DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
After a 14-year high in 2021, annexations in High Point continued to decrease. Last year the city saw the lowest amount of land annexed since 2015.
Last year’s total acreage rezoned fell significantly compared to 2023 and was far less than 2022’s 18-year high This was the result of a drop in both residential and nonresidential acreage by about 44% and 75% respectively.
*Note: Acreage does not include comprehensive rezoning projects, overlay districts and minor changes
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Of the 34 major projects approved in 2024, half were for proposed commercial uses.
USE CATEGORY # OF PROJECTS
Just 63 new residential lots/units were approved last year, a stark contrast from the over 700 approved in 2023 This may be a lull following the higher than usual number in recent years, which included several large apartment complexes.
No new mixed-use or office space was approved in 2024, but the total nonresidential development rose slightly. The spike in 2022 was a 15-year high due to several large industrial projects
BUILDING PERMITS
Last year saw a decline in both total permits issued and their overall value, largely due to a steep drop in residential permits. While more commercial permits were issued than in previous years, the total value of those projects was lower.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF A FEW CITY PROJECTS THAT HAD A BROAD IMPACT IN 2024
The High Point on the RISE: Reimagining Infrastructure for Sustainability and Equity
The High Point on the RISE: Reimagining Infrastructure for Sustainability and Equity project will construct 4.7 miles of shared-use path and greenway, bridging a gap in project will construct 4.7 miles of shared-use path and greenway, bridging a gap in the City’s greenway network through the urban core of the city. Currently, in the the greenway network through the urban core of the city. Currently, in the final phases of design, the project will connect nearby neighborhoods to the city’s final phases of design, the project will connect nearby neighborhoods to the city’s mass transit hub, the Downtown Catalyst district and public resources such as parks, mass transit hub, the Downtown Catalyst district and public resources as the High Point Regional Hospital and the High Point Library. As part of this initiative, the High Point Regional Hospital and the High Point Library As part of this initiative, the City will replace much of the aging water and sewer infrastructure in the project the City much of the aging water and sewer infrastructure in project area. This project is expected to open to traffic in late 2028. area This project is expected to open to traffic in late 2028
High Point received a $2 million federal grant to establish a commercial shared-use kitchen to support local food entrepreneurs Site selection, initial cost estimates and architectural planning are underway. The City has committed an additional $2.7 million to the project.
HighPointNC.gov/SharedUseKitchen
All-AmericaCity–TheAllAmericaCityAward recognizescommunities thatsuccessfullyaddress localissuesthroughcivic engagement,collaboration, inclusivenessand innovation.
Small-Scale Manufacturing - The City has secured the services of an architect to begin design work on the 300 Oak facility to create a small-scale manufacturing and workforce development center Currently, the existing structural, access, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems of the 60,000-square-foot facility are being evaluated to determine what improvements will be necessary to ensure these systems will meet current building code requirements and the costs and work required to do so.
In May 2024, with support from the community, the City adopted the High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan, its first-ever comprehensive plan that will serve as a guide to the current and future physical, social and economic development of the city over the next 20 years. Since adoption, an implementation task force has been established, and a consultant has been selected for a Development Ordinance update In cooperation with the Southwest Renewal Foundation, a new Southwest Mill District has been proposed in one of the identified activity centers, and an initiative led by Business High Point Chamber of Commerce to restore the historic Washington Street business district is set to begin in Spring 2025. For more information, visit HighPoint2045 org
Housing Market Study – The City has commissioned RKG Associates, Inc. to complete a housing study that will include an assessment of existing housing conditions, demographics and market demands (present and future) and to identify existing and future housing needs in the city, critical housing gaps and issues and possible financing opportunities to address the needs. After analysis of data and obtaining feedback from City staff, elected officials and the public, the expectation is that housing recommendations will concur with the 2045 Comprehensive Plan The study is anticipated to be complete by the end of March 2025
2024NC3CExcellencein CommunicationsAwardTheCityofHighPoint’snew brandwasawardedsecond placeinthestate-wide NC3CExcellencein CommunicationsAwards. ACCOLADES
