GOLDSBORO — Matthew Livingston, interim city manager, was officially sworn in Wednesday, Feb. 14, as the new leader of the City’s government operations. Livingston brings nearly 25 years of experience in local government, having served as town manager in Rolesville, Wallace and Ayden, and as the executive director of the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments.
Livingston, who was hired as the City’s assistant city manager in June 2022, is optimistic about Goldsboro’s future but realistic about some of the City’s current challenges. His key goals are to work closely with Mayor Charles Gaylor and the City Council to reduce crime, continue to improve the City’s finances, get the current audit done by the end of this fiscal year, stimulate economic development, and ensure quality growth.
“Goldsboro is a small city with some big city challenges, without the big city budget. However, we have great opportunities that we must take advantage of as they present themselves,” Livingston said.
The City of Goldsboro has been able to make some positive changes within the constraints of the current budget. On Monday, Feb. 12, the City Council approved additional pay increases for police officers. By offering more competitive pay, the Goldsboro Police Department can more effectively recruit and retain officers and, over time, alleviate staffing shortages to better address crime throughout the city.
Although the City of Goldsboro has faced challenges in recent years, Livingston expressed confidence in the City’s ability to overcome these obstacles and emerge even stronger.
“Significant growth has already started. Growth brings opportunities that we have not always had. Growth also has its own challenges,” Livingston said. “The growth that is coming, we are going to plan and manage properly. It’s going to be good for the City of Goldsboro. We are a gateway city to eastern North Carolina and a small city with a bright future.”
