Public Meetings - Raleigh, North Carolina

The Raleigh City Council met on September 2, 2025, in afternoon (1:00 PM) and evening (7:00 PM) sessions. The meeting covered consent agenda items, planning commission reports, a Fayetteville Street streetscape plan update, public hearings, committee reports, appointments, and a closed session. Consent Calendar - All consent items were approved by roll call vote, except item B.4.e (Convention Center event and security services contract) which was pulled for discussion. Councilmember Jones asked whether the city recovers the full cost; staff confirmed clients are billed and the city is made whole. The item was then approved. - Key consent actions included: - Referral of the State Capitol Holiday Inn (320 Hillsborough Street) historic landmark application to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with a joint public hearing set for November 4, 2025. - Acknowledgment of four annexation petitions (AX-10-25, AX-22-25, AX-24-25, AX-26-25) and authorization of public hearings on September 16, 2025. - Grant applications: $50,000 for traffic enforcement, $5,000 for BikeSafe motorcycle safety, and $553,707 for a DWI enforcement unit (no city match required). - Contracts: $113,400 for South Saunders Street improvements (STV, Inc.); $700,000 amendment for utility billing services (RevSpring); $7,531,380 (up to $15,863,635 with extensions) for convention center security (Staff-1 Services Group); $424,000 for ERP modernization (Gartner); $506,000 for Eagle Stream restoration (Durham County Soil and Water District); $990,000 total for property management of affordable housing (Barker Realty). - Street closing resolution of intent for Swinburne Street, with public hearing on October 7, 2025. - Three encroachment authorizations for monitoring wells, stairs, and soil nails. - Budget amendments: $340,000 for Bailey Drive Gateway (Walnut Creek Wetland Park), $1,799,545 for yard waste collection trucks, and $35,000 for Vallie Henderson Park improvements. - Condemnation resolution for Sanford Creek Interceptor easements on three parcels. - Bid award: $580,000 for HVAC replacement at the Northeast Remote Operations Center. - Neighborhood speed limit reductions on five streets (Ellwood Drive, Harvest Lane, Rail Fence Road, Taylor Oaks Drive, Tyler Bluff Lane) with near-unanimous resident support. - No-parking zones on Keowee Way (removing 17 spaces) and Dowling Road (removing 22 spaces on Dowling and 10 on Evans Drive) to improve sight lines. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the afternoon session. The evening session included a public hearing for rezoning Z-52-24 (Tryon Road) which was opened in the afternoon and continued to the evening; no testimony from the public was summarized in the transcript. - Other evening public hearings (BuildOps incentive, street closings, annexations, rezoning, text changes) were listed on the agenda but the transcript does not detail any public testimony. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Report (Bynum Walter, Vice Chair Roberta Fox): - Four rezoning cases were presented: - Z-13-24 (South New Hope Road): 7.74 acres from R-6/R-10 to NX-4-PL-CU. Planning Commission recommended approval (8-1). Council set public hearing for October 7, 2025, and requested additional traffic information. - Z-51-24 (Fairbanks Road): 2.67 acres to NX-3-CU. Planning Commission recommended approval (9-0). Council set public hearing for October 7, 2025. Councilmember Jones noted pedestrian infrastructure concerns; staff said site plan review will address. - Z-10-25 (Leesville Road): 2.66 acres to R-10-CU with conditions limiting density. Planning Commission recommended approval (9-0) but suggested applicant revise conditions. Council deferred setting public hearing to next meeting (September 16) with October 7 target. - Z-12-25 (Peace and West Street): 2.6 acres from IX-12 to DX-30-UG-CU. Planning Commission recommended approval (9-0). Council deferred setting public hearing to next meeting (September 16) with October 7 target, to allow applicant revisions. - City Manager Report: - Resolution of Support – Naming of Louisburg Road Bridge: Michael Moore presented a resolution to name the US-401 bridge over the Neuse River for Dr. William Weston Hedrick, honoring his medical service and contributions to Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve. The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote. - Fayetteville Street Streetscape Plan Update: Ken Bowers presented a plan to reallocate street space: expand outdoor dining zones to 8 feet along building frontage, create a clear 8-foot pedestrian path, and activate the furniture zone with flexible uses. A longer-term concept includes replacing pavers, improving City Plaza, and possibly adding a water feature. Council discussed concerns about water feature maintenance, activation of adjacent plazas (Market and Exchange), and budget. Councilmember Lambert-Melton moved to send the item to the Economic Development and Innovation (EDI) Committee for expedited action. The motion passed unanimously. - Committee Reports: - Safe, Vibrant and Healthy Community Committee (Councilmember Branch): Reported on digital signage/digital billboards. The committee recommended authorizing staff to draft a text change (referred to Planning Commission) to allow digital billboards with modifications on bulk, location, separation, brightness, and removal of existing signs. Council discussion revealed divided views: Councilmember Patton opposed, citing previous community opposition and safety concerns; Councilmember Silver supported initiating the conversation; Councilmember Harrison wanted more specificity. Councilmember Jones suggested a closed session first. No final vote was taken; the council agreed to defer action to a future meeting pending a closed session to discuss legal implications. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved all items except B.4.e (which was separately approved). - Planning Commission Report: Public hearings set for Z-13-24 and Z-51-24 on October 7, 2025. Z-10-25 and Z-12-25 deferred to September 16 meeting for public hearing date setting. - Bridge Naming Resolution: Adopted unanimously. - Fayetteville Street Streetscape Plan: Referred to EDI Committee for further discussion and action items. - Digital Signage/Digital Billboards: Committee recommendation discussed but not voted on; council will revisit after a closed session on legal aspects. - Appointments: - Andrew Baker appointed to Arts Commission (regular vacancy). - Kate Charland appointed to Design Review Commission (alternate vacancy). - Veronica Bitting appointed to Environmental Advisory Board (regular vacancy). - Chancé Busdamonte (Arts Commission) and Sebastian Duca (Raleigh Sister Cities) nominations returned for next ballot. - Iain Burnett reappointed to Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board. - Diana Yusuf nominated to Fair Housing Advisory Board (to be confirmed). - Closed Session: Entered at approximately 5:00 PM to discuss legal matters (potential claims in Jones Estates LLC cases), public safety plans, and personnel matters. No action reported upon return to open session.

