Town of Garner Receives National Recognition for Police Recruitment Video

The Town of Garner is proud to announce that it has won an Award of Excellence from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA).

The national recognition—third place in the Town's population grouping—is for a promotional recruitment video directed, filmed and edited by Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler in collaboration with Garner Police Sgt. Joseph Gomes. The award was presented recently at the Savvy Awards during 3CMA's annual conference.

The video highlights the work-life balance that the Police Department offers, appeals to diverse applicants and showcases community-policing efforts. It provides “evergreen” content that can be used at career fairs, school presentations and on social media to present the Police Department in an exciting and appealing light.

Produced over the course of four months, the video incorporated new footage from events, officer trainings, ridealongs and scenes from officers' home-life activities. The narration was recorded from officers featured in the video with additional voiceover narration by then Chief Lorie Smith.

"This award is very well-deserved recognition. Kyle produces so much great work in collaboration with all of the departments in our organization. He is a master storyteller," Communications Director Rick Mercier said.

The Savvy Awards recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and resident-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.

3CMA accommodates local government organizations of all sizes and budget classes by judging entries in several different population groups. Over 1,100 entries in 37 categories were received for the most recent awards competition. The list of all award winners is available online at 3cma.org.

via Town of Garner

Garner Town Council CLASY Candidate’s Forum Shows Love for Garner but Some Distinct Differences on History, Growth, and the Future

The candidates – Kathy Behringer, Mike McIver, Gra Singleton, Kelvin Stallings, Rex Whaley, and – addressed critical issues facing Garner, including growth, infrastructure, affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and the downtown area, as well as the town's recent rebrand at the Choose Local and Small Y’all (CLASY) candidate’s forum on September 6th at the Garner Civitan Club.

A sixth candidate, Patricia Uzzell, did not participate.

Topics covered included

• The Town’s recent logo and motto rebranding

• Garner Growth

• Affordable Housing

• Infrastructure

• Supporting Small Businesses

• Downtown Garner

Overall Tone and Candidate Platforms

All candidates expressed a deep love for Garner and a commitment to its future. A recurring theme was the balance between preserving Garner's "small town charm" and managing its rapid growth. Each candidate highlighted specific areas of focus:

• Gra Singleton (Incumbent): Emphasizes responsible and thoughtful growth, fiscal oversight, affordable housing, and transportation improvements (sidewalks, bus service). He prides himself on being prepared and responsive to citizens, making sure his vote reflects their wishes. "My goal is to ensure that Garner remains a community where you want to live, work, and raise a family."

• Kelvin Stallings: Focuses on an "AAA approach" – Accessibility, Accountability, and Affordability. His background as an organizer informs his desire to improve citizens' quality of life with every decision. "I want to make sure that government is making sure we're improving the quality of life of our citizens with every decision that we make."

• Kathy Behringer (Incumbent): Driven by a desire to make her community a better place, emphasizing reasonable balanced growth, respectful interactions with developers ("Developers are not our enemies. They're our business partners.

• Rex Whaley: Highlights 40 years of public service experience, particularly in financial management, auditing, and budgeting. His focus is on financial oversight, public safety, and ensuring residential development adds value, not just population, with a strong emphasis on commercial development. "I want to focus on residential development adds value to the town, not just population."

• Mike McIver: A lifelong Garner resident and retired Deputy Chief of Police, his platform includes smart growth, limiting tax increases, supporting public safety, and maintaining Garner's quality and charm. "I'm looking at… smart growth, limiting tax increases moving forward… ensuring our public safety is supported… and finally making sure that maintains the quality and charm that we all know Garner is."

Town Rebrand and Logo Change

The Town Council recently voted 3 to 2 to support the Town Manager’s recommendation and roll out of the new town logo and motto. Incumbents Singleton and Behringer split their votes, with Behringer ‘for’ and Singleton ‘against’.

General Sentiment

Mixed, with strong opinions on both sides regarding the chosen logo and process.

Concerns & Criticisms

• Cost: Rex Whaley and Gra Singleton felt the $65,000 cost was excessive and could have been better spent, particularly on small businesses. Whaley noted a lower bid of $25,000 was bypassed.

• Community Involvement: Rex Whaley suggested involving high school students in the design process.

• Design Choice: Gra Singleton strongly criticized the new logo's "heavy industrial G," stating it "don't match" the town's strategic plan for "small town charm" and "hometown feel." He also expressed personal attachment to the "blue and gold" colors, which he said have historical significance, particularly related to the town's segregated past. "Refreshing it and just totally discarding it is stupid in my opinion."

• Lack of Transparency: Singleton also mentioned reading the contract multiple times, suggesting a concern about the process not aligning with the stated goal of "refreshing" the brand.

Support & Acceptance

• Trust in Leadership: Kathy Behringer expressed willingness to "trust her [the Town Manager's] leadership here and support the decision that she's made," acknowledging the Town Manager's decades of experience.

• Periodic Necessity: Mike McIver agreed that every organization needs to "do a rebrand or a refresh from time to time" to stay current.

