Vision & Priorities

 Priorities for the Next Term

1. Strong Neighborhoods, Safe Communities

• Protecting families by ensuring reliable, cost-effective services—no tax increases.

• Keeping property tax stable at $0.50 per $100 valuation while maintaining a 98% collection rate.

• Continuing once-a-week curbside solid waste pickup with no rate hikes.

2. Economic Growth for Every Citizen

• Launching Louisburg’s first-ever Economic Development Director to attract new business and grow local opportunities.

• Supporting infrastructure in new developments through targeted electric expansion.

• Championing smart spending to keep electric, water, sewer, and solid waste rates flat.

3. Top-Quality Utilities Without Burdening Residents

• No rate increases across electric, water, sewer, or solid waste services.

• $7.5M Electric Fund, $2M Water Fund, and $1.7M Sewer Fund budgets reflect reliability without added costs.

4. Investing in Our Workforce

• Securing a 3.3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for town staff to retain top talent and morale.

• Ensuring no increase in healthcare costs for employees—retaining strong benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.

5. Preparing for Growth with Financial Stability

• Continuing conservative budgeting to build fund balance reserves.

• Prioritizing infrastructure investment to prepare for the town’s next phase of growth.

• Committing to transparency and accountability with pending audited fund updates.

6. Expand the Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the Town of Louisburg 

• Increased awareness: As EV ownership grows in Louisburg, so will be the demand for public charging. Franklin County began appearing on state-level planning maps for future infrastructure. My priorities will include making sure the Town of Louisburg is included and not left behind.

• Private installations: Encourage private installation  Level 2 chargers at local businesses or municipal buildings, with the use of grants or utility partnerships.

Looking Ahead

• Phase 2 goals: Community-based Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers are expected to roll out over the next few years, with a focus on accessibility and economic development.

• Local opportunities: Businesses and municipalities like Louisburg can apply for NEVI funds to host chargers, especially near restaurants, parks, and civic centers; this is going to be a focus if reelected. 

Family and youth-friendly Projects 

The new basketball court at Joyner Park and the new play area on Edgerton Street shows the Mayor's commitment to improving family-friendly areas and activities in Louisburg.  The Mayor will continue to work tirelessly in his efforts to bring more family-friendly Projects and activities to Louisburg 

The Path Forward

The budget tells a story of stability, smart choices, and a town poised for prosperity. Mayor Neal’s vision is clear: grow responsibly, serve fairly, and leave no community behind. With your support, we’ll continue building a Louisburg that works for everyone.

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The new Franklin County Judicial Complex is more than just a building—it’s a long-term investment in justice, safety, and smart growth. 

Improved Access to Justice

• Expanded courtroom capacity means faster case processing and reduced backlogs.

• ADA-compliant design and intuitive wayfinding make the facility more accessible to all residents.

• Centralized services (Clerk of Court, D.A., Juvenile Justice, etc.) streamline public access and reduce confusion.

 Enhanced Public Safety

• Secure sallyport and holding areas protect staff, defendants, and the public during high-risk transfers.

• Separate circulation paths for judges, jurors, and the public improve safety and confidentiality.

• Upgraded security systems and controlled entry points reduce risk across the facility.

🏛️ Modernized Infrastructure

• Replaces outdated facilities that were no longer meeting the needs of a growing population.

• Updated technology supports digital filings, remote hearings, and efficient case management.

• Designed for future expansion, ensuring long-term value.

👥 Support for County Staff & Judicial Services

• Provides functional, professional space for judges, clerks, and legal staff.

• Improves working conditions and morale with modern offices and amenities.

• Supports collaboration across departments with shared meeting and workspaces.

 Community Confidence & Transparency

• Built with input from judges, law enforcement, and county staff—reflecting real community needs.

• Publicly shared timelines and funding sources (including $15M in state support) demonstrate accountability.

• Reinforces trust in local government’s ability to plan, invest, and deliver.

Building a new Judicial Complex in Louisburg is more than a civic upgrade—it’s a catalyst for local economic growth. Here’s how it directly benefits businesses in town:

Economic & Civic Growth

• Signals a commitment to public service excellence, which can attract new residents and businesses.

• Construction and ongoing operations create local jobs and stimulate the economy.

• Enhances the civic landscape with a public plaza and improved downtown presence.

Boosts Downtown Foot Traffic

• With more courtrooms and expanded services, the complex brings more daily visitors—jurors, attorneys, law enforcement, and residents—into downtown Louisburg.

• This increased foot traffic supports restaurants, cafés, retail shops, and service providers, especially during weekdays.

Attracts Professional Services

• A modern judicial hub encourages law firms, bail services, notaries, and legal consultants to set up nearby, creating a legal services cluster.

• These professionals often need office space, printing, dining, and other local amenities, feeding the local economy.

 Drives Construction & Long-Term Jobs

• The project itself generates construction jobs and vendor contracts, many of which go to local or regional businesses.

• Once complete, the expanded facility supports more permanent public sector jobs, increasing local spending power.

 Revitalizes the Civic Core

• The new public plaza and improved streetscape along Nash Street enhance the aesthetic and walkability of downtown, making it more attractive for business investment and tourism.

• Property values near the complex are likely to rise, encouraging private investment in adjacent buildings.

 Signals Stability & Growth

• A significant public investment like this sends a clear message: Louisburg is growing and investing in its future.

• That confidence can attract new entrepreneurs, developers, and grant opportunities tied to revitalization and infrastructure.

Down Home Franklin County Branch

• Down Home NC focuses on building multiracial, working-class power in small towns and rural areas, and we have the most active chapter here in Franklin County. 

• Mayor Neal is one of the very few elected officials who advocate for public pools and will continue to do so.  

Interfaith Councils and White flag shelter 

• Mayor Neal has been a champion and advocate of the work and services that the Franklin County Interfaith Council provides to the citizens of Louisburg. We have shared our interest in civic momentum, values, and community. 

• We need a Mayor in Louisburg who shares the values of the Franklin County Interfaith Council and their commitment to housing people in need and their collaboration with Safe Space on this issue.