Public Meetings - Raleigh, North Carolina

Chief of Police Rico Boyce presented a comprehensive crime and operations update during the city council work session on June 10, 2025. The presentation covered year-to-date crime statistics through June 9, 2025, the department's first Summer Action Plan, and progress under the federal Public Safety Partnership (PSP) grant. Chief Boyce emphasized transparency, strategic resource allocation, and community engagement as key pillars of his leadership. Discussion Items - Crime Statistics Overview: Chief Boyce reported that overall crime in Raleigh is trending downward compared to the same period in 2024. Violent crime remained flat year-to-date, with 15 homicides (unchanged from 2024), 14 of which have been cleared by arrest. Aggravated assaults decreased 7% overall and firearm-related aggravated assaults dropped 14%. Child abuse cases declined 31%. However, robberies increased 19% (185 incidents versus 155 in 2024), with robberies from businesses up 20%. Property crimes decreased 8%, driven by a 16% drop in motor vehicle thefts (793 stolen in 2025 vs. 946 in 2024); 676 vehicles have been recovered. - Strategic Priorities: Chief Boyce outlined five strategic priorities: employee development and wellness, community engagement, accountability and leadership, crime reduction strategies, and operational efficiency. He noted that a quarterly crime statistics report will be published and shared with media and the public. - Public Safety Partnership (PSP): Raleigh was awarded a three-year PSP grant in 2024. The partnership includes four strategic goals: improving intelligence sharing, reducing juvenile violent crime, addressing human trafficking and child exploitation (through the new HEAT unit), and developing a community violence interrupter (CVI) program. Of 19 recommendations from a non-fatal shooting assessment, 15 have already been completed. A violent retaliatory dispute risk assessment is in progress. - Summer Action Plan (June 1 – August 31, 2025): The plan focuses on strategic enforcement, community engagement, and specialized units. Key initiatives include: - Creation of a dedicated Hospitality District captain (Captain Van Antwerp) and a second hospitality squad, plus new bike and transit units for downtown. - Deployment of school resource officers to the Greenway unit during summer. - Saturation patrols on major corridors (Capital, Saunders, Glenwood, New Bern) for DWI and traffic enforcement. - Expansion of the “Cops on the Block” program citywide, with door hangers and QR codes for residents. - Youth camps including a new IBM STEM camp for girls (already full), basketball camps, tennis camps, and baseball camp with a new pitching machine. - Friday night basketball at indoor community centers (Roberts Park, Biltmore, Chavis, Green Road), starting June 27, in partnership with Parks and Rec. - Community Engagement and Alternative Response: Chief Boyce highlighted the ACORNS unit (crisis outreach) and plans to expand it to all six police districts. He expressed support for civilianizing some duties, citing the CARES unit and call-diversion as positive steps. He also committed to reviving the Citizens Police Academy, with curriculum development underway for fall 2025. - Council Questions and Clarifications: Council members asked for: - Social media promotion of summer programs (Mayor Pro Tem Forte). - Data on greenway incidents and geographic breakdowns of robberies (Councilors Silver, Jones, Harrison, Branch). - Trends since 2019 and peer city comparisons (Councilor Harrison, Councilor Patton). - RPD’s role in peaceful protests – Chief Boyce affirmed support for First Amendment rights with safety management. - Physical fitness incentives for officers – Chief Boyce noted interest in a POPAT incentive program but acknowledged budget constraints. - Connection with registered neighborhoods and the Police Advisory Board for CVI programs (Councilor Jones). Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the work session was informational. - Chief Boyce announced that the Citizens Police Academy will return in fall 2025. - The city manager noted that a follow-up item will be brought to council next week. - RPD will continue publishing quarterly crime statistics; second quarter data will be released after June 30. - Council directed staff to explore social media toolkits for summer program promotion and to provide historical trend and peer-city crime data in future manager reports. - The expansion of the ACORNS unit and consideration of a physical fitness incentive program will be discussed further with the city manager’s office.