• Dual Support: While acknowledging his "blue and gold" loyalty (as a Garner High School graduate), McIver also stated, "I also support our town staff with what they're trying to do."

The Town of Garner’s old logo.

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Garner's Growth 

Reasons for Growth (Consensus)

• Proximity to Raleigh/RTP: Many are moving for job opportunities in the Triangle area. "Garner is literally 10 minutes, 5 to 10 minutes outside of Raleigh." (Stallings)

• Availability of Land: Compared to more developed areas like Holly Springs and Morrisville, Garner (and southern/eastern Wake County) still has land for development. "The reason we're growing here now is because they run out of land in Holly Springs and in Morrisville." (Singleton)

• Quality of Life/Reputation: Garner is seen as a desirable place to live, work, and play, with a strong community feel. "Garner is a great place to live, to work, and to play. And and our reputation is out there. People want to come here." (McIver)

• Amenities & Location: Access to downtown Raleigh's cultural resources, 2 hours from the beach, 3 hours from the mountains, and seasonal changes were all cited as attractions.
  

Balancing Growth with Small-Town Feel

• Candidates agreed on the need for "smart" or "responsible" growth.

• Rex Whaley emphasized making it clear to developers "how we want the residential areas that they're building, what we expect from them," focusing on development that "adds value to Barner. Don't just bring us people and throw up some houses and stack them on top of one another."

• Mike McIver suggested fostering "welcome neighborhoods" and leveraging Garner's "world-class parks" to maintain community connections. He also stressed balancing residential and commercial growth for a stable tax base.

• Kathy Behringer acknowledged Garner is a different town than 50 years ago (45,000 people vs. 5,000), suggesting a focus on being a "welcoming community" with a "hometown feel" rather than strictly "small town."

• Gra Singleton highlighted existing amenities like the July 3rd celebration, GPAC programs, and efforts on Main Street as ways to maintain a sense of community, noting that the "core" of Garner's togetherness (e.g., fighting library closure, "red route" opposition) is still present.

• Kelvin Stallings advocated for "community informed" decisions, proposing "neighborhood walk teams" to engage citizens directly about their desires for their communities.

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Infrastructure

 Key Challenges:

• Significant Costs: The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is approximately $89 million, but several large projects (e.g., new Public Works facility estimated at $35-40 million, stormwater pipe replacement) will double that.

• Aging Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure, like the Public Works facility (opened 1980s) and stormwater pipes, is in need of replacement and repair, costing "millions and millions of dollars." (Singleton)

• Funding: Tax increases and bonds are politically difficult. "Last fall Cary had two bond referenda not pass and Wendell also had a long referendum to fail." (Singleton)

Proposed Solutions:

• Purposeful Planning: Candidates stressed the need for clear, long-term plans rather than reactive measures. "We would have to have a plan. We would have to work with [developers]... and make it clear to them what our goals are that they need to be in tandem." (Behringer)

• Financial Foresight: Rex Whaley emphasized strengthening debt capacity and prioritizing resources based on future needs (e.g., fire stations). He also highlighted the importance of commercial development to contribute more to the tax base, as residential development "not paying for itself."

• Innovative Approaches: Kelvin Stallings suggested "innovative approaches" to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth, possibly including "a tax increase up front to be able to provide what we need for the citizens."

• Fiscal Responsibility: Mike McIver advocated for being "fiscally conservative and responsible," planning for "rainy days," and having a "bank account set up" to avoid burdening taxpayers when infrastructure breaks.

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Affordable Housing

Key Challenges

• National Crisis: All candidates recognized affordable housing as a complex, nationwide issue, not unique to Garner.

• Impact on Public Servants: Kelvin Stallings raised a significant concern: a recent report indicated that firefighters, police officers, and many nurses cannot afford housing in Garner, deeming it a "public safety issue" if those who serve the town cannot live there.

• Supply and Demand: Rapid job growth brings people, but housing supply cannot keep up, driving up prices. "Because the housing can't keep up with the people moving here, supply and demand squeeze for the housing drives the price." (Singleton)

• Community Understanding: Rex Whaley emphasized the need for better community outreach and education, noting that 25% of Garner households make less than $50,000, and the average household income ($77,000) is among the lowest in the county.
  
  

Approaches & Definitions

• Task Force Recommendations: The town is continuing to work with the Affordable Housing Task Force and Central Pines study recommendations (Behringer).

• Varied Types: Kelvin Stallings highlighted various forms: townhomes, apartment complexes, "naturally occurring affordable housing" (older homes whose owners have downsized), and housing for public servants.

• Targeted Benefits: Rex Whaley questioned the effectiveness of some current initiatives, citing the Tryon Station project, and stressed that efforts should primarily "benefit Garner residents," including "firefighters, teachers, first responders, medical professionals."

• Not a Crime Issue: Gra Singleton pushed back on the idea that affordable housing automatically creates problems or strains emergency services, citing existing Habitat for Humanity projects.

• No Single Answer: Candidates agreed there isn't one simple solution, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving the community and partners.

