Whether you’re considering a move or have already made Hickory your new home—welcome. Below, you’ll find the essential information, resources, and links you need to get settled and start enjoying Life. Well Crafted.

We also invite you to stop by City Hall (76 North Center Street) in downtown Hickory to pick up a Newcomer Bag filled with helpful information and goodies for new residents. Bags are available at the Payment Center in the lobby or by contacting the Office of Communications.

Quick Reference Guide

For your convenience, we’ve created a helpful Newcomer Guide with important information right at your fingertips. Download the guide.

City Budget & Tax Information

The City of Hickory’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30, and the annual budget is approved by the Hickory City Council. Under the current budget, the property tax rate is 46 cents per $100 of assessed value. To view the full budget, please visit our Budget page. For county tax information, please refer to the appropriate county government website—Catawba County, Burke County, or Caldwell County—based on where you reside.

Form of Government

The City of Hickory operates under the council-manager form of government, which combines the political leadership of elected officials and the administrative experience of a city manager. The elected mayor and city council members represent the community, set policy, and guide the long-range vision for Hickory’s future. The city council hires a non-partisan city manager who oversees all city operations.

Hickory was the first city in North Carolina, and the third in the nation, to create and exercise the council-manager system. Since its establishment, the council-manager system has become the most popular structure of local government in the United States and is also widely used in other countries such as Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

City Council

Hickory City Council consists of a mayor and six council members, each representing one of the city's six wards. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building (City Hall, 76 North Center Street).

All meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas and minutes are available online, and video recordings are posted on the City of Hickory’s YouTube Channel the following afternoon.

Not sure of your ward? Check the online ward map to find your ward's council representative.

Communications from the City of Hickory

The City of Hickory operates a full‑service Sanitation Division that provides dependable waste collection for both residents and businesses. This division manages routine garbage pickup and recycling, along with yard waste services, seasonal leaf collection, and additional waste removal options to keep the community clean and running smoothly. For details on collection schedules, guidelines, and best practices, contact Public Services at 828‑323‑7500 or visit www.hickorync.gov/sanitation.

Utility Providers

The City of Hickory provides a robust array of opportunities for residents of all ages to enjoy Recreation. Well Crafted. With more than 20 parks, three recreation centers, two senior centers, and two gyms, the city offers extensive sports programs, fitness activities, and community events for youth, adults, and seniors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of natural trails, including mountain biking routes known across the region, as well as the growing Hickory Trail multiuse path system that connects destinations throughout the city. 

Hickory Public Library is a department of the City of Hickory—one of the few municipalities in North Carolina that operates its own public library system. The library serves the community through two locations: the main Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on the SALT Block and the Ridgeview Branch. Hickory Public LIbrary cards are free for residents of Hickory and Catawba County.

Ready to get involved in your local government? Hickory City Council has 13 advisory groups, each with its own unique focus. These groups work on initiatives such as increasing recycling rates, planning for the future of parks and recreation, supporting economic development, and administering beautification grants. Advisory groups are made up of residents from various wards and diverse backgrounds. Most members serve terms of three to six years, with terms concluding in June. If you're interested in serving, please complete an application to be considered for appointment.

Sign up to participate in either Neighborhood College or Hickory 101. These free educational programs are designed to give Hickory residents a closer look at how our local government works. Sessions are typically held in the fall, with enrollment opening during the summer.

Greenway Public Transportation

The Chamber of Catawba County

Visit Hickory NC