This was the third budget work session for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The council reviewed follow-up data requested at previous meetings, discussed the transportation budget increase, and ultimately voted unanimously to approve the FY2026 operating and capital improvement program ordinances. Follow-up Items from June 2 and June 3 Meetings - Workers' Compensation Claims Data: Staff provided a citywide summary of workers' comp claims by department for calendar year 2025 year-to-date, showing the number of claims and percentage of claims relative to budgeted positions. The highest percentages were in Police, Solid Waste Services, Fire, and Parks departments. Claims include both approved and denied cases. - Separation Allowance Survey for Firefighters: HR Director Sharnelle Jones presented results from a survey of uniformed fire personnel conducted on June 5, 2025, with 509 responses. Key findings: 67% of respondents said they were not willing to receive a 2.2% general wage increase instead of the 11% increase to fund a separation allowance benefit; 72% said they were not willing for firefighter pay to be less than market in future years to fund the separation allowance. Most respondents ranked compensation as the top priority in their total rewards package. - Fourth Ward Historical Recognition: Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh described city support for the Fourth Ward historical recognition event held in August/September 2024, including a $10,000 community grant, waiver of facility fees, and in-kind contributions totaling approximately $30,000. Staff noted future opportunities to celebrate Fourth Ward history through the Chavis Strollway (under development) and the convention center/Red Hat relocation projects. Council members expressed support for continued community engagement and acknowledgment of past harm. Discussion Items - Transportation Budget Increase (15% Year-over-Year): In response to a council member's question, transportation staff explained that the 15% increase is driven by inflationary cost increases for operations, the return of fares with expanded low-income assistance programs, service enhancements (e.g., $5.5 million for new service on Capitol Boulevard, Falls of Neuse, and Atlantic Avenue), and increased hourly rates under the contract with the operator. Council members noted that the increase reflects genuine service improvements and investments in underserved areas. - Council Member Comments on the Budget: Several council members spoke in support of the budget. Councilor Branch thanked staff and moved for approval. Mayor Pro Tem Forte relayed positive community feedback about the city manager and budget team for achieving 9-11% employee pay increases without raising taxes. Councilor Silver praised the compensation increases but stated he could not support a separation allowance benefit, citing the survey results and the goal of no tax increase. Councilor Patton also supported the budget, noting the separation allowance path was not viable, and highlighted specific investments such as expanded paratransit weekend hours, no health insurance premium increases, improved bus ridership, and affordable housing funding. Mayor Cowell emphasized the budget's focus on people, affordable housing, and transportation, and noted that major new projects are not starting because existing projects (Lenovo Center, convention center, Gibson Play Plaza) are underway. Key Outcomes - Approval of FY2026 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Ordinances: Councilor Branch moved to approve the FY2026 budget, the motion was seconded, and passed unanimously on a voice vote. The mayor then signed the necessary documents. The budget includes no tax increase, significant employee pay raises (9-11% for most staff), and continued investments in transportation, affordable housing, and city services.

The Raleigh City Council met on June 3, 2025, in afternoon and evening sessions. The afternoon session (1:00 PM – approximately 6:30 PM) included employee awards, consent agenda approval, special items, public hearings, committee reports, and appointments. The evening session (7:00 PM) agenda items (budget public hearing, municipal service districts, street closings, rezoning) were not covered in the provided transcript. Consent Calendar - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. Included installment financing for vehicles/equipment, petition annexations (AX-11-24, AX-17-24, AX-05-25, AX-08-25), federal grant for pedestrian safety improvements, contracts (risk management, Carolina Ballet facility use), right-of-way condemnation for Upper West Neuse Interceptor, bid awards (State Street water/sewer, US 70 & Westgate water main, traffic calming/bikeway/cycle track), traffic items (speed limit reductions, no parking zones on Glen Eden Drive, Hadley Road, Willow Oak Road). Public Comments & Testimony - AX-06-25 (Rock Quarry Road annexation): Applicant representatives (Luke Perkins, Devin Basile) answered council questions. No public opposition signed up. - Z-39-24 (Honeycutt Road rezoning): Worth Mills (applicant attorney) summarized updated conditions (pedestrian access easement, enhanced stormwater control). Alex Bloom, Bent Tree HOA President, expressed community support for the rezoning with conditions (no cut-through of Chatterson Drive, stormwater controls) but noted preference against an emergency vehicle easement due to concerns about potential traffic creep. Councilor Silver explained the safety rationale for emergency access. - Z-47-24 (Barwell Road rezoning): Worth Mills presented revisions (25-year storm detention, silt fencing near Neuse River). Dr. Ulysses Lane, Brandy Wood Subdivision Association President and SE Raleigh CAC Chair, voiced concerns about road safety at the curve on Barwell Road, traffic congestion, odor from the Walnut Creek lift station (hydrogen sulfide), flooding risks, and patchy sidewalk connectivity. He urged clarity on mitigation measures and health impacts of sulfide exposure. Discussion Items - Text Change to Zoning Conditions TCZ-3-25 (200 West Street): Staff presented the