Impact on Taxes, Transit, and Education

• Taxes: The impact on tax rates depends on various factors of the development (affordable, workforce, or upper-end).

• Public Transit: An increase in all housing, not just affordable, will increase the need for public transit. Candidates support expanding bus routes and accessibility (e.g., to the new VA clinic).

• First Responders: Any housing increase will strain emergency services. Mike McIver noted that police officer ratios are typically 2.2 per thousand residents, and high-density vertical development might require fewer officers per area than sprawling developments. Rex Whaley pointed out that Garner's emergency room already sees 40,000 visits/year, 65% from Garner residents, indicating existing strain regardless of affordable housing.

• Crime: Kelvin Stallings cited studies showing that "when people are housed and taken care of, crime and all the other social determinants of health actually increase and crime and things like that go down."

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Supporting Small Businesses

Current Perceptions & Needs

• Self-Reliance: Kathy Behringer, a small business owner herself, noted that she and her husband "never looked to the town to provide help for us."

• Lease Costs: Gra Singleton identified rising lease costs (driven by increasing property values from high-dollar development) as a major threat, citing numerous restaurant and brewery closures in Raleigh and statewide.

• Permitting Process: Mike McIver reported that new business owners find the permitting process "challenging" and would like it streamlined with a "one-stop shop" approach.

Proposed Town Support

• Direct Engagement: Rex Whaley suggested the town meet with small businesses to ask "what can we do to help your specific business," particularly regarding regulations, permitting, zoning, and infrastructure (e.g., turn lanes). He also proposed reserving space for small businesses in new developments.

• Town Business Contact & Website: Rex Whaley recommended a dedicated business contact and a small business section on the town website, similar to other Wake County towns, to provide information and maps for residents and visitors.

• Promotion & Recognition: Kelvin Stallings actively uses social media to promote local businesses and suggested the town council and staff do the same, perhaps with a "highlight campaign." Gra Singleton recalled a past practice of the mayor recognizing long-standing local businesses at town hall meetings as a simple yet effective form of recognition.

• Downtown Investment: Continuing to invest in the downtown area and recruit local businesses there was seen as crucial for the town's charm. (McIver)

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Downtown Garner

Current State & Challenges

• Growing Vibrancy: Candidates acknowledged progress, citing murals, coffee shops, the Recreation Center, and downtown concerts as positive developments.

• Lack of Initial Planning: Kathy Behringer noted that Garner was "not ever planned" around a downtown, instead settling around the railroad, which has put it "a little bit behind the curve."

• Investor Confidence: The proposed Metro 201 project (a food hall and residential units) has been delayed due to economic signals affecting investor confidence. "You got to have investors investors have to feel confident in what plant what project they're investing in so you can't fault them because of some of the economic signals out there." (Singleton)

• Balancing History & Development: The presence of the "dirt baseball fields" as part of Garner's small-town charm presents a tough question against potential high-value residential development. (Singleton)
  
  

Vision & Strategies

• Promotion: Rex Whaley suggested promoting downtown more actively through the town website, local news stations, and even travel shows to attract both internal and external visitors.

• Community & Business Input: Kelvin Stallings emphasized involving citizens and businesses in conversations about what they want to see in downtown.

• Catalytic Projects: Mike McIver believes getting the Metro 201 project "off the ground" is key to "catapult further expansion of downtown."

• Preserving History: Gra Singleton highlighted the role of the Historical Society and the museum in preserving downtown's history and value.

• Public Art: Kathy Behringer spoke passionately about the growing public art committee, noting that "Art makes people happy," and encouraged residents to visit downtown to see the art and offer suggestions.
  

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Closing Remarks

All candidates urged citizens to vote in the upcoming election, emphasizing the significant impact of local elections on daily life. They encouraged voters to research platforms, attend meetings, and engage with candidates. Kelvin Stallings invited voters to visit his website, kelvinstallins.com. Gra Singleton closed with a touching endorsement from his daughter, highlighting his passion and long-standing commitment to Garner.

Town of Garner’s New Open Data Site Provides One-Stop Shop for Interactive Maps and Data Sets

The Town has launched a new open data portal, making exploration of interactive maps and data about our community easier than ever.

The site features information on parks and facilities, development activity, capital improvement projects, sidewalks, town limits and road maintenance responsibilities. The new platform is a valuable resource for residents, developers and anyone else interested in learning more about Garner’s growth and infrastructure.

District 33 Legislative Update from Representative Monika Johnson-Hostler

Dear Constituents,

Thank you for staying engaged with the work we're doing for District 33. Our goal is to keep you informed about key legislative updates, community initiatives, and opportunities that impact our district. Your voice is essential in shaping a stronger future, and we encourage you to stay involved, share your thoughts, and reach out with any concerns. Together, we can continue making meaningful progress for our community.

If you would like to schedule a visit please email or call our office at monika.johnson-hostler@ncleg.gov or 919-733-5880.

Rep. Monika Johnston-Hostler: House Standing Committee Assignments

2025-2026 Session

• Appropriations

• Education Appropriations

• Emergency Management And Disaster Recovery

• Higher Education

I had a fantastic time meeting with the students and teachers from Creech Road Elementary School during their visit to the Capitol! They were so well prepared, I think they aced my pop quiz on government!

