Public Meetings - Raleigh, North Carolina

The Raleigh City Council convened on March 18, 2025, for a work session at 11:30 AM and a regular session at 1:00 PM. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, public comments, planning commission reports, a special item on Brookside Drive safety, a discussion on advisory boards and commissions, a downtown progress report, several public hearings on rezoning and nuisance abatement, and appointments. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda en bloc, including utility service extensions, bond programs, petition annexations, grants, contracts, budget amendments, bids, and traffic items. Public Comments & Testimony - Josh McIntyre (resident) thanked the council and encouraged them to ride GoRaleigh buses to see the city. - Matthew Brown (resident) expressed strong support for maintaining school diversity through magnet programs and urged the city to provide low-income housing throughout the city rather than large concentrated projects, citing the planned demolition of Heritage Park over 1,000 units. - Nikki W. (resident) criticized the treatment of disabled and homeless individuals, citing specific incidents at the Helen Wright Center and the White Flag shelter, and requested mandates for safe shelter evictions and grievance procedures. - Monica Sanders (resident) shared a community fundraising success through the Pandemic of Love platform, raising $21,000 in 48 hours, and proposed a "Revolutionary Act of Love" to partner with the city on funding sidewalks and separation allowances. - Octavia Rainey (resident, 52 years fair housing experience) accused the council of violating contracts with homeless agencies by not addressing complaints, and requested moving the RTO pavilion to the Dix campus and asking Live Nation to fund a new community center. - Athena Wallen (resident) expressed frustration with the Brookside Drive redesign, urging the council to prioritize multimodal safety over private parking, and criticized the proposed compromise as insufficient. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Report: Director Vinham Walter presented three items: rezoning Z-35-24 (4409 Creedmoor Road, from office to commercial mixed use), rezoning Z-53-24 (John P "Top" Greene Community Center, removing neighborhood conservation overlay), and text change TC-8-24 (townhouse building type clarifications). All recommended approval. The council scheduled public hearings: text change on April 1, rezonings on April 15. Unanimously approved. - Brookside Drive Safety Initiatives: Councilmember Branch introduced a revised cross-section alternative with a two-way cycle track on the east side and on-street parking on the west side, responding to resident concerns. Staff (Bradley Kimbrell) presented the option, estimating $40,000 cost and summer implementation. Councilmember Lambert-Melton questioned the viability of the two-way cycle track, noting it was previously rejected. Councilmember Harrison and Patton expressed concerns about safety at the Glasscock intersection and the narrower cycle track width. Patton argued the council should stay the course with the previously approved bike lanes on both sides. No motion was made; the council decided to maintain the earlier decision. - Advisory Boards and Commissions Retreat Follow-Up: Taisha Mosley (Community Engagement) reviewed board structures, bylaws, and nominating committees. Council discussed potential consolidation, board efficiency, and the role of nominating committees. Councilmember Lambert-Melton raised concerns about nominating committees becoming self-perpetuating. Mayor Cowell moved to rescind the defunct Mayor's Committee on Compassion – passed. The council created a temporary subcommittee (Lambert-Melton, Jones, Branch, and Forte) to study restructuring and report by July 1. - Downtown Progress Report: Assistant City Manager Michael Moore and Chief Rico Boyce presented. Highlights: net gain of businesses, 10 new openings on Fayetteville Street, retail promotion, free parking pilot, tree lighting, shade structures, and Activating the Core streetscape plan. Chief Boyce reported violent crime down 3% and property crime down 29% year-to-date, attributed to bike patrols, ACORNS unit, strategic warrant team (100 warrants in 56 days), foot patrols, and camera registry. Councilmember Patton asked about Neighbors Home program vouchers for downtown – Emily Sutton (Housing) confirmed households are being identified. Councilmember Jones requested citywide crime stats by district. Councilmember Harrison asked about Glenwood South noise – Chief Boyce said noise remains the main issue. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Public Hearings: - Public nuisance abatement liens for 1310 and 1312 Pool Road (over $3,000 and $4,000 respectively) – approved. - Rezoning Z-31-24 (901 Nowell Road) – continued to April 15 to allow applicant discussions. - Rezoning Z-40-24 (2340 Compassionate Drive) – approved with conditions (max 200 units, 55-ft height, stormwater mitigation, signal warrant analysis). Unanimous. - Text change TCZ-41-24 (3616 Louisbury Road) – continued to April 15 for applicant to meet with neighbors. - Appointments: - Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission: Sean Fernandez appointed. - Historical Resources and Museum Advisory Board: Wanda Cox-Bailey reappointed; Emily Grant carried over to next ballot. - Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Centers Authority: Peter Byers, Sherat Nagaraj, Gaurav Patel reappointed. - Closed Session: Entered and adjourned, no reportable actions. - Next Steps: Subcommittee on boards to meet by July 1; Downtown safety initiatives to continue; Further discussion on mixed-use development conflicts scheduled for May 27 in Safe, Vibrant and Healthy Committee.

