Community Appearance Commission of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County

Community Appearance Commission

Please join us at the 2023 Community Appearance Awards! The Community Appearance Awards honor the efforts of individuals and groups who have made a positive impact on the appearance of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. This event will be held on Wednesday, May 31st from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Gray Auditorium in the Old Salem Museums & Gardens Visitor Center (900 Old Salem Road in Winston-Salem). For more information, see the Community Appearance Awards page.

The Community Appearance Commission of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County (CAC) is a 15-member advisory board (PDF) appointed by the Winston-Salem City Council and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. The CAC was formed in 1989 and includes citizens with a variety of career and life backgrounds.


Mission

The mission of the CAC is to enhance the visual quality and aesthetic character of Forsyth County and the City of Winston-Salem for residents and visitors for generations to come.

Meetings

The CAC Board generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in the CCPB Large Conference Room, Third Floor, Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building. The CAC Board meets once in November and December (please refer to the PDF Calendar below for the date of this meeting). The principal work of the Commission is carried out within committees that meet once a month. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting minutes may be obtained at the Planning Department.

Current CAC Meeting Agenda (PDF)

CAC Meeting Agendas 2016-present

2023 CAC Calendar (PDF)

Programs

Public Project Review

One of the primary obligations of the CAC is to review publicly funded projects, as well as any privately developed projects at the request of an elected official, and provide comments and recommendations on the aesthetic details of the project.

2023 TAPR Committee Calendar (PDF)

For more information on the Technical Advisory and Project Review (TAPR) Committee, see the Public Project Review page.

Community Appearance Awards

The CAC sponsors a biennial awards program to honor the efforts of individuals and groups who have made a positive impact on the appearance of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

For more information on the Awards Program, see the Community Appearance Awards page.

Community Roots Day

Community Roots Day is a volunteer tree-planting event that takes place every year adding shade, fresh air, and extra character to our neighborhoods. In the past 27 years, over 8,000 trees have been planted on streets throughout Winston-Salem, helping our community earn the honor of being named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Foundation for over 18 consecutive years. Winston-Salem was named North Carolina's Tree City USA of the Year in 2017.

For more information on Community Roots Day, see the Community Roots Day page.

Educational Programs

The CAC routinely sponsors educational seminars and speakers that provide information on a variety of aesthetic issues affecting the community. 

Letters of Recognition

The CAC sponsors a letters of recognition program to recognize individuals and companies who have made a difference in the community’s appearance. Letters are sent out on an ongoing basis. Citizens are welcome to submit projects for recognition by completing and returning the Letter of Recognition Nomination form (PDF)

Annual Reports

CAC Annual Reports

Get Involved

To apply for a position on the Community Appearance Commission, please contact:

Winston-Salem City Clerk’s Office (336) 727-2224
Forsyth County Manager’s Office (336) 703-2020 

Boards and Commission Information Form: Community Appearance Commission