Focus Areas

Investing in Hickory's regional airport supports economic development, enhances regional connectivity, and lays the groundwork for future aviation and business growth.  

• Hickory Aviation Museum & CVCC's The Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex  
• Pursuing Commercial Service  
• Terminal and Control Tower Upgrades
• Airport Master Plan 

Hickory 2050 leverages emerging technologies to improve the quality of City services, increase efficiency, and support data‑driven decision‑making. These efforts position Hickory as a forward‑thinking, innovation‑ready community.  

Expanding and improving walking and biking options creates a more connected, active, and accessible Hickory. Check out the Hickory Trail for an expansive 11+ mile multimodal path. The City also utilizes a Pedestrian + Bicycle Plan to provide guidance on future greenways, sidewalks, and safe crossings. The City's most recent plan was established in 2020, and an updated plan is underway. 

This comprehensive planning component helps guide land use, zoning, development, and community design, ensuring that growth aligns with residents’ values and long‑term goals. The updated comprehensive plan is in development and is expected to be complete in 18-24 months. Currently, the City receives guidance from Hickory by Choice 2030. 

• Land Use 
• Housing  
• Transportation  
• Economic Development  
• Public Facilities  
• Recreation & Parks   

Maintaining safe, high‑quality streets is essential to mobility and economic vitality. Long‑term pavement preservation planning supports cost‑effective street management and a smoother transportation experience for all.  

• Network Level Strategies: Systematic approaches to our entire road network  
• Cost-Effective Practices: Maximize value of available funding  
• Long-Term Strategy: Planning for sustainable infrastructure  
• Environmental Objectives: Reduce material consumption and energy use when using pavement preservation strategies

Upgrading water and sewer infrastructure ensures Hickory can support new growth, provide reliable services, and maintain strong environmental stewardship.  

• Risk-Based Assessment 
• Regional Interconnectivity  
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) 
• Conservation-Based Rate System  
• Resilient Raw Water Intake  
• Capital Projects  

The Hickory Moving Forward Transportation Safety Action Plan focuses on reducing accidents, improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and designing streets that support safer travel throughout the City.