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Senate to begin State Budget Process

This year the State Senate will began the budget process for North Carolina’s two-year budget plan. We are currently in the Long Session, where the state budget is the main project for both Chambers to complete. Next year during the Short Session, we will take up a smaller budget that tweaks funding depending on needs that arise or correct technical issues.

The budget process begins in the Senate and after they pass a spending package, it will come to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Chambers typically end up passing different packages, requiring a need for a conference committee to iron out the details. The final spending agreement is then voted on by both Chambers and sent to the Governor for him to sign, veto or let it become law without his signature.

The budget is perhaps the most important legislation this body considers because it sets the funding amounts for state agencies, salaries for state employees and teachers, and more. It is often a place where other policies that did not pass as standalone bills can be inserted, so the budget can become contentious given it is usually one of the last opportunities to enact new policies before the General Assembly winds down for the year.

According to WUNC reporter Colin Campbell, leadership in the House and Senate have agreed to the amount of spending increases for the 25-26 and 26-27 fiscal years.

Those amounts are $800 million more for 25-26 and $700 million more in 26-27. The budget process comes as Governor Stein has warned about an impending “fiscal cliff” as state revenue is projected to decline over the next few years. There are also concerns about how cuts from the federal government will impact critical funding for various state agencies.

The State Senate will release their budget before the Easter break. The Senate budget bill can be found here. The House leadership has begin its work on the budget. You can read Governor Stein’s proposed budget here.

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First Robotics. Thank you First Robotics for the invitation to be opening speaker. FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION! FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that inspires young minds to explore careers in STEM through thrilling robotics challenges. Teams of students design, build, and program robots to compete in high energy matches, demonstrating not only their engineering skills but also their teamwork and problem-solving abilities. It was amazing to see the passion and creativity of these future innovators in action!

Sponsored Bills

H725 MOMnibus 3.0

H941

Expand & Enhance the Teaching Fellows Program

H990

Notice Requirements for Landlord Fees

H1001

Reports Related to Sexual Assault Exams

* To track all bills sponsored please see the process below.

No Woman No Girl Initiative. This year, we had the privilege of attending the No Women, No Girl Women’s Day event in Raleigh, NC, organized by Shirnetta Harrell. No Women, No Girl is dedicated to advocating for the personal hygiene needs of women and girls, ensuring that everyone has access to the products they need to maintain their health and dignity.  The event brought together passionate voices to raise awareness and promote equality, reinforcing the belief that every woman and girl deserves dignity and the basic right to proper hygiene.

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Legislative Bill Tracking

The 2025 legislative session is well underway and lawmakers are filing bills that will shape the future of North Carolina. If you are interested in the legislative bill tracking process the North Carolina General Assembly website provides information to keep you informed.

Below, we've outlined a step-by-step guide on how to track bills, follow legislative votes, and stay up to date on the policies that impact you.

Visit the NCGA Website & Find Your Legislator

1.     Go to the NCGA homepage at www.ncleg.gov

2.     On the top right of the page, click “Find Your Legislators.”

3.     Enter your street address in the search box to find your State Representative and Senator. You'll see their names, districts, and contact information.

Search for a Specific Bill

1.     On the NCGA homepage, find the search bar at the top right.

2.     Type in the bill number (e.g., H1 or S1), a keyword, or the sponsor's name to search for specific bills.

3.     Press Enter to see the list of results. Click on a bill to view more details.

View Bill Details

1.     When you click on a bill, you will be taken to the bill's official page.

2.     On the bill page, you’ll see the bill text, a summary of what the bill does, its sponsors, its status, and how legislators have voted on it.

3.     Review the vote history to see how different legislators voted on the bill in the past.

Tracking What Your Legislator Does in Raleigh:

To keep track of the bills your legislator is introducing, and how they are voting, use the legislators profile page.

1.     Search for Your Legislator’s Profile

2.     View Legislator Details

o   Under the “Introduced Bills” tab you can see the list of bills they have filed as a primary sponsor, or signed on as a co-sponsor.

o   Under the “Votes” tab you can see the list of bills they have voted on, with their specific vote (Yes, No, Abstain).

Mental Health Advocacy Day. It was an honor to meet with Keelie Jones and Camben Lee to discuss the critical issues of mental health and bullying in schools. We had an open, impactful conversation about the challenges students face and how we can work together to create positive change. Their insights and passion for fostering safer, more supportive school environments are truly inspiring, and I’m committed to advocating for solutions that prioritize the well-being of all students

Chief Lorie Smith to Retire from Police Department Effective May 1

Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith has announced that she is retiring effective May 1, 2025, after 30 years of creditable law-enforcement service—all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.

Chief Smith has led the Police Department since December 2021. She joined it in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and started her ascent in the department when she was promoted to sergeant in 2004.

Chief Smith has been a trailblazer throughout her stellar career. She became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. She then became the department’s first female captain in 2017 and subsequently moved into her current role as the agency's first female chief.