request to modify conditions on a downtown mixed-use site. Council set a public hearing for July 1, 2025. Councilor Branch recused due to GoTriangle board involvement. - Council Contingency Appropriation: Approved funds for Women’s Center of Wake County ($2,000 from Mayor Pro Tem Forte), Active Adventures ($3,000 from Councilor Silver), Recess Games ($3,000 from Councilor Silver), Wake Smiles (Councilor Patton), Eliza Park Homeless Initiative (Councilor Jones), Team Truth 919 (Councilor Branch). Remaining balance returns to fund balance. - Leaf Collection Program – Work Session Follow Up: Steve Halsey (Transportation) and Gregory Jenkins (Solid Waste) presented a proposal to transition from loose leaf collection to an enhanced year-round weekly yard waste program, starting fall 2026. Key details: $1.75 million annual cost; savings and reallocations reduce FY2027 budget need to $725,000; five additional trucks and 15 new staff; residents can place one 95-gallon cart plus 15–20 biodegradable bags per week; needs assistance program; 48 transportation staff reallocated to core duties (estimated 25–30% increase in sidewalk repair, 15–20% in street patching, 10–15% in stormwater maintenance). Council expressed broad support; concerns included implementation in narrow streets, needs‑based assistance requirements, and communication/education. Motion to approve recommended actions passed unanimously. - Convention Center Expansion and Red Hat Amphitheater Relocation – GMP 2: Carrie Painter (Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex) presented the second guaranteed maximum price for construction, covering earthwork, shoring, concrete, steel, and remaining packages. Road closure on Lenoir Street ended. Quarterly update on surrounding projects (Heritage Park, Shavis Dick Strowway, West Street Extension, McDowell Dawson slip lane) noted. Motion to authorize city manager to execute GMP 2 passed 7–1 (Councilor Silver dissented over South Street closure concerns). Key Outcomes - Leaf Collection Program: Council approved staff’s recommended transition to enhanced weekly yard waste service, with implementation in fall 2026. A communication plan begins in summer 2025; needs assistance program to be developed. - Convention Center/Red Hat GMP 2: Approved (7–1). - Petition Annexation AX-06-25 (6325 Rock Quarry Road): Approved (7–1). - Rezoning Z-39-24 (Honeycutt Road): Approved unanimously with revised conditions (pedestrian easement, 25‑year storm storage, enhanced sediment controls). - Rezoning Z-47-24 (Barwell Road): Approved unanimously with conditions (25‑year storm detention, silt fencing, three‑acre tree conservation area commitment). Council directed staff to respond to Dr. Lane’s concerns (lift station odor, safety at curve) by June 13. - Erinsbrook Park Schematic Design: Approved by council, incorporating Parks Board recommendations (increased shade, informal recreation area). Council requested additional benches and consideration of enclosed playground. - Growth and Natural Resources Committee: Council directed staff to create a list of recommended native trees/shrubs/plants for voluntary use on private developments. - Transportation and Transit Committee: Council approved process modifications for citizen‑initiated street closings: compliant petitions go through consent agenda; non‑compliant petitions become manager’s report items. Two case studies (Willow Street and another) set for public hearing. - Appointments: Arts Commission (Jill Heath appointed); Centennial Authority (Terrell Midget appointed, remaining vacancy to next ballot); Human Relations Commission (ballot still pending); Historic Development Commission (John Schimmer appointed, remaining vacancy to next ballot); Substance Use Advisory Commission (Paul Killins appointed). Police Advisory Board (Tiana Morgan elevated to LGBT community member slot). Community Engagement Board: Council deferred appointments pending a review of the board’s effectiveness and mission. - Other: Crosswalk painting discussion referred to Transportation and Transit Committee. Fire Master Plan assessment rescheduled to July 1, 2025. Council requested data on workplace injuries by department and update on RFD 12‑hour shift study. Note: The evening session (7:00 PM) agenda—including public hearings on the FY2025-26 budget, Downtown and Hillsborough Street Municipal Service Districts, street closing STC-08-2024, and rezonings Z-19-24 and Z-43-24—was not covered in the provided transcript.

The Raleigh City Council met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in afternoon and evening sessions. The evening agenda featured a public hearing on the FY2025-26 proposed operating and capital budget, along with public hearings and decisions on municipal service district contracts, a street closing, and two rezoning cases. The meeting included extensive public testimony on budget priorities, police and firefighter compensation, Vision Zero, and tree planting, followed by council actions including approval of service district contracts, denial of one rezoning, and continuation of another. Public Comments & Testimony - Octavia Rainey spoke on three subjects: (1) advocated for equal starting salaries for fire and police departments; (2) urged inclusion of $300,000 for Fourth Ward redevelopment in the budget, describing the city's historical treatment of Fourth Ward as neglectful; (3) referenced past displacement of 1,000 residents. - Ruffin Hall (President/CEO, Dix Park Conservancy) expressed support for the manager's recommended budget, thanked the city for its support of Dix Park, and invited the community to the opening of Gibson Play Plaza at Dix Park on June 6-8. - A speaker (name not fully captured) praised the budget for giving raises without a tax increase but opposed $750,000 for advanced planning for Nash Square renovations, citing tree removal concerns and referencing Moore Square's $13 million failure. Instead, the speaker supported planting 24,000 trees for the city's 240th anniversary. - Ian Burnett advocated for expanding Raleigh's Vision Zero program, noting 35+ annual roadway fatalities, a third being