Wake County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Real Estate Revaluation Process
An addendum to the Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules will be submitted for the 2027 countywide property revaluation. These rules help determine what your home is assessed at — and indirectly, your property tax bill.
Town of Wendell Fire Tax District Separation
The Town of Wendell, Wendell Fire and the county are set to sign a merger memorandum of understanding. It could change how fire service is delivered and funded in the Wendell area.
Support for Wake County Cultural Arts Plan
The committee explored how the arts drive economic development, combat loneliness, and improve community wellbeing. Commissioners discussed integrating arts goals into the county's strategic plan and branding Wake County as a cultural destination.
Cybersecurity and Phishing Threats Targeting Permit Applicants
County staff warned about sophisticated phishing campaigns that use real permit application details to trick contractors into paying fraudulent invoices. Officials stressed that the county never sends permit invoices via email and requires payments to be made directly through the official permit portal.
Clean Energy Roadmap and Building/Fleet Electrification
Staff presented updates on the county's progress toward achieving 100% clean energy by 2050, highlighting energy-efficient building designs, solar panel installations, and challenges in electrifying emergency vehicle fleets.
Treadway Farm Agricultural Conservation Easement
The county approved an agreement to preserve 55 acres of prime farmland near Zebulon through a donated conservation easement in partnership with the Triangle Land Conservancy.
After-School Youth Development and Student Support
Smart Start officials highlighted the successes and ongoing struggles of the NC Pre-K and Wake 3 School programs, including staffing shortages, low wages, and transportation barriers.
2027 Board of Commissioners Operational Adjustments
The county is planning ahead for how committees and agendas will be managed when the board expands to nine commissioners.
Food Security and Local Agricultural Support
As federal ARPA funding sunsets, commissioners debated how to sustain critical food security programs like the Farm to Early Childhood pilot and farmers market SNAP matching initiatives.
Novartis Business Development Grant Agreement
Wake County approved a business development grant to help bring Ralliant Corporation's corporate headquarters to the North Hills area, creating 180 executive and administrative jobs with an average salary of $190,000.
Affordable Housing 2025 CAPER Report
County housing staff presented the annual HUD performance report, highlighting progress on affordable housing goals while noting the impending sunset of federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Strategic Plan Aging Population and Senior Services
With Wake County ranking second in the nation for senior population growth among large counties, commissioners are developing a comprehensive aging plan and strategic goal to address housing, health, and social connection needs.
Wake County Office Park Redevelopment
The county is moving forward with a $214 million redevelopment of its Pool Road office park, combining General Services, library administration, and corporate training into an efficient campus that maximizes county-owned land.
Business Development Grant Policy Revisions
The board updated its economic development incentive policy to create a transformational project tier and adjust wage thresholds to attract large employers.
Affordable Housing HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Amendment
The board reallocated federal HOME-ARP funds from shelter to permanent affordable housing development and supportive services.
Triangle Bikeway Regional Maintenance and Construction
Planning officials are coordinating across county lines to determine who will build and maintain the multi-use Triangle Bikeway.
Early Voting Site Access at NC State University
Student leaders and Democratic party representatives urged the board to provide contingent funding to restore an early voting site at NC State's Talley Student Union after the Board of Elections relocated it to a less accessible off-campus site.
Alliance Health Operational and Financial Oversight
Alliance Health leaders discussed local service investments and operational pressures, including Medicaid policy changes, fraud concerns, and support for uninsured residents.
Maternal and Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative
Wake County reviewed ongoing efforts from the Maternal and Infant Mortality Work Group, featuring regional town halls, an interactive resource map, and strategies to eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes.
Wake County Farmland Preservation Plan Adoption
The county adopted a comprehensive farmland preservation plan to protect working agricultural lands from rapid development pressure and leverage state conservation funding.