What is the Future of Newport?

Newport Town Manager Angela Christian talks innovation! 

New Newport Town Manager, Angela Christian was the guest speaker at Newport Rotary on Monday, February 24, 2014. She was invited and introduced by former Newport Councilman Steve Blizzard.

Ms. Christian shared some of her experience with innovating change in Onslow County while she was there as Assistant County Manager for about 7 years. Having just met with the Newport Town Council during their retreat this past weekend, she indicated that many of the same things has been discussed and debated.

Manager Christian with Newport Rotary
President-Elect Joe Garner

Key among these is what do the citizens of Newport want Newport to look like in 5, 10, or 20 years? If Newport is going to thrive, not merely survive, it has to be attractive for people to visit (a destination) and attractive for business to invest in and develop. She pointed to the Highway 70 corridor as being a major asset of the town. She also pointed to the downtown area and then discussed how the City of Asheville had taken a downtown on the decline, and with innovation and encouragement had built on the assets that community had to make it a "destination". Newport has things it is known for, like being "the Town with Old Fashioned Courtesy" and the home of the Newport Pig Cooking, and needs to build on those attributes.

A great deal of discussion with club members followed on ways to be "business friendly" and encourage investment from the private sector. Tax and user fee policies were discussed, as well as water and sewer capacity. Ms. Christian was thanked for her thoughtful program and innovative position on town growth!