Dan Besse - Southwest Ward Council Member

Rooming houses and public protest rules were among the hot debates in December.

New city ward lines and guns in parks were among the higher-profile issues with which we dealt in November.

It's Halloween, so be safe and have a hoowwwling good time.

Transportation studies, small area plans, and donation container rules highlight my September report.

I'm pleased to report more progress on pedestrian safety projects, this month for the Cloverdale Avenue area.

It's time to turn out for National Night Out in our neighborhoods.

In June, the city council approved Winston-Salem's 2011-2012 city budget.

In May, the city council gave final approval to stage two of the Revitalizing Urban Commercial Areas effort, and gave the green light to an improved recycling program citywide. But first, let's remember those who sacrificed their lives for our nation.

In April, Winston-Salem and Forsyth County kicked off the process of updating our long-term comprehensive development plan.

In March, council members received the city manager's budget forecast for FY2012.

In February, the city council approved a new conditions code for vacant non-residential structures. Plus, several public input opportunities of interest to Southwest Ward residents are coming in March.

In January, the city council approved two small area plans and reviewed strategic priorities for the coming year.

In December, the city council took final action on important code updates dealing with panhandling and related concerns.

North Carolina's #1--again. The release of new annual national business climate rankings gives me a chance to reflect on some important local policy issues.

There's good economic news for our community at the close of October--but first, don't forget to vote!

Job creation and transportation issues led the city council agenda in September.

August began with wide neighborhood participation in the annual National Night Out event.

In July, we received good news for local job opportunities.

In June, the City Council passed our city budget for FY 2011.

As May ends, the City Council is ready to begin "budget month" for 2010—and the numbers look challenging. But first, we'll remember our veterans.

In April, the City Council approved a significant new investment in bringing more jobs and development to the Piedmont Triad Research Park.

In March, the City Council approved code changes to encourage more business redevelopment within the city.

February saw positive developments in Winston-Salem on several important environmental and human health issues.

January went out with a "whump" as a second heavy snowfall of the season socked in the city.

In December, the city started discussions on how to best put the Dell incentives refund to use for job development and economic security.

Thank you to the people of the Southwest Ward for the opportunity to represent you again. I expect this to be a challenging and exciting four years in Winston-Salem.

In September, we prepared the new Southwest Area Plan for its final public hearing on October 5.

In August, the City Council approved an update to Winston-Salem's minimum housing code, as well as the new Southwest Suburban Area Plan.

In July, we saw completion of a major intersection realignment of particular interest to the suburban neighborhoods of the Southwest Ward. In addition, final action was taken on infill development standards, but front-yard parking rules were returned to committee for more review.