Let’s talk numbers

• 4,000+ written comments
• Nearly 3,000 participants submitted an online survey for the plan
• 250+ community members showed up at 20 public meetings
• 72 participants attended meetings presented by nine stakeholders
• City of Winston-Salem’s Youth Advisory Council reached out to kids 11-14 years old and encouraged them to share innovative ideas for their perfect community

The people have spoken

• “It is important that there is the possibility of decent, comfortable, well-located housing, with affordable prices.”
• “Businesses look for an educated workforce. They thrive and grow when strong transportation systems are in place. The perceived value of a business or neighborhood, along with the quality of the school system, are three major factors in economic development.”
• “Preserve buildings that have collective memories of the community and are character contributing, but don’t deny development just for the sake of stopping change.”

The verdict

• Trolley Pub Reopening + Ribbon Cutting | Friday, Oct. 4 | 12-2 p.m. | 1355 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. | Free | Celebrate the comeback of the 14-person pedal-powered tours to the downtown scene after the COVID-19 hiatus.
• Foot Golf Friday | Friday, Oct. 11 | 4-5 p.m. | Polo Park | Free | Participants of all ages can learn how to play foot golf — open to all skill levels.

• Aggie Filmmakers Showcase | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 11 a.m. | a/perture Cinema | Free | Watch films made by NC A&T State University students — seven screenings will be shown.
• Eating and Exercise on a Budget — Wellness Workshop | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 690 Women’s Fitness | $10 | Learn how to shop smart, meal prep efficiently, and partake in a group workout — child care will be provided.
• Wake Forest Men’s Soccer vs. Boston College: Alumni Weekend | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Wake Forest University, Spry Soccer Stadium | $10+ | Cheer on the Demon Deacons, and then network + meet other alumni.

• Kaleideum After Dark: Boo Ha Ha! | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Kaleideum | $20+ | Get ready for boos, brews, and crazy costumes in this special haunted edition of Kaleideum After Dark. Look forward to DJ Diesel, fall-themed games + prizes, and much more. Tickets include two drinks.*

• Got an idea on how the bus system should be improved? Share your thoughts with city officials during a public meeting Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Central Public Library downtown. You can also fill out an online survey before Saturday, Nov. 16.

• Celebrate the heart of Bailey Park’s culinary scene during the Food + Spirit Festival on Sunday, Oct. 27. From live demos to tastings on the patio, end your night with a dinner reception at Six Hundredº — tickets start at $20.

• The Artreaux is offering free rent to those displaced from Western NC or those willing to relocate to Winston-Salem. The apartment complex also offers reduced rates, flexible lease terms, and waived move-in fees to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

• Register to donate blood during Lewisville’s Blood Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Donors can head to the Mary Alice Warren Community Center between 1 and 5:30 p.m. to make their donation. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

• Piedmont Triad International Airport was named to the top 10 in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Airport in the US. Check out our guide to navigate PTI like a pro.

• Forsyth County will host the 2026 NCAA Division II Regionals cross country race at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville. It was chosen among 240 sites nationwide.

• Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*

• Life’s too short for forgettable family photos. Cherish this moment in time forever with a museum-quality family portrait from WS’ own Oh, Goodness Fine Portraits. This season, the local studio is offering personalized family shoots plus a beautiful 11x14 canvas print for one refundable deposit.*

• Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: For a limited time, you can post your listing for free. Give it a try.

• Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools filled an 18-wheeler, three activity buses, one box truck, and more through the Water for Watauga campaign.
• Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office sent three trucks full of supplies to Buncombe County. Deputies, command staff, and Sheriff Kimbrough are on the ground assisting the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office with various needs throughout the county.
• Forsyth Humane Society and Forsyth County Animal Shelter provided 5,000 pounds of pet food + supplies to McDowell and Transylvania counties.