On March 19, 2007, a proclamation was made that the City of Goldsboro join a growing number of cities across the nation in a partnership to build inclusive communities through committed efforts to increase citizen participation and engagement, while promoting opportunity and fairness.

The Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities, an effort led by the National League of Cities (NLC), unites city leaders who are working to support such issues as racial justice and inclusionary zoning as well as those who celebrate the diversity of race, religions and cultures in order to build communities that are accepting and representative of the differences among its citizens. Increased involvement by a wider representation of citizens in governmental activities will also be a hallmark of these inclusive communities.

Members of the Partnership will raise awareness and focus attention on the importance and value of inclusive communities; motivate other cities and towns to make a public commitment to building inclusive communities; provide support to local officials in focused efforts around affordable housing, race and ethnic relations, and equal citizen participation in community decision-making; share valuable insights, experiences, and lessons learned among participating cities and towns; and recognize, publicize, and celebrate the work of cities and towns that have joined the Partnership.

The City of Goldsboro and LOWE’S have joined together through a cooperative agreement to provide low and moderate-income homeowners as well as senior citizens with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and/or batteries. The purpose of the program is to provide an additional component to the outstanding Fire Prevention Month activities. The program will last as long as the items are available.

LOWE’S has donated (75) smoke detectors, (33) fire extinguishers and (99) nine-volt batteries for distribution. The goal of the program is to assist all homeowners that fall below the medium income for Goldsboro under the Federal and State HUD Guidelines (within the city limits) with a smoke detector, batteries, or a fire extinguisher, and provide training to maintain them.

The Goldsboro Fire Department, Community Affairs, Community Development and the Inspections Department’s have worked together to develop this strategic plan to help assist its citizenry. The Community Affairs Department will take the lead roll by establishing an application that includes a waiver releasing the City of liabilities.

Once an application is completed in the Community Affairs Office, the Community Development Office will verify the income for eligibility. The Fire Inspector in the Inspections Department will be notified to make contact with the homeowner to determine if a detector or fire extinguisher is necessary and the location of its placement. After a determination is made, the Fire Department will contact the owner for a date and time of installation and training.

The Human Relations Inter-Faith Breakfast, which began in 2008, replaced the former Annual Human Relations Prayer Breakfast, which began in 1989, and marks the observance of the month of February as Human Relations Month, with a joint proclamation made by the Mayor of Goldsboro, the Chairman of the Wayne County Commissioners, and the Commander of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base 4th Fighter Wing.

Members of the Community Affairs Commission serve on the committee to plan and organize the breakfast, which is a joint event sponsored by the City of Goldsboro and Wayne County.

Three ministers from different denominations of local churches are invited to make three-minute remarks on the Human Relations topic designated by the Human Relations Commission.

The Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities is affiliated with the North Carolina Governor’s Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities and the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and other groups.

The goal of the Committee is to promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities in all aspects of society including employment, housing, transportation, recreation, and education, and to give recognition to people and organizations that contribute, support and/or enhance this cause.

The principle objectives of the Committee are to promote, improve and enhance the quality of life of the disabled by offering aid and assistance in overcoming and resolving problems and conflicts; also, promote citizen awareness and understanding of the capabilities and needs of disabled persons through various actions.

Members of the Committee shall be recommended by local government agencies, private/community organizations, by other committee members, or by personal request. Length of the appointment is four (4) years.

Regular meetings of the Committee are conducted on the third Thursday of each month at a time and location designated by the Committee, and meetings are open to the public and the news media. An annual recognition banquet is held on the third Thursday in the month of October.

Each May, the Annual Hal K. Plonk Disability Awareness Walk is held, and the Annual Recognition Banquet is held on the third Thursday in October.