The Raleigh City Council tackled major budget discussions, transportation planning, rezonings, and bond approvals during its May 19 meeting, setting the stage for several major decisions that will shape the future of Raleigh.
Among the biggest developments were a proposed property tax increase, new investments in public safety and downtown infrastructure, endorsement of the Wake Bus Rapid Transit Northern Corridor plan, and approval of more than $203 million in proposed housing and transportation bonds for the November 2026 ballot.
FY2026-27 Proposed Budget Includes Tax Increase and New Public Safety Positions
City leaders presented the proposed FY2026-27 Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which includes a proposed 1.7 cent property tax increase.
According to city staff, the increase would close a projected $13 million deficit while funding several council priorities and service expansions.
Proposed Budget Highlights
- 23 additional police officer positions — the first increase since 2017
- 12 additional firefighter positions — the first increase since 2015
- Six new Emergency Communications call takers over the next three years
- $2 million for downtown parking initiatives
- $3 million for Dorothea Dix Park improvements
- 8.75 additional positions for Dix Park operations
- Six new staff positions in Planning and Development
- Six new staff positions in Solid Waste Services
- Expansion of the Engagement Network to continue supporting community engagement and CAC-style neighborhood connections
The proposed budget also includes increases to:
- Stormwater fees
- Water fees
- Solid waste service fees
Part of the solid waste changes would support a shift to weekly yard waste collection, replacing seasonal leaf collection.
Budget Work Sessions Begin June 1
City Council will begin budget work sessions on June 1 and continue meeting every Monday in June until the budget and CIP are formally adopted.
Public Hearing Information
A public hearing on the proposed FY2026-27 budget and CIP is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2.
Residents who want to speak during the hearing must register by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 29 through the city website.
Paper copies of the budget will also be available for review at the Office of the City Clerk located at:
- 222 West Hargett Street
- Suite 207
- Raleigh, NC
Wake BRT Northern Corridor Receives Unanimous Support
Council unanimously endorsed the findings of the Wake Bus Rapid Transit Northern Corridor Major Investment Study.
The vote supports:
- Midtown Alignment 6
- Triangle Town Center 3
as the Locally Preferred Alternatives for the corridor study.
The Northern Corridor is part of the region’s expanding Bus Rapid Transit network designed to improve transit connectivity and mobility across Raleigh and Wake County.
$203 Million in Affordable Housing and Transportation Bonds Advance
One of the most significant actions of the night involved the proposed November 2026 bond referendum.
Council approved the second reading of two separate bond orders:
- $101.5 million for Affordable Housing Bonds
- $101.5 million for Transportation Bonds
The measures will now move forward toward the November 2026 election ballot pending required publication and election procedures.
City Council also directed the City Clerk to coordinate required notices and filings with the Wake and Durham County Boards of Elections.
Public Comment Focused on Poverty, Stormwater, Preservation, and Trees
Residents speaking during public comment raised concerns and advocacy around:
- Poverty
- Stormwater management
- Historic preservation
- Tree protections
These topics continue to remain major discussion points as Raleigh manages rapid growth and redevelopment pressures.
Arts Commission and Public Art Plans Approved
Council unanimously approved annual work plans for:
- The Raleigh Arts Commission
- The Public Art and Design Board
The plans help guide city-supported arts programming and future public art initiatives throughout Raleigh.
Annexations and Rezonings Approved
Council unanimously approved several annexations and rezonings during the meeting.
Approved Annexations
- 7929 Ligon Mill Road
- 3800 Jones Sausage Road
- 511 Strother Road
- Raleigh-Knightdale Annexation Agreement
Approved Rezonings
- Z-35-25 – Ligon Mill Road
- Z-15-25 – Randleigh Farm area near Auburn Knightdale Road and Battle Bridge Road
- Z-37-25 – Avent Ferry Road area
- Z-53-25 – 5601 Six Forks Road
Rezoning Held Open
Rezoning Z-39-25 at 319 Heck Street near Oakwood Avenue was held open until June 16 for additional discussion about proposed conditions.
Upcoming Public Hearings
June 2 Public Hearings
- FY2026-27 Budget and CIP
- Rezoning Z-43-25 – Litchford Road
- Rezoning Z-01-26 – Martin Street / Commerce Place / Davie Street
- Text Change TCZ-02-26 – Creedmoor Road
June 16 Public Hearings
- Jones Ridge Trail Annexation and Rezoning
- Rezoning near Glenwood Avenue and West Jones Street
- New Bern Avenue BRT Corridor rezoning proposal
Traffic Calming Policy Discussion Scheduled
The Transportation and Transit Committee will discuss Traffic Calming Policy updates on Thursday, May 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
District E Community Meetings Announced
Councilor Christina Jones announced several upcoming community events:
- District E monthly meeting — June 10 from 6-8 p.m. at La Cucina
- Book club meeting — June 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at New World Cafe
- Virtual sewage spill discussion — May 21 from 6-7 p.m.
View the Full official notes from the Raleigh City Council
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