“For me, it has never been about being the police chief or being the first female chief,” said Chief Smith. “I saw this opportunity as a way to advocate for the men and women of the Garner Police Department. I wanted to support a culture where employees felt valued and supported and wanted to come to work each day."

“It has always been my priority to ensure that all GPD employees have the resources, opportunities, training and equipment they need to grow and develop professionally," she said. "I hope that my achievements during my career will inspire others to work hard and persevere through difficult challenges to achieve their goals.”

Reflecting on her career, Chief Smith put primary focus on the exceptional team of which she has been a part.

“I am most proud of the dedicated professionals who serve the Garner community, the high standards we achieve, the exceptional level of service we provide and the positive reputation we have established within the Garner and law enforcement communities,” she said.

Chief Smith’s service to the Police Department has been wide ranging. As a lieutenant, she commanded the Criminal Investigations Division. As a captain, she commanded the Administration Bureau through 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator and administrator overseeing the department’s annual budget.

Before her appointment as chief, Smith led the department’s Operations Bureau with oversight of the Patrol, Support Services and Criminal Investigations Divisions. She also was the department’s primary PIO.

In addition, Chief Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team. She also served as a board member of the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network from 2016 through 2021.

Grassroots engagement here in Garner has always been a critically important facet of her work, Chief Smith said.

“The people and sense of community are what make Garner special,” she said. “The relationships I developed and nurtured over the years helped build a strong sense of community where people genuinely care about and come together to support each other.”

Chief Smith has been a member of the Garner Educational Foundation since 2015 and has volunteered with the Schools and Community Organized to Read (SCOR) program at Timber Drive Elementary.

She also has been an active volunteer with the Garner Police Athletics and Activities League (PAAL) since its inception and has served as a PAAL coordinator at Rand Road and East Garner Elementary Schools.

“I am proud of the fact I spent my entire career serving with the Garner Police Department," Chief Smith said. “It is a testament to my level of commitment to the Garner community and the law enforcement profession. I will forever be grateful for the great role models and mentors who believed in, encouraged and supported me throughout my career.”

Chief Smith will be recognized for her exemplary service to Garner at the April 1 Town Council meeting.

For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit GarnerPD.org and follow the department on Facebook and Instagram (@garner_police_department).

via Town of Garner

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Town Council Member Demian Dellinger Named a 2024 NC Main Street Champion

Town Council Member Demian Dellinger was honored as a 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion at this year's NC Main Street Conference. Mr. Dellinger was recognized for his exceptional contributions to Downtown Garner.

Mr. Dellinger has served on the Downtown Garner Association board for six years, including a term as board chair of the Main Street organization. During his leadership, he was instrumental in launching key initiatives that revitalized the downtown area.

One of Mr. Dellinger’s significant achievements was his role in facilitating public art projects that enhanced Downtown Garner’s atmosphere. He also played a crucial role in spearheading efforts to provide financial relief to local businesses affected by COVID-19. His efforts helped sustain and strengthen Downtown Garner’s economy during challenging times.

The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to the success of Main Street programs across the state. Every year, each NC Main Street program selects one individual or entity to receive the NC Main Street Champion designation, which honors extraordinary efforts to revitalize and sustain downtown areas.

For more information, including Mr. Dellinger's recognition video, visit https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/post/demian-dellinger-garner.

Town of Garner 2025-2026 Budget Portal Open for Feedback and Recommendations

The Town has opened its budget portal 2025-2026.

Do you have recommendations or suggestions for next year’s budget?

Garner Police Department Recognized for Reaching 30-Year Mark in Continuous Accreditation

(From left) Accreditation Manager Dana Clay, Lt. Tyler Rose, Chief Lorie Smith, Deputy Chief Chris Adams, Capt. Michael Medlin and former chiefs Joe Binns and Tom Moss were on hand at the April 1 Garner Town Council meeting to celebrate the Police Department's 30 years of CALEA accreditation.

The Garner Police Department has reached an impressive milestone, earning advanced law enforcement national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) for the 10th consecutive three-year period.

The achievement was recognized last month at the CALEA annual conference in Garden Grove, Calif., and then here in Garner at the April 1 Town Council meeting. The department was first accredited in March 1994 under the leadership of former chief Tom Moss, who attended the Council meeting recognition.

Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Garner Police Department Chief Lorie Smith, Town Manager Jodi Miller and Accreditation Manager Dana Clay attended last month's CALEA conference for formal recognition of the department's reaccreditation.

CALEA President Marlon Lynch and Executive Director Craig Hartley awarded the Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to the Garner community. The department now moves into CALEA’s four-year accreditation cycle that includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.

“I am very proud of the dedication and hard work of our team of professionals who helped us receive our 10th accreditation,” Chief Smith said. “Achieving more than 30 years of accreditation is a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence.”

This latest reaccreditation is a capstone achievement for Chief Smith, who will be retiring at the end of this month after 30 years of creditable service--all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.

Chief Smith said Accreditation Manager Clay, who also is retiring, deserves special recognition.

