Wilmington swears in its new, all-Democratic city council today, marking a political shift for North Carolina’s 8th-largest city. With over 130,000 residents, the city faces likely tax hikes as City Manager Becky Hawke proposes pay raises to match cost of living—moves she says will require tax increases. The Wilmington Standard suggests privatizing services, expanding automation, and cutting non-essential costs before raising taxes, prioritizing public safety and efficient government.