Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Getting Growth to Work For Us Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

A Planned Party Co-host (and the Gaston County Planning & Zoning Director) Jamie Kanburoglu joins Savvy Citizen to talk about the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan update, and the ways in which it will help guide future decision-making for the growth of the county.

You can review the final plan here: https://engagegaston.com/envision-gaston

New Regulations You Need to Know Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

Fresh off the American Planning Association - North Carolina Conference in Cherokee, Jamie and Peyton talk about new regulations (and challenges) for planning and zoning departments across North Carolina.

Supporting Dolly's Legacy Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

Gaston County United Way Executive Director Andrea Stephens stops by to talk about a special fundraiser that is all about America's great lady, Dolly Parton. The upcoming Boots, Belles, and Books event will feature a live performance of some of Dolly's music, with funds going to help with the recent growth of the Imagination Library in Gaston County.

Reading, Writing and a Real Good Time Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

Gaston County Public Library's Bree Thurman and Gastonia adult fantasy author C.M. Lockhart talk with Savvy Citizen about the upcoming 2nd Annual Gaston Writers Expo, happening Saturday, November 7, from 10-2 at the library's main branch in Gastonia. The event has grown from year one to include nearly 40 different authors, writers and speakers, and will include a keynote address from Lockhart.

Helping Our Libraries Vibe With Our Teens Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Gaston County Public Library Teen Librarian Kelly Lawniczak talks about the specialty award she won during the 2025 Gaston Globe awards for county staff, as well as some of the programming for middle school and high school students she helps organize that goes well beyond book clubs.

Savvier Citizen: Shoring up Trust in our Elections Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

With the start of early voting for the November general election kicking off next week, we're taking a look at issues surrounding public confidence in the election process. In this month's Savvier Citizen podcast, we talk to Allison Tomas with Principles for Trusted Elections, who helped organize a behind-the-scenes tour and Q&A session at the Gaston County Board of Elections last month, as well as VoteBeat editorial director Jessica Huseman, on how we can reassure skeptical residents about the fairness and security of our elections process.

Specialty Court Changing Lives for the Better Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Each year, Gaston County honors some of its employees who go above and beyond their regular duties. One of those is Adrien Sanders, who helps run Gaston County's Adult Treatment Court. Hear from Adrien about the work being done that is changing lives for many in our community.

Coffee With a Planner: Cramerton Edition Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

This month's A Planned Party takes us to Cramerton, where Jamie and Peyton are talking with Town of Cramerton Planning Director Nolan Groce about some of the projects this community has on tap.

Safe Parking Getting People Back on Their Feet Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Gaston Together Executive Director Leslie Lee and Mt. Zion Restoration Church Pastor Dr. Rodney Freeman talk about their piloting of a Safe Parking program -- a way to provide safety and services to those living out of their vehicles, with a helping hand to get them back on the road to success.

A Prehistoric Party Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Did you know Gaston County is about to be home to one of the largest dinosaur exhibits in the Carolinas? The Schiele Museum is opening the Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs to the public in a special Dino Days weekend September 26-27. We've got a pair of experts from the Schiele with an inside look at some of the amazing offerings in this exhibit.