that the new reserved parking program is full and considered successful following its pilot and recent upgrades.
America 250 Planning
Councilmembers voiced support for commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, with a committee to be formed and potential integration with next year’s Independence Day event. More details on these plans will be discussed at the October City Council meeting.
Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport Improvements
Airport leaders outlined ongoing projects to improve operations, with discussions also touching on sponsorship opportunities and policies for facility naming rights.
Roadside Beautification Efforts
Council brainstormed ways to enhance public spaces, such as volunteer trash pickup and cleaning directional signs. Monroe's Community Maintenance division will continue efforts to address overgrown vegetation and dirty signage.
Public Comment Rules
Council discussed and voted on potential changes to the public comment periods at the second Council meeting each month. Council will vote on this again in October, but tentative changes included turning off all City video and audio recording and streaming services during public comment. This will not affect the September 23, 2025 meeting.
Guest Speaker
Economist Dan Gerlach provided an overview of Monroe’s strong current economic position and long-term opportunities for growth.
NCDOT Projects
Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation presented updates on the State Transportation Improvement Program and upcoming airport projects.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Fire Chief Ron Fowler will conduct a study of advanced life support options for EMS, analyzing costs and benefits of investing in higher-trained staff and additional vehicles.
Sidewalks and Crosswalks
Staff discussed sidewalk and crosswalk priorities, including options for Hayne Street and preparations for shovel-ready projects like Charles Street.
Microtransit Planning
Council reviewed a timeline for applying for microtransit planning and feasibility studies in 2026 and discussed working with Union County to assess transit needs and gaps.
Homeless Event and Census
Plans are underway for a community event on October 1, combining local services, volunteer opportunities, food, and entertainment while conducting a homeless census.