The Raleigh City Council met on November 18, 2025 for a full work session and regular session focusing on parks bond spending transparency, mobility improvements, rezoning cases, greenway planning, public safety updates, and community concerns. Below are the major decisions, votes, and policy updates shaping Raleigh’s near future.
The full agenda and attachments are available here.
⭐ Top Highlights From the Meeting
Councilor Lambert-Melton was absent and excused. An online 2022 Parks Bond Interactive Dashboard is launching soon to track the $325M bond program. Public comments focused on Big Branch Greenway Connector, parking challenges, and stormwater issues. Two-hour free downtown parking pilot extended through the end of the fiscal year. Downtown Mobility Study and Active Mobility Plan unanimously approved (estimated cost: ~$100M). Update provided on the implementation of the Raleigh CARES crisis response program. Big Branch Greenway Connector segments approved (5–2 vote). Raleigh authorized participation in the C-PACE commercial financing program. All nuisance abatement liens and repair/demolition orders approved. Several annexation petitions approved unanimously. Rezoning cases Z-23-25 and Z-25-25 received mixed outcomes (one deferred, one denied). Text Change TC-3-25 (Greenway Amendments) approved. Community meetings announced for Districts D and E. Mayor Cowell addressed community stress due to ICE presence in Wake & Durham counties.
11:30 AM – Work Session
2022 Parks Bond Update
The city will soon launch a public interactive dashboard allowing residents to track spending, timelines, and project progress for the 2022 Parks Bond.
$55.31 million spent to date Total project budget: $325.40 million Projects expected to be completed by December 2029 Mayor Cowell emphasized the importance of using this tool for future bond transparency and understanding inflation impacts.
Regular Session
Mayor’s Remarks
Mayor Cowell announced that ICE is present in Wake and Durham counties, urging residents with concerns to contact Raleigh Police and encouraging peaceful First Amendment expression.
City Recognition
Interstate Renewable Energy Council – Charging Smart Silver Designation
Raleigh received a Silver award for national best practices in EV readiness and charging infrastructure expansion.
Consent Agenda
Passed unanimously.
Public Comments
Public remarks centered on:
Big Branch Greenway Connector concerns Downtown parking issues Stormwater and flooding problems
Because 26 people signed up, speakers were limited to one minute each. Notably, four people who signed up did not attend.
Planning Commission: Upcoming Public Hearings (Dec 2, 2025)
Scheduled rezoning hearings include:
Z-9-25: 4500 Western Boulevard Z-11-25: 2230 S. New Hope Road Z-28-25: 2126 Sanderford Road Z-30-25: 2816 Hodge Road Z-20-25: Brier Creek Town Center PD TCZ-32-25: Jeffreys Grove School Road Assemblage TC-3-24: Historic Preservation / RHDC Updates
Special Items
Downtown Investment Opportunities – 2-Hour Free Parking Pilot
City has already lost $500,000+ in revenue during the pilot period. Council and Mayor support continuing the pilot for branding, safety, and economic benefits. Unanimously extended through the end of the fiscal year. Parking will be discussed further during the January retreat.
Rezoning Z-27-25: Grove Avenue
Scheduled for December 2 public hearing.
City Manager’s Report
Downtown Mobility Study + Active Mobility Plan
Staff shared planning-level cost estimates for priority bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Total expected investment: ~$100M. Council unanimously approved both plans.
Raleigh CARES Program Update
Staff provided updates on the city’s alternative crisis response model focused on empathy, behavioral health, and reducing police strain.
Parks, Recreation & Greenway Advisory Board
Big Branch Greenway Connector – Schematic Design
Parks Board could not reach consensus; raised concerns about: environmental impacts safety risks fiscal uncertainty NCDEQ approval still required. No easement acquisition cost data yet. Flooding concerns highlighted.
Approved Segments
Council approved:
Segment 1A Segment 4 Segment 1B (streamside west option)
Vote: 5–2
No votes: Councilors Jones & Branch
Public Hearings & Action Items
Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program
Raleigh will participate in the C-PACE program, enabling financing tools for green commercial improvements.
Approved unanimously.
Public Nuisance Abatement – Liens
Addresses:
1417 E Martin St 1700 New Bern Ave 813 N West St All approved unanimously.
Unfit for Human Habitation – 90-Day Orders
Properties:
116 Star Street — granted extra time 4001 Virginia Street — approved 4005 Virginia Street — approved 4009 Virginia Street — approved
Annexations
AX-27-25: 8215 Leesville Rd — approved AX-28-25: 5910 Ponderosa Rd — approved
Rezoning Cases
Z-23-25 (Gorman Street): Deferred to December 2 Z-25-25 (101 N. Bloodworth St): Denied 6–1 TC-3-25 (Greenway Amendments): Approved unanimously
Council Announcements
District D
DDNA meeting: Nov 22, 9:30–11am, Carolina Pines Topics: affordable housing, public safety
District E
District meeting: Dec 10, 6–8pm at La Cucina Book club meeting: Dec 13, 9:30–11:30am at Panera on Glenwood
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Cowell acknowledged community stress surrounding ICE activity and urged compassion and calm.
Stay Informed on Raleigh Government
This meeting was packed with major policy decisions shaping Raleigh’s future — from mobility investments to greenway planning to housing and annexation. Bookmark DoRaleigh.com for ongoing coverage of City Council meetings, budget decisions, zoning updates, and neighborhood news.
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