Garner previewing 2026 legislative agenda; council asked for feedback on annexation and funding priorities

Assistant Town Manager John Hodges presented a draft of Garner's 2026 legislative agenda, which staff prepared to inform the town's delegation ahead of the state Legislature's short session. Hodges said staff reused and revised the earlier long-session draft and will return with a refined version before sharing it externally.

Hodges outlined four priority initiatives: pursuing local charter amendments (including increased settlement authority for the town manager and electronic notice authorization), opposing state bills that would impede municipal authority over zoning and development, supporting funding for critical infrastructure such as transportation, water, sewer and stormwater, and adding a new priority backing full funding and long-term sustainability for the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS).

"We're proposing to keep those on as local initiatives to pursue in the second half of this session unless there is any direction from council otherwise," Hodges said. He also said the draft incorporates the North Carolina League of Municipalities' goals and retains language opposing changes that deviate from International Code Council standards for building codes and inspections.

Council members reacted with questions and requests for additional background. Council member Dellinger asked whether the league's annexation-threshold item offers specific benefits to Garner; Hodges said staff will get more information from the League of Municipalities and return with analysis. Council member Behringer emphasized support for full funding of public education.

Hodges introduced Sam Bridal, the town's legislative liaison, so the liaison could hear council input directly. Staff said they will revise the draft and bring it back for council review before removing the draft watermark and sharing the agenda with Garner's legislative delegation.