We, the undersigned residents of Winston-Salem in agreement with the Coalition for Accountability and Transparency and its Partners, believe in equitable development and the importance of community involvement in shaping our city's future. Winston-Salem residents please click here to sign this petition which hereby petitions the City Council, Mayor's Office, and Planning Department to create and implement a city ordinance mandating the use of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) for major development projects.

We Understand

Community Benefits Agreements are legally binding contracts between developers and community groups that ensure development projects provide tangible benefits to local communities. These agreements can include provisions for affordable housing, local hiring, job training programs, support for local businesses, public health initiatives, environmental sustainability, and more.

We Need a CBA Ordinance because we want:

1. Equitable Development:

Ensures that development projects contribute to the welfare of local communities.
Helps prevent displacement and gentrification, prioritizing the needs of existing residents.

2. Enhanced Community Engagement:

Requires developers to engage with community groups, ensuring local voices are heard and input is included.
Fosters trust and collaboration between developers and residents.

3. Transparency and Accountability:

Creates a transparent process for negotiating and enforcing community benefits.
Holds developers accountable for their commitments.

4. Economic and Social Benefits:

Stimulates the local economy through local hiring and support for local businesses.
Addresses social issues such as public health, education, and environmental sustainability, improving the overall quality of life in the community.

Our Request:

We respectfully request that the City Council, Mayor's Office, and Planning Department take immediate action to draft and adopt a city ordinance mandating the use of Community Benefits Agreements for all major development projects in Winston-Salem. This ordinance should include:

1. Scope and Applicability:

Apply to major development projects based on specific criteria such as project size, budget, and potential community impact.

2. Community Engagement Requirements:

Mandate early and meaningful engagement with recognized community groups.
Require a minimum number of public meetings and consultations to ensure broad community input.

3. Negotiation and Agreement Process:

Establish a standardized process for negotiating CBAs using Consent-based decision-making, including timelines, required documentation, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Provide support to community groups to ensure effective negotiation.

4. Enforcement and Monitoring:

Include mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing CBA commitments.
Establish an independent advisory & oversight body to ensure transparency and accountability.

By signing this petition, we express our strong support for the creation of a CBA ordinance and our commitment to ensuring that development in Winston-Salem benefits all members of our community.

Together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city for everyone.

Winston-Salem residents please click here to sign.

Mark Lee

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