The budget took effect July 1, 2026. The City of Wilmington said the plan focuses on public safety, infrastructure, employee retention and service delivery, making the vote a decision about both the cost of municipal government and how the city staffs its operations.

Property-tax rate rises

The adopted budget increases Wilmington’s property-tax rate by 4.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. That change affects the city portion of property-tax bills, with the dollar impact varying according to a property’s assessed value.

For a homeowner with a $445,000 property, the increase was estimated at approximately $18 more per month. That figure is an estimate based on the specified property value and tax assumptions; it is not a uniform monthly increase for every Wilmington homeowner.

The city describes the budget as totaling $349.8 million. Local reporting also characterizes the plan as approximately $350 million. Those figures reflect the same spending plan, with the larger number rounded to the nearest million.

Living-wage policy receives funding

The budget includes $16.7 million for a living-wage pay philosophy for city employees. The policy ties the city’s starting rate to 60% of area median income, reported as $45,531.

The policy establishes a compensation benchmark and provides funding for that approach. The budget’s adoption does not mean every city employee receives the same immediate pay increase. Its stated starting-rate standard is instead part of the city’s compensation policy and its effort to address recruitment and retention.

Employee compensation is one of the clearest operational effects of the spending plan. The city also identified public safety, infrastructure and service delivery as budget priorities, so the adopted plan will guide those functions during the fiscal year that began July 1.

Council vote

The budget passed with four votes in favor and three against. Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Spears and council members Salette Andrews and Chakema Clinton-Quintana voted against the measure.

With the vote, the council finalized the FY2027 spending plan, the higher property-tax rate and the funding for the living-wage policy. The action applies to the city fiscal year running from July 1, 2026, through the next budget cycle.

For Wilmington property owners, the immediate financial issue is the higher city tax rate. For city employees and the broader municipal workforce, the budget sets aside $16.7 million for a compensation policy built around a 60% area-median-income benchmark. The plan also establishes the spending framework for public safety, infrastructure and city services through FY2027.

Regular gas got a small break

For everyday drivers, the regular-gas move is a modest win, not a reset. Wilmington’s $4.081 average is still above last week’s $4.023, last month’s $3.956, and last year’s $2.795. Commuters filling up this morning saw a little relief from yesterday, but the broader pattern is still elevated compared with recent months and the same time last year.

Wilmington regular gas is also running below the broader averages AAA is tracking: about 8 cents under North Carolina’s $4.160 average and about 44 cents under the U.S. average of $4.520. That helps explain why some local drivers may feel a slight edge over the state and national picture, even while the pump still stings.

Diesel is the bigger cost story

Diesel moved much less. Wilmington’s diesel average is $5.595, which is basically unchanged from yesterday. It remains below last week’s $5.666 and last month’s $5.866, but it is still far above last year’s $3.330. Diesel is also above North Carolina’s $5.440 average but still a bit below the U.S. average of $5.636.

That matters most for contractors, delivery drivers, restaurants, farmers, service fleets, and other businesses that burn fuel all day instead of just once in a while. When diesel stays near this level, it can show up in hauling costs, service calls, supply runs, and eventually in the prices residents pay for goods and travel. The broader fuel market also remains elevated, which helps explain why the relief at the pump has been limited.

Bottom line: Wilmington drivers filling regular gas got a small break from yesterday, but not enough to erase the higher-price trend. Diesel remains a bigger budget item for local freight and small-business operators, even after its tiny daily move. If you are out around town or traveling this weekend, fuel costs are still something to plan around. Share the highest and lowest pump prices you are seeing locally, and help keep the neighborhood price watch going.

Sources

• AAA Gas Prices — North Carolina fuel prices
• U.S. Energy Information Administration — Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

Regular gas: a daily dip, but still above recent checks

Regular gasoline is cheaper than it was yesterday, which helps commuters and families a little. Even so, Wilmington regular is still 8.9 cents higher than a week ago and 14.5 cents higher than a month ago. That matters for workers with long commutes, parents shuttling kids across town, and anyone who fills up more than once a week.

Diesel: lower again, but the year-over-year gap is still large

Diesel also moved lower, which is useful for contractors, haulers, delivery fleets, restaurants, and other businesses that build fuel into their operating costs. Wilmington diesel is down 7.6 cents from a week ago and 26.7 cents from a month ago, but it is still 226.3 cents higher than a year ago.

How Wilmington stacks up

On regular gasoline, Wilmington is a little cheaper than both the North Carolina average of $4.173 and the U.S. average of $4.522. Diesel is a different picture. Wilmington’s $5.599 average is above the state average of $5.451, though it remains just below the national average of $5.647.