pedestrians/cyclists, and an estimated $400 million annual cost to the city. Called for 10-15 additional FTEs for an interdepartmental Vision Zero group, stating the current $4 million budget is insufficient. - Matthew Cooper (President, Raleigh Police Protective Association) expressed frustration over delays in the comprehensive pay study, stated that raising entry wages alone is insufficient, and that veteran officers need raises, not just bonuses. Argued the budget should not be balanced on city employees. - Lawrence Yelly questioned the compensation study's methodology, noting it focused on salary only without benchmarking benefits (which he said add 50% to salary). He argued the $40 million salary adjustment is likely overstated, criticized city staff growth (8% faster than population), and called for a balance between workforce and taxpayer interests. - Larry Helfund advocated for adding separation allowance for firefighters, noting nearly 500 emails on the issue. He stated the fire department is at least 200 positions short, has not added new positions since 2014, and that separation allowance is the same benefit police have had since 1987. Cited CDC and FEMA data on firefighter health risks. - Mary Abrams (Wake Audubon) thanked the city for the Leaf Out Tree Plan and requested an additional $25,000 to launch a public-private partnership to plant 24,000 trees by 2032. Noted Raleigh lost over 1,300 acres of tree canopy between 2010 and 2020. - Larry Miller (President, Glenwood South Neighborhood Collaborative) spoke in support of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) as the service provider for the Downtown Municipal Service District, citing DRA's ambassador program, social worker services, security patrols, economic development, and event activations. - David Meeker (downtown resident) endorsed DRA, stating downtown needs a coordinated organization like DRA to compete with other districts, and that his properties are glad to pay the additional tax. - Skip Hill (Highwoods Properties) supported renewing DRA as the service provider, praising the staff's talent and investment in downtown. - Anna Grace Fitzgerald (downtown resident and business owner) expressed gratitude for DRA ambassadors, noting their de-escalation work, safe walks, and support for small businesses. - Gregory Brown (Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation) endorsed the Hillsborough Street MSD provider, highlighting work on traffic flow, parking meters, and clean and safe programs. - Mahadev Prasad Raj (business owner on Hillsborough Street) praised the MSD team for responsiveness and cleanliness. - Shepard Fountain, Avery Salmon, and William McGee (neighbors) opposed rezoning Z-19-24 (Edenburgh Road) due to concerns about commercial creep, loss of housing stock, and an eight-year timeline for converting a model home office to residential. They preferred the existing R6 zoning. - Bill Mitchell (Athens Woods HOA board member) opposed rezoning Z-43-24 (Athens Drive) from R4 to RX, citing incompatibility with surrounding low-density residential, potential for 67 apartments, traffic hazards near Athens Drive High School, stormwater concerns, and precedent for overdevelopment. Discussion Items - FY2025-26 Proposed Budget Public Hearing: Council heard public testimony but did not take a vote during the hearing. The public hearing was closed after all speakers. - Downtown Municipal Service District: Council held a public hearing on selecting the Downtown Raleigh Alliance as the service provider. Following testimony, a motion was made and seconded to authorize staff to work with DRA on a contract. The motion passed unanimously. - Hillsborough Street Municipal Service District: Council held a public hearing on selecting the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation. A motion to authorize a five-year contract passed unanimously. - Street Closing STC-08-2024 (Clover Lane): Staff presented a proposal to close approximately 0.31 acre of right-of-way for a development that includes a multi-use path and emergency access. No opposition testimony; council approved unanimously. - Rezoning Z-19-24 (Edenburgh Road): After a continued public hearing, the applicant (Charles Walker) described revisions including a trigger for construction of a single-family home on 109 Edenburgh within one year, and removal of the parking lot within 90 days after the design center use ends. Council members questioned the complexity of 18 conditions and the eight-year timeline for office use. Opposition speakers reiterated concerns about commercial creep and loss of housing. Council discussed that the proposed OX zoning would reduce density from potential eight townhomes to three single-family homes, with one used as a model home/office. A motion to deny (adopt consistency statement and deny the zoning amendment) passed unanimously. - Rezoning Z-43-24 (Athens Drive): The applicant (Arthur Gordon) described a vision for mixed-use development with a community garden and affordable housing, but only one condition was proposed. Staff noted the property is currently zoned R4 and requested RX-3 would allow up to 67 units, inconsistent with the future land use map (low-scale residential). Council members expressed concerns about density, parking, open space, and compatibility with the neighborhood. Councilor Jones moved to continue the case to July 1, 2025, to allow the applicant to consider additional conditions and talk with neighbors. The motion passed. Key Outcomes - Down town MSD contract: Approved (unanimous) to authorize staff to negotiate with Downtown Raleigh Alliance. - Hillsborough Street MSD contract: Approved (unanimous) to authorize a five-year contract with Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation. - Street Closing STC-08-2024: Approved (unanimous). - Rezoning Z-19-24 (Edenburgh Road): Denied (unanimous). Council adopted the consistency statement dated June 3, 2025, and denied the zoning amendment. - Rezoning Z-43-24 (Athens Drive): Continued to July 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to allow the applicant to revise conditions and engage with neighbors.

