That means Burlington would replace High Point. The name swap is important to leaders of both cities. They say having their name on official government lists of the nation's largest regions is key to attracting new businesses and residents. Many people consult federal documents showing economic and lifestyle information when considering where to move. This is not just a business issue.
Money is an issue, too.
It could affect all High Point residents, officials say. If the city's name is dropped from the region's title, and fewer businesses or residents move here, that would mean fewer new tax dollars. So if more tax money was needed, it might have to come from existing taxpayers in the form of higher taxes. Another change the government is considering is splitting Winston-Salem away from Greensboro and High Point, and considering it a separate region. If that were to happen, both regions would have smaller populations, which could mean less funding, Johnson said.