Work session on Triangle Bikeway initiative. Public comments focused on Rezonings, Noise Ordinance, Glenwood South, Greenways, Smoke free ordinance, and engagement
Nothing less than a FARCE
Poll results show that Raleigh is failing miserably in community engagement. Allotting an extra four minutes per side at the public hearing was insignificant compared to the potential impact of the proposal. Discussing Six Forks Road traffic issues on January 29, more than a week after the proposed January 20 vote on the rezoning proposal, is a real slap in the face to Raleigh residents. What good does it do to hold further discussion AFTER a decision has been made? The neighborhood meetings held by the developer did not meet the requirements of neighborhood meetings as outlined on the City’s website. An Open House style meeting does not allow the public to consider all input from all attendees. This case is just the most recent example of shutting the people out of the process in favor of developer/donor interests.
Residents say input and infrastructure falling behind at North Hills
On January 6, 2026, rezoning case Z-34-25, the rezoning of North Hills, will again be presented to Council for approval. The previous submission in 2021 was withdrawn due to concerns from City Councilors and considerable public comment that did not support the request without further addressing the inconsistencies with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan for building heights, density transitions, and affordable housing. CBS 17 spoke with Larry Helfant about the case and the lack of attention paid to both community input and local infrastructure that is falling behind.
Off to the Races for Raleigh City Council
CANDIDATE FILING HAS ENDED, WHO’S RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL? To learn more about the new election process which features a March 3 Primary before the November 3 General Election, please register to attend Livable Raleigh’s Zoom Meeting on January 7 at 7pm.
Poll Results on Election Issues in 2026 Raleigh City Council Races
New Citywide Poll of Raleigh Voters Reveals Council is failing on Affordable Housing, Transportation and Citizen Engagement
December 2, 2025 City Council Meeting
Highlights from December 2, 2025 City Council meeting.
It’s Up to City Council Now
The RCAC has done its part. It is now up to the Council to bring this across the finish line. Yes, the additional benefits outlined in the Tier approach carry a cost, but this is not because of the addition of the CACs. The additional cost burden is because the benefits are being applied across the entire Engagement Network so that other organizations can share those same benefits that the CACs have enjoyed in the past.
When and How does Raleigh Vote? – Event Rescheduled
The next election for Raleigh Mayor and City Council will be held November 3, 2026. But there’s a brand-new primary election first, on March 3, 2026. With a deadline for candidates to file and get on the ballot THIS YEAR — by December 19, 2025. Join Livable Raleigh Advisory Committee Members and our guest Elections Expert Gerry Cohen on Wednesday, January 7, at 7pm for a ZOOM meeting to learn all the details.
All residents’ voices MUST be heard.
The current proposal to eliminate boards — or to merge multiple community-focused efforts into a single entity — is deeply disappointing. As a volunteer commission, the HRC is not structured to provide adequate attention and voice to the wide range of community issues.
Mayor Cowell talked compromise for 6 months. What happened?
The approval of Z-12-25 was a huge disappointment to many of the residents in Raleigh’s neighborhoods. What is most disappointing is that there was a workable compromise that would have respected all parties.