Will Bell’s Vision for Greenville — Without Raising Taxes
As your At-Large representative, Will Bell will champion bold, community-focused projects—without putting the burden on taxpayers. Through his relationships in Raleigh, Washington, and across the public and private sector, Will will work to bring more opportunity, recreation, and innovation to Greenville.
Here’s what he’s focused on:
🏊 Bringing a YMCA to Greenvillee
The Idea: Establish a full-service YMCA to serve families, youth, and seniors across Greenville.
Why It Matters:
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Provides accessible wellness, childcare, and youth sports opportunities.
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Promotes community health and engagement.
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Attracts and retains families looking for quality-of-life amenities.
How Will Gets It Done:
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Leverage partnerships with regional YMCA leadership and local healthcare systems to identify a site and funding model.
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Work with state legislators to access capital grant opportunities for community health and recreation facilities.
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Secure private sector sponsorships and foundation support to build and sustain the facility without taxpayer funding.
🚲 Extending the Greenway to Little Washington
The Idea: Build out a multi-use greenway connecting Greenville to Washington, NC—boosting recreation, tourism, and regional connectivity.
Why It Matters:
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Encourages outdoor activity and eco-tourism.
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Connects communities across Pitt and Beaufort Counties.
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Strengthens Eastern NC’s appeal as an outdoor destination.
How Will Gets It Done:
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Partner with state transportation leaders and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for trail and infrastructure grants.
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Engage federal representatives to support funding through DOT’s RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) program.
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Coordinate with local governments, ECU, and landowners to secure easements and right-of-way—without raising local taxes.
🚀 Funding the ECU Miller School Entrepreneurship Challenge
The Idea: Provide sustainable, annual funding to support ECU student entrepreneurs and help launch homegrown businesses in Greenville.
Why It Matters:
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Keeps top talent in Greenville after graduation.
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Drives innovation, job creation, and economic development.
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Strengthens the university-city relationship.
How Will Gets It Done:
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Collaborate with ECU leadership and the Miller School to establish a public-private endowment model.
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Work with local industries and corporate partners to match funds and sponsor student startups.
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Advocate at the state level for higher education innovation funding that includes entrepreneurship accelerators and business incubation programs.
🎤 Building a Region-Leading Amphitheater at Town Common
The Idea: Construct a modern amphitheater at Greenville’s Town Common to host concerts, festivals, and community events—drawing regional visitors downtown.
Why It Matters:
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Stimulates the local economy and supports downtown businesses.
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Enhances Greenville’s cultural offerings and community identity.
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Attracts tourism and boosts quality of life for residents.
How Will Gets It Done:
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Partner with arts and tourism organizations to secure grant funding.
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Work with our federal representatives to pursue EDA (Economic Development Administration) grants for cultural infrastructure.
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Engage corporate sponsors, naming rights partners, and regional event producers to co-invest in the project.
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Develop a regional entertainment master plan that includes public input and long-term maintenance funding—without a tax increase.
