City Council Holds Productive Winter Budget Retreat

The Statesville City Council and senior staff gathered for the annual Winter Budget Retreat, held February 19–20, 2026 at the Hickory and Statesville Regional Airports. The two-day retreat provided an opportunity for Council and staff to step away from daily operations and focus on the bigger picture – reviewing financial forecasts, discussing strategic priorities, evaluating infrastructure needs, and preparing for the upcoming FY27 budget process.

Day one began in Hickory, where our group met with Hickory officials and toured several community investments and improvement projects. We appreciate the City of Hickory and the Hickory Regional Airport for graciously hosting us and sharing insights into their growth strategies and infrastructure initiatives.

Throughout the retreat, Council reviewed key topics including revenue trends, capital planning, utilities, transportation, workforce needs, and economic development. These conversations help ensure that Statesville remains proactive, financially responsible, and aligned with our Front & Center Strategic Plan priorities.

The Winter Budget Retreat serves as an important starting point as we move into budget season. The collaboration and thoughtful discussion over these two days will help guide staff in developing a proposed FY27 budget that supports continued growth, strong infrastructure, and high-quality services for our community.