What the North Carolina State Budget Means For Winston-Salem

October 2, 2023

Discover the essential details about the recently enacted 2023 North Carolina state budget (House Bill 259), which encompasses school funding renovations, entertainment venues, and city infrastructure.

Here are some of the notable projects and funding from the House Bill 259: 

• Arts and Entertainment
  • $51 million for the second phase of work at the Roger L. Stevens Center for the Performing Arts.
  • $37 million appropriation for the second phase of work at the Kenneth R. Williams Auditorium on the campus of Winston-Salem State University.
  • $35 million appropriation for redevelopment near Wake Forest University to enhance the area surrounding Baity Street.
  • Additional funding for operating costs at SECCA and officially changing the name of the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art to the N.C. Museum of Art-Winston-Salem.

• Infrastructure
  • $20 million to Forsyth County to expand water and wastewater services to the southeastern part of the county

• Education
  • $1 million for repairs and renovations of athletic facilities at Parkland High School
  • $4 million for capital improvements or equipment at Winston-Salem State University campus police facilities
  • Renovations and additions at Eller Hall and Pegram Hall at Winston-Salem State University
  • $11 million will go toward a new dorm for up to 200 University of North Carolina School of Arts high school students.

Other things to note:

• Clemmons will receive $4.8 million of state funding to use, for all intents and purposes, as the village best determines.
• Directed grants to the Town of Kernersville for various purposes, including the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden and the Kernersville Visitor’s Center
• Directed grants to Tanglewood Park, Senior Services of Forsyth County, & United Way of Forsyth County.

See where more of the money is going here and view the budget legislation here.