October 18, 2026 Newsletter
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Sneak Peek: What Residents Think About Housing Affordability
As Raleigh continues to grow, housing affordability remains one of the most defining issues facing our city. With the upcoming November City Council election just around the corner and an initial draft of Raleigh’s new Comprehensive Plan slated for release this coming Spring, understanding how residents across each Council District view the City’s housing market is more critical than ever.
To capture a true snapshot of public opinion, RaleighForward commissioned a survey of more than 1500 residents across all five City Council districts. The survey was conducted between September 29 and October 7, 2026, with a citywide margin of error of ±2.5 points. Today, we are excited to offer a limited first look at the results!
High-Level Takeaways: A Resounding Public Consensus
While Raleigh residents widely celebrate the City’s investments in quality-of-life amenities like parks, dining, and transit service, the data reveals a powerful, Citywide consensus around housing availability and affordability:
Affordability Anxiety Crosses Every District: Nearly 88% of respondents express concern about housing affordability in Raleigh today, with 62.8% reporting they are extremely or very concerned.
The Impact Hits Home: More than 71% of respondents report that a shortage of affordable housing has impacted them personally or affected a family member or close friend.
A Demand for More: Over 67% of respondents state the City simply does not have enough housing options to meet the needs of residents across different income levels and family sizes.
In Their Own Words: What Residents Are Saying
Behind the percentages are the real, lived experiences of Raleigh neighbors:
“Many friends are unable to afford buying a home in Raleigh despite above average incomes due to high costs, high interest rates & other expenses like student loans.”
— Raleigh Survey Respondent
“2 of my adult sons still live with my husband and I in order to save money so that they can afford to get out on their own. Cost of rentals and housing is unattainable for someone just starting out in employment.”
— Raleigh Survey Respondent
“Many friends have to live far outside of town and commute to Raleigh.”
— Raleigh Survey Respondent
What Comes Next?
While the upcoming November election will decide who sits on City Council, the real policy work lies ahead in shaping Raleigh’s future. As City staff prepare to release an initial draft of Raleigh’s next Comprehensive Plan in early 2027, these polling results provide a roadmap for building momentum behind thoughtful, pro-housing solutions.
We will release the full, granular polling analysis, including district-by-district breakdowns and detailed policy crosstabs at upcoming events hosted with WakeUp Wake County and CityBuilder featuring expert presentation and analysis directly from the polling firm.
Keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks for official invitations, venue details, and registration links!
RaleighForward, CityBuilder and WakeUp Wake County are co-hosting YIMBYTOWN Raleigh 2026 from November 17-19. For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Additionally, if you are interested in being a volunteer for YIMBYtown 2026, you can apply here (Deadline is November 1).
CITYBuilder Book Club
Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00–1:00 PM
PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails, 400 Hillsborough St
Please RSVP.
Join CITYBUILDER for a discussion of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem, led by Eric Braun and Nicole Stewart.
Authors Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern argue that regional rates of homelessness are primarily driven by structural housing market conditions, specifically high housing costs, rising rents, and low vacancy rates, rather than individual factors like mental illness or substance abuse. The authors show that metropolitan areas with expensive and restricted housing markets experience significantly higher per capita rates of homelessness overall.
Annual Reception
Save the Date for the WakeUp Wake County, RaleighForward and CITYBUILDER Annual Reception this December:
The Annual Reception is on Thursday, December 3, 5.30 – 7.30 at Junction West in downtown Raleigh. There will be time for socializing over heavy hors d’oeuvres, and beer, wine, and refreshments from the bar. WakeUP Wake County’s Executive Director Bert Fox will report on the Regional Coalition and plans for education and advocacy priorities in 2027.
This year’s theme is Planning the Affordable City.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the annual reception, you can reach out to Eric@RaleighForward.org.
Articles of Interest:
Can Atlanta Make Tax-Increment Financing Work in an Equitable Way?
Driving Economic Prosperity Through Public-Private Partnerships.
Raleigh Churches see Their Parking Lots to Ease Housing Shortages.
Cities Across the US are Turning Attics, Backyards and Garages into Housing.
The once popular single-room occupancy housing option is making a comeback.
This Rural Utah Developer is Making Starter Homes Everyone Wants.
From the Data Department:
The US Census and Harvard University have developed an Opportunity Atlas that allows users to explore how certain socioeconomic conditions affect childhood opportunities. See below for a sample graphic from the Opportunity Atlas. To explore the Opportunity Atlas, click here.
City Council’s next meeting is Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Here are a few items of interest:
Council will be asked to award $5,696,000 in gap financing to be the following 4 proposed developments. To review the full agenda packet related to this item, click here.
Fisher Grove (166 units): $996,000
Preserve at Gresham Lake (156 units): $2,700,000
Duplex Village (129 units): $1,000,000
Heritage Park 1A (112 units): $1,000,000
Staff will discuss opportunities to improve access to housing through zoning or changes to the Unified Development Ordinance on land owned by faith-based organizations. Click here for the agenda materials.
Other items of interest:
Are you interested in helping our community address unsheltered homelessness? If so, the Wake County Continuum of Care is seeking volunteers to serve on its Governing Board. The application process can be found here.
New program helps Raleigh residents save on energy bills. For more information, click here.
Raleigh continues to turn wastewater into renewable energy. Click here for details.
Current City Manager’s report can be found here.