Free Advertising, Public Dollars and the Question of Conflict: Skip Alston's Realty Sign

In 2022, taxpayers in Greensboro and Guilford County were told their money was being used for an investment in history. Together, the City Council and County Commissioners voted to contribute $4 million to help the nonprofit Sit-In Movement, Inc. purchase the former First Citizens Bank building as part of the expansion of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.

The same year, Skip Alston voted to raise Guilford County taxes, resulting in a $92 million tax increase which cost an average homeowner $418 more per year on property tax bills.

Skip Alston, who serves as Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners is also the Co-Chair of the Sit-In Movement board which now owns the office property next to the museum, very likely participated and directly advocated for the taxpayer funded museum property deal behind closed doors from start to finish. And today, a large Alston Realty sign sits prominently at the corner of the property.

The Dual Roles;

On paper, Alston recused himself from the commissioners’ final vote on funding the Sit-In Movement’s purchase. But as Chairman of the Board, Alston sets agendas, frames debate and commands influence over his colleagues. It is difficult to believe he played no role in steering millions of taxpayer dollars toward the nonprofit he co-leads.

What the Law Says;

North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 14‑234.3. Local public officials participating in contracts benefiting nonprofits with which associated went into effect on January 1, 2022.

Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston recused himself from the vote to provide $2 million to the Civil Rights Museum on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

North Carolina law explicitly addresses this type of situation. N.C.G.S. §14‑234.3 prohibits public officials from “knowingly participating in making or administering a contract, including the award of money in the form of a grant… with any nonprofit with which that public official is associated.” Commissioner Alston, as co-chair of the nonprofit receiving $2 million in taxpayer funds from Guilford County, is directly associated. Even if he recused from the final vote, his role as board chair of the County Commission makes it implausible that he had no influence over the funding process. This statute strengthens concerns that public resources may have been allocated in a way that benefits an official’s associated nonprofit.

At the same time, his private business, Alston Realty, is visibly promoted on the very property bought with public funds. While the museum says he did not and does not collect any real estate commissions for leasing the office property, the sign itself amounts to free advertising on taxpayer-funded land owned by the nonprofit Alston co-leads. That exposure is a measurable benefit to his private company.

Why It Matters;

Taxpayer money is supposed to serve the public good, not double as a marketing subsidy for elected officials’ private businesses. Whether by oversight or intent, the placement of Alston Realty’s sign on nonprofit property funded with millions in city and county money sends a clear message: private interests and public resources are too closely intertwined.

This raises fundamental questions;

Why should a nonprofit funded with public money allow one of its board co-chairs to promote his private business on its land?

Did Alston’s role as Chairman of the County Commissioners give him undue influence over the decision to allocate public funds to his own nonprofit?

The Bottom Line;

Commissioner Alston may point to his recusal from the final vote as proof of compliance. But true recusal requires more than abstaining from the roll call. It requires stepping back from all influence, public and private, in a decision that carries personal benefit.

The presence of the Alston Realty sign on the Civil Rights Museum property is not just a symbol of blurred lines. It is a physical reminder of why taxpayers demand accountability, transparency, and a clear separation between public office and private gain.

If Greensboro and Guilford County want to maintain credibility with the public, this arrangement deserves a closer look. At the very least, the sign should come down.

Public Records Request; Sit-In Movement, Inc. Audits and Related Documents

Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. §132-1 et seq.), I am requesting copies of the following records related to the nonprofit Sit-In Movement, Inc., including any city or county oversight, funding, or involvement:

Audits and Financial Statements;

Museum tour revenue

All independent and internal audits, financial statements, or reviews of Sit-In Movement, Inc. for the past 5 years.

Any management letters, audit findings or financial commentary provided to the board, the City of Greensboro or Guilford County.

Funding and Grant Records;

Documents related to any grants, loans, appropriations or financial awards provided by the City of Greensboro or Guilford County to Sit-In Movement, Inc., including contracts, agreements and approval documentation.

Correspondence, meeting minutes or reports regarding the allocation, disbursement, or oversight of these funds.

Lease, Property and Real Estate Documents;

Any contracts, agreements or correspondence regarding the purchase, leasing or management of the former First Citizens Bank property by Sit-In Movement, Inc.

Documents concerning the placement of Alston Realty signage on the property, including authorizations or approvals.

Board and Governance Records;

Minutes, resolutions, or other records from Sit-In Movement, Inc. board meetings discussing funding, property acquisition, leasing, or any relationship with Commissioner Skip Alston.

Any conflict-of-interest disclosures or related correspondence submitted to the City or County regarding board members.

Related;

Thursday, July 30, 2015; Greensboro’s Civil Rights Museum Audit doesn’t have to be “clean”, but “acceptable”

https://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/07/greensboros-civil-rights-museum-audit.html

3/27/14; Hammer on the Civil Rights Museum unanswered questions and structure

https://hartzman.blogspot.com/2014/03/hammer-on-civil-rights-museum.html

2/16/14; Greensboro’s City Council/Staff knew the Civil Rights Museum was/is financially unsustainable in April, 2013

https://hartzman.blogspot.com/2014/02/greensboros-city-councilstaff-knew.html

2/12/14; Greensboro’s News and Record on the Civil Rights Museum; “Self-inflicted”

https://hartzman.blogspot.com/2014/02/greensboros-news-and-record-on-civil.html

7/9/13; Allen Johnson: “Alston, a member of the powerful Simkins PAC, is not-so-subtly suggesting political payback if they don’t go along with his group’s proposal.”

https://hartzman.blogspot.com/2013/07/allen-johnson-alston-member-of-powerful.html

6/11/13; How Greensboro, North Carolina Works; Skip Alston, Robbie Perkins, Roy Carroll, Renaissance Center, Simkins PAC, BB&T Edition

https://hartzman.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-greensboro-north-carolina-works.html