Raleigh City Council Meeting Summary – February 3, 2026

The Raleigh City Council met on February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a special budget adjustment, approvals for watershed protection and stormwater policies, a substance use advisory commission work plan, a transportation committee item, appointments, a discussion on snow removal, a motion regarding the Athens Drive library, and a report on minimum housing code and eviction trends. The council also entered closed session.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with the exception of Item C4B, which was pulled by Councilor Ford.
• After Councilor Ford recused herself due to a conflict of interest, Item C4B was approved 7-0.
• Other consent items included a resolution authorizing the donation of a police dog.

Discussion Items

• Council Contingency Budget: Sadia Satar presented a request to add $48,000 from FY25 capital reserves to the FY26 council contingency budget, increasing it from $150,000 to $198,000. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison noted the need to support nonprofits serving vulnerable residents. The council voted unanimously to approve.
• Belvin Watershed Protection Project: Ed Bunkin from Raleigh Water presented the project to purchase 277 acres in Granville County for $479.60 per acre ($132,850 total) from the Belvin family, protecting Falls Lake water quality. The project leverages matching funds and has a high conservation value. Councilor Fort praised the partnership. The council authorized the purchase unanimously.
• Rainwater Rewards Policy (R3): Wayne Miles and Graham Smith proposed increasing the cost-share from 75% to 90% citywide for green stormwater infrastructure projects, effective July 1, 2026. Other changes included updating language and raising staff approval thresholds. Councilor Fort asked about eligibility for the 100% subsidy (80% AMI or lower). Councilor Branch inquired about development applicability and program growth. The policy was approved unanimously.
• Substance Use Advisory Commission: Chair Saul Parada presented the 2025 annual report and 2026 work plan, detailing medication take-back events (nearly 150 pounds in October 2024, 96 pounds in April 2025), listening sessions, and outreach. Councilor Harrison asked about surveys; Chair Parada noted a shift to direct outreach. Councilor Silver discussed funding ($7,000 annual allotment) and metrics. The work plan was approved unanimously.
• Transportation and Transit Committee: Councilor Patton reported that the committee recommends ending the exception process for citizen-initiated street closures and reinstating previous procedures. The council approved unanimously.
• Snow Removal and Weather Response: City Manager commended staff for their response to recent winter weather. Councilor Jones raised concerns about sidewalk snow removal and urged public communication encouraging property owners to clear sidewalks. Transportation Director Paul Calm noted that sidewalk clearing is low priority due to lane mile demands.
• Athens Drive Community Library: Councilor Harrison motioned to authorize the city manager to engage in discussions with Wake County and the school board to keep the Athens Drive library in Raleigh, noting the city owns adjacent land at 4200 Avon Ferry Road. Councilor Scott opposed, stating libraries are not city purview and the land is better used for affordable housing. The motion passed 7-1.
• City Attorney's Report on Minimum Housing Code: City Attorney Karen and Professor Rick Glazier of Campbell Law reviewed the existing housing code, enforcement process, and tenant resources. They highlighted that Wake County sees approximately 750 evictions per week, and tenants often lack representation. The clinic uses city funds for rental assistance and legal services. Council discussed the Durham ordinance, mediation efforts, and data collection. No vote was taken; the report was for information.
• Appointments: The council confirmed the following appointments: Brandon Tucker (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission), John Terzades (Design Review Commission), Chase Franklin (Police Advisory Board), and Jessica Hayden (Police Advisory Board). Other nominations were returned for future consideration.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda with exception; Council Contingency addition ($48,000); Belvin project purchase; Rainwater Rewards policy (effective July 1, 2026); Substance Use Advisory Commission 2026 work plan; reinstatement of previous street closure petition procedure.
• Motion to engage in discussions regarding Athens Drive library passed 7-1.
• Appointments made as listed.
• Minutes from January 20 and January 24 retreats approved.
• Closed session entered and adjourned with no report.