“Ms. Clay has served as the Police Department’s accreditation manager since May 2003 and has been instrumental in helping us maintain our excellence in the accreditation process,” Chief Smith said. “Her knowledge and experience have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed as she retires on April 4 after 22 years of service with the Town.”

The purpose of CALEA is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

The benefits of CALEA accreditation include:

• Controlled Liability Insurance Costs: Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.

• Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints: Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.

• Greater Accountability Within the Agency: Accreditation standards give the chief executive officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority and routine reports that support decision making and resource allocation.

• Staunch Support from Government Officials: Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery. As a result, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.

• Increased Community Advocacy: Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and residents work together to prevent and control crime. This partnership helps residents understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.

• Improved Employee Morale: Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety.

CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; the National Sheriffs' Association; and the Police Executive Research Forum.

via Town of Garner

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Garner Police Department Deputy Chief Adams to Serve as Interim Chief Starting April 26

Garner Police Deputy Chief Chris Adams will serve as the Police Department’s interim chief starting April 26 until a permanent replacement for the department's top leadership position is named.

Deputy Chief Adams will move into his new temporary role following the retirement of Chief Lorie Smith, who closes out her law-enforcement career on April 25 after 30 years of creditable service—all with the Garner Police Department.

The appointment of Deputy Chief Adams to his new interim role “will allow a seamless leadership transition in the Police Department when Chief Smith retires,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said.

Deputy Chief Adams is a proven community-minded leader with 26 years of experience in policing, all of which are with the Garner Police Department. Before starting his law-enforcement career, Deputy Chief Adams served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He has served as deputy chief in the Garner Police Department since July 2024. Prior to that, he served in various leadership roles for the department including support services captain, patrol lieutenant and several sergeant positions.

“I am honored to serve as interim chief of police for the Town of Garner,” Deputy Chief Adams said. “With 26 years of service with Garner PD, I remain deeply committed to our core values of commitment, integrity and professionalism. During this time of transition, my focus is on maintaining stability within the department, supporting our officers and continuing to build trust with the community we proudly serve. We look forward to working alongside our residents and partners to ensure Garner remains a safe and connected town for all.”

The Town of Garner is currently inviting residents’ input about the hire of the Police Department’s next permanent chief.

A short survey that takes about 3 minutes to complete is open until April 30 and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GarnerCommunitySurvey

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Garner Police Department Earns Statewide Award for Recruitment Video

Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler and Sgt. Joseph Gomes collaborated on the award-winning promotional video that Police uses for recruitment purposes.

The Town of Garner was among 27 North Carolina jurisdictions to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2025 Excellence in Communications Awards. The Town won first-place honors in the category of promotional videos for an update to the Police Department’s recruitment video.

The video was filmed, directed and edited by Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler in collaboration with Sgt. Joseph Gomes.

The objective of the video was to highlight the work-life balance that the Police Department offers, appeal to diverse applicants and showcase community-policing efforts. The video provides “evergreen” content that can be used at career fairs, school presentations and on social media to present the Police Department in an exciting and appealing light.

Produced over the course of four months, the video incorporated new footage from events, officer trainings, ridealongs and scenes from officers' home-life activities. The narration was recorded from officers featured in the video with additional voiceover narration by Chief Lorie Smith.

“I am so proud of the collaboration between Communications and Police on this video,” Chief Smith said. “We wanted an updated recruitment video that emphasized the community focus of our department, and this video succeeded in capturing that in a powerful way.”

The Town of Garner has won a total of 41 first- and second-place NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards since it started competing in the annual statewide contests in 2012.

The year's awards were announced on April 10 during NC3C’s annual conference. 179 award entries from 47 local government organizations were judged by professional communications peers from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.

To learn more about the Garner Police Department, including how to apply for a position, visit GarnerPD.org.

via Town of Garner

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Spring Unprepared Yard Waste and Trash Collection Begins Mid-March

Get ready for the Town's 2023 spring special curbside pickup for unprepared yard waste and trash.

For this pickup, yard waste does not have to be bagged or bundled, and the usual size specifications for weekly pickup do not apply. Our hard-working Public Works crews also will be picking up excess trash and bulky items such as old furniture.

To accommodate different pickups, please separate your items by these categories: yard waste, bulky waste and mattresses (contact Public Works about mattress pickup).

The schedule for this special spring collection is as follows:

The department can be reached at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov or at 919.772.7600.

There are some things our crews cannot collect—namely, waste generated by tree companies and contractors, household appliances, tires, paint, hazardous waste and electronics.

For information on Wake County's hazardous waste disposal locations, please visit https://maps.wakegov.com/sw/#/

Public Meeting on Draft Pedestrian Plan March 9th

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The Town of Garner will hold an open-house-style public workshop on its draft Pedestrian Plan on Thursday, March 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the White Deer Park Nature Center meeting room (2400 Aversboro Road).

Staff and consultants at the workshop will solicit community input and provide a review of the draft plan, including a review of pedestrian network recommendations, policy and program recommendations, priority projects and cut sheets, and the action plan.