The Raleigh City Council held a budget work session on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chamber to discuss FY26 budget notes and follow-up items from the May 20th budget proposal. Staff presented three budget notes (city historian, intersection safety improvements, and separation allowance for firefighters and other operating departments) and two follow-ups (property tax rate and affordable housing gap financing). Council members discussed the implications of funding separation allowance, potential property tax increases, and trade-offs with salary increases. No formal votes were taken; direction was given for further analysis and a staff‑administered survey of firefighters. Discussion Items Budget Note 1: City Historian – Sadia Sitar (Budget & Management Services) reported that the request for a city historian, made in September 2024, was not funded in the proposed FY26 budget. A benchmarking survey found no other North Carolina municipality has such a position; the city’s museum programs (e.g., City Museum, Mordecai House, Tucker House) fulfill the cultural role. The estimated cost to create the position was approximately $118,000. Council took no action, with Councilmember Lambert‑Melton noting no motion was needed. Budget Note 2: Intersection Safety Improvements – A joint request by Councilmembers Harrison and Lambert‑Melton for three intersections with safety concerns. Staff confirmed these are funded through the Vision Zero safety program in the capital budget at a cost of approximately $1.3 million, covering sidewalk updates, wheelchair ramps, and other improvements. Budget Note 3: Separation Allowance – The most extensive discussion. The actuarial study (Boomershine Consulting, March 10, 2025) showed the unfunded liability for separation allowance (a temporary benefit payable until age 62, calculated as 85% of final pay times years of service) for all operating departments is $9.726 million in year one, with 48% ($4.6 million) attributable to the fire department. The benefit is not included in the FY26 proposed budget. Council members debated the merits: - Councilmember Jones proposed a “penny for public safety” tax increase to fund the benefit, noting strong public support from firefighters. - Councilmember Branch opposed a tax increase, citing the original goal of no tax increase and the upcoming Wake County tax increase. - Councilmember Harrison highlighted the trade-off: using the $6 million allocated for firefighter salary increases (part of the 11% market adjustment) to fund separation allowance would leave only about $1.3 million for raises, translating to a roughly 2.5% salary increase instead of 11%. She emphasized the need to hear directly from firefighters. - Councilmember Lambert‑Melton noted that the 11% salary increase equates to $700/month for the average firefighter; funding separation allowance from that pool would reduce the monthly increase to $100. He supported a staff‑administered flash poll to gauge employee preferences. - Mayor Cowell expressed concern about creating a new long‑term liability ($32 million unfunded over 20 years) and noted that the actuarial mortality tables showed no significant difference between public safety and general employees, undermining the justification for a differentiated benefit. She also cautioned that a one‑year trade‑off could lead to chronic under‑market pay in future years. - Mayor Pro Tem Forte raised the question of other operating departments, noting that they had also expressed interest in separation allowance. Council members disagreed on whether to include them: Councilmember Jones wanted to proceed only with fire; Councilmember Branch and Mayor Pro Tem Forte argued for an inclusive approach. Staff requested clear direction to avoid future HR issues. Follow-Up: Property Tax Rate – Staff clarified that the median home assessed value remains $391,495 (same as last year, as Wake County has not updated values). The current property tax rate is 35.5 cents per $100, and combined with fees (water, stormwater, solid waste) the total for a median home is approximately $1,479. No increase proposed. Follow-Up: Affordable Housing Gap Financing – Emily Sutton (Housing & Neighborhoods) presented that the city has $17 million available for rental development gap financing but received $55.5 million in requests. This funded 6 projects (670 units), leaving 11 projects (1,335 units) unfunded. Councilmember Harrison noted that covering the gap would require either a property tax increase or a bond. Key Outcomes - No action taken on the city historian or intersection safety budget notes (both already addressed or deemed not necessary). - Separation allowance: Council directed staff to: - Calculate the exact percentage salary increase for firefighters if the $4.7 million separation allowance cost is deducted from the $6 million salary adjustment pool, and the resulting average monthly salary impact. - Conduct an impartial, HR‑administered flash poll of all firefighters to determine their preference between immediate wage increases (near‑term) and separation allowance (long‑term benefit). - Provide clarity on whether to include other operating departments in the separation allowance discussion; staff to seek direction before the next work session. - Next steps: The public budget hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025 at 7 PM. Additional budget work sessions will occur every Monday in June, with the earliest adoption date being June 9, 2025. Council will revisit the separation allowance issue after receiving the requested data and survey results.