That split matters for local planning. A driver filling a sedan may find Wilmington a bit more forgiving than other parts of the state, while a contractor running diesel trucks may still feel more pressure than the average North Carolina motorist. Weekend travelers, service businesses, and anyone pricing deliveries should also keep in mind that station-to-station gaps can still be wide, even when the metro average only moves a little.

AAA’s May 10 snapshot is a useful reminder that fuel prices can shift without much warning. Regular gas is down from yesterday, but still running above recent benchmarks. Diesel is easing too, yet remains far above last year’s level. If you’re out around Wilmington, share the highest and lowest pump prices you are seeing locally.

Sources

• AAA Wilmington metro and North Carolina fuel prices
• EIA gasoline and diesel fuel update

City Lifts Emergency as Services Normalize

The city has officially rescinded its state of emergency following the recent winter storm. Municipal offices, public facilities, and transit services have reopened, and major roadways are fully accessible again. Crews continue monitoring lingering icy patches, but officials say conditions have improved enough for normal operations to resume across most departments.

County Operations Back on Track

New Hanover County has also returned to a standard schedule after weather-related delays earlier in the week. County offices, libraries, and service facilities are open, though some outdoor spaces have taken a more cautious approach as temperatures stabilize. Residents are still encouraged to use care during early morning travel, especially on shaded roads.

City Council Advances New Park Opportunity

In a move aimed at long-term quality of life, City Council approved a major investment toward purchasing land along Greenville Loop Road for a future public park. The plan, which depends on additional county funding, would preserve open space near Bradley Creek and expand recreational access for nearby neighborhoods. If all pieces fall into place, the park is expected to open later in the decade.

Free CPR Class Offers Hands-On Training

Local organizations are teaming up to host a free CPR training later this month at a city pool facility. The class will cover adult, child, and infant CPR, along with AED use. Organizers say the goal is to equip more residents with life-saving skills that can make a difference in everyday emergencies.

Cold but Calmer Weather Ahead

Forecasts point to chilly but mostly dry conditions heading into the weekend. After a week that included snow and ice, the calmer outlook is welcome news for travelers, businesses, and families getting back to normal winter routines.

Sources

• https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Corporate-Affairs/Communications/News-articles/City-of-Wilmington-Rescinds-State-of-Emergency-After-Winter-Storm
• https://src.nhcgov.com/civicalerts
• https://todayinwilmingtonnews.com/
• https://www.wect.com/weather/

Wilmington City Council has approved a $1 million investment to purchase 25 acres on Greenville Loop Road, adjacent to Bradley Creek Elementary School. The new park is scheduled to open by 2031, pending matching funds from New Hanover County at a meeting on February 16.

Free CPR Class Offered to Community

Local organizations are teaming up to offer a free CPR class at Earl Jackson Pool on February 15 at 2 p.m. The session will cover adult hand-only CPR, full adult CPR, child and infant CPR, and AED use. This initiative aims to equip community members with life-saving skills.

NC First in Freedom Festival Announced

The NC First in Freedom Festival is set to run from February 21 to February 28 in the Cape Fear region. The festival will feature historical events, battle commemorations at Moores Creek National Battlefield, and an appearance by author Diana Gabaldon on February 27. This event celebrates the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Sources

• Today in Wilmington

Wilmington experienced its heaviest snowfall in over 40 years, with approximately 5.8 inches recorded as of Sunday morning. This substantial accumulation has led to hazardous road conditions and prompted local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

City Operations Affected

In response to the storm, the City of Wilmington closed all facilities and parks on Monday, February 2. Services such as trash and recycling collection were rescheduled to Wednesday, February 4. The city council meeting scheduled for February 2 was also canceled, with the next meeting set for February 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Skyline Center.

Event Cancellations and Postponements

The winter weather led to the cancellation of the ‘Wake Up Wilmington’ networking event on February 3. Organizers have indicated that a rescheduled date will be announced soon. Additionally, the Southern Farm Show, an annual agricultural trade show, has been postponed to February 4–6, 2026, due to the storm’s impact.

Community Response

Despite the challenges posed by the storm, local businesses and residents have shown resilience. The Eagle’s Dare, a local bar, remained open throughout the weekend and hosted a community snowball fight on Sunday afternoon, fostering a sense of community spirit during the inclement weather.