The Raleigh City Council held a work session on March 18, 2025, at 11:30 AM, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) impacts, current uses, and future plans. Chief Information Officer Mark Whittenberg delivered a presentation covering AI basics, risks, city use cases, and policy development. Discussion Items - AI Overview and Impacts: Whittenberg explained AI's history since 1956, distinguishing between traditional AI (e.g., traffic counting) and generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT). He noted transformative impacts on productivity, job market, economic development, and environment, citing increased power consumption by tech companies (e.g., Microsoft and Google using 30%–50% more power, Microsoft restarting Three Mile Island). - Risks and Challenges: Whittenberg highlighted risks such as deepfakes, promptware, privacy concerns (no undo button on ChatGPT), unwanted bias (e.g., AI generating a white male banker when asked for a banker helping a client), legal/financial liability (airline case), and human injury from navigation errors. - City of Raleigh's AI Initiatives: - Raleigh chatbot: Internal generative AI tool for IT help, learning from interactions, with logs reviewed for accuracy. - Web search tool: Points to city website only, internally tested; requires cleanup of outdated pages. - Public Utilities: AI model analyzing pipe material failure rates from historical records to predict breaks; also capable of answering historical questions. - Future plans: Building code search (querying UDO), enhanced customer service portal (June–July 2025) using AI to identify patterns, and Microsoft Copilot for office productivity (summarizing emails, prioritizing). - Policy Development: An AI policy is in final stages, developed over 6 months with input from an AI coalition of 300 governments. Guardrails include: no feeding proprietary data into open models, human oversight, transparency, accountability, and safety. The policy is administrative but will be presented to council at implementation. - Council Questions and Staff Responses: - Quality testing: Logs of questions/answers are reviewed; internal agents first check outputs. - Data organization: Outdated documents must be marked as drafts or cleaned up; AI will help identify contradictions. - Customer service chatbot: Council member advised ensuring easy transfer to humans to avoid agent burnout. - Training: Mandatory training for Copilot licenses; prompt engineering is a key part; an AI guidebook in plain English is being created. - Prioritization: IT governance committee (city manager’s office and department heads) prioritizes high-value, safe use cases. - Proprietary data: Closed models (e.g., water data) are on city servers; Copilot has a toggle for external search with a warning. - Public records: AI-generated final documents become public records; transient drafts can be discarded. - Environmental impact: Conversations just beginning; Microsoft is noted as more efficient; climate action plan considerations pending. - Overall risk: The city is taking a cautious, programmatic approach to avoid being on the bleeding edge. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken; the session was informational. - The AI policy will be adopted as an administrative policy, with a council update at implementation. - The city will continue piloting internal AI use cases (Raleigh, web search, public utilities) before any public deployment. - Copilot licenses will require mandatory training. - Environmental impact of AI will be further considered as policy evolves. - The work session adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM; the regular session was scheduled for 1:00 PM but no transcript of that portion was provided.

The Raleigh City Council held a regular meeting on March 11, 2025, consisting entirely of a public comment session. Residents spoke on a wide range of topics, including environmental health, animal welfare, police and firefighter funding, zoning, transportation, and community spaces. No council actions or votes were taken during this session. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Johnson (founder of RTN) – A breast cancer patient exposed to PCBs at NC State’s Poe Hall, she asked the council to create a forever chemicals committee (including PCBs and PFAS) under the existing environmental board, with support from Councilmember Harrison. She offered to help frame the committee’s goals. - Liz High (Wake County Animal Center volunteer) – Urged a ban on retail dog sales in pet stores, citing an animal crisis: 8,522 animals accepted in 2024, over 4,000 adoptions, yet North Carolina has the second highest euthanasia rate. She noted 8 states and over 400 cities have already banned the practice. - Laura Harris (Raleigh People’s Budget Assembly) – Presented four demands: no reduction in public speaking time, fund a community response team separate from police, establish a meet-and-confer policy for city workers, and create a participatory budget process. She also described an incident at Oak City CARES where a pregnant black woman was allegedly kneed by police during a fistfight, and called for investigation and discipline. - Donna Bailey (District D resident) – Opposed a 30-story height request under the Z50 zoning change, arguing it violates the downtown transition area guidelines that limit height to 12 stories adjacent to residential areas. She criticized Councilmember Silver for a moral conflict of interest due to his work at McAdams with the developer, and warned that approval would set a harmful precedent. - Robert Quartz (supporter of firefighters) – Urged approval of the firefighter separation allowance, citing 44 current vacancies, 60 by fall, recruitment struggles, and higher mortality rates. He argued retention is critical as Raleigh grows, and the allowance would help retain experienced firefighters. - Multiple speakers (skateboarders and advocates) – Over a dozen speakers (Miguel Magalenis, Paul Thompson, Riley Murphy, Clinton Perry, Aaron Collins, Nathan Wellish, Nikki Knapp, Michael Haran, John Meyer, Sumit Mondal, and others) advocated for a city-sanctioned DIY skate park, noting the recent demolition of Graveside DIY. They proposed the underutilized area at JC Park, emphasized community-building, skill development, and parallels to community gardens. They cited examples from Charlotte, Asheville, and Statesville, and noted that the 2021 Aspen Institute found 8.8 million skateboarders in the U.S., up 35% from 2019. - John Sequera (Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh) – Called for increased police salaries to be the highest in the region and a headcount increase of 400 officers over 4–5 years. He stated Raleigh’s starting police salary is $55,000 vs. over $60,000 in Cary and Apex, and that Charlotte’s average is $20,000 more. He cited a 2020 staffing study and a public opinion poll showing 75% support for a substantial police pay increase. - David Ulmer (North Raleigh resident) – Criticized the city’s budget engagement process as insufficient, arguing it does not educate the public about revenue sources. He used the example of stormwater funding for a dam in Midtown, noting that low-density single-family homes in North Raleigh do not generate enough tax revenue to cover long-term infrastructure costs, forcing subsidies from higher-density areas like Glenwood South. - Cole McMullen – Supported the firefighter separation allowance and also backed rent control, urging the council to lobby the General Assembly for it. He also called for expanding public housing up to the maximum allowed by the Faircloth Amendment (approx. 70,000 units in Raleigh). - Alex Brissett and Athena Wallen (Brookside Drive residents) – Pleaded for the long-delayed installation of bike lanes on Brookside Drive, already approved by council. They cited safety concerns for children biking to Conn Elementary, noted 6,700 vehicles per day, and highlighted the lack of infrastructure for renters and pedestrians. - Nikki Knapp (Skate Forward founder) – Supported the DIY skate park, noting her organization brings inclusion for women and LGBTQ+ skaters, and that Graveside was a safe space. She also called for the demands of the People’s Budget Assembly. - Kei Zamastiel – Supported the community response team, participatory budgeting, and increased public speaking time. Referenced previous concerns about police integrity. Key Outcomes - No council votes, resolutions, or formal actions were taken during the public comment session. The meeting adjourned after the last speaker.

