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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Watchdogs work together to keep Raleigh residents informed on important current issues. Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs), Raleigh Police Department (RPD) and Livable Raleigh are all working to educate the public on relevant issues.
The results are in and Raleigh is getting worse at keeping residents informed instead of better! We asked, do you think the City Council is doing enough to keep citizens involved and informed about Raleigh government or not? Positive responses to this question have steadily declined since we first asked in 2022.
Once again Raleigh City Council is having a Retreat without telling the public when it is or where it is even though it is a PUBLIC meeting. No time, no place and no agenda 2 days before the event.
When a developer asks for support from council, there were to be significant benefits to the community, but we the voters get only Astroturf, artwork, and a bench? Other cities have received ice skating rinks and, at a minimum, public bathrooms. The council needs to get developers to provide infrastructure and get significant benefits as it says in the plan. It seems easy for you to say no to voters, so try exercising some of that courage with the developers.
As elected officials, it is your prime responsibility to support all areas of the City with smart development and infrastructure spending to support it. Follow the guidance that you have been given in both the Midtown area plan and Comprehensive Plan.
There is a groundswell of opposition to Kane Realty’s request to rezone several of its properties at North Hills to allow taller buildings, up to 37 stories in some cases. Former Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane has sent an email to Council in opposition to the request.