A Flawed Foundation for Deliberations

A Flawed Foundation for Deliberations

Staff reports carry weight in Planning Commission and City Council deliberations. When they misclassify sites, turn a blind eye to policies, minimize area plans, and claim no adverse effects, they create the illusion of consistency where none exists and inflate the benefits while minimizing impacts. This clearly affected the Planning Commission deliberations and stunted debate necessary to make an informed decision.

Councilor Silver Must Recuse!

Councilor Silver Must Recuse!

It would be reasonable for you to believe that once Silver was elected to City Council in November 2024, just one year after being paid to represent the West St property owner, he would feel obligated to recuse himself from any future City Council actions related to this property. But, Silver has stated publicly that he has no intention of recusing himself from voting on this rezoning case when it comes before the City Council.

Restoring CACs to their Unique & Historic Role

Restoring CACs to their Unique & Historic Role

As far back as the Council Retreat in January 2024, the one thing that was requested to properly restore CACs was to get a seat at the table. The intent was to meet with all City departments that had a role in restoring some of the privileges that CACs had before they were suspended in 2020. To date, that has not happened.

Putting your thumb on the scale is WRONG!

Putting your thumb on the scale is WRONG!

The developer was claiming the site is in a Transit Station Area based on an outdated map, a false claim. Now, City Staff has joined with the applicant in making false claims. The Planning Commission did nothing to question this. City Council, it is left up to you to seek out the truth.

A Bad Day for Midtown and the City of Raleigh

A Bad Day for Midtown and the City of Raleigh

I listened and watched the transportation presentation with the expectation of hearing the options to bring this project within budget. That is what I had been told for the last six months. I was wrong again on all counts. With a Council primed to go on summer hiatus, Council made a decision that will haunt this Council for many years to come – cancelling the Six Forks Road Improvement project. I tried to speak before that decision was made, as some of you saw, but I was denied.

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.

Will the New Council Fix our Crappy Missing Middle Infill Rules and End the Lawsuits?

Will the New Council Fix our Crappy Missing Middle Infill Rules and End the Lawsuits?

Livable Raleigh and other proponents of Missing Middle best practices have lobbied Council for years to engage in a community conversation toward adopting Missing Middle infill improvements on the books in other peer cities that actually promote affordability, compatibility and walkable transit access. The latest, and perhaps best rules so far, have been adopted by Sacramento, CA.

Raleigh elections will be here sooner than you think

Raleigh elections will be here sooner than you think

The next election for Raleigh Mayor and City Council will be held Nov 2026. But there’s a brand-new primary election first, in March 2026. With a deadline for candidates to file and get on the ballot THIS YEAR — in Dec 2025. That’s right: To run in 2026, you must file with the Board of Elections in 2025. Here are the changes to know about …

Stop Z-12-25 : West St Tower – Sign the Petition

Stop Z-12-25 : West St Tower – Sign the Petition

If Z-12-25 is approved, it sets a precedent that 30 stories can be built adjacent to any neighborhood in Raleigh. The policies are clear: no more than 12 stories is appropriate in this area. Anything more violates core urban planning principles and undermines the framework that protects Raleigh neighborhoods. The Planning Commission will hear the case in August, and City Council will vote soon after. Once this precedent is set, it cannot be undone. The decisions made now will define what kind of city Raleigh becomes, whether we uphold sound planning principles and protect neighborhoods, or open the door to unchecked, inconsistent rezonings. We must act now to protect Raleigh’s plans, values, and communities and demand development that respects the city’s long-term vision. Sign the Petition!