JANUARY 20, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Full agenda and attachments available at https://pub-raleighnc.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=2dc35c13-3615-428b-b979-a099da91293e&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved North Hills rezoning by a vote of 6 to 2 with Councilors Harrison and Jones voting against the request.
- North Hills traffic issues will be discussed at the February meeting of the Transportation and Transit Committee and not at the 1/29 meeting.
- A Council planning retreat will be held this weekend in Raleigh; details will be publicized
- Public comments focused on budget issues, greenways, public transit, public recreation, stormwater, and mental health.
- Unanimously approved recommendations to the existing Memorandum of Agreement with the Dix Park Conservancy
- Councilor Silver will hold a District A meeting on 1/29 from 6-7pm at the Gordon Center
- Mayor Cowell asked that policies on protests be reviewed
- Councilor Jones will hold a District E meeting on 2/11 from 6-8pm at La Cucina and a book club meeting on 2/14 from 9:30-11:30am at New World Café
- Unanimously approved an ordinance adopting the provisions of the model non-smoking ordinance prepared by the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch (“TPC”) within the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
WORK SESSION
Fall 2025 Retreat Follow Up – Big Ideas Follow Up
During the Fall 2025 City Council Retreat, Council explored a set of long-term “Big Ideas”, suggested by City Council, with the potential to meaningfully improve residents’ quality of life. Through a structured prioritization process, three general concepts emerged with the potential to be to be directly influenced by city services. These were Regional Rail, Affordable Housing Public-Private Partnerships, and Sponge Cities. While each addresses a distinct aspect of livability, they are deeply interconnected. Together, they reflect a shared vision of Raleigh’s future as a city designed to connect people to one another, to nature, and to the places they need to live full, healthy lives.
To inform this report, OSI reviewed recent initiatives from peer cities, focusing on approaches that are proven, transferable, and extend beyond the City’s current operations. These examples helped ground the Big Ideas in practical, real-world applications. Each idea was then evaluated within the local context using a Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability framework.
The work session topic presented concepts and options for each Big Idea using this consistent evaluative approach, allowing for transparent comparison of tradeoffs and constraints. Applying this framework moves the conversation beyond “interesting ideas” toward solutions that are ambitious yet practical—and designed to deliver lasting, measurable impact.
AFTERNOON SESSION
CONSENT AGENDA
- Unanimously approved except for item C-1A which was pulled for discussion. After a presentation from RPD Chief Rico Boyce, the acquisition of the Starchase system to make vehicle pursuits safer was approved. The cost is being covered by a grant.
PUBLIC COMMENT
- Public comments focused on budget issues, greenways, public transit, public recreation, stormwater, and mental health.
- Two of eleven speakers did not show up.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Rezoning Z-29-25: Trailwood Drive, south of the intersection of Trailwood Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D upon annexation)
- Granted 45 day extension for applicant to submit additional conditions
Boards and Commissions Bylaws
- Unanimously approved updated bylaws for Stormwater Management Advisory Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, and Raleigh Historic Development Commission
Rezoning Z-33-25: Gresham Lake Road, east of I-540 (District A)
- Scheduled public hearing for 2/3
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
Dix Park Conservancy Memorandum of Agreement Updates
- Unanimously approved recommendations to the existing Memorandum of Agreement
Police Technology – Axon Enterprise, Inc. – Award of Contract
- Unanimously approved $16,100,000, which will fund ten years of Taser 10 services; Axon Records; and the Fusus platform.
Council Planning Retreat
- Will be held this weekend in Raleigh; details will be provided
MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Limited Obligation Bond, Series 2026B – Bond Anticipation Note and Authorization to Issue
- Unanimously approved not to exceed $120,000,000 for City Hall Phase II and other public safety facilities
Limited Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2026
- Unanimously approved not to exceed $120,000,000 for City Hall Phase II and other public safety facilities
Demolition of Unfit Building – Property Lien – 617 S. Blount Street
- Unanimously approved
Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
- Unanimously approved
Petition Annexation – AX-38-25 – Contiguous Inside ETJ – 7130 Blue Run Lane (District B)
- Unanimously approved
Petition Annexation – AX-32-25 – Contiguous Inside ETJ – Old Wake Forest Road Assemblage (District A)
- Unanimously approved
Petition Annexation – AX-35-25 – Contiguous Inside ETJ – 3509 and 3511 Garner Road (District C)
- Unanimously approved
Rezoning Z-11-25 2230 South New Hope Road, north of its intersection with Rock Quarry Road (District C)
- Withdrawn by applicant
Rezoning Z-34-25: North Hills, at the interchange of I-440 and Six Forks Road (District A)
- Approved 6 to 2 with Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilor Jones in opposition
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
- No activity
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
- No activity
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE
- No activity
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
- Meeting scheduled for 1/29 from 3-5pm to discuss citizen-initiated street closures. North Hills will be discussed at February meeting
REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
- Councilor Silver will hold a District A meeting on 1/29 from 6-7pm at the Gordon Center
- Mayor Cowell asked that policies on protests be reviewed
- Councilor Jones will hold a District E meeting on 2/11 from 6-8pm at La Cucina and a book club meeting on 2/14 from 9:30-11:30am at New World Cafe
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
Potential Changes to City Non-smoking Ordinances – Follow Up
Unanimously approved an ordinance adopting the provisions of the model non-smoking ordinance prepared by the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch (“TPC”) within the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The ordinance replaces current non-smoking provisions with the TPC model and continues existing prohibitions on vending machine tobacco sales as permitted by State law. The ordinance contains a 90-day delayed effective date to allow time for education and implementation.