The Raleigh City Council met in regular session on September 2, 2025, with afternoon (1:00 PM) and evening (7:00 PM) sessions at the City Council Chamber. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, multiple public hearings for rezoning, street closures, economic incentives, and text amendments. Key actions included approval of a $87,300 economic incentive for BuildOps, denial of a Willow Street closure, and deferral of two major rezoning cases for further review. Consent Calendar - Historic Landmark Designation referral for State Capitol Holiday Inn (320 Hillsborough Street) to a joint public hearing on November 4, 2025. - Annexation petitions (AX-10-25, AX-22-25, AX-24-25, AX-26-25) acknowledged and directed to public hearing on September 16, 2025. - Grant applications approved: NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program for traffic enforcement ($50,000), BikeSafe coordinator ($5,000), and DWI Enforcement Unit ($553,707). - Interlocal agreements: Ponderosa Subdivision wastewater treatment with Wake County; Eagle Stream Restoration with Durham County Soil and Water District ($506,000). - Professional services amendment for South Saunders Street improvements (STV Inc., $113,400). - Office lease for Police Department at 111 West Hargett Street (125-month, 31,228 sq ft). - Contract amendments: Utility billing services (RevSpring Inc., $700,000), Convention Center event/security services (Staff-1 Services Group, up to $15.86M over 5 years), ERP modernization (Gartner Inc., $424,000), Property management for affordable housing (Barker Realty Inc., 3-year initial term). - Street closing resolution of intent for Swinburne Street (public hearing set October 7, 2025). - Encroachment authorizations for monitoring well (2111 New Hope Church Road), stairs (1000 Hammell Drive), and soil nails (513 E Whitaker Mill Road). - Budget amendments: Bailey Drive Gateway entrances ($340,000 from Conservation Fund), Solid Waste Services equipment ($1,799,545 plus $250,372), Vallie Henderson Park ($35,000 donation matched by CIP). - Condemnation resolution for Sanford Creek Interceptor Project (three parcels). - Bid award for NEROC HVAC replacement (Comfort Systems USA, $580,000). - Traffic schedule changes: Speed limit reductions on five streets (Ellwood Drive, Harvest Lane, Rail Fence Road, Taylor Oaks Drive, Tyler Bluff Lane); No-parking zones on Keowee Way (17 spaces removed) and Dowling Road (22 spaces removed). - Planning Commission report items approved: Rezonings Z-13-24 (set public hearing October 7), Z-51-24 (set public hearing October 7), Z-10-25 (deferred for applicant revisions), Z-12-25 (set public hearing October 7). - Resolution of support for naming Louisburg Road bridge over Neuse River after Dr. William Weston Hedrick. - Fayetteville Street Streetscape Plan update received as information. - Various advisory board appointments and nominations (Arts Commission, Design Review Commission, Environmental Advisory Board) - Minutes of August 19, 2025 meetings approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Willow Street Closure (STC-01-2025): Ryan Reed (applicant, 701 Edmond St) spoke in support, arguing the closure would enhance school safety at Conn Elementary, reduce municipal costs, and meet statutory standards. He opposed the $163,000 compensation requirement, stating the appraisal was flawed. Andrea Merkel (opponent, 619 Edmond St) argued the closure would deprive her family of vehicular access, create a costly driveway ($30,000+), and benefit only the applicant's private lot. She cited NC General Statute requirements. - Annexation AX-18-25: Isabel Maddox (applicant) explained the three sliver parcels (0.17 acres total) needed to combine with a larger development site; no utilities would be connected. - Rezoning Z-70-22 (Glenwood Ave): Isabel Maddox (applicant) detailed conditions including stormwater controls, third-party consultant, and HOA agreement. No opposition speakers. Council discussed enforceability of the third-party condition with city attorney and stormwater staff. - Rezoning Z-52-24 (Tryon Road): Toby Coleman (applicant) described the 44-acre proposal with 100% affordable units (370 units at 60% AMI) and a separate "hook" parcel zoned R-10. Ryan Summerwell (Dominium) emphasized their long-term ownership and commitment. Gene Cobb (opponent, representing Sigma Phi Fraternity) requested a 65-foot wooded buffer and noted heritage concerns. Council raised questions about transportation, Fairway Drive improvements, and the hook parcel's development status. - Business Investment Grant – BuildOps: No public comments signed up. Councilmember Patton clarified that incentives require full tax payment before grant disbursement. Approved 8-0. Discussion Items - Street Closure Willow Street (STC-01-2025): Council debated the statutory standard (“not contrary to public interest” vs. “public benefit”), the $163,000 compensation requirement, and impact on adjacent property owners. Councilmember Lambert-Melton noted the process was a first-time experiment and called for clarity. Councilmember Forte questioned the valuation split. Ultimately, a motion to deny the closure passed 5-3. - Rezoning Z-70-22 (Glenwood Ave/Lake Anne): Concerns centered on condition No. 6 requiring a third-party stormwater consultant with unclear enforceability and no sunset. City Attorney's office recommended holding the case for two weeks to clarify language. Council held the public hearing open, allowing applicant and HOA to rework the condition. - Rezoning Z-52-24 (Tryon Road): Councilmember Jones proposed holding for two weeks to address transportation issues (Fairway Drive improvements, access points) and the “hook” parcel’s lack of development plan. Applicant agreed to work on conditions including potential buffer for fraternity property. Council held the case. Key Outcomes - BuildOps Incentive: Approved unanimously (8-0). The $87,300 grant over five years requires 291 jobs at average wage $110,997 and $6.6M investment. - Willow Street Closure: Denied (5-3 vote). The motion to deny passed, meaning the closure will not proceed. - Annexation AX-18-25: Approved unanimously, effective September 2, 2025. - Rezoning Z-70-22: Held open for two weeks (return September 16, 2025) to revise stormwater condition language for enforceability and clarify sunset provisions. - Rezoning Z-52-24: Held open for two weeks (return September 16, 2025) to address transportation concerns, hook parcel development, and potential buffer for historic fraternity property. - Text Change TC-11-24 (Pedestrian Passages): Approved unanimously. Amends UDO to reduce crosswalk distance, improve pedestrian passage design, and extend block perimeter allowance from 50% to 100%. - Text Change TC-2-25 (Stormwater Updates): Approved unanimously. Exempts 1-2 unit dwellings on 1 acre from full stormwater requirements if disturbance <1 acre; updates built-upon area definition per state law. - Consent Agenda: All items approved via roll call votes without discussion (recorded as unanimous).

