EDENTON — The Edenton Town Council will gather Monday afternoon for its annual planning retreat, a wide-ranging work session to review recent accomplishments, assess major projects underway, and establish priorities and goals to guide the town through 2026.

The retreat is scheduled for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m. in the upstairs conference room of the Chowan County Courthouse, located at 101 S. Broad St. Mayor W. Hackney High Jr. will call the meeting to order, and the session will be facilitated as a planning retreat rather than a formal voting meeting.

Worth repeating: this is not a meeting for public comments — this is a planning retreat, not a standard council meeting or public hearing.

While no formal votes are expected, the planning retreat will set the tone for the year ahead, providing council members and staff with a shared framework for decision-making as Edenton prepares for the upcoming budget cycle and continues to manage growth, preservation, and community needs.

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According to the published agenda, the purpose of the retreat will be for council members to work together to define town priorities, focus on community needs and concerns, and develop an overall approach to addressing major issues facing Edenton in the coming year. Topics will range from public safety and infrastructure to economic development, housing, recreation, and internal organizational improvements.

The retreat will begin with a brief welcome and reflection period, followed by an update on the Town of Edenton’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. With ARPA funding set to expire in 2026, council members are expected to review how remaining funds are allocated and discuss potential next steps. Included in that conversation will be a renewed discussion of the possible purchase of the property at 605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue for park expansion, a site referenced in previous budget and recreation planning conversations.

From there, the council will receive updates on departmental accomplishments during the 2025 calendar year. Department heads will be available as needed to provide overviews of completed projects, initiatives currently underway, and remaining challenges within their respective areas.

Public safety is expected to be a significant portion of the discussion. The Edenton Police Department will outline ongoing efforts to expand and modernize its camera and ShotSpotter system, including work underway to rehabilitate existing software and improve coverage in areas identified as weak, particularly within the downtown business district. Council members will also review updates related to training, regional partnerships, and staffing.

Planned police initiatives for 2026 include continued proactive training related to gun violence prevention, expanded use of intelligence systems, and deeper collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies. Improvements in relationships between the town police department, the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, and regional agencies will be discussed, along with the potential for expanded regional task force operations.

Community policing and public outreach will also be part of the police department update, with plans to introduce a community officer during the spring or summer of 2026 and the potential addition of two part-time officers to assist with weekend events. Equipment modernization, including body-worn cameras, tasers, in-car camera systems, and upgraded radios and computers, will factor into the conversation, as will the department’s use of virtual training platforms and grant opportunities.

Fire department planning will focus on facilities, equipment, and training. Council members will review progress on the new fire station, including land acquisition, site cleanup, and coordination with state historic preservation officials regarding property issues. Equipment purchases, including air packs and radio systems, will be reviewed, along with pending grant applications for major apparatus such as a ladder truck.

Fire department staff are also expected to highlight expanded training efforts, including first responder and emergency medical certifications, participation in regional emergency response calls, and ongoing community outreach programs. Efforts to improve internal operations, streamline chain-of-command practices, and increase involvement in technical review and code enforcement processes will also be discussed.

The Edenton Municipal Airport will be another major focus area. Council members will receive updates on recently completed runway rehabilitation and lighting projects, as well as the status of taxiway improvements scheduled to begin in 2026. The airport’s new 12-unit T-hangar, which is fully leased, will be highlighted as a revenue-generating project made possible through aviation grants and outside funding, with no direct cost to the town.

Additional airport-related discussions will include ground leases for private hangars, site preparation for future hangar development, and coordination with engineers on long-term facility planning. Council members will also be asked to consider reviewing and updating airport commission ordinances to reflect changes in facilities, staffing, and oversight needs.

Infrastructure planning will extend beyond aviation to include electric, water, sewer, stormwater, and public works systems. The electric department update will address progress toward a second substation, advanced metering infrastructure, grid mapping, and ongoing pole replacement efforts. Council members will also discuss long-term planning for generation projects to manage peak power costs and the potential acquisition of land for a new electric department facility.

Water and wastewater system updates will cover multiple phases of treatment plant upgrades, sewer rehabilitation projects, water main extensions, and equipment replacements. Several major projects are expected to be nearing completion or moving into bidding and construction phases, with an emphasis on regulatory compliance, system resilience, and long-term capacity.

Stormwater, streets, and sidewalks will be addressed through discussions about paving cycles, drainage improvements, bulkhead upgrades along the waterfront, and sidewalk installations in various neighborhoods. Council members are expected to revisit the idea of a comprehensive paving assessment tied to asset management, along with the possibility of townwide curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements through bonding or other financing mechanisms.

Sanitation services, maintenance facilities, and internal training initiatives will also be reviewed, including updates on recycling programs, vehicle replacements, facility improvements, and workforce development efforts across departments.

A significant portion of the retreat will be dedicated to financial oversight and the role of grants in supporting town projects. Council members will review a summary of grant funding received since October 2021, totaling more than $26 million across all divisions. The discussion will focus on how those funds have offset potential tax increases, utility rate hikes, and long-term debt obligations, particularly within the water and sewer fund.

Economic development updates will follow, with presentations from local partners and staff focusing on major projects such as north Edenton redevelopment efforts, the Edenton Village Shopping Center, Hotel Hinton, Project Teapot, and redevelopment of key downtown properties. Council members will discuss timelines, financing structures, and expectations for regular progress updates from developers.

Hotel Hinton will be a focal point, with council members expected to review the project’s current status, upcoming milestones, and contingency considerations should timelines slip. The potential for town involvement or alternative development strategies will be part of the broader strategic discussion.

Project Teapot, which is expected to bring a significant number of jobs to Broad Street over the next several years, will be reviewed in terms of construction progress, financing, and phased development plans, including parking and residential components.

Council members will also revisit 2025 council priorities and assess how those efforts are carrying forward into 2026. Topics will include planning and land use updates, zoning changes, historic district considerations, housing initiatives, neighborhood park improvements, and downtown revitalization efforts through Destination Downtown Edenton.

Housing will remain a key theme, with discussion expected around workforce and affordable housing strategies, down payment assistance programs, upper-story residential development, and higher-density zoning districts. Recreation planning will include potential locations for pickleball courts, the feasibility of a splash pad, and expanded public access and ecotourism opportunities at the Hayes property.

One of the most detailed agenda items will be a presentation on the future of Swain Auditorium. The council will hear a vision for transforming the historic building into the Edenton–Chowan Cultural Center and Theater, a proposed nonprofit, multi-use facility designed to host performances, rotating museum exhibits, lectures, and community events. The presentation will outline how the space could complement existing historic sites, support tourism, and serve as a regional cultural hub.

The retreat will conclude with a forward-looking discussion of major goals for 2026. These goals will include workforce housing, infrastructure planning, economic development in north Edenton, coordination with county leaders on schools and recreation, balanced growth strategies, improved manager–council communication, and continued efforts to address gun violence through collaboration with local agencies and community groups.