Former Wilmington zoning administrator files lawsuit against the city

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former City of Wilmington zoning administrator has filed a lawsuit in New Hanover County Superior Court alleging she was forced to resign through what she describes as an improper disciplinary process that violated the city’s own policies and her constitutional rights.

Kathryn Thurston, who spent approximately 19 years working for the City of Wilmington, including about a decade as the zoning administrator, claims in the complaint that the city used a predetermined disciplinary process to push her out of her position during a broader 2025 restructuring of city government.

According to the lawsuit, Thurston was responsible for administering zoning regulations, advising city staff and the public, supervising compliance matters, and overseeing major land-use and development decisions during her tenure.

The complaint alleges that after a new city manager took office in 2025, the city underwent significant leadership changes and staffing turnover. Thurston’s removal, the lawsuit claims, occurred as part of that restructuring and was carried out through a disciplinary process that had already been decided in advance.

The filing further alleges the city never accused Thurston of financial crimes such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement. Instead, it states the disciplinary action stemmed from her interactions with an electronic permitting system related to improvements on her personal residence.

Thurston alleges she was given the choice to resign immediately or be terminated for alleged misconduct and was not given adequate time to consult legal counsel or consider her options, rendering her resignation involuntary.

The lawsuit also claims city officials later indicated there was “cause” for termination while declining to provide details, which Thurston argues created a false impression of serious wrongdoing.

Among other claims, the suit seeks declaratory relief and alleges violations of Article I, Sections 1 and 19 of the North Carolina Constitution, arguing the city failed to follow its own disciplinary procedures and deprived her of due process protections and her ability to pursue her profession.

Attorney Gary K. Shipman, who represents Thurston, said the case centers on whether the city followed its required procedures.

“This case is about far more than an internal personnel dispute,” Shipman said in a statement. “We allege that the City adopted detailed disciplinary procedures to protect permanent employees from arbitrary action, then refused to follow those very procedures when it mattered most.”

The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief, compensatory damages, and other relief the court deems appropriate.

The City of Wilmington has not yet filed a response to the complaint, and no court findings have been made regarding the allegations.