Town of Garner Town Welcomes New IT Director

The Town of Garner has welcomed Tom Howley to its team as its new information technology director.

Howley joins the Town with over 15 years of technology leadership experience and over 30 years of total experience providing technology solutions in public-sector environments.

“We are excited to have Tom join the Town’s Information Technology Department,” Assistant Town Manager John Hodges said. “His combination of public-sector experience and his leadership of technology and infrastructure projects make him well-prepared to help Garner deploy and support tools and services to enable our staff to provide excellent customer service to our community.”

The bulk of Howley’s career has been devoted to developing technology infrastructure projects and large data centers and networks to support K-12 learning in Michigan and Washington state.

As a leader in Washington, Howley was elected vice chair of a public regional fiber-optic-network cost-sharing consortium consisting of municipal, K-12, higher-ed, public safety, hospital and other non-profit organizations.

It was there that Howley discovered the satisfying, direct impact municipal governments can make in the communities they serve.

Howley maintains multiple certifications including certified government chief information officer (CGCIO).

Howley and his spouse, Karyn, are happy to be relocating to North Carolina where their children, grandchildren and parents reside.

“I’m very excited to start working with my professional team to provide technology solutions that help all Town departments provide high-quality services desired by our residents,” Howley said.

Leah Harrison Named Garner Town Engineer

Leah Harrison has been named the Town of Garner’s new town engineer effective Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Harrison, who has over 10 years of professional civil engineering experience, joined the Town as assistant town engineer in 2019 and has served as the interim town engineer since October.

Her experience also includes service with the City of Fayetteville and the Bureau of Reclamation, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Harrison has managed municipal and federal capital projects, administered floodplain and stormwater programs, and facilitated regulatory compliance and construction inspection functions.

She has been instrumental in the implementation of several new initiatives in the Town’s Engineering Department, including development of an Engineering Design Manual and implementation of new processes for capital project management and public right-of-way encroachments.

"As interim town engineer and during all of her tenure here, Ms. Harrison has done exceptionally well representing the Town both internally and externally," Town Manager Rodney Dickerson said. "That performance, combined with her professional training and previous experience, makes her a great choice to join our senior leadership team."

Harrison holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State University-Fullerton and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico.

She is also a registered professional engineer in the state of North Carolina and a certified floodplain manager.

“I am tremendously thankful and excited for the opportunity to lead the Engineering team for the Town of Garner,” Harrison said. “My passion for this town and its people, my work and my team drives me to do my very best every day. I am honored to continue my work with the Town of Garner and look forward to building a legacy here.”

Outside of her professional work, Harrison volunteers for several community organizations, including the Future City Competition and the Parent Teacher Association.

She serves on the Wake County Water Partnership board and is an active participant in the American Public Works Association.

For more information about the Town’s Engineering Department, please visit garnernc.gov/departments/engineering.

Community Meetings Scheduled for Potential Merger Between Town and Garner Fire-Rescue

The Town of Garner and Garner Fire-Rescue will hold two community meetings to hear resident input about the potential merger between the two agencies. These two sessions will be held: 

• Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. at Garner Town Hall, Second Floor Training Room, 900 7th Ave. 

• Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at Panther Branch Community Center, 10900 Ten Ten Road 

The meetings are open to the public and will be facilitated by an independent, third-party group, NC Fire Chief Consulting, which works together with counties and municipalities across North Carolina on similar initiatives.  

During each meeting session, there will be a brief informational component, followed by the consultants asking for public feedback from those in attendance. Summaries of the input received during these two sessions will be provided to Town elected officials and Garner Fire-Rescue Board of Director members.  

In addition, there will be a public survey distributed throughout the community following the two public meeting sessions.   

The Town of Garner and Garner Fire-Rescue have been discussing the possibility of consolidating operations for approximately the past five years. Garner Fire-Rescue currently operates as a private, non-profit corporation fire department that contracts with the Town of Garner and Wake County.  

The Town of Garner now provides approximately 56.5 percent of the fire department’s overall funding for providing fire and rescue services within the Town. Wake County provides approximately 43.5 percent of the department’s funding for providing services in roughly 60 square miles of unincorporated area around the Town of Garner.   

Garner Fire-Rescue is one of only 10 fire departments in North Carolina that is both nationally accredited and holds an insurance Class 1 rating. The rigorous accreditation process ensures residents that they are consistently receiving the level of service that they are paying for, and that the fire department meets all essential core competencies. The insurance (or ISO) rating directly reduces insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses. Class 1 is the highest rating earned in the United States.   

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Any person wishing to comment in writing, prior to the public meetings, may do so by forwarding comments to the Town of Garner communications team at 900 7th Ave., Garner, NC 27529, or by emailing them to garnerpio@garnernc.gov.  

The Town of Garner strives to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to access its programs, services and activities. If you will require assistance to participate in either one of these sessions, we request that you contact the Town of Garner communications team at least five business days before the event.  

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FAQs about a possible merger.

How do we provide fire and rescue service now and how is it funded?

