Nicky Smith
Greensboro City Council - District 4
Empowered by GoodParty.org
About the Office
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Other
Occupation
Business Owner
Fun Fact
Here’s something most people don’t know—I was one of the very first Apple computer store owners in North Carolina back when personal computers were just starting to change the world. It was an exciting time, and I had the incredible opportunity to meet Steve Jobs more than once—both when he visited my store here in Greensboro and later at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Now, I can’t say I wore a black turtleneck like Steve, but those conversations left a big impression on me. He was bold, visionary, and always encouraged people to “think different.” That spirit of curiosity and innovation is something I’ve carried with me ever since—whether it was helping schools and small businesses get their very first computers, building one of Greensboro’s earliest internet service companies, or today, leading a technology business that creates local jobs.
And here’s the fun part—those early experiences didn’t just shape my career, they inspired me to serve. Meeting people like Steve Jobs showed me the power of bold ideas, but running a local business showed me the power of community. It taught me that true success comes when we use our talents to lift up the people around us. That’s why I’m running for City Council today—to bring that same spirit of innovation, energy, and community service to the work of making Greensboro an even better place to call home.
Past Experience
I bring more than 45 years of proven leadership as a successful Greensboro entrepreneur and community advocate. As the founder and CEO of Carolina Digital Phone, a locally based technology company, I’ve created jobs, supported families, and built one of the first hosted VoIP businesses in the Southeast—operating data centers right here in Greensboro, as well as Raleigh and Dallas. Long before that, I started one of Greensboro’s first computer businesses, helping introduce new technology to schools, small businesses, and neighborhoods.
Beyond business, I’ve been deeply engaged in civic and neighborhood issues. I led efforts to preserve our community character through the Preserve Friendly Avenue Neighborhood Conservation Overlay, successfully uniting more than 1,500 residents to protect Greensboro’s tree canopy and single-family neighborhoods. I’ve also been actively involved in Friends of New Irving Park, the Arcadian One Homeowners Association, and numerous local nonprofits such as Second Harvest Food Bank and the Kellin Foundation, where I’ve worked to improve transparency, strengthen neighborhoods, and give back to the community I love.
My track record demonstrates that I know how to solve problems, listen to people, and bring people together to get results. These are the same skills I will bring to City Council—focusing on public safety, stronger neighborhoods, smart growth, and ensuring city services work better for every resident.
My Top Issues
Path to home ownership
The path to homeownership is important because it gives families stability, builds generational wealth, and strengthens neighborhoods. When more people can afford to own a home, our entire community becomes safer, more connected, and invested in Greensboro’s future.
Enhancing community policing
Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community, and enhancing community policing helps build trust between officers and the neighborhoods they serve. By fostering stronger relationships, improving visibility, and encouraging collaboration, we can make every resident feel safer and more connected to their community.
Attracting and retaining businesses
Economic development is about creating opportunities for everyone, and that starts with attracting and retaining businesses that bring good-paying jobs to Greensboro. In District 4, we have incredible potential to grow—whether through supporting local entrepreneurs, revitalizing key corridors, or welcoming new investment. By keeping talent and innovation right here at home, we can build a stronger economy that benefits every family in our community.
Government Reform
Preserving Community Values: Encouraging civic engagement and neighborly connections that remind us of our shared responsibility for one another.
Education
Advocate for job training and employment programs in neighborhoods with high unemployment rates.
Criminal Justice / Public Safety
Assigning neighborhood liaison officers to build relationships with residents and provide a consistent presence in high-crime areas, such as the central parts of Greensboro, where the chance of being a victim is as high as 1 in 13.
Government Reform
To rebuild trust, Nicky will advocate for establishing an independent oversight committee to review major decisions and ensure they align with the city’s goals and values.
Guns
Promoting gun safety initiatives, including buy-back programs and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Legislation
Encourage neighborhood watch programs and other grassroots safety initiatives.
Criminal Justice / Public Safety
Expanding community policing programs to ensure officers are visible, approachable, and engaged in our neighborhoods.
Legislation
Advocate for the widespread use of body cameras and other technology to ensure accountability in law enforcement.
Education
Partner with local businesses to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Social Services
Expand after-school and extracurricular programs to keep youth engaged and on a positive path.
Education
Strengthening Education and Opportunities for Youth: Partnering with schools, churches, and local organizations to ensure every child has access to quality education and extracurricular activities that build character and skills for the future.
Government Reform
Establish regular public forums where residents can share concerns and collaborate with police on safety solutions.
Criminal Justice / Public Safety
Supporting mentorship and outreach programs targeting at-risk youth to steer them away from criminal activity.
Criminal Justice / Public Safety
Increasing training in de-escalation techniques and cultural competency to enhance interactions between police and the public.
Social Services
Expanding funding for mental health and substance abuse services to address underlying causes of criminal behavior.
Who I'm Running Against
Information not available
Candidate has not filled out this section yet.
The GoodParty.org Pledge
All candidates empowered by GoodParty.org agree to the following:
Independent
Candidates are running outside the two-party system as an Independent, nonpartisan, or third-party candidate.
People-Powered
Candidates take the majority of their funds from grassroots donors and reject the influence of special interests and big money.
Anti-Corruption
Candidates pledge to be accountable and transparent with their policy agendas and report attempts to unduly influence them.
Civility
Candidates pledge to run a clean campaign free of mudslinging and uphold a minimum standard of civility in their campaign's conduct.
Build a better democracy with us.
Ready to join the movement? Support candidates, run for office or join our online community of like-minded individuals.
Run for office
Discover how you can run for office and make a real impact in your community.
Start your campaign
GoodParty.org Community
Connect with other Independents, and explore opportunities for learning and volunteering.
Join the community
Run Independent. Win local.
A step-by-step guide to running and winning as an Independent. Free to download, built to help you win local.
Download the free e-book