The Raleigh City Council held a regular meeting on August 19, 2025, beginning with an 11:30 a.m. work session followed by a 1:00 p.m. regular session. The council addressed a wide range of items including street infrastructure assessments, consent agenda approvals, public comments, special items, city manager reports, public hearings on annexations and rezonings, and appointments. Key outcomes included direction to eliminate assessments on 17 pending street projects, approval of security contracts totaling over $2.5 million, and approval of multiple annexations and rezonings. Consent Calendar - Consent Agenda (General Items): Approved by roll call vote with two items pulled for discussion: D1.f (Randleigh Farm rezoning application signature consent) and D5.j (firefighter hiring process contract with Morris and McDaniel, Inc.). - D1.f – Randleigh Farm: Authorized the City Manager to sign the rezoning application as co-owner. Councilmember Jane Harrison noted a request for affordable housing at the tract, with discussion that the property is co-owned by the city and county and that affordable housing siting will be discussed at the September retreat. The motion passed. - D5.j – Entry-Level Firefighter Hiring Process: Authorized a contract with Morris and McDaniel, Inc. for up to $352,500. Councilmember Christina Jones inquired about retention rates and the use of an outside vendor; Fire Chief Herbert Griffin reported a new partnership with Wake Tech for EMT training, resulting in 34 of 37 cadets set to graduate with no EMT failures. The motion passed. - Other Consent Items: Approved all remaining consent items without discussion, including: revised HR policies (Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Code of Ethics), FY26 employee benefits amendments, appointments to water basin associations, art donations, Raleigh Historic Landmark designation, Raleigh Housing Authority bond issuance for 195-unit Union at Capital development, annexation petitions, public hearing settings, grants, contracts, budget amendments, bids, and traffic schedule changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Octavia Rainey: Invited council to Fourth Ward events (August 22-23) and thanked Councilmember Harrison for support. - Tim Niles: Opposed rezoning Z-1225 (West Street Tower), alleging false claims by staff regarding transit station area and consistency policies; urged council to seek truth. - Matthew Brown: Expressed concern over stormwater runoff from increased impervious surfaces; urged council to update development rules and create financial penalties for impervious areas. Cited flood resilience efforts but noted many new developments increase runoff. - Misa Saltari and Other Speakers (Alexis Kennedy, Hanadi Ali, etc.): Called for a ceasefire resolution regarding Gaza, citing starvation and civilian deaths; demanded council arrange a meeting with U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross. - Jeremy Gilchrist (unclear): No specific comment captured. - Jordan Bowman: Presented Journeyman Triangle, a nonprofit promoting healthy masculinity, with programs in three schools; reported 82% of participants improved goal-setting and 100% more hopeful. Sought future funding and mentors. - Mamakai Sanders: Shared personal experience of homelessness and criticized housing offerings; advocated for child-focused All-American City Award effort and better integration of community diversity in development. - Curtis Johnson: Requested $100,000 and a lease at 1408 Wilders Grove Drive for a mental health and substance abuse resource center. - Athena Wallum: Expressed concerns about creek erosion in her neighborhood; urged city to integrate natural waterways into planning and allow citizen-led creek rehabilitation. - Larry Helfant: Supported citizen advisory council (CAC) restoration recommendations; urged council to fully restore CAC tools and resources. Noted Robert Rice (RCAC chair) was not allowed to speak at July meeting. Discussion Items - Work Session – Assessment Program for Street Infrastructure: Bradley Kimbrell presented three options for 17 pending assessment projects; rates last updated in 2001 and recover less than 2% of costs. Council directed staff to proceed with Option 3, eliminating assessments on all 17 projects. - Special Items – Advisory Board and Commission Follow-Up: Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh presented options for public input on board structure changes; council voted to task the Special Committee on Boards and Commissions with hosting an input session. Also approved resolutions merging historic cemeteries board with historic resources board, renaming Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities to Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and renaming Fair Housing Hearing Board to Fair Housing Advisory Board. - Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs): Assistant City Manager Nikki Jones presented staff recommendations to provide free monthly meeting space, technology access, and succession planning. Robert Rice, RCAC chair, spoke in support. Council approved the recommendations. - Hospitality Tax Fund Competitive Process (City Manager Report): Evan Raleigh overviewed a $23.5 million competitive process for arts, culture, sports, and convention projects. Joint city-county application process; proposals due November 2025; awards expected early 2026. Council received as information. - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Modernization: CIO Mark Wittenberg reviewed the plan to replace the aging Oracle PeopleSoft system; RFP for vendor selection expected January 2026, go-live in 2027. Received as information. - Security Service Contracts: Adam Foreman and Kenneth Ritchie presented three contracts for downtown safety: (1) DRA parking ambassador extension ($488,014 for one year), (2) Forza Security for Moore Square ($1,318,776 over three years), (3) Rhino Sports & Entertainment for Gipson Play Plaza overnight ($265,000 first year, $795,000 total). Council approved all three. Discussion included coordination with RPD, concerns about gaps at other parks, and potential park-specific law enforcement. - Parks Board Work Plan: Ian Burnett presented the FY26 work plan with five focus areas; council approved. - Tarboro Road Park Schematic Design: Gary Claiborne presented the $29.3 million redevelopment plan including a two-story community center, gym, promenade, and improvements to St. Monica Teen Center. Construction anticipated 