The Raleigh City Council held a work session on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included updates on the 2022 Parks Bond, the 2017 Transportation Bond, and the Reflecting Raleigh comprehensive plan process. Councilor Corey Branch had an excused absence. 2022 Parks Bond Update - Parks staff (Shoshin Baker) and Engineering Services presented an update on the $275 million Parks Bond, which funds 23 parks and greenway projects. - Over 12 engagement events have been held since the bond passed, along with online opportunities. - The draft bond proposal was originally just shy of $300 million; Council set the final amount at $275 million, leaving a $20 million funding gap that staff have sought to close through grants and partnerships. - Staff reported $10 million in secured federal funding, including a $1.5 million HUD grant for the Heritage Trail as part of a $3 million grant secured through Congresswoman Deborah Ross's office, with the other half intended for the Chavis Dix Strollway. Grant contracts were not yet executed and were in the quality assurance stage. - Project status highlights: Dorothy Dix Gibson Play Plaza is under construction with a spring 2025 completion; Lake Wheeler Road, Strickland Road, and Leesville Road are in the bid award phase; Biltmore Hills Tennis Expansion, Green Road Park Improvements, Lakeland Trail West Loop, and a Crabtree Creek community connection are in permitting; John Chavis Historic Park, John P. Top Green, Method Community Center, and Walnut Creek Greenway Improvements advanced past schematic design; Neuse River Park and Neighborhood and Community Connections are in contract negotiation. - An internal park bond dashboard was released in December 2024, with an external version expected in summer 2025, according to IT's Beth Stagner. - Councilor Christina Jones commended staff for community outreach, including attendance at an ECAC meeting about Top Green. - Councilor Mitchell Silver asked about public engagement in design; staff said schematic design is the key milestone for council review, with further detail available by request. - Staff noted they are seeking additional funding and partnerships for remaining gaps. Transportation Bond Update - Transportation staff (Kenneth Ritchie) and Engineering Services (Byron Sanders) provided an update on delivery of the 2017 transportation bond. - Capital project funding is roughly 60% from bonds, 25% from pay-as-you-go, and 15% from grants. Prior transportation bonds included $60 million (2005), $40 million (2011), and $75 million (2013), with the 2017 bond significantly larger. - Staff cited a 67% increase in the National Highway construction cost index over the last three years, compared to 22% over the previous 14 years. The NCDOT Capitol Boulevard project rose from $465 million (2018 estimate) to $750 million (2023) to $1.34 billion currently. - Cost and schedule drivers include real estate markets, materials, labor, engagement feedback, permitting, property acquisition, and staff resources. - Completed projects include Tryon Road C, Pool Road, and Rock Quarry Road A. Atlantic Avenue and Blue Ridge South are under construction with expected completion in spring 2026. - Barwell Road South's scope was reduced (from Rock Quarry Road to Tomahawk Trail, instead of Berkeley Lake Road) to stay within budget, while retaining the Pearl Road realignment; bid award is expected soon. - Carolina Pines: after a bid rejection last week, staff found funding to deliver the project as originally scoped (Lake Wheeler Road to South Saunders); a bid award is anticipated. - Lake Wheeler Road (a Parks Bond project managed by Transportation) had its eastern portion trimmed west of the railroad, but the Dix Park frontage is unchanged. - Six Forks Road: estimated cost increased from $56.1 million (February 2024 direction) to $93.5 million. Staff are continuing real estate acquisition and will return to Council in May for a detailed discussion. - Councilor Jonathan Lambert-Melton expressed frustration about Six Forks Road, noting residents in limbo and little room for further scope reduction. Mayor Janet Cowell said the cost increase would be challenging to absorb. - Councilors discussed when to plan the next transportation bond; the city manager said a spring work session will review all bond categories and coordinate with the county, and noted FY2026 is not a bond year, making FY2027 the first reasonable option. - Councilor Megan Patton raised concerns about public trust and the appetite for future bonds, citing deferred projects like Marsh Creek Road. - Councilor Lambert-Melton suggested pre-template designs and said there can be too much community engagement; Councilor Silver agreed that public engagement must be weighed against cost escalation. - Staff noted budget preparations are taking a conservative approach due to uncertainty, including tariffs, and that they will not bring a bond forward without county coordination and confidence in delivery. Reflecting Raleigh: Next Comprehensive Plan Update - Planning staff (Sarah Shaughnessy) presented the update on Reflecting Raleigh, the process for the city's next comprehensive plan, which will guide growth through 2050. - The current 2030 Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009 and amended in 2019; it includes 18 sections, over 1,000 policies, and over 1,000 actions. - The new plan will be a more concise land-use guide with SMART goals, aligned with other plans and the CIP, and informed by robust engagement targeting underrepresented communities. - The project has a 2.5-year timeline with five phases; adoption is anticipated at the end of 2027. - Phase 1 engagement has included six themed community conversations (affordable housing, transportation and traffic, stormwater, trees, neighborhood change, infrastructure and services; public safety is covered under infrastructure/services). The Affordable Housing Summit was held in August, stormwater in December, transportation/traffic in February, and trees events begin on March 11. Neighborhood change is scheduled for April and infrastructure/services in May/early June. - To date, staff have engaged 13 boards and commissions, 8 Citizens Advisory Councils, and 8 community organizations; over 2,000 people have participated in some way. - Online survey respondents skew white, male, ages 25-35, middle/high income, homeowners, and well educated; staff are using in-person events with language translation, food, child care, and ADA accommodations to reach a broader cross-section. - Input received so far covers engagement preferences, affordable housing, and stormwater; a summary report is due next week, with a full report at the end of summer. - Phase 2 will include technical working groups and a citizen assembly of roughly 50 residents whose demographics mirror Raleigh's; a consultant is being sought. Phase 4 will include an artist-in-residence with Raleigh Arts. - Councilor Silver stressed the need to communicate emerging constraints (land, water, natural resources) and trade-offs, and to provide a map showing where change is expected and where it is not. Staff said a data dashboard will be available at the end of summer. - Staff confirmed that more than 75% of the current plan's 1,000+ actions have been completed, and annual progress reports were required under the prior plan. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a work session for discussion and information. - Staff will return with bid awards for Lake Wheeler Road, Barwell Road South, and Carolina Pines in the coming weeks. - A more detailed Six Forks Road discussion with Council is planned for May 2025. - Staff will present a work session in late spring on bond strategy and timing across all bond categories. - The internal park bond dashboard is being finalized; an external version is expected in summer 2025. - Comprehensive plan engagement will continue through June 2025, with a full Phase 1 report at the end of summer and plan adoption targeted for 2027.

On March 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, the Raleigh City Council convened a budget work session focused on human resources and separation allowance. The meeting covered two main agenda items: an update on FY2026 employee benefits, compensation, and the ongoing classification and compensation study, and an actuarial analysis of a proposed separation allowance for fire/emergency communications and select operating departments. Council members discussed the significant financial implications and equity considerations, with no formal votes taken. Discussion Items FY2026 Human Resources Update Sharnell Jones, Human Resources Director, presented on total rewards, employee benefits, and the classification and compensation study. Key points: - Medical benefits cost over $58.7 million for active employees; health care costs are expected to rise 7-7.9% in 2025, but Raleigh's trend is 0.9% below that average. - No premium increases are proposed for medical, dental, vision, or voluntary benefits for FY2026. - A tuition reimbursement increase and expansion to workshops and certifications is proposed, requiring a policy change. - The classification and compensation study by Siegel consulting firm is 95% complete on job description questionnaires. The study recommends expanding from 350 to 485 job classifications and establishing 37 job families. - Market analysis: Raleigh's pay range minimums are 86% of the overall market average (85% for public sector peers, 92% for private sector). Midpoints are 91% and maximums 93% of market. Pay range width is 70% vs. 57% market average. - Implementation costs: a 1% increase equals $3.75 million; 5% equals $18.75 million; 15% equals $56.25 million. To close the 9-14% gap to market, an estimated $33.76 million to $52.5 million is needed, excluding benefits. - Vacancy rate dropped from 14.9% in March 2022 to 10.7% as of March 7, 2025, representing 456 full-time and 36 part-time vacancies. - The city has $20-21 million available from last year's penny for pay ($11.4 million) and merit increases ($9 million), but this is separate from the comp study implementation. - Council member Jones asked about prior salary studies; the 2017 study was phased in during 2018-2019. - Sadia Sattar (Budget and Management Services) clarified that the general fund does not carry over unspent balances; the $20-21 million is for the current year only. - Council member Forte emphasized the need for more frequent market adjustments to avoid large catch-up investments. Separation Allowance Update Alison Bradshire (Finance) and Gregory Stump (BCG actuary) presented actuarial analysis for a separation allowance (temporary benefit from retirement to age 62) for fire/emergency communications (ECC) and five operating departments (parks, transportation, Raleigh Water, engineering, solid waste). Key details: - Benefit formula: 0.85% × years of service × final pay, with eligibility at age 60 with 25 years or 30 years at any age. - Fire/ECC: 654 employees (550 fire, 104 ECC). Normal cost is 4.2% of payroll ($2.1 million); total year-one contribution is 9.6% of payroll ($5 million) including 20-year amortization of the $33.2 million initial unfunded liability. Projected fund reaches $92 million and 100% funded after 20 years; ongoing cost would drop to 4.2% of payroll. - Five operating departments: present value of benefits is $66 million; normal cost is 1.8% of payroll; total year-one contribution is $4.7 million. Projected fund reaches $100 million after 20 years. - Combined: total city contributions over 20 years estimated at $227 million, with $129 million in benefit payments and $44-50 million in investment earnings. - Initial total pension liability for financial reporting is $61 million. - Key assumptions: 5.5% investment earnings, 5% annual salary increases. - Council member Lambert-Melton requested separate fire-only data; Bradshire agreed to provide department-level breakdowns. - Fire Chief Herbert Griffin reported that the last academy (2023) started with 45 recruits and graduated 23; the current academy started with 41, and 5 quit in the first week. Retention issues are acute at 3-5 years of service. Top reasons for leaving: career change, compensation, and burnout. - Council member Patton expressed strong support for including separation allowance in the budget, citing firefighter cancer risks and lower life expectancy. Council member Jones noted equity concerns but supported targeted benefits for physically demanding jobs. Council member Forte highlighted that police have separation allowance but still face retention problems, suggesting compensation may be more critical for younger recruits. - Council member Branch raised concerns about potential inequities if eligibility is limited to Raleigh service. - Ryan Bergman (City Manager's Office) noted that the analysis does not cover all city departments; a citywide plan would be more expensive. - Unfunded liabilities: Law enforcement separation allowance is 14% funded ($60 million liability); other post-employment benefits (OPEB) are 28% funded ($300 million liability); pension plan is 82.5% funded. Key Outcomes - Staff will return in April/May 2025 with final recommendations on the classification and compensation study implementation for the FY2026 budget. - The separation allowance data will be disaggregated by department (fire, ECC, solid waste, parks, transportation, engineering, Raleigh Water) for further council consideration. - Council members expressed interest in exploring alternative retention tools beyond separation allowance, and in understanding how to balance compensation and retirement benefits for different age groups. - No formal votes were taken; the work session served as a discussion to inform budget decisions.

