February 17 Council Meeting
Highlights from February 17 City Council Meeting
It’s our Birthday. We’re 6!
Livable Raleigh published our first blog six years ago on February 17, 2020. Just like any other six-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.
Council has denied ONLY 2 of 54 zoning cases in 2 years
You often point to offered conditions as public benefits. The question is whether those benefits are proportionate to what is being granted. In the recent cases they were not. Doubling or tripling height should come with significantly elevated public benefits. You have leverage. Developers want to build here. Council can either insist on meaningful benefits or adhere to the plans we collectively agreed to follow.
Livable Raleigh Announces Primary Endorsements
Livable Raleigh stands for stronger community engagement with City Council decisions, and much stronger support for affordable housing initiatives. We believe big-money contributions from the development industry give the industry too much control of city policies,...
From Critical Listening to Critical Thinking – Councilors must justify their votes
The objective analysis and evaluation of information to form a reasoned judgement, involving questioning assumptions, identifying biases, recognizing logical connections, and considering multiple perspectives to reach well-supported conclusions, rather than accepting information at face value. When filing a rezoning case, the applicant is asking the city to increase the value of their property. They need to earn that increase in value through community benefits.
February 10 City Council Meetings
Highlights from the work session and public comment sessions
Critical Listening is KEY!
Critical listening is the process of carefully analyzing and evaluating the information presented during a communication event. It involves understanding the speaker’s intent, assessing the quality of arguments, and distinguishing between valid points and misinformation. If the majority of the City Council had taken the time to clearly explain why they disagreed with the folks that opposed the West/Peace St and North Hills rezoning requests, that would have been an example of critical listening.
February 3, 2026 City Council Meetings
Highlights from February 3 City Council meetings
If Raleigh Budgeted More Like N.C., Taxpayers Would Save Millions
For (3) years, I’ve proposed one or more good faith work sessions to share business experience, discuss best practice expense management and budget opportunities not in city use. And repeatedly with no city interest. Similar results two months ago with Christina’s new LEAD budget initiative. My emails were sent to LEAD HR contact Sharnell, then Ryan and finally city manager, all without even the courtesy of a reply.
Help Hold the City of Raleigh Accountable
The City is approving rezonings that directly contradict its own Comprehensive Plan, the document meant to protect neighborhoods, historic areas, and responsible growth. When the government fails to follow its own rules, residents are left with no choice but to stand up and defend themselves. That is why neighbors are raising money to support the community’s efforts to defend responsible planning and neighborhood protections. Donations can be made anonymously.