April 27 Newsletter
Hello, and welcome to RaleighForward on Substack!
A Civic Assembly for Raleigh?
In March, RaleighForward, the City of Raleigh and WakeUp Wake County sponsored a program on Civic Assemblies and innovations in public comment with Nick Vlahos and the National Civic League.
We are excited to note that Raleigh recently announced an RFP seeking a contractor to implement a Civic Assembly as part of developing its next Comprehensive Plan. The deadline to respond to the RFP is May 9. To access the RFP, click here.
Articles of interest:
“Surveying Missing Middle Trends in the US and Massachusetts—Challenges and Opportunities.” From the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.
This article explores anticipated advancements in citizens’ assemblies within the U.S. political landscape in 2025. The authors discuss potential breakthroughs in institutional support, public engagement, and policy impact, emphasizing the growing role of deliberative democracy in addressing complex societal issues.“What Will Be Some of the Key Breakthroughs for Citizens’ Assemblies in 2025? American Enterprise Institute.”
Drawing parallels between Icelandic cities and small U.S. cities, this article discusses how small-scale planning can address common challenges like mobility and housing. It emphasizes the importance of adaptable, community-centric development strategies. “Think Big, Plan Small: Lessons from Icelandic Cities for the U.S.”
Utilizing AI to analyze zoning reforms, this study finds that form-based codes, which often support small-scale development, are associated with improved walkability and increased multi-family housing. It suggests that such zoning reforms can enhance urban sustainability. “Zoning in American Cities: Are Reforms Making a Difference? An AI based Analysis.”
Is this a cautionary tale for Raleigh’s future? “Americans no Longer Moving to Southern Boomtowns.” From the Daily Mail.
“Several bills filed in state Senate to increase NC’s housing supply.” From NC Newsline.
“Affordable Housing set for Cary Church Property will Change Lives, Mayor Says.” From the Raleigh News & Observer.
Ben Cappellacci writes for CityBuilder about the single-staircase opportunity for neighborhood-friendly housing. “How a simple change in building codes can help solve the missing middle housing gap.”
This article details an Oregon county’s initiative to address youth homelessness through a citizens’ assembly. It illustrates how randomly selected residents can collaboratively develop policy recommendations, showcasing the practical application of deliberative democracy at the local level. “Citizens’ Assemblies Can Be a Tool to Build for Our Democracy and Climate.”
In response to declining trust in government, citizens’ assemblies offer a proven model for inclusive, community-driven policymaking. A New America report highlights case studies from Colorado and California, showