Your feedback ensures we stay focused on the facts that matter to you most—take our survey.
Nicky Smith
Nicky Smith is running for election to the Greensboro City Council to represent District 4 in North Carolina. He is on the ballot in the primary on October 7, 2025.
Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Nicky Smith was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. He earned an associate degree from Lees-McRae College in 1976 and a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 1978. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president.[1]
Smith has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
- Guilford Merchants Association
- Better Business Bureau of Central North Carolina
- Preserve Friendly Avenue Coalition
- Greensboro Rotary Club (Former Member)
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Greensboro, North Carolina (2025)
General election
The primary will occur on October 7, 2025. The general election will occur on November 4, 2025. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Greensboro City Council District 4
Steve Ignac, Adam Marshall, and Nicky Smith are running in the primary for Greensboro City Council District 4 on October 7, 2025.
Candidate | ||
Steve Ignac (Nonpartisan)  | ||
 | Adam Marshall (Nonpartisan) | |
 | Nicky Smith (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nicky Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smith's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
nickyforgreensboro.com Smith's platform includes:
Economic Development: He aims to foster a business-friendly environment by supporting job creation, workforce training, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to attract both small and large businesses.
Public Safety: Smith advocates for well-trained, fully funded police forces, visible neighborhood patrols, and faster response times to enhance community safety. Log in or sign up to view
Affordable Housing and Infrastructure: He supports equitable development to ensure growth benefits all residents, emphasizing the need for improved transportation and housing options.
Transparency and Accountability: Smith calls for independent budget reviews to expose wasteful spending and prioritize essential services, aiming to prevent unnecessary tax increases. nickyforgreensboro.com
Smith's campaign is rooted in his long-standing commitment to Greensboro, focusing on practical solutions to address the city's challenges and promote inclusive growth.
For more information, you can visit his official campaign website: nickyforgreensboro.com.- Proven Business Leadership for Greensboro With over 45 years of experience building successful businesses right here in Greensboro, I know what it takes to create jobs, support working families, and navigate city bureaucracy. I’m running to bring common-sense, results-driven leadership to City Council—because our city needs someone who’s been in the trenches, not just on committees.
- Safer Neighborhoods, Stronger Communities Public safety is my top priority. Greensboro deserves well-funded, well-trained police officers, faster response times, and visible neighborhood patrols. I will fight for safer streets and stronger communities by investing in public safety and working hand-in-hand with our first responders.
- Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility Before raising taxes, we must ensure every dollar is spent wisely. I will push for audits of city spending, eliminate waste, and demand transparency at every level. Greensboro families are already stretched thin—we can’t afford to keep writing blank checks without results.
This office is where local democracy truly happens. Council members have the authority to approve budgets, set tax rates, and decide how city resources are allocated. That kind of power carries significant responsibility. Every vote we take affects families, businesses, and neighborhoods in a very real way.
What makes this office especially unique is its ability to be both responsive and proactive. Council members aren’t just lawmakers—we are community advocates, problem-solvers, and liaisons between the public and the larger government structure. We have the ability to listen directly to constituents and immediately act on their concerns. That’s a level of access and impact that few other government roles can offer.
If there’s an example I’d like to follow, it’s his. He believed in service over self-interest and taught me that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about responsibility. That philosophy has guided me in business and continues to shape my desire to serve the people of Greensboro with humility, common sense, and a strong moral compass.
I believe government, like business, should be about delivering outcomes that matter. That means asking tough questions, building the right team, and never settling for “good enough” when great is possible. Good to Great reinforces the idea that real leadership is not about ego, but about service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
Another one I often reflect on is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. While fictional, it captures the spirit of standing up to entrenched systems, fighting for ordinary people, and refusing to be bought or silenced. That kind of courage and integrity is what we need in local government today.
I believe elected officials must also have the courage to make tough decisions, even when they’re not politically convenient. That means asking hard questions, challenging the status quo, and standing up for what’s right—even if it means standing alone.
Another essential quality is real-world experience. Too often, we see career politicians and committee members making decisions without understanding how those decisions impact working families, business owners, or retirees. I’ve spent over 45 years running successful businesses in Greensboro. I’ve created jobs, signed paychecks, and dealt with government red tape firsthand. That experience gives me a practical, common-sense approach that’s often missing from City Hall.
Finally, I believe a good public servant listens. They should be accessible, responsive, and deeply connected to the people they represent. I want every resident in District 4 to know that their concerns matter—and that they have someone on Council who will fight for them with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
First, I’ve spent over 45 years building and running successful businesses right here in Greensboro. That means I know how to manage budgets, create jobs, solve problems, and make tough decisions—skills that translate directly to effective leadership in local government.
Second, I’m a listener. I don’t just talk about the issues—I talk to the people affected by them. I believe in being accessible, responsive, and always willing to hear new ideas and concerns. Residents should feel like their voice truly matters—and with me, it will.
Third, I value accountability and transparency. I believe every tax dollar should be treated with respect, and I will fight for clear, honest government that works for the people—not around them.
First and foremost, a council member must be the voice of their district—listening to constituents, understanding their concerns, and making sure their needs are reflected in city decisions. That means being accessible, responsive, and engaged with the community on a consistent basis—not just during election season.
Second, fiscal responsibility is critical. Council members are stewards of the public trust and the public’s money. Before approving budgets or new spending, we must ensure every dollar is accounted for, eliminate waste, and demand transparency. Our job is not to rubber-stamp bureaucracy—it’s to scrutinize it.
Third, a council member must be proactive in public safety and economic development. That means supporting law enforcement, improving emergency response times, and advocating for policies that create jobs, support small businesses, and attract smart investment to our city.
Finally, leadership on Council means bringing people together to solve problems. It requires collaboration, clear communication, and a focus on results. Politics should never get in the way of progress.
I’d like to be remembered as a leader who listened, acted, and delivered—not with flashy promises, but with real results. Someone who cut through red tape, held government accountable, supported our police and first responders, and championed local businesses and families.
As a business owner for over 45 years, I’ve lived many of the principles in that book: leading with humility, making data-driven decisions, and staying committed to long-term goals instead of short-term wins. What I love most is how applicable it is to public service. If we treated local government like a mission-driven organization—with accountability, smart leadership, and a focus on outcomes—Greensboro could go from good to truly great.
Plus, let’s be honest—he’s got the best gadgets, a loyal team, and one incredible ride. But at the core, Batman is all about using his skills, resources, and grit to make his community better. That’s a mission I can relate to.
There were times when I had to make sacrifices, miss events, or carry burdens quietly. But through that struggle, I learned the value of prioritizing what truly matters: relationships, integrity, and faith. It taught me resilience, humility, and how to keep moving forward even when things get hard.
One key responsibility is the Council’s role in zoning and land-use decisions. Many people don’t realize that the City Council has final say on whether neighborhoods change—whether a property is rezoned for apartments, commercial use, or remains residential. These decisions directly impact traffic, school overcrowding, property values, and the overall character of our communities. That’s why I’ve taken a strong stance on protecting neighborhoods from overdevelopment and poor planning.
Another important but often overlooked responsibility is oversight of city contracts and spending. Council members review and vote on major contracts, grants, and development deals. That means we’re in charge of ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, vendors are selected fairly, and city priorities are in line with community needs.
The Council also appoints members to various boards and commissions—many of which influence key areas like public transportation, housing, economic development, and human rights. These appointments shape policy behind the scenes, and they deserve more public input and transparency.
As a business owner for over 45 years, I’ve had to make tough decisions, create jobs, and work through complicated challenges—all without the luxury of political red tape. That kind of hands-on leadership is exactly what Greensboro needs right now. It’s not about how long you’ve been in politics—it’s about what you’ve actually accomplished.
That said, understanding how city government works is important. But even more important is having the common sense, integrity, and courage to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo. I bring decades of experience working with city departments, advocating for local businesses, and engaging directly with residents.
In fact, I’d argue that having an outsider’s perspective is a strength. It allows you to see the inefficiencies, question the norms, and bring fresh ideas to the table. Greensboro is at a crossroads—we can’t afford more of the same. We need leaders who bring business savvy, fiscal discipline, and a deep commitment to serving the community.
First and foremost, council members must be good listeners and strong communicators. You’re not just passing ordinances—you’re representing the voices of thousands of residents. That means being accessible, understanding diverse perspectives, and translating community concerns into real policy solutions.
Fiscal responsibility is also essential. City Council members oversee multimillion-dollar budgets and make decisions that directly affect how taxpayer money is spent. Skills in budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic planning are critical. You need to be able to ask the right questions, understand the numbers, and spot waste or inefficiency when it happens.
Another key skill is the ability to navigate complex systems and build consensus. The most effective leaders aren’t the loudest—they’re the ones who bring people together, find common ground, and move the city forward without getting stuck in political gridlock.
Lastly, having a background in business, public service, or community leadership brings valuable perspective. I’ve spent more than 45 years running successful businesses in Greensboro. I’ve signed paychecks, dealt with government regulations, and led teams to deliver real results. That kind of hands-on, solution-focused experience is exactly what this office needs.
This office holds a special responsibility because it’s where local voices meet local action. Council members don’t just write policy—they shape neighborhoods. Whether it’s deciding on a rezoning request that could impact a quiet residential street or approving funding for public safety and infrastructure, every vote has immediate consequences for residents and businesses.
What makes this role even more important is the opportunity to lead by example. Council members set the tone for transparency, fiscal discipline, and responsiveness. When done right, this office can rebuild trust in local government and ensure the community feels heard, respected, and empowered.
Another unique aspect is collaboration. City Council members work closely with city staff, neighborhood associations, business leaders, and everyday citizens to make Greensboro a better place to live. It’s not just about passing laws—it’s about solving problems, building consensus, and delivering results.
Because they don’t have the guts. 😄
Too often, taxpayers are asked to pay more without seeing real results. That’s unacceptable. Before even considering a tax increase, we need a full, line-by-line audit of city spending. We need to know what’s working, what’s wasteful, and what needs to be re-prioritized. This isn’t about politics—it’s about responsibility.
I believe in open books, clear communication, and regular reporting to the public. No backroom deals. No financial sleight of hand. Every budget, contract, and major expenditure should be accessible and understandable to the average resident.
Accountability also means consequences. If city programs fail to deliver, if projects run over budget, or if departments misuse funds—there must be oversight and correction. That’s leadership.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
| |||||||||