Fire and rescue service is provided by Garner Fire-Rescue Inc. The independent agency has contracts with the Town of Garner as well as Wake County to provide each jurisdiction emergency services within the Town limits and unincorporated area in Wake County. The agency was formed as a non-profit organization in 1952 and still operates in that capacity today.

What is a merger?

A merger happens when two or more organizations agree to go forward with a shared vision to create a single new organization rather than remain separately managed and operated. In some cases, there is a recognition that it is in the best interests of all parties to come together in a new, more effective and efficient version of the existing organizations.

Why consider a merger now?

The Town of Garner contracted with North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting (www.ncfirechief.com) in January 2021 to facilitate a process of review and determine the feasibility of creating a shared vision for the future for fire and rescue services in Garner and the unincorporated area in Wake County. The Town Council and Garner Fire-Rescue Board agreed to engage in a process that assisted both entities in planning and preparing for fire and rescue services as the Town and surrounding area continues to grow and develop.

How would a merger affect service?

Service delivery to the residents whom the Garner Fire-Rescue currently serve should not be affected. Daily operational responses should remain seamless through a merger.

What is the timeframe for completing a merger?

It would take approximately 12 months from when the final agreements and implementation strategy are approved.

Would this affect the Town’s current cost share with Wake County?

A merger should have no impact on the cost share agreement nor the methodology for determining the cost share with Wake County.

Garner and Wake County, Hold Groundbreaking for Caddy Road Public Safety Station

Wake County and the Town of Garner on Nov. 29 held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Caddy Road Public Safety Station planned for a fast-growing part of Garner (the U.S. 401-Ten Ten area).

The 16,000-square-foot station is a partnership between Wake County and the Town. It will primarily house Garner Fire-Rescue and Wake County EMS but will also offer touch-down space for the Garner Police Department.

The facility will include four full-apparatus bays, company day rooms, offices, a conference room, an exercise space, a kitchen and dining areas.

The building should be completed by winter 2023-24. The project was made possible in part by $6.5 million in Public Safety and Services Facilities bonds approved by Garner voters in November 2021.

Special Fall Unprepared Yard Waste Cleanup Starts Oct. 31

Town Seeks Input on Garner Recreation Center Master Plan Update

The Town of Garner is updating its master plan for Garner Recreation Center (215 W. Main St.) to capture the public's current usage and thoughtfully plan for the future.

The initial plan was adopted in January 2014 with a primary focus on indoor features. Now that the facility has been open for a year, a review and update of the master plan will help guide future improvements to the 6.19-acre site. The public is encouraged to attend a drop-in (or open-house-style) meeting on one of the following dates to provide feedback about desired amenities for the future:

• Friday, Sept. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Garner Recreation Center

• Monday, Oct. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Garner Recreation Center

This planning process will enable the Town to meet eligibility requirements for a grant opportunity (the Accessibility for Parks Grant, administered through the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation/N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund). If funded, the grant would support a future playground on the site.

Rep. Ross, Town Officials Announce $1 Million to Support Downtown Project

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross—joined by Mayor Ken Marshburn, Council Members Demian Dellinger, Kathy Behringer and Elmo Vance, and Aristotle Spirits owner Jake Howland—on July 22 announced $1,030,405 in funding for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Main Street-Rand Mill Road intersection as well as the creation of 59 new paved parking spots in Downtown Garner. Rep. Ross secured funding for the project earlier this year.

The federal funds will be used to develop a pedestrian plaza and sidewalk and improve stormwater drainage to prevent flooding. The new parking lot will transform an underutilized property into a productive asset, increasing accessibility and capacity for residents and visitors to enjoy restaurants, shops and more.

Between fiscal years 2009 and 2021 (the most recent available data), there was $23.1 million in public investment and $11.5 million in private investment in Downtown Garner.

Garner July 3rd Independence Day Celebration. Lake Benson Park.

Join us for an evening of fun for the whole family with a headlining performance by the North Carolina Symphony. Enjoy delicious food while the kids play in the Kids' Zone featuring activities such as games and crafts. Top your evening off with the best fireworks show in the Triangle!

Gates will open at 5:00pm. Parking on site is free on a first-come, first-served basis. A free shuttle service from South Garner High School will be provided.

Activities:

Food Vendors

Kids' Zone (5:00-8:00pm, free)

Garner Veterans Memorial Tours (5:30-7:30pm)

Performance by Joe Brown & the Band (5:15-7:45pm)

Performance by the NC Symphony (8:30pm)

Fireworks immediately following the symphony performance.

Shuttle Service:

Off-site parking will be available at South Garner High School (8228 Hebron Church Road).

Shuttles services are free and will begin at 5pm.

The last shuttle to Lake Benson Park will be at 8:45pm.

Shuttles will not operate during the fireworks show. Operations will resume at the conclusion of the fireworks to carry spectators back to South Garner High School.

The following are prohibited: pets, alcoholic beverages, tents/canopies, fireworks/sparklers, glass containers, grills, tailgating, drones, soliciting

Weather

In case of inclement weather, updated information will be posted on the Town of Garner website https://www.garnernc.gov/ and the Town of Garner Facebook page.