NC Building Code Reform – Elevators and Stairways
Livable Raleigh recommends adding these two NC Building Code Amendments to the City of Raleigh’s Legislative Agenda: adopt global elevator standards and permit single stairway buildings. Both of these code reforms are gaining traction in the United States. They open up new opportunities for moderately scaled apartment and condo buildings in walkable urban settings that are more affordable and more accessible without sacrificing building safety.
It’s not the City of Oaks Without the Trees
Trees make Raleigh Raleigh. They shape our cityscape, and they define us as the City of Oaks. They’re the first thing visitors notice, and they are a large part of what makes so many people want to stay here. Sadly, Raleigh’s popularity has come at a cost to our trees.
April 7, 2026 City Council Meetings
Highlights from April 7 City Council afternoon and evening meetings.
April 6, 2026 Budget Work Session
Highlights of the City of Raleigh Budget Work Session April 6, 2026. This session served as one of the final briefings before the formal adoption of the Y2027 budget.
A City Should Keep its Promises
Forty years ago, the City accepted a Conservation Easement from Anderson Forest developers that specifically prohibits the building of greenway trails in the area now being proposed for Segment 1B. Yet, after reaping the easement’s benefits for decades, the City now wants to break its very terms.
Growth is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be destructive
Growth is inevitable, it can be transformative; it’s up to us to see that it isn’t destructive. Zoning and land use planning are the tools we use to meet this challenge.
Why Hide the Truth About Raleigh’s Affordable Housing Crisis?
Some City Councilors are tireless boosters of discredited supply-side affordability theories: They cheer when the market ticks up , and they cheer even more when the market ticks down.
Raleigh’s Affordable Housing web pages are Unnavigable
Navigating Raleigh’s affordable housing webpages feels like a frustrating maze. There’s good information, unfortunately, it’s buried under confusing web design, esoteric labels, scattered across too many disconnected pages or missing altogether in outdated reports.
State of the City Poem
“We’re growing! we’re glowing!” the press release says. The Mayor’s got plans and a very nice suit, Telling us Raleigh is “ripening fruit.” Just remember, dear Leader, amidst all the hype: If you don’t fix the potholes, the fruit’s overripe.
Did city staff present the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? NO
I have been asked why we continue to speak to oppose Council’s decision to approve greenway routing through Anderson Forest backyards. City staff had numerous opportunities to influence Council and the public with written materials, glossy presentations and surveys. We have been largely restricted to three-minute comments like this to make our case to you and the public.