The Raleigh City Council held its regular meeting on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included a consent agenda, public comments, planning commission reports, a special items vote, the city manager's proposed FY2026 budget presentation, public hearings on nuisance abatements, annexations, rezonings, and a text change, committee reports, council member reports, appointments, and a closed session. Councilmember Silver was excused. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously without any items being pulled. It included: - Petition annexations (AX-07-25, AX-11-25) - Easement requests (Duke Energy, Marlowe & Moye) - Professional services contracts (Dix Park, Neuse River Park, Walnut Creek Interceptor, etc.) - Contract services (intelligence management software, asphalt rejuvenation) - Encroachment requests (storm drainage pipes, concrete walkway) - Bid awards (Upper Pigeon House Interceptor Replacement, DMV site abatement and demolition) - Traffic items (all-way stops, speed limit reductions, no parking zones, material loading zone) Public Comments & Testimony - Nikki W. requested assistance supplying food and water for the unhoused and urged the city to remove HMIS requirements, arguing the system infringes on privacy and harms marginalized people. She also highlighted Juneteenth celebrations. - Mamakai Sanders asked the city to host a meeting to pursue the 2026 All American Cities Award, outlining seven focus areas including funding, affordable housing, sidewalks, and support for city staff. She expressed strong support for focusing on children and youth. - Matthew Brown criticized the development industry, arguing that more housing units do not lower prices and that the city should prioritize quality of life over developer profits. He cited over 10,000 apartments for rent on Zillow and over 30,000 approved but not yet constructed. - Robert Blank scolded the council for endorsing a toll road on Capitol Boulevard, calling it a bad idea and presenting an alternative boulevard plan costing $250–300 million versus $1.3–1.6 billion. He referenced DOJ cases against wasteful federal spending. - Athena Wallen urged the city to redefine policies for stormwater creeks, advocating for collaborative restoration strategies and an advisory hold for creek-lined properties to address erosion and development impacts. - Helen Tartan supported Athena, expressing concern about redevelopment near Brookside Drive’s creek and requesting that the stormwater department mitigate problems from oversized new homes. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Report: Staff presented four rezoning items scheduled for public hearing on June 17, 2025: - Z-14-24 (Tarheel Clubhouse): 80 acres from agricultural to R6 with conditions; split vote due to concerns about density and location. - Z-44-24 (Avent Ferry Road): Over 2 acres, consolidating R4 and R6 with overlay; split vote over fence condition separating residential uses. - Z-16-24 and Z-06-25 (Globe Road): Two adjacent parcels, each about 1 acre, from rural residential to R6 with conditions; unanimous approval from Planning Commission. Council set public hearings as recommended. - Special Items – Council Contingency: Mayor Cowell requested funds for Rise Collective; Councilmember Silver requested for Raleigh Housing Fund (Amos House). Approved unanimously. - City Manager’s Proposed FY2026 Budget: - Total proposed budget: $1.78 billion, with $657.1 million general fund, no tax increase. - Key investment: $35.8 million for classification and compensation study implementation, fully funding raises in September 2025: 9% for exempt employees, 11% for non-exempt and public safety, 5% for temporary/part-time. Starting salaries: police $61,417, fire $56,825, ECC $49,100. - Public safety accounts for 40% of general fund. Dix Park investment $11.7 million for programming and maintenance. - Capital budget: $616.9 million, including $18 million for advanced planning fund. Bond proceeds included for first time. - Utility fees increase $4.33/month for median household (0.3% increase). - Budget work sessions begin June 2 at 4 PM; public hearing June 3 at 7 PM. - Council members praised the no-tax-increase budget and employee raises. Councilor Patton asked about affordable housing demand; staff noted double-digit projects unfunded. Council requested future bond strategy discussions. - Public Hearings (Matters Scheduled): - Nuisance abatement at 1227 Falls Church Road: Owner unresponsive; approved. - Demolition lien at 605 Bragg Street: $13,965; approved. - Annexation AX-32-24 (Carlswood Court): Under 1 acre, single-family home; approved into District E. - Annexation AX-04-25 (Durant Road): 13 acres, church; approved despite fiscal concern (negative $538,000 over 10 years) due to nonprofit status and service obligations. - Annexation AX-06-25 (Rock Quarry Road): 9.35 acres, undeveloped, proposed self-storage. Continued to June 3 for further discussion. - Rezoning Z-19-24 (Edinburgh Road): Three parcels, request for office mixed-use with conditions (model home/design center). Continued to June 3; applicant offered to reduce commercial use from 10 to 8 years. - Rezoning Z-47-24 (Barwell Road): 45 acres, R10 with conditions, 125 units max. Continued to June 3 to add environmental justice conditions. - Rezoning Z-54-24 (Louisburg Road): 3.65 acres, R10 conditional use. Continued to June 17 to add stub street condition for future connectivity. - TC-10-24 (Cottage Court Garages): Text change from gross floor area to conditioned space (max 1,800 sq ft conditioned, 500 sq ft unconditioned). Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Council contingency approved unanimously. - Budget presentation received; work sessions scheduled. - Public hearings set for June 17 (Planning Commission items). - Nuisance abatement and demolition lien approved. - Annexations AX-32-24 and AX-04-25 approved. - Annexation AX-06-25 continued to June 3. - Rezonings Z-19-24 and Z-47-24 continued to June 3. - Rezoning Z-54-24 continued to June 17. - Text change TC-10-24 approved. - Appointments: Several appointments made; some vacancies carried over. Helen Sporkin elevated to Human Relations Commission. Paul Killins nominated for Substance Use Advisory Commission. - City Attorney guidelines for TEFRA hearings approved. - Minutes approved. - Closed session entered for attorney-client privilege and personnel matters. Note: The meeting was adjourned after closed session. Councilmember Silver was absent.