The Raleigh City Council met on March 4, 2025, in an afternoon session (1:00 PM) and proceeded into closed session before the evening session. The meeting covered consent agenda items, planning commission recommendations, special funding allocations, city manager reports, public hearings, committee reports, and appointments. Key actions included approval of funding for East College Park townhomes, a pilot program update on homelessness, convention center expansion phase 1 guaranteed maximum price, and updates to the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP). Consent Calendar - All consent agenda items except D4 (Carolina Pines Avenue Street Improvements Project) were approved unanimously. D4 was held for discussion at the next work session (March 11, 2025). - Approved contracts for professional services, bids, and traffic schedule updates (see agenda for full list). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the afternoon session. Public hearings were scheduled for the evening session (7:00 PM) for items including street closing, annexation, and rezoning cases, but these were not transcribed. Discussion Items - Carolina Pines Avenue Street Improvements (D4): Councilmember Patton raised concerns about delays and scaling back the project, noting it was promised to the community as a first roadway redesign with a multi-use path. Engineering Services Director Byron Sanders explained that three bids came in at similar prices, about 24% over the engineer's estimate, and staff plan to re-advertise with a base bid and two alternates. Council voted to hold the item and discuss at the March 11 work session. - Planning Commission Report: Four rezoning cases were recommended for public hearing on April 1, 2025: Z-38-24 (1400 Edwards Mill Road/Lenovo Center), Z-45-24 (Litchford Road), Z-46-24 (Pearl Road), and Z-49-24 (Pearl Road). Councilmember Harrison requested a Transportation and Transit Committee meeting on March 27 to discuss broader transportation issues in the area. Public hearings were scheduled unanimously. - Council Contingency Items: Two allocations were approved: $5,500 for NC VIMES Women's Day event and funding for the 8th Annual Evolve Mentoring Summit to fill a funding gap. Both passed unanimously. - East College Park Townhomes Site 4: Staff recommended $448,733 in CDBG funds for site improvements to support six townhomes for first-time homebuyers, with four reserved for low/moderate-income buyers. Councilmember Branch asked about oversight to avoid past errors; staff confirmed improvements. Approved unanimously. - Bringing Neighbors Home Pilot Program Update: Housing staff presented results of the pilot: 45 households from the Good Street camp were enrolled and moved into housing, with two people reuniting with their children. The program cost $38,000-$98,000 per day to manage homelessness (equivalent to 2-5 years of rent). Councilmembers praised the work and asked about future budget inclusion; staff indicated a resource gap analysis will be presented later. No action taken. - Convention Center Expansion Phase 1 GMP 1: Request to authorize the city manager to execute a construction services amendment with a guaranteed maximum price of $3,125,741. Councilmember Forte explained her no vote due to concerns about the closure of South Street, but recognized the project was moving forward. The motion passed with one no vote. - Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) Annual Report: Staff presented the 2024 report, approving 14 construction projects (13 that met policy thresholds plus Bent Creek Drive due to high resident support), removing Quail Hollow Drive for alternative treatment, and approving the 2025 work plan list of 20 projects. Council also approved policy updates: (1) proactive speed limit reductions, (2) broadening multi-way stop evaluation to intersection safety, and (4) consolidating engagement into one continuous effort. Update (3) raising the speed threshold from 5 mph to 7 mph was debated but approved separately. Councilmember Patton requested a committee discussion on a holistic approach for Falls River Avenue, which has multiple sections on the list. The list was approved as presented. - Public Hearing – 617 South Blunt Street: Continued from February 18; the owner had recently pulled permits for repairs. Council voted to proceed with demolition after hearing no further progress. - Transportation and Transit Committee Report: Two items were recommended for budget notes: high crash intersections and pedestrian improvements at East Whitaker Mill Road and Atlantic Avenue. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved except D4 (held). - Public Hearings Scheduled: April 1, 2025, for four rezoning cases (Z-38-24, Z-45-24, Z-46-24, Z-49-24). - Council Contingency: Approved $5,500 for NC VIMES and funding for Evolve Mentoring Summit. - East College Park Townhomes: Approved $448,733 CDBG site improvement funding. - Convention Center Expansion: Approved GMP 1 of $3,125,741 (vote 7-1, with Forte opposed). - NTMP: Approved 14 construction projects, 2025 work plan list, and policy updates (1,2,4) and (3) separately. - Demolition: Approved for 617 South Blunt Street. - Appointments: Brittany Bryan and James Thrasher to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission; Adan Quesada to Design Review Commission; Tina Scott to Environmental Advisory Board; Tolulope Omokaye to Planning Commission; William McKinney to Raleigh Transit Authority. Other appointments and nominations noted. - Closed Session: Entered closed session at end of afternoon session.

The city council convened at 7:00 PM to hold public hearings and vote on several land-use matters, including a street closure, an annexation petition paired with a rezoning, and four additional rezonings. Key themes included affordable housing, infrastructure costs, and community engagement. Public Hearings & Discussion Items Street Closing STC-05-2024: East Whitaker Mill Road Right-of-Way - Amanda Jones (Transportation) presented a closure of 141 square feet of right-of-way to align with a six-unit townhome development. The closure was supported by civil engineer Sam Nye and property owner Tim King, noting a similar closure was approved in 2010. No opposition was voiced. Council unanimously approved the resolution. Annexation AX-09-24 and Rezoning Z-12-24: 2801 Old Crews Road and adjacent parcels (District B) - Pat Young (Planning) framed the case within broader growth policy discussions, noting upcoming priority growth areas and process changes. Hannah Rackau presented details: a 240-acre assemblage outside the ETJ, adjacent to city limits and the 2006 Rivertown annexation; proposed R6 conditional use with 550 units, 40% open space, fire service contribution, and traffic calming conditions. Planning Commission recommended approval 6-1. - Applicant Collier Marsh (Parker Poe) argued the project is revenue positive ($4M over 10 years) and provides significant transportation improvements. Councilmember Patton noted the site is in the Northeast Special Study Area (NESA) and that prior council actions created the current situation. Councilmembers Silver and Jones opposed, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan (study area incomplete) and staff concerns. The annexation and rezoning both passed 6-2. Rezoning Z-32-24: 4020 Sumner Boulevard (District B) - A request from CX-4-CU to CX-5-CU to allow a five-story hotel. Conditions prohibit certain uses and require urban frontage along Sumner Boulevard. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Applicant Worth Mills noted that the urban form map inconsistency arises because Wake Hills Lane was abandoned but not removed from the map. Council unanimously approved. Rezoning Z-36-24: 9000 & 9004 Litchford Road (District B) - Two parcels (2.715 acres) rezoned from R-1 to R-10-CU for 40 townhomes. Conditions cap units at 40 and prohibit cemetery use. Transportation staff confirmed Litchford Road carries 13,000 vehicles/day (capacity 8,000-20,000) with slow growth. Applicant Jennifer Ashton highlighted proximity to grocery stores and schools. Council unanimously approved. Rezoning Z-37-24: 326 Chapanoke Road (District D) - A 6-acre site rezoned from IX-3 (Industrial Mixed Use) to CX-5-CU (Commercial Mixed Use) with TOD overlay, to facilitate 100% affordable housing (200 units, ≤12,000 sq ft commercial). The land is deed-restricted by Wake County, and the partnership includes Harmony Housing, F7 Development, and Gilbane. Conditions prohibit industrial and certain other uses. Planning Commission approved 5-0. Council unanimously approved, which also de facto amends the Future Land Use Map to Community Mixed Use. Rezoning Z-40-24: 2340 Compassionate Drive (District C) – Continued Public Hearing - A 10-acre church-owned parcel rezoned from R-6 to RX-4-CU for 100% affordable housing (targeting 60% AMI, 200-225 units). Conditions include a 30-year affordability term, 25% open space, and a traffic signal warrant analysis. Planning Commission recommended approval 5-2 with comments on building height and stormwater. - Applicant Amy Kraut and Pastor James Burgess presented the partnership with Standard Communities. Opposition from neighbors (Keisha Lovelace, Octavia Rainey, Greta Gill, Virginia Talley) centered on longstanding stormwater flooding, traffic congestion on Rock Quarry Road, fire access, and community character. Council discussion highlighted legacy infrastructure issues and the need for more community outreach and concrete conditions (e.g., height cap, unit limit). Council voted to continue the public hearing to March 18, 2025, and requested the applicant hold a community meeting and submit revised conditions. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Street closure STC-05-2024, Z-32-24 (Sumner Blvd), Z-36-24 (Litchford Rd), Z-37-24 (Chapanoke Rd). - Approved 6-2 (Silver and Jones opposed): Annexation AX-09-24 and rezoning Z-12-24 (Old Crews/Old Milburnie). - Continued to March 18, 2025: Public hearing for Z-40-24 (Compassionate Drive); applicant to submit revised conditions and meet with neighbors.

The Raleigh City Council held its regular meeting on February 18, 2025, at 222 West Hargett Street. The meeting included a work session on stormwater, a regular session with consent agenda approvals, public comments, several rezoning and annexation public hearings, a report on the downtown parking pilot, and a Dix Park 10-year implementation plan update. The council also voted on a number of policy items and appointments. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda as presented, including the Fire Station No. 1 Replacement construction process authorization, a petition annexation for Old Crews Road, an easement for Duke Energy, multiple contracts and a memorandum of understanding for mobility management, and traffic changes including no-parking zones and metered parking. Public Comments & Testimony - Curtis Johnson (Representing a 501c3 nonprofit) requested $100,000 from the city budget for capacity building and operational costs to fight mental illness and the opioid crisis, and sought a partner for an affordable housing project on 130 acres owned by his church. He noted he lost a child to substance abuse and expressed commitment to the cause. - Joy Perizer (Representing Pointer YMCA) asked the council to extend the two-hour free parking program in city parking decks, citing increases in memberships and daily usage. She noted a 900-scan increase in November 2024 and nearly 2,000 more in December vs. the prior year. She suggested earlier/evening parking fees on weekends as a possible mitigation. - Octavia Rainey urged the council not to put a housing bond on the ballot unless the city lobbies the General Assembly to change the tax code. She noted high taxes and Southeast Raleigh residents' difficulty paying. She criticized city lobbyists for not meeting with citizens. - Imani Cumberbatch (Director of Guest Engagement at Marbles Kids Museum) asked for continuation of two-hour free parking. She cited a 7% increase in December attendance, 5% increase in Play Store sales, and 42% increase in IMAX revenue since the pilot. She noted a 2023 feasibility study that identified parking affordability as a barrier. - Nikki W. (Unhoused advocate) shared a distressing experience with a police officer while trying to get an elderly man to a shelter on a freezing night. She reported the officer refused assistance)Skip and made offensive comments. She urged expedited implementation of a compassionate response team. - Mama Kai Sanders (Community advocate) discussed budget work sessions, noting lack of Spanish-speaking outreach, the need for clarity on public-private partnerships, and requested information on the discretionary fund. - Nicholas Riddle (Resident of Battery Heights) advocated for safety improvements at Tarborough and East Martin Street intersections after his daughter's near-misses. He supported planned changes and suggested speed bumps. He also requested improvements at Hargett and Tarborough. - Athena Wallen (Brookside Drive resident) advocated for multimodal infrastructure around community spaces like schools and libraries, citing the Cameron Street bike lanes, Athens High School, and the library site. She emphasized safe routes to schools. - Roy Attrod (Neighborhood representative) opposed the waiver of the 24-month waiting period for rezoning Z-54-22, arguing it does not meet materially changed conditions and violates multiple plans, including the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Boulevard Corridor study, Equitable TOD guidebook, and Downtown Plan. He noted the offered affordable housing contribution is not substantial. - Ben Kuhn (Attorney and Pierce Street resident) echoed opposition, arguing no policy basis exists for the waiver粉碎. He criticized the $1.2 million affordable housing offer as "transactional" and questioned the city's land-use decision-making integrity. - Rusty Sutton (Owner of Green Monkey) supported making the two-hour free parking permanent, citing its positive impact on his business. He said customers are visiting earlier and staying longer. Discussion Items - Stormwater Program Overview (Work Session): Staff presented an overview of the stormwater program at the 11:30 work session. No formal action was taken. - Planning Commission Report: Planning Director Byan Walter presented four items scheduled for public hearings. Rezoning Z-31-24 (901 Nowell Road) and Z-40-24 (Compassionate Drive) had split commission votes with concerns about height and stormwater. TCZ-41-24 (Louisbury Road) regarding easement conditions was recommended for approval. CP-5-24 (Southall Road segment removal) was recommended for denial 5-1. The council set hearing dates: March 18 for Z-31-24, TCZ-41-24, and CP-5-24; March 4 (evening) for Z-40-24. - Special Item - Rezoning Z-32-24 (4020 Sumner Boulevard): The council set a public hearing for March 4, 2025, after the applicant amended conditions to prohibit vehicle sales/rental and repair. - Special Item - Waiver Request for Z-54-22 (Peace and West Street): The applicant (Morningstar Law) requested a waiver of the 24-month waiting period, citing adoption of the Comprehensive Plan amendment CP-4-23 and an offered $1.2 million affordable housing contribution. Staff noted the property could be re-filed in May anyway. Councilmembers debated the rationale. Councilmember Lambert-Melton moved to grant the waiver, arguing the downtown transition zone changes constituted a material change. Councilmembers Patton and Jones opposed, citing lack of material change and desire to wait for certainty on BRT and community engagement. The motion passed 5-3. - Downtown Two-Hour Free Parking Pilot Update: Transportation Director Kenneth Ritchie presented data: average 28% increase in hourly transactions, average $23,000/month revenue loss. Survey results: 88% of community respondents said free parking would increase their likelihood of visiting downtown; 91% of storefronts said it would positively impact business; 95% and 97% support making it permanent. Mitigation options included re-instating '5 after 5' paid parking, extending paid hours, adding Saturdays, or raising rates. A motion to keep the pilot through calendar year 2025 and bring back a holistic report in fall was approved