2027-2029. Council approved schematic design, with suggestions for wider sidewalks and more seating. - Public Nuisance Liens: Code Enforcement presented liens for six properties; council confirmed liens except for 1910 West Millbrook Road, where Councilmember Christina Jones voted no due to the $9,169.52 amount (others passed 7-1). - Annexations: Seven annexation petitions heard and approved: AX-09-25 (2418 Kirk Ave.), AX-12-25 (4208 Forestville Rd., effective June 30, 2026 with utility hookup), AX-13-25 (1539 Old Milburnie), AX-15-25 (2809 Sadie Hopkins St.), AX-16-25 (5424 Rock Quarry Rd.), AX-01-25 (3130 Tryon Rd.), and AX-10-25 (announced but not discussed - actually AX-17-25 was on consent). All approved unanimously except one council member expressed hesitation on large annexations pending future policy discussion. - Rezonings: - Z-48-24 (Wicker Drive): Rezoned from IX-3 to CX-20-UL-CU; Planning Commission recommended approval 9-0; approved unanimously. Discussion included connectivity to BRT and future development. - Z-2-25 (201 Bragg St.): Rezoned from R-10 to NX-3 with South Park NCOD; allowed neighborhood serving commercial; approved unanimously. Discussion about challenges for historic corner stores. - Z-7-25 (Forestville Rd.): Rezoned from R-4 to CX-4-CU for Wake Crossroads Baptist Church; approved unanimously. Discussion on signage challenges for churches in residential zones; staff to examine text change. Key Outcomes - Work Session Direction: Council directed staff to proceed with Option 3, eliminating assessments on all 17 pending street improvement projects. - Consent Agenda: Approved with two items pulled and individually approved. - Special Items: Rescinded $7,500 from Councilmember Silver's contingency (North Raleigh Arts); approved $3,000 (Jones) and $2,000 (Patton) to Toward Zero Waste for school food share program. Approved board/commission restructuring and public input session via special committee. - CAC Restoration: Approved staff recommendations for re-implementation of citizen advisory councils. - Security Contracts: Approved three contracts: DRA ($488,014), Forza Security ($1,318,776), Rhino Sports ($265,000 year 1, $795,000 total). - Parks: Approved FY26 work plan and Tarboro Road Park schematic design. - Public Hearings: Confirmed nuisance liens (with one dissenting vote); approved seven annexations and three rezonings as presented. - Appointments/Nominations: Nominees for Arts Commission (Andrew Baker), Design Review Commission (Kate Charland), Environmental Advisory Board (Veronica Bidding), and reappointment of Alma Reynaga Perez to Raleigh Sister Cities. All approved. - Closed Session: Council entered closed session to consult with attorney on potential claims and personnel matters.

This summary is based on the provided transcript, which covers only the 11:30 AM work session on the Street Infrastructure Assessment Program. The regular session, scheduled for 1:00 PM, included numerous consent agenda items, public hearings, and reports, but no transcript was available. The work session was called to order by Mayor Janet Cowell and attended by Council members Forte, Branch, Harrison, Jones, Lambert-Melton, Patton, and Silver. Work Session: Street Infrastructure Assessment Program - Presentation by Bradley Kimbrell (Transportation): The program dates back to the 1950s. Assessments are used to recover costs of street improvements from property owners based on linear frontage, with rates last updated in 2001, recovering less than 2% of actual construction costs. There are 17 pending projects (12 completed, 5 in progress) that have not had assessment rolls adopted. These projects are not new; they were authorized as early as 1999. Staff presented three options for resolving the pending assessments. - Council Discussion: - Councilor Branch asked about potential legal challenges from property owners who paid assessments on earlier projects not on the list. The City Attorney's office indicated that the council has purview to rescind assessments. - Councilor Harrison noted that all 12 completed projects are in black text (completed work) and asked about refunds; staff confirmed refunds would go to the current property owner, not the original payer. - Councilor Patton expressed concern about refunding to current owners rather than original payers, but acknowledged the administrative burden and low cost recovery. - Councilor Lambert-Melton supported staff's recommendation (Option 3) to eliminate all assessments and refund approximately $200,000, stating that when staff recommends refunding charges, the council should do so. - Councilor Silver emphasized the need to prioritize walkability and increase sidewalk funding, noting that the city should communicate to the public that walkability is a priority. - Councilor Jones inquired about budget allocation for sidewalks and was informed that the Active Mobility Plan update would include funding recommendations. - Councilor Branch requested that staff document community pushback on sidewalk projects to avoid future complaints. - Staff Recommendation: Option 3: Eliminate assessments on all 17 pending projects, rescind the resolutions, authorize refunds of approximately $200,000 in advanced payments, and no longer assess for future street improvement projects. Staff also recommended eliminating the petition process for project selection, with a future evaluation of criteria. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to bring back Option 3 as a formal agenda item for a vote at the September 2, 2025 regular meeting. - Council expressed general support for eliminating assessments on future street improvement projects and for moving toward a more equitable, city-funded approach to infrastructure improvements. - The work session concluded at approximately 11:55 AM, and the regular session proceeded as scheduled, but no transcript of that portion is available. Note on Other Agenda Items The agenda for the 1:00 PM regular session included a consent calendar (general items, petition annexations, public hearing requests, grants, contracts, bids, traffic changes), public comment, reports from committees, public hearings on nuisance abatement and annexations, rezoning cases, nominations to boards and commissions, and a closed session. Without a transcript, it is not possible to confirm which items were discussed or voted on. The council likely approved the consent agenda and other routine items as recommended, but this summary cannot verify those actions.

