North Hills Rezoning Approved, Major Bonds Authorized, Non-Smoking Ordinance Updated
Published: January 21, 2026
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
January 20, 2026 Raleigh City Council Meeting Recap
The Raleigh City Council held a full day of meetings on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, covering major rezonings, long-term planning initiatives, public safety investments, annexations, and updates to the City’s non-smoking ordinance.
👉 Full agenda and attachments are available via the City of Raleigh’s official meeting portal.
Key Meeting Highlights
✅ North Hills Rezoning Approved (6–2 Vote)
City Council approved the North Hills rezoning (Z-34-25) at the interchange of I-440 and Six Forks Road by a 6–2 vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilor Jones voting against the request.
Traffic concerns related to North Hills will not be discussed at the January 29 Transportation & Transit Committee meeting. Instead, North Hills traffic issues are scheduled for the February Transportation & Transit Committee meeting.
🗣 Public Comment Themes
Public comments focused heavily on:
City budget priorities Greenways and trail access Public transit and transportation Parks and recreation funding Stormwater management Mental health services
Two of the eleven registered speakers did not appear.
🌳 Dix Park Conservancy Agreement Updates
Council unanimously approved updates to the Memorandum of Agreement with the Dix Park Conservancy, continuing the partnership governing one of Raleigh’s most significant public spaces.
🚭 Raleigh Updates Non-Smoking Ordinance
Council unanimously adopted a new ordinance aligning Raleigh with the model non-smoking ordinance prepared by the NC Department of Health and Human Services Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch (TPC).
Key points:
Replaces existing non-smoking provisions with the TPC model Maintains prohibitions on vending machine tobacco sales Includes a 90-day delayed effective date to allow education and implementation
Work Session: “Big Ideas” from the Fall 2025 Retreat
Council received a follow-up presentation on three long-term “Big Ideas” identified during the Fall 2025 City Council Retreat:
Regional Rail Affordable Housing Public-Private Partnerships Sponge Cities & Stormwater Innovation
These ideas were evaluated using a Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability framework, with examples drawn from peer cities. The goal is to move from visionary concepts toward practical, measurable solutions that improve quality of life while remaining fiscally responsible.
Afternoon Session Summary
Consent Agenda
All consent agenda items were unanimously approved except Item C-1A, which was pulled for discussion.
After a presentation from RPD Chief Rico Boyce, Council approved the acquisition of the StarChase system, a vehicle pursuit safety technology.
💡 Funding is fully covered by a grant.
Planning Commission Actions
Rezoning & Land Use
Z-29-25 (Trailwood Drive / Avent Ferry Road) ➝ 45-day extension granted for additional conditions Z-33-25 (Gresham Lake Road, east of I-540) ➝ Public hearing scheduled for February 3, 2026 Z-11-25 (2230 S. New Hope Road) ➝ Withdrawn by applicant
Boards & Commissions
Council unanimously approved updated bylaws for:
Stormwater Management Advisory Commission Environmental Advisory Board Raleigh Historic Development Commission
City Manager Recommendations Approved
👮 Police Technology Investment
Council unanimously approved a $16.1 million contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., funding:
Taser 10 devices (10-year service) Axon Records Fusus real-time crime center platform
Matters Scheduled for Public Hearing – Approved
Council unanimously approved multiple financial and administrative items, including:
Limited Obligation Bond, Series 2026B ➝ Up to $120 million for City Hall Phase II & public safety facilities Limited Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2026 Demolition of unfit building at 617 S. Blount Street Public nuisance abatement property liens Multiple annexation petitions across Districts A, B, and C
Committee Reports
No activity reported from:
Economic Development & Innovation Committee Housing & Environment Committee Community Safety & Quality of Life Committee
Transportation & Transit Committee
Meeting scheduled for January 29, 2026 (3–5 PM) Topic: citizen-initiated street closures North Hills discussion moved to February
Mayor & Council Announcements
📍 District Meetings
Councilor Silver (District A)
📅 Jan 29 | 6–7 PM | Gordon Center Councilor Jones (District E)
📅 Feb 11 | 6–8 PM | La Cucina
📚 Feb 14 | 9:30–11:30 AM | New World Café (Book Club)
📣 Mayor Cowell requested a review of City policies related to protests.
Why This Meeting Matters
The January 20, 2026 Raleigh City Council meeting addressed growth, governance, public safety, health policy, and long-range planning, with decisions that will directly impact development patterns, transportation planning, and quality of life across the city.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by attending committee meetings, district sessions, and upcoming public hearings.
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