unanimously. - Dix Park 10-Year Implementation Plan Update: Dix Park Conservancy President Ruffin Hall presented a $3 million check (part of a $26.3 million commitment) and highlighted upcoming Gibson Play Plaza opening. Parks Director Kate Pierce presented key recommendations: update project phasing, establish task force for long-term funding, initiate adaptive reuse strategy for buildings, and review governance. The council adopted the plan with an amendment (added by Councilmember Silver) to explore public-private partnerships and concessions. It was approved unanimously. Public Hearings (All Held on Consent/Regular Agenda) - Public Nuisance Abatement - 1503 Beauty Avenue: Approved. The property had trash and no owner contact. - Public Nuisance Abatement - 1009 Seabrook Road: Held open pending verification of payment; payment confirmed later, and hearing closed; item approved. - Demolition of Unfit Building - 617 South Blunt Street: Hearing held open until March 4 to allow community outreach for potential preservation. - Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act - Lindenwood Education System: Council held open public hearing until first meeting in May to allow city attorney to discuss with Wake County and applicant's attorney. - Petition Annexations (AX-24-24, AX-28-24, AX-29-24, AX-30-24): All four annexations were approved with immediate effective dates (Feb 18, 2025). Discussions centered on fiscal impact (some negative) and fire service implications. - Street Name Change (SNC-01-2024) - Chester Road to Pettiford Road: Approved, effective April 1, 2025, to honor James Pettiford and reduce driver confusion. - Rezoning Z-04-24 and Development Agreement DA-1-25 (5009 Louisburg Road): Both approved. The rezoning included a 30-year affordability period condition. The development agreement included cost-sharing for a greenway trail and pedestrian crossing. - Rezoning Z-20-24 (721 Chappell Drive): Approved with revised conditions, including clarified affordable housing rounding. Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Agenda (including multiple contracts, annexation, traffic changes). - Scheduled public hearings for March 4 and March 18, 2025, for various rezoning and planning items. - Granted waiver for rezoning Z-54-22 (5-3) to allow early re-filing beginning March 3, 2025. - Extended two-hour free parking pilot through calendar year 2025, with a holistic report expected in fall (unanimous). - Adopted Dix Park 10-Year Implementation Plan with an amendment to explore public-private partnerships (unanimous). - Approved all four petition annexations (AX-24-24, AX-28-24, AX-29-24, AX-30-24) with immediate effective date. - Approved street name change to Pettiford Road. - Reduced public comment time on second Tuesday meetings from 3 to 2 hours (5-3). - Appointed members to several boards and commissions; removed a member from Environmental Advisory Board; elevated a member on Board of Adjustment. - Approved minutes from February 4 and February 11 meetings.

The Raleigh City Council held a work session on February 18, 2025, focused on the stormwater program overview. Wayne Miles, Stormwater Manager, and Barbara Barenta, Division Manager for Planning and Asset Management, presented an update on the stormwater capital improvements program (CIP), including project prioritization, funding, and community engagement. No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. Discussion Items - Stormwater Program Overview: The presentation covered four main CIP categories: major capital projects (e.g., dam and access improvements), water quality (stream/wetland restoration and green stormwater infrastructure), asset management (pipe inspection and rehabilitation), and floodplain management (buyouts and mapping). The 10-year CIP total is $410 million, but the overall known needs are $920 million, up from an estimated $800 million four years ago due to inflation and refined studies. - Camp Pond Dam Project: An $11 million project in West Raleigh to address a failing dam spillway that provides one-way access for 40 homes. The project responds to a North Carolina dam safety deficiency. - Rose Lane Access Project: A $10 million project to provide alternative emergency access for a 55-home neighborhood (many Habitat for Humanity homes) that floods 1–2 times per year. Improvements have reduced flooding to twice in five years. The preferred alternative is a western route through Wake County Public Schools' bus operations facility, requiring an easement. Next steps include a memorandum of understanding with the school board, 12–18 months of design, and construction starting in fiscal year 2027 (July–August 2026). Council allocated $800,000 ARPA funds. - USGS Stream Erosion Study: Nearly complete; preliminary results show over 40% of Raleigh streams have moderate to severe erosion. Final report expected around April 2025. - Funding and Priorities: The stormwater fund will issue debt service for the first time in fiscal year 2026, increasing capacity. The current year CIP is $13.8 million. Projects are prioritized using a risk-based model. Grant funding (e.g., state land and water fund) accelerates projects. - Community Engagement: A community conversation survey on stormwater is still open; 88% of respondents commit to not pouring grease down drains, 91% support building green infrastructure and repairing aging assets. - PFAS Discussion: Councilmember raised concerns about PFAS in stormwater and drinking water; staff noted it is a challenging national policy issue but that the city monitors hotspots. Council requested a manager's report on PFAS activities. - Voluntary Programs: The flood hazard mitigation buyout program has slowed (4–5 houses bought in last 5 years); drainage assistance and stream stabilization projects are ranked online; Raleigh Rainwater Rewards has supported 190 devices, with 100% financing for disadvantaged communities. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken. - Staff will continue working with Wake County Public Schools on the Rose Lane MOU. - The stormwater team will return in April with specific budget recommendations. - A manager's report on PFAS-related activities and regional collaboration is expected.