The City of Raleigh City Council held a full agenda meeting on January 6, 2026, covering rezonings, affordable housing investments, committee restructuring, and major project updates—including the status of the Raleigh Convention Center and the New City Hall project. Below is a clear, community-focused recap of the most important actions and discussions for Raleigh residents.
👉 Full agenda and attachments:
Key Takeaways at a Glance
North Hills rezoning public hearing led the agenda and remains open for continued discussion Councilor Harrison named Mayor Pro Tem Raleigh Convention Center expected to reopen within days following fire-related repairs New City Hall remains on schedule for March 2027 completion, on time and on budget $2.88 million authorized for Duplex Village affordable housing development Multiple rezonings approved, delayed, or scheduled for future hearings City Council committees renamed to align with the adopted Strategic Plan Upcoming district meetings and Transportation & Transit Committee discussions announced
Leadership & Governance Updates
City Council unanimously named Councilor Harrison as Mayor Pro Tem, a key leadership role responsible for stepping in when the Mayor is unavailable and helping guide Council priorities.
Council also unanimously approved renaming two standing committees to better reflect policy focus:
Growth & Natural Resources Committee → Housing and the Environment Safe, Vibrant, and Healthy Communities Committee → Community Safety and Quality of Life
Major City Projects & Infrastructure
Raleigh Convention Center Update
Following a recent fire incident, staff reported:
Re-occupancy expected within a day or two Six events cancelled or relocated 34 Q1 events moving forward with minimal disruption Over $4 million in booked revenue retained More than 28,000 hotel room nights preserved
Council unanimously granted the City Manager expanded authority to enter contracts and approve budget transfers through June 30, 2026 to support recovery efforts.
New City Hall Project
The New City Hall project remains:
On schedule On budget Targeted for final completion in March 2027
Affordable Housing: Duplex Village
Council unanimously approved:
A $2,880,000 conditional commitment from the 2020 Affordable Housing Bond Authorization to lease city-owned land to BRAD (or designated ownership entity)
The Duplex Village project will deliver 120 affordable rental units for low-income households, representing a significant investment in housing stability and equity.
Rezoning & Land Use Decisions
Approved or Continued Rezoning Items
Z-9-25 – 4500 Western Blvd (District D): Approved 5–3, with concerns raised about tree canopy preservation Z-27-25 – 721 & 725 Grove Ave (District D): Unanimously approved Z-26-25 – Leesville Rd (District E): Unanimously approved Z-34-25 – North Hills (District A): Hearing held open until January 20 Z-33-25 – Gresham Lake Rd (District A): To return as a special item on January 20, with a public hearing set for February 3
Rezoning Delays for Further Discussion
Z-11-25 – 2230 S. New Hope Rd (District C): Public hearing delayed until January 20 to allow more discussion on affordable housing conditions Z-31-25 – 516 N. Blount St (District C): Planning Commission deadline extended by 45 days
Transportation & Street Closings
Street Closing STC-04-2025 (McLean Drive ROW): Unanimously approved Transportation & Transit Committee will meet January 29, 3–5 PM to discuss citizen-initiated street closures and transportation concerns, including Six Forks Road impacts related to North Hills development
Environmental & Public Health Actions
Council unanimously:
Authorized the sale of environmental credits generated by the Bioenergy Recovery Facility using Renewable Natural Gas Directed the City Attorney to draft a resolution adopting the NC DHHS model non-smoking ordinance
District & Community Meetings to Know
District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA): January 17, 9:30 AM – Crowder Center (hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Harrison) District E Meeting: January 14, 6–8 PM – La Cucina Italian Restaurant (Councilor Jones) Councilor Jones Book Club: January 17, 9:30–11:30 AM – New World Café District A Meeting: Tentatively scheduled for January 29 (location TBD, Councilor Silver)
Why This Matters
From housing affordability and downtown recovery to rezoning decisions and committee restructuring, the January 6 City Council meeting set the tone for Raleigh’s policy direction in early 2026. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, attend upcoming committee meetings, and participate in district forums to help shape decisions that impact neighborhoods citywide.
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