Anne Little, Director
City of Salisbury Community Engagement
(704) 638-5218
anne.little@salisburync.gov
Harry McLaughlin Announces Resignation from Salisbury City Council
Salisbury, Oct. 7, 2026 — Harry McLaughlin, a member of the Salisbury City Council since 2021, announced his resignation, effective Oct. 15, 2026.
First elected to the Salisbury City Council in 2021, Harry McLaughlin has been a dedicated public servant and a steadfast champion for the Salisbury community. In addition to his work in the council chambers, McLaughlin is deeply rooted in the city through the legacy of the longstanding McLaughlin’s Grocery Store, a West End staple since the Depression era.
Throughout his tenure, McLaughlin has been a tireless advocate for residents and their needs. He has played a central role in strengthening community relationships and has served on numerous boards and committees, including as Council Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Rowan/Kannapolis ABC Board, the Rowan Economic Development Council, and the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center Board.
Known for being levelheaded and practical, McLaughlin said that "I value my time with the Salisbury City Council. It has been a pleasure to work on Council and serve the community. I feel blessed and grateful.”
Mayor Tamara Sheffield offered heartfelt appreciation for McLaughlin’s service, stating, “It has been a pleasure to serve with Harry McLaughlin. I am deeply thankful for his welcoming attitude and unwavering commitment to the people of Salisbury and to our City staff. We will miss him.”
McLaughlin was first elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2023 and 2025. He was appointed Mayor Pro Tem in early 2025, serving until the end of that year.
In the coming weeks, the City Council will establish a process for filling the vacated seat. Regular updates will be shared to keep the public informed and engaged throughout the selection process, ensuring openness and community involvement.
For more information, please contact Community Engagement Director Anne Little at anne.little@salisburync.gov or (317) 446-8543.
The City of Salisbury is located in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, midway between Charlotte and Greensboro. Salisbury is the county seat of Rowan County, and provides a full range of municipal services, including law enforcement, fire service protection, zoning and code enforcement and water and sewer systems. For more information regarding the City of Salisbury and its services and departments, please visit us on the web at www.salisburync.gov. To receive updates regarding local initiatives, meetings, programs and events, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CitySalisburyNC.