Know your local governments.

The Springfield City Council hears a year-end ‘Springfield Wrapped’ from residents who spotlight business closures, crime, and housing instability alongside new investments and growing civic engagement, then face a blunt call for concrete action on unsafe housing, traffic enforcement, and distracted driving heading into 2026.

The Springfield City Council reviewed a clean annual audit with no significant control issues, then heard a pension funding forecast showing about $310 million in shortfalls through fiscal year 41 that will need non–property tax sources. Public comment pressed the council on decorum and raised concerns about police practices and records handling, while a resident introduced a new community radio effort.

The Woodfin Town Council discusses early talks with UNC Asheville and tourism officials about potential development on a small riverfront parcel, stressing that options are still wide open.

The Springfield District 186 Board of Education reviews late bus tracking, billing credits with the contractor, and communication fixes for route changes. The board also reports strong participation in the Superintendent search with an announcement expected near the end of January, and shares student program celebrations and key dates for preview night and winter break.

The Durham City Council celebrated the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People’s 90th anniversary, then sparred over a trespass decision tied to a disruptive swearing‑in night. The council unanimously adopted the Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035, approved a small Page Road townhouse rezoning, and unanimously rejected a noncontiguous Hamlin Road annexation outside the urban growth boundary; the Leigh Village Center hearing was continued to February amid traffic study and process concerns.