On May 20, 2025, the Raleigh City Council held a work session to receive an update on redevelopment projects on city-owned property east and south of Moore Square. Ken Bowers (Planning and Development) and Ralph Retchie (Real Estate Manager) presented the status and staff recommendations for two sites. The main components discussed were a hotel development on the South site and the mixed-use vision for the East site, including a 160-unit affordable housing project that is moving forward independently. Council members deliberated and unanimously approved the staff recommendations. Discussion Items - South Site (Hotel Development): Staff recommended continuing negotiations with Loden Properties for a hotel on an approximately 0.8-acre pad. Key proposed terms: initial lump-sum payment of $4.5 million at construction start, a ground lease with annual lease payments and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes, and an option to purchase later to bridge the gap to the appraised value of $6.6 million. Parking for guests (100–120 spaces) would be leased from city parking decks. Loden would also acquire a surface lot for $450,000 for waste consolidation and renovate the historic Norwood House and ESSO station at minimal cost to the city. The site is constrained to 105 feet width, requiring a non-standard parking deck design. The hotel use is seen as the highest and best use for the narrow site in current market conditions. - East Site (Affordable Housing and Mixed-Use): The affordable housing component (160 units, developed by Harmony Housing) is proceeding under an option agreement regardless of other negotiations. The total development cost is approximately $385,000 per unit, with a city subsidy of roughly $100,000 per unit, leaving a financing gap of about $11 million. The broader East site (approximately 2.6 acres) originally envisioned a high-rise residential building, additional market-rate units, a second hotel, food retail, and a new Raleigh Rescue Mission building. However, rising interest rates and declining downtown rents have rendered the high-rise component financially unviable for the near term. Loden has secured an option to purchase the adjacent Hadley property (assignable to the city) but has not presented a viable timeline or framework for the rest of the East site. - Council Deliberation: - Councilor Harrison expressed full support for the staff recommendation on the South site, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and hotel rooms walkable to the convention center. She also supported staff’s proposal to test the market for the East site, rather than leaving it in its current vacant/blighted condition. - Councilor Jones asked clarifying questions about potential conflicts with city parking deck sales (staff confirmed no spaces from the Wilmington Street deck are involved) and about the affordable housing costs. She stated she was aligned with the staff recommendations, noting that selling the East site could replenish the affordable housing fund to support projects elsewhere. - Councilor Patton thanked staff for navigating difficult market conditions and expressed support for the recommendations, noting the affordable housing and hotel project are moving forward. - Councilor Lambert-Melton moved to approve the staff recommendations; Councilor Branch seconded. Key Outcomes - Vote: The Council unanimously approved the staff recommendations (all present in favor; Councilor Mitchell Silver was traveling and absent). - South site: Staff will continue negotiations with Loden and return with final agreements for City Manager authorization within approximately 60 days. - East site: Staff will conduct a market study, initiate conversations with Raleigh Rescue Mission about a partnership, and assume the Hadley property option. Based on findings, staff will request Council authorization to proceed with either a negotiated upset bid sale or a fresh Request for Proposals (RFP) to sell the East site. The objective is to generate revenue from land sale to fill the $11 million affordable housing gap, thereby preserving the city’s affordable housing funds for other projects. - The 160-unit affordable housing project continues on its own independent timeline and is not contingent on these decisions.