The Raleigh City Council met on July 1, 2025, for its first Tuesday afternoon and evening session. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including consent agenda items, planning commission recommendations, special presentations on the CARES program, Six Forks Road project, citizen advisory councils, the fire department master plan, a restructured convention center hotel deal, downtown major projects, and public hearings on rezoning and zoning text changes. Key decisions included approving the consent agenda, setting public hearing dates, directing staff on the Six Forks Road project, approving the Omni hotel restructuring, accepting the fire master plan, advancing some advisory board reorganization recommendations, and approving a controversial zoning text change for the Rust Bus overbuild allowing a payment in lieu of on-site affordable housing. Consent Calendar - Approved all consent agenda items including resolutions for revised human resource policies, affordable housing funding commitments (Grosvenor Gardens, Southeast Raleigh Promise), Raleigh Housing Authority bond issuance for The Averie, utility service extension, contract awards for ADA paratransit, Marsh Creek Greenway planning, school resource officers, janitorial services, chemical root control, architectural services, odor control, City Hall project amendment, fire station lease, encroachment requests, condemnation for Valley Drive sidewalk, FY2026 employee compensation and benefits, bid awards for Pullen Park electric train, Wake BRT New Bern Avenue corridor, large diameter valve replacements, Pullen Park electrical upgrades, bid rejection for UV channel improvements, and traffic modifications (no parking zones, accessible parking). Public Comments & Testimony - Octavia Rainey (public comment afternoon session) expressed strong support for the Fourth Ward park and thanked Councilor Harrison for her work on Smoky Hollow. She also spoke during the evening session against the TCZ-3-25 text change for 200 West Street, arguing that allowing a buyout for affordable housing perpetuates segregation and violates fair housing and transportation equity principles. She demanded to see racial demographics of the downtown area. - Lisa Hewitt criticized recent changes to public comment procedures, including reduced speaker caps and publication of speakers' home addresses, calling for transparency. She also opposed the rezoning Z-54-22 at Peace and West Streets, arguing that a 30-story tower violates the comprehensive plan's transition area designation and undermines neighborhood character. - Mary Thompson urged the council to form a task force on reparative justice as previously promised, and raised concerns about contracted bus workers not receiving city wage increases, questioning if the city requires contractors to pay living wages. - James Bledsoe declared his candidacy for City Council, criticizing the council for rising crime rates (rape, human trafficking), loss of small businesses, lack of progress on accessory dwelling units, and pay disparities between police and fire departments. - Tim Niles argued that the second neighborhood meeting for the West Street Tower was inadequate because the planning department's report was not available, and that the developer continues to claim a transit station at West Street despite transportation staff confirming it has been eliminated. He called for staff-controlled meetings. - Mamakai Sanders thanked city employees, questioned the downtown convention center and amphitheater expansion data, and suggested building new facilities at Triangle Town Center instead. She also raised concerns about noise and traffic impacts. - Natalie Liu alleged that RDU Airport suppressed history regarding Oddfellows land, claiming the airport took land it didn't need in the 1970s and is now claiming zoning does not apply. She invited the council to a Wake County zoning hearing. - Molly Stewart (applicant for TCZ-3-25) spoke in support, introducing Gary Tober (GoTriangle) and John Florian (Hoffman) who explained the need for flexibility due to market conditions. They highlighted that GoTriangle's bus station is on time and on budget, that Hoffman has invested $5.7 million, and that a payment in lieu of $1.56 million (10 times the standard per-unit amount) would support affordable housing citywide, potentially producing more deeply affordable units than on-site. Discussion Items - Six Forks Road Improvement Project Update: Staff reported that the current scope (from Rowan Street to Millbrook Road) costs have escalated to $93.5 million. Total available funding is $60.1 million, with $14 million in federal funds that must be returned if road widening is abandoned. Staff recommended either spot safety improvements (sidewalk gap closing at Carroll Middle School, intersection improvements, signalized crossings) costing about $7 million, or total project cancellation. Councilor Lambert-Melton made a motion, seconded, to adopt the spot improvements and allocate remaining funds to the multimodal bridge design, Lake Wheeler Road, Barwell Road, and finally Old Wake Forest Road. The motion passed unanimously. - Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) Update: Assistant City Manager Nikki Jones presented progress on the February 2024 motion to provide free meeting space, city technology (Zoom business licenses at $200 each), and a succession plan including leadership training. Additional items like email lists and website presence were also proposed. Council took no action, receiving the report as information, with agreement to hold further discussions in August and allow CAC chairs to provide input. - Fire Department Master Plan: Consultants presented a comprehensive 25-year plan. Current performance: first unit arrival within standard time 54% of the time (target 90%), effective response force 48%. Recommendations include replacing/relocating stations (Station 23, 9, 8; rebuild 10 and 17), adding four new stations, four new front-line apparatus, increasing daily staffing by 18 firefighters (6 per shift), aiming for 4-person crews, and implementing traffic preemption and improved call processing. Total 25-year cost was not specified, but staff will bring a phased approach for FY27 budget. Council accepted the report as information. - Convention Center Hotel Restructuring: Staff announced an amended deal with Omni Hotels: room count increased from 550 to 600, ground lease replaced with fee simple sale (generating property tax revenue), a project completion guarantee added, room block agreement extended to 50 years, and city investment remains $75 million. Proceeds from land sale will offset environmental remediation and public infrastructure costs. Council approved the staff recommendation unanimously. - Downtown Major Projects Update: Updates on new City Hall (25% complete, topping out), Fire Station One (concept design), Raleigh Convention Center expansion (schematic design in budget, 2029 opening), Chavis-Dix Strollway (design negotiations, focus on western portion honoring Fourth Ward), and transportation improvements (interchange concepts, pedestrian safety upgrades). Council discussed the importance of placemaking at the MLK/South Saunders interchange and expediting the strollway. - Boards and Commissions Reorganization: The special committee recommended standardizing bylaws, adopting liaison guidance, renaming the Fair Housing Hearing Board, merging several commissions (Historic Cemeteries into Historic Resources, Human Relations with Hispanic/Immigrant Affairs, Substance Use, African American Affairs; Transit Authority with Bike/Ped and Mayor's Committee on Disabilities). Council voted to approve recommendations 1 (bylaws), 2 (liaison guidance), 3 (renaming Fair Housing), and a separate motion to rename the Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities to reflect full council appointments. The mergers were deferred for further community input, with a work session or public hearing to be scheduled. - Noise Ordinance Review: Staff presented benchmarking data showing Raleigh allows outdoor amplified sound much later than peer cities (most end at 10 p.m., Raleigh has no end time). Austin's model with district-specific decibel limits and sound impact plans was highlighted. Council directed staff to conduct a comprehensive review including engagement with stakeholders and return with a first reading proposal by August 19. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Rezoning Public Hearing Dates: Set for August 19 and September 2 as detailed, with specific items moved to balance workload. - Street Closings: Public hearings for Woodside Drive and Willow Street set for September 2 evening. - CAC Update: Received as information; further discussion in August. - Six Forks Road: Approved motion to proceed with spot safety improvements and reallocate remaining funds to multimodal bridge design, Lake Wheeler, Barwell, and Old Wake Forest Road projects. Federal funds will be returned. - Convention Center Hotel: Approved restructured transaction with Omni (6-0 vote). - Fire Master Plan: Accepted as information; staff to bring phased implementation plan for FY27. - Boards and Commissions: Approved standardized bylaws, liaison guidance, and renaming of Fair Housing Hearing Board and Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities. Merger proposals deferred for public input. - Noise Ordinance: Directed staff to complete comprehensive review and present draft ordinance by August 19. - Tarheel Clubhouse Road Rezoning (Z-14-24): Approved annexation (effective immediately) and rezoning (6-2 vote), including condition for fire station land dedication or $50,000 contribution. - Text Change TCZ-3-25 (200 West Street): Approved by 6-2 vote, allowing payment in lieu of on-site affordable housing ($40,000 per unit, 10% of total units). The condition opens an option but does not eliminate the possibility of on-site units. - Appointments: Centennial Authority (Latanta McCurman), Civil Service Commission (South Wood), Human Relations Commission (Stacey Lynn Webb, Daphne Moore), Police Advisory Board (Carlin Ashford) – all appointed. - City Code Revision: Second reading approved for regulating activity in streets and rights-of-way, effective November 1. - Closed Session: Entered closed session for attorney-client consultation and public safety briefing.

Mayor Janet Cowell and Governor Stein held a special announcement at Raleigh City Hall to welcome Build Ops, a veteran-owned technology company, establishing a center of excellence in downtown Raleigh. The event included remarks from the governor, the Build Ops CEO, and the mayor, with no public comments or council votes. Announcement Details - Governor Stein announced that Build Ops will bring 291 new jobs (with a goal of approximately 300) to Wake County. The average salary is over $111,000 per year, significantly above the Wake County average of $77,000. - Build Ops will invest more than $700,000 in its Raleigh facility. - The company develops an end-to-end software platform for subcontractors in the construction trades, aimed at increasing efficiency amid a national labor shortage in the trades. - The governor stated, "This is a bad week. We promise you this is a bad week." (apparently a slip of the tongue, as the context was celebratory). - A ceremonial vase with the North Carolina state seal was presented to the company. Key Outcomes - The city council, city manager, and state officials expressed full support for the project. - Build Ops CEO Clay (last name not given) thanked state and local partners and indicated that the Raleigh office is expected to become the company’s largest and a driver of continued growth. - No formal votes or legislative actions occurred; the meeting served as a ceremonial welcome and announcement.

