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We’re on BlueSky

We’re on BlueSky

Livable Raleigh is on Bluesky. @livableraleigh.bsky.social

Let’s think long-term regarding housing affordability

Let’s think long-term regarding housing affordability

This past November, the Wake County Commission discussed lobbying the General Assembly for authorization to develop affordable housing specifically for teachers. I think low hanging fruit for the city would be to seek authorization to develop affordable housing specifically for city employees, and to combine efforts with the county at the General Assembly.

Public safety is the city’s most fundamental responsibility

Public safety is the city’s most fundamental responsibility

A public opinion poll last year revealed that public safety is the top concern for Raleigh citizens and 75% of respondents supported a substantial police pay increase. To reference Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, everything that allows us to enjoy life in our city relies upon a foundation of safety.

Just Follow the Plan

Just Follow the Plan

We all know that the city needs more density. By following the Comp Plan and the recommended Downtown Transition guideline, the city can achieve much more density and still keep a reasonable height next to neighborhoods.

Pass a Separation Allowance for Raleigh’s Firefighters

Pass a Separation Allowance for Raleigh’s Firefighters

I’m here tonight to stand in solidarity with Raleigh’s Firefighters and join them in their fight for Separation Allowance. I believe that’s a reasonable price to pay to have a properly funded fire department that keeps us safe, attracts sufficient firefighting staff to our amazing city, and retains experienced and healthy firefighters, so they can not just survive, but thrive in Raleigh.

March 11 Council Meetings

March 11 Council Meetings

Highlights from the March 11 Afternoon Work Session and the Evening Public Comment Session

City Council: We Have A Problem

City Council: We Have A Problem

If a 30 story tower is approved at this location in a designated Downtown Transition Area, then ALL the other neighborhoods noted here and currently protected by Downtown Transition Areas are at risk. This is a dangerous precedent to set.

Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees

Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees

If you are interested in protecting our trees, please consider attending the Branching Out information and input sessions, learn more about Leaf Out and how you can be involved, and consider planting native species the next time you garden or plan a new development.

Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock

Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock

A proposed Lorimer Spring development of 60 apartments for senior citizens is advancing with no official notification to nor input from neighborhood residents. It has inadequate parking and no real access to transit within safe walking distance. Especially for seniors.

A solution in search of a problem

A solution in search of a problem

In a misguided attempt to reduce Public Comment meetings from 3 hours to 2 hours in length, what City Council has done is put in place new limits when in fact, no meeting in 2024 ever went over 2 hours. But now, based on the new rules, a majority of the meetings will run less than 45 minutes and speakers will only get 1 minute to speak.

Another Missed Opportunity for Community Engagement

Another Missed Opportunity for Community Engagement

CACs are the perfect forum for these budget discussions because they will broadcast the presentation to a wider audience than the sessions that were offered earlier in the year. Community Engagement is one of the core objectives of CACs, acting as a medium for information between residents, staff and City Administration. I don’t know of any other community group that can offer those same capabilities. The City should be jumping at the chance to take this opportunity.

Missing Middle is missing its mark big time

Missing Middle is missing its mark big time

Let’s just say – the City fell short, big time. The BRT project has become a laughingstock, and the transportation system as-is, is modeled after an airline hub system. Meaning, you must go downtown first to catch another bus. Not to mention that one would have to walk along streets without sidewalks or ample streetlights. What would take 20 min by car is a 1 hour and 30 min ride by bus. But let’s build under the FTOD and TOD.

Guidelines for Deciding Rezoning Cases

Guidelines for Deciding Rezoning Cases

Livable Raleigh calls on City Council to reform their approach to rezoning applications. Raleigh’s Comprehensive Plan, if followed, offers a clear path to sustainable, equitable growth.

Democracy is more than voting

Democracy is more than voting

Local government is generally more democratic than other levels of government and that is largely due to public comment which provides the chance for residents to publicly share thoughts and ideas, and conversely to listen to the thoughts and ideas of other ordinary residents.

It’s our Birthday! We’re Five Years Old

It’s our Birthday! We’re Five Years Old

Livable Raleigh published our first blog five years ago on February 17, 2020. Just like any other five-year-old, we can’t wait to grow even bigger. So, we’re combining a “FUND-RAISER” with a “FRIEND-RAISER” as our birthday celebration. If you rely on the kind of information you are only able to find through Livable Raleigh, we need your help to grow. Tell all your friends just what a valuable source of information we are.

INDY Best of 2025 – Wake County – Nominations are OPEN

INDY Best of 2025 – Wake County – Nominations are OPEN

The nominations for INDY’s Best of 2025 Wake County are open until February 28. You only have a few days to get your choices in. We hope you will consider nominating us again this year as “Best Local Activist Group” in Wake County

Democracy depends on the voices of citizens

Democracy depends on the voices of citizens

I stand before you today because democracy depends on the voices of its citizens, and public comment is one of the most direct ways we, the people, can engage with our local government. The proposal to limit public comment time is not just about minutes on a clock—it’s about the fundamental principle of representation.