The Special Committee on Council Advisory Boards and Commissions met on May 20, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting focused on three main agenda items: results of a survey of current and past advisory board and commission members, a draft standardized bylaws template, and draft guidance on the council liaison role. The committee discussed survey findings, potential board mergers, and operational improvements, and reached consensus on several recommendations to advance to the full council. Discussion Items 1. Review of Survey Results Assistant City Manager Evan Roth and Community Engagement Department representative Taysha Mosley presented survey highlights. Key findings included: - 78% of respondents rated their overall experience as good. - 80% agreed that mission and goals were clear and followed. - 73% believed their recommendations had measurable impact. - 57% supported allowing the overarching board to select subcommittee members. - 20% saw value in merging certain boards, with suggestions for pairing Historic Cemeteries with Historic Resources, and Bicycle/Pedestrian with Parks and Greenway. - Respondents requested consistency in council liaison attendance, increased communication with council, feedback on work plans, and better onboarding/training. Council members discussed the data, noting that only 69% felt their work aligned with council priorities and that about a quarter did not feel their work had measurable impact. Councilor Branch suggested mapping boards to the city's strategic plan to clarify alignment. Mayor Cowell expressed interest in merging boards with low attendance or unclear direction, citing the example of the Historic Cemetery Advisory Board, whose staff liaison confirmed the board's mission had been accomplished and they were open to a merger. The committee also discussed the possibility of consolidating human-relations-related boards (e.g., African American Affairs, Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs, Substance Use) into a single Human Relations Commission with subcommittees, though concerns about board size were raised. 2. Standardized Bylaws Template Ms. Mosley presented a draft template designed to standardize the structure and operation of all advisory boards and commissions. Key provisions included: - Explicit requirement for annual work plans falling within the board's purview. - Residency requirement: members must reside within city limits or forfeit seat. - Clear resignation process (notifying city clerk, not just ceasing attendance). - Notice requirements for public meetings. - Quorum defined without counting vacant seats. - A reserved article for board-specific unique provisions. Council members discussed subcommittee support, work plan timing, and presentation length. Councilor Jones suggested aligning work plan presentations with strategic plan categories to streamline council review. It was noted that staff currently manage scheduling of work plan presentations, and a guide for concise presentations exists. The committee agreed the template was a good foundation but requested adding language clarifying staff support for subcommittees. 3. Council Liaison Role – Draft Guidance Ms. Mosley presented draft guidance based on practices from other cities. Key points: - Mayor designates a council liaison at the organizational meeting after elections. - Liaison serves as a two-way communication channel, not an advocate or ex-officio member. - Primary contact for resolving problems, providing procedural direction, and relaying council's vision. - Liaisons normally do not attend monthly meetings but can be informed via agendas, minutes, and work plans. - Liaisons may attend when specific items are of interest or upon request of the board or staff liaison. Councilor Branch expressed concern about item 9, which stated liaisons "facilitate training of new board members." He noted that new council members may not have enough knowledge to do so. The committee agreed to revise the language to say liaisons "may provide suggestions to staff related to training." The draft was otherwise well-received. 4. Subcommittee and Merger Considerations During broader discussion, the committee considered how to handle subcommittees, including the risk of overlapping subcommittees (e.g., multiple tree-related subcommittees). Mayor Cowell suggested that subcommittees might require council approval as part of the work plan to avoid duplication. Staff was asked to bring back recommendations on board composition and merger processes, including board size considerations. Key Outcomes The committee reached consensus on the following actions to recommend to the full council: - Adopt the standardized bylaws template for all advisory boards and commissions, with a minor revision to clarify staff support for subcommittees. - Adopt the council liaison guidance with the revision to item 9 (liaisons may provide suggestions to staff regarding training, not facilitate). - Direct staff to develop merger recommendations for specific boards (e.g., Historic Cemeteries with Historic Resources, and potential consolidation of human-relations boards), including analysis of board size and composition. - Direct staff to create a strategy for orienting board chairs and establishing a regular convening of board leadership (e.g., quarterly or semi-annual plenary sessions). - Direct staff to align work plan presentations with the city's strategic plan and to develop a process for council approval of subcommittees to avoid overlap. - Staff will return at the next committee meeting with further details on merger opportunities, board composition, and subcommittee appointment procedures.

The Raleigh City Council held a public comment session on the evening of May 13, 2025. The meeting consisted solely of public comments, with no council discussion or voting. Eight speakers addressed the council on a range of issues including noise enforcement, historic preservation, housing development, tree preservation, affordable housing, public transit accessibility, and community engagement. Public Comments & Testimony - Woody Bix criticized the city and Raleigh Police Department for failing to enforce noise ordinances in Glenwood South, citing examples where officers entered homes to judge noise levels. He argued that a revised ordinance places officers in a bad position and does not build goodwill. - Octavia Rainey urged the council to include $300,000 in the budget for the Fourth Ward redevelopment, alleging the city has neglected the historically Black community for 40 years. She requested a redevelopment committee and planned to meet with HUD officials in Washington, D.C. - Mamakai Saunders advocated for the All American Cities Award initiative, urging the city to become the most compassionate city and focus on youth. She highlighted early childhood brain development and the need for community support for parents. - Donna Bailey expressed distrust over the comprehensive plan and UDO, opposing a proposed 30-story building at Peace and West Street. She cited planning commissioners Steve Schuster and Rodney Swink, and argued the project constitutes spot zoning. She called a $1.2 million affordable housing offer inadequate. - Matthew Brown spoke in favor of tree preservation, noting Raleigh is cutting down more trees than it plants. He opposed building a playground in Nash Square, suggesting Moore Square or surface parking lots as alternatives. - Jeff Durkin addressed the housing shortage, citing a 60,000-unit gap in Wake County. He argued that market-rate housing helps lower prices by pulling high-income residents away from vulnerable areas, and urged the council to allow more development. - Nikki W. detailed safety and accessibility issues with Go Raleigh and Go Triangle public transit, including denied ramp access, doors shut in her face, and retaliation after reporting incidents. She described a dangerous two-hour walk home after a driver refused her boarding. - Tim Niles countered claims that Raleigh frequently rejects development projects, noting a 98.3% approval rate and only five denials in five years. He supported approving more housing projects to address the shortage.