Safety Advisory

Authorities continue to advise residents to exercise caution on the roads due to lingering icy conditions. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has been actively working to clear roadways, but travel remains hazardous. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Sources

• Wilmington businesses, local officials weather record snowfall
• CANCELED: 2026 – Wake Up Wilmington – ISI Elite Training
• Southern Farm Show
• Governor Stein urges caution on roads as cold, dangerous conditions linger
• City of Wilmington urges drivers to stay off roads as crews clear snow, prioritize emergency routes

7:47 AM · Sunday, February 1, 2026 · Wilmington, NC: 21°F (Unknown Precipitation) · Feels like 6°F · Humidity 68% · Wind 18 mph

Current Wilmington Weather Report(click to view live conditions)

Loading current temperature...

Washington, DC (change location)

Show Local Weather Reset

Radar Loop and 7 Day Forecast

Radar: Local Regional National

Data: National Weather Service (Weather.gov)

7-Day Weather Forecast

Get the Weather Plugin

What's happening in Wilmington?

Daily weather snapshot captured automatically for historical reference.

Wilmington is preparing for a significant winter storm expected this weekend, with forecasts predicting multiple inches of snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures. The city has declared a state of emergency and is urging residents to stay home during the storm. Authorities are also advising drivers to exercise caution due to hazardous road conditions.

Maximum Port City Kaua Event Draws 7,000 Visitors

From February 6-7, Wilmington will host the 2026 Maximum Port City Kaua cheer and dance competition at the Wilmington Convention Center. The event is expected to attract over 7,000 attendees, providing a significant boost to the local economy during a traditionally slower tourism season.

Hands Free NC Act Takes Effect June 2026

The Hands Free NC Act, which prohibits holding wireless devices, watching videos, or texting while driving, will enter full enforcement on June 1, 2026. Drivers are advised to comply with the new law to avoid fines and enhance road safety.

Sources

• Winter storm preparations begin in Wilmington as multiple inches of snowfall projected
• Wilmington to Host Maximum Port City Kaua, Welcoming Close to 7,000 Visitors This February
• NC Injury Law Advises Wilmington Drivers on Hands Free NC Act Taking Full Effect June 2026

A fire broke out in a downtown Wilmington parking deck on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from the Wilmington Fire Department. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the blaze was contained quickly. The cause is still under investigation, and officials are assessing any structural damage.

Tourism Expands Beyond Summer

New Hanover County’s tourism leader notes a shift in visitor patterns. Hotel occupancy data indicates that the area is attracting guests year-round, not just during the summer months. This trend highlights growing interest in Wilmington’s off-season offerings.

Veterans Town Hall Scheduled

The Cape Fear Veteran Resilience Project is organizing a town hall meeting this Thursday. The event aims to address key concerns facing veterans and their families, providing a space for community dialogue and support.

Weather Outlook

Overnight skies remain mostly cloudy with a low around 7°F and light northwest winds. Snow showers are expected today and tonight, with highs near 19°F and continued accumulation. The weekend brings more snow showers on Saturday, then clearing to sunshine by Sunday with highs in the mid-20s.

Sources

• https://www.wwaytv3.com/
• https://www.wwaytv3.com/

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is hosting a public meeting today, January 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Burney Center. The meeting aims to discuss the proposed conversion of the College Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway intersection into a grade-separated interchange to alleviate congestion and enhance safety. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the project.

Why it matters locally: This project is expected to improve traffic flow and safety in a key area of Wilmington, benefiting daily commuters and residents.

Wilmington Theater Awards Nomination Party

The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County is hosting the 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards Nomination Party tonight at 7:00 p.m. at The Eagle’s Dare, 420 N. Third Street. The event will announce nominees in various award categories and honor Terry Collins with the Lela Thompson Award for Enduring Contribution to Wilmington Theater. Theater enthusiasts and community members are invited to celebrate local theatrical achievements.

Why it matters locally: Recognizing and celebrating local theater talent fosters community pride and supports the arts scene in Wilmington.

Braver Angels Wilmington Monthly Social

Braver Angels Wilmington is hosting its Monthly Social today, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Kickback Jack’s, 418 College Road. The event aims to bring together individuals from across the political spectrum to engage in constructive dialogue and community building. Attendees can enjoy food and drinks while learning about Braver Angels’ initiatives.

Why it matters locally: Facilitating open and respectful conversations across political divides promotes unity and understanding within the Wilmington community.

Sources

• NCDOT Public Meeting Announcement
• Wilmington Theater Awards Nomination Party
• Braver Angels Wilmington Monthly Social