The Special Advisory Board on Boards and Commissions met on June 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Room 305 to discuss the alignment, potential merger, and restructuring of the city's 19 advisory boards and commissions. Key topics included consolidation options, subcommittee structures, appointment authority, and next steps. The committee reached consensus on several recommendations to the full City Council, including merging certain boards, retaining council appointment authority, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date, with a public hearing planned for late August or early September. Discussion Items - Alignment and Merger Options: Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh and Taisha Mosley from the Community Engagement Office presented options to consolidate boards with overlapping missions. Three potential parent boards were proposed: - Historic Resources and Museum Advisory Board (parent) merging with the Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board. - Human Relations Commission (parent) merging with the African American Affairs Board (not yet seated), Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board, and Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities (currently mayor-appointed only). - Transit Authority (parent) merging with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities (for mobility issues). - Stormwater Management Advisory Commission (SMAC) and Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) were discussed but recommended to remain separate due to distinct missions and effective functioning. - Council Member Ford expressed support for merging historic cemeteries but raised questions about the Human Relations merger being too large (would result in 52 members). Council Member Branch noted that the Transit Authority merger would require a name change to “Transit and Mobility Advisory Commission” to reflect broader scope. - Merger Process: Immediate Reduction vs. Natural Attrition: Staff recommended two approaches to reach ideal board sizes. For the Human Relations option, immediate reduction was suggested because merging four boards would total 52 members (current Human Relations has 16). Council Member Ford preferred natural attrition when possible, while Council Member Branch advocated for a mix, noting that immediate reduction would be needed for large mergers but natural attrition worked for smaller boards with low participation. - Subcommittee Structure and Appointments: Two options were presented: 1. Council appoints members to subcommittees. 2. Parent board selects subcommittees from its own membership. Council Member Branch favored retaining council appointment authority, while Council Member Silver suggested that parent board members self-select into subcommittees. After debate, consensus emerged that council would appoint members to the parent board, and subcommittee membership would be determined by self-selection among parent board members. Council would approve the subcommittee structure but not individual subcommittee members. - Board Sizes and Quorum: Staff recommended subcommittee sizes of 5-6 members based on best practices from boards like Historic Cemeteries. Council discussed meeting space constraints (e.g., Room 305 capacity) and noted that virtual meetings or use of community centers could accommodate larger initial meetings. The committee acknowledged that these challenges were temporary as boards would naturally attrit to smaller sizes. - Other Items: - The Fair Housing Hearing Board should be renamed Fair Housing Advisory Board to reflect its advisory role. - Council debated whether to allow non-appointed members on subcommittees (e.g., grant review panels). Council Member Branch suggested that council should at least receive a list of non-appointed members for transparency, especially given fiduciary responsibilities for arts and human relations grants (e.g., $1 million+). Staff agreed to provide more information on grant review processes. - Staff noted that the Arts Commission currently appoints members of the Public Art Design Board; council requested further clarification on this arrangement. - Administrative follow-up items were presented: updating onboarding handbooks, including estimated hours in applications, establishing attendance thresholds, and creating a work plan template aligned with the FY26–29 Strategic Plan. Council also supported the idea of a summer social or professional development event for board and commission leadership. Key Outcomes - Recommendations to Full Council: The committee agreed to recommend the following to the City Council: 1. Merge Historic Resources and Museum Advisory Board with Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board (parent board). 2. Merge Human Relations Commission with African American Affairs Board, Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board, and Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities (parent board). 3. Rename Transit Authority to Transit and Mobility Advisory Commission and merge with BPAC and Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities (parent board). 4. Keep SMAC and EAB as separate boards. 5. Retain council appointment authority for parent boards; subcommittee membership to be self-selected by parent board members. 6. Rename Fair Housing Hearing Board to Fair Housing Advisory Board. - Process: These recommendations will be presented to the City Council on July 1, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for late August or early September 2025 before a final vote. - Effective Date: All changes are targeted for implementation on January 1, 2026. - Next Steps: Staff will prepare updated bylaws, work plan templates, and administrative guidelines. A pause on bylaw and work plan updates for affected boards will remain in effect until final decisions are made.

The Raleigh City Council met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, for a work session at 11:30 AM and a regular session at 1:00 PM. The council approved consent agenda items (except one pulled), heard public comments on diverse topics, deferred a controversial rezoning, authorized financing for affordable housing, adopted a new strategic plan, and conducted multiple public hearings on annexations and rezonings. Consent Calendar - Approved as a block all consent agenda items except G1 (Lichtin Plaza at the Performing Arts Center Renovations – bid award to Berry Building Group, Inc.). Councilor Silver, after reviewing a revised illustration, moved to approve G1, which passed unanimously. - Consent items included: Federal 2026-30 Consolidated Plan; City Code revisions on street activity; several annexations; contracts (Wake Transit Plan, John Chavis Memorial Park, Hillsborough Street MSD, Downtown MSD, janitorial services, Oakwood Cemetery lease); budget amendments (Dix Park Conservancy donation, FY2025 year-end amendments); bid awards (Lichtin Plaza, Glenwood Avenue at Washington Street intersection improvements, DE Benton Water Treatment Plant carbon); traffic schedule updates; parking codification for Oberlin Road; mixed-use loading zone at 200 North Harrington Street; Glenwood South Safety Pilot parking modifications. Public Comments & Testimony - Mama Kai Sanders advocated for family-friendly downtown businesses and youth entrepreneurial accelerators, proposing pop-up shops at the convention center and a new activity center at Triangle Town Center. - Nikki W. raised concerns about Juneteenth celebration cancellation at Dix Park (citing weather assumption) and called for rescheduling; also demanded reparations for Fourth Ward, public toilets for unhoused residents, and criticized governmental agendas. - Octavia Rainey accused the city of systematic discrimination against Fourth Ward in District D, alleging that 25 projects were funded elsewhere while Fourth Ward received only three urban renewal projects; requested a work session with churches and funding for the Fourth Ward reunion. - Misa Saltari condemned the bomb threat against a synagogue and argued that