Goldsboro, NC— April 21, 2025, The City of Goldsboro officially welcomed Matthew Livingston as its new City Manager during a swearing-in ceremony this week, marking a new chapter in leadership as the city prepares for transformative growth. With a focus on long-term planning, community revitalization, and citizen engagement, Livingston outlined an ambitious vision aimed at shaping Goldsboro’s future over the next two decades.

During the ceremony, Livingston emphasized the City Council’s current priorities, which are centered on three main pillars: strategic development, community input, and equitable revitalization.

A Vision for the Future: Planning for the Next 20 Years

Livingston highlighted two key initiatives already underway—Goldsboro’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, a 20-year roadmap for smart growth, and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which aims to expand recreational access and services across the city.

He also noted the beginning stages of long-term infrastructure planning, including a sewer treatment plant expansion, and a regional water line extension that could reach the Johnston County line. “The growth is coming,” Livingston said. “Goldsboro is going to look a lot different in 20 years, and we have to be ready for it.”

Listening to the People: Community-Driven Government

One of the City Council’s top initiatives this year is to actively seek public feedback on how city services are performing. The city plans to distribute statistically significant surveys and questionnaires—developed by a professional firm—to gather detailed data from every neighborhood in Goldsboro.

“This isn’t just about checking a box,” Livingston said. “We’re using this feedback to shape a more community-oriented strategic plan. We want to know, directly from our citizens, where we’re doing well—and where we need to do better.”

Livingston also committed to personally engaging with residents, stating that he is available for neighborhood meetings and community events to answer questions and hear concerns directly.

Revitalizing Underserved Areas

Revitalization of historically neglected neighborhoods is a top priority, with blight elimination efforts already underway. Over the past few weeks alone, the city has torn down more than a dozen structures—some of which were hubs for illegal activity.

Livingston explained. “It’s about creating a safer, more livable environment and making room for new development and investment in areas that haven’t seen it in a long time.”

A major component of this effort is a partnership with the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), which will build affordable housing on city-owned lots using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These homes will be distributed throughout Goldsboro—not clustered in a single area—to promote inclusive, mixed-income communities.

The Planning Department is also undergoing a reorganization to become a more proactive development service hub, ensuring that land use and community development align strategically.

Rebuilding Recreation and Expanding Opportunity

In response to the loss of recreational programming at Herman Park, the city has secured an agreement to relocate Parks and Recreation operations to Edgewood School. The facility will house staff and programming, offering a new space for community engagement without the high cost of constructing a new community center.

Livingston said. “It gives us a chance to restore and expand our recreational offerings in a facility that’s already in good condition.”

Eyeing Economic Development and Job Growth

While economic development isn’t Livingston’s sole focus, he emphasized the need to drive investment into Goldsboro’s core, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Collaborations with local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce are central to efforts aimed at attracting new businesses and jobs.

One tool being explored is the use of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, a model that could redirect new tax revenues from development back into neighborhood improvements.

As he takes on the role of City Manager, Livingston is clear-eyed about the work ahead. “My goal is to re-energize Goldsboro from the inside out,” Livingston said.

The city manager’s office encourages the community to reach out to them with any concerns, questions, or suggestions. Visit https://www.goldsboronc.gov/mayor-of-goldsboro/meet-the-city-council/