City of Hickory e-Newsletter

City of Hickory Monthly e-Newsletter | April 2026

Fair Housing & Housing Rehabilitation

April is Fair Housing Month, and the City of Hickory is committed to promoting and protecting fair housing for everyone in the community. The City of Hickory provides housing rehabilitation programs designed to improve local housing conditions and help low‑ to moderate‑income homeowners within the city limits stay in their homes.

The City is now accepting applications for its Urgent Repair Program, which offers forgivable loans of up to $15,000 to eligible homeowners with special needs whose household income is at or below 50% of the statewide median (currently $47,500 for a family of four). These funds can be used for urgent home repairs or accessibility modifications needed to help residents safely remain in their homes.

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Hydrant Testing

Hydrant testing is now underway as the Hickory Fire Department continues its annual inspection and maintenance program through May 30. Firefighters and Public Utilities crews are working near busy streets as they flow hydrants across the city. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution when passing these areas.

Hydrant flushing helps ensure reliable water pressure for firefighting and maintains water quality, though it can occasionally cause temporary water discoloration; residents experiencing brown water should call Public Utilities at 828‑323‑7427 for assistance.

Follow Hickory Fire Department on Facebook and sign up for CodeRED Alerts to know when hydrants will be flowed in your area.

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Hickory in Bloom Recognition Program

hickory in bloom beautification recognition 900x500

The City of Hickory’s Community Appearance Commission invites residents to help highlight the beauty of our community through the Hickory in Bloom Recognition Program. This annual program celebrates homes and properties that demonstrate exceptional landscaping or significant visual improvement within the city.

From April through September, residents, property owners, and neighbors can nominate outstanding yards and properties for monthly recognition on the City's Facebook page and website. Submit your nomination today!

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Hickory Literary Festival

Hickory Public Library will host the second annual Hickory Literary Festival with featured authors Virginia Evans and Meagan Church on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, on the SALT Block.

Presented by Corning in partnership with Redhawk Publications, My Chapter House, and The Center for Creative & Compassionate Communities, this free community event is open to all ages and designed to celebrate reading, writing, books, and creativity.

The festival will feature a variety of vendors along with author talks, a writing workshop, poetry sessions, entertainment, and other literacy-focused activities throughout the weekend on the SALT Block.

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Steve Miller Promoted to Assistant City Manager

City Manager Warren Wood has promoted Public Works Director Steve Miller to serve as an Assistant City Manager for the City of Hickory.

Miller began his career with the City of Hickory in August 1993 and has served the organization for more than 32 years in a variety of roles, including Street Division Manager, Assistant Public Services Director, and, most recently, Public Works Director since November 2020. Throughout his career, he has been involved in numerous city teams and major public infrastructure projects, including bond program improvements, building upgrades, and multiple park enhancement projects.

In his new role as Assistant City Manager, Miller will oversee Public Works, Public Utilities, and the Office of Business Development.

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Calendar of Events

HICKORY CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, April 7 & 21 | 6 p.m. | Hickory City Hall Council Chambers

UNIFOUR SENIOR GAMES SILVERARTS EXHIBIT

April 2-10 | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

AUTISM AWARENESS FUN WALK

Saturday, April 4 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Bruce Meisner Park

CLAREMONT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 4 | 10 a.m. | McComb Park

GLOW IN THE DARK EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 4 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field

SPINE POETRY

Monday, April 6 | 2-3 p.m. | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SPRING INTO SERVICE: HATS AND BLANKETS

Tuesday and Thursday, April 7 & 9 | 2-3 p.m. | Ridgeview Branch Library

MAGIC TREE HOUSE: SPACE MISSION PLANETARIUM SHOW

Wednesday, April 8 | 1-3 p.m. | Catawba Science Center