conflating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism allows Israel to commit atrocities; called for condemning Israeli military actions. - Hanadi Ali urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution and sanction Israel, citing a death toll of 39,000 and ongoing war crimes. - Athena Wallon requested traffic calming and bike lanes on Brookside Drive and advocated for creek erosion rehabilitation as part of stormwater management and green infrastructure. - Brian McGuinness (firefighter) expressed support for the fire department and drew on his Marine veteran experience to condemn the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Report – Z-70-22 (Glenwood Avenue, Lake Anne Drive, Winchester Drive): Staff recommended deferral to July 1, 2025, to allow the applicant to submit signed conditions. The condition creating a third-party "ombudsman" for stormwater oversight was debated. Chair Blanny Miller noted Planning Commission approved 8–1 despite staff enforceability concerns. Councilor Silver questioned whether the condition mitigated an impact; applicant Isabella Maddox said it was a neighborhood-requested stormwater engineer role. Council voted to defer the case to July 1. - Special Items – Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bonds: Montessori School of Raleigh withdrew its public hearing request after deciding to pursue alternative bond refinancing. - City Manager Report – Triangle Square Predevelopment Bond Issuance: Staff presented a request for local approval of bonds from the Public Finance Authority of Wisconsin to finance 468 affordable units (180 senior, 288 family) at 60% AMI, with $9.3 million in bond financing for predevelopment. Council approved the mayor executing a local approval letter (unanimous). - City Manager Report – 15 Summit Avenue Affordable Housing Development: Staff recommended CASA as developer for an 11-unit veterans housing project (with Operation Coming Home) using tiny-home design, with a city subsidy of $368,573 in gap financing. Units: 4 at 30% AMI, 4 at 50% AMI, 3 at 60% AMI. Council approved unanimously. - City Manager Report – FY26-29 Strategic Plan Adoption: Christina Leos presented the plan with seven key focus areas (Community Safety, Economic Development & Innovation, Environmental Resilience, Housing, Organizational Excellence, Quality of Life, Transportation & Transit) and 49 initiatives. Councilors discussed metrics, committee alignment, and connection to big-picture projects. Council adopted the plan unanimously. - Public Hearings: - Public Nuisance Abatements (3 properties): Approved liens for cleanup on 3423 Marsh Lane Way, 2928 O'Kelly Street, 3605 Satellite Court. - Unfit for Human Habitation – 5716 North Hills Drive: 90-day repair-or-demolish ordinance adopted. - Petition Annexations: AX-05-25 (Barwell Road, 27.7 acres, 216 townhomes) – District C; AX-07-25 (Mitchell Mill Road, 14 townhomes) – District B; AX-11-25 (Corporate Center Drive, 237 apartments) – District D; AX-17-24 (Tarheel Clubhouse Road, 225 single-family homes) – continued to July 1; AX-11-24 and AX-08-25 (Globe Road parcels) – both approved. - Rezonings: Z-14-24 (Tarheel Clubhouse Road, R6 with conditions) – continued to July 1; Z-44-24 (Avent Ferry Road, R6 with conditions, 19 units) – approved; Z-54-24 (Louisburg Road, R6 with conditions, added stub street condition) – approved; Z-16-24 and Z-06-25 (Globe Road, R6 with single-family per lot) – both approved. - Employee Highlights: City Manager highlighted Nikki Jones (new ACM) as ECU Distinguished Alumnus and Carrie Painter receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Venue Management. - Council Reports: Councilmembers noted Juneteenth events, condoled the drowning death of Adrian Basilio, recognized Gun Violence Prevention Month, and discussed the need for communication on the leaf collection program change. - Appointments: Rachel Boone appointed to Human Relations Commission (regular); Ariel Co-Correct appointed to Raleigh Historic Development Commission (regular). Other vacancies carried over. - Closed Session: Council entered closed session to discuss public safety plans and an honorary award; no actions reported out. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: All items approved except G1, which was later approved unanimously. - Z-70-22 (Glenwood Ave): Deferred to July 1, 2025, for signed conditions. - Triangle Square Bond Authorization: Approved (vote unrecorded, unanimous). - 15 Summit Avenue (CASA): Approved conditional gap financing of $368,573 (vote unrecorded, unanimous). - Strategic Plan FY26-29: Adopted (vote unrecorded, unanimous). - Public Hearings: All nuisance abatements, unfit housing, annexations (except Tarheel Clubhouse continued), and rezonings (except Z-14-24 continued) were approved by recorded voice votes, generally unanimous with occasional one dissenting vote on a few annexations. - Deferrals: Z-70-22 and Z-14-24/AX-17-24 (Tarheel Clubhouse) continued to July 1, 2025.

The Raleigh City Council held a work session on June 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. to receive an update on the redevelopment of the former NCDMV headquarters site at 1100 New Bern Avenue. The session featured presentations from staff on community engagement, market analysis, and proposed next steps for the site's redevelopment. No votes were taken; the session was informational and discussion-oriented. Discussion Items - Community Engagement Overview: Taisha Mosley (Community Engagement Office) reported on 20 months of engagement, including over 50 community meetings, 13 project working group meetings, and a community survey. The project working group, which held its final meeting on June 12, 2025, identified six high-priority uses: affordable housing (targeting families under 60% AMI), retail (local businesses reflecting historic corridor), community space (multi-purpose, flexible), food incubator/co-op, universal site design (beyond ADA), and cultural recognition (art, markers). Low priorities included sustainability, varied architecture, and childcare options. - Staff Proposal for Next Steps: Ken Bowers (Planning and Development) outlined a two-step process: first a market and feasibility study, then a request for qualifications (RFQ) followed by a request for proposals (RFP). He presented two options for the main 5.5-acre block: a single RFP for a development team (estimated 325 market-rate units and 110 affordable units, generating $10M land value) or multiple RFPs for subdivided parcels (likely lower unit yield and slower timeline). The smaller parcels south of Hargett Street would be handled separately via the city's small-scale development program. - Questions and Comments from Council - Councilor Silver: Asked about integrating open space into the site design and ensuring adequate sidewalk width along New Bern Avenue, especially given planned BRT. Staff noted the site would need rezoning to a CX district with higher height limits and wider sidewalks. - Councilor Branch: Inquired about coordination with Martin Street Baptist Church (adjacent to the small parcels) and anti-displacement strategies. He shared insights from Austin, Texas, and urged exploration of anti-displacement mapping. He also emphasized the importance of creating jobs on the site, not just housing, to replace the 300 jobs lost when the DMV left. - Councilor Patton: No questions. - Mayor's Closing Remarks: Mayor Cowell thanked the community for their involvement and noted the city's commitment to responsible development of the site, which was acquired for over $20 million. Key Outcomes - Staff will issue an RFP for a market and feasibility study as early as June 18, 2025, with results expected in fall 2025. - Following the study, the city will issue either a single or multiple RFQ/RFPs for the main block, with a recommended development partner expected in spring 2026. - Council directed staff to explore anti-displacement strategies and to ensure job creation is a priority in the development. - The project working group's final list of community priorities will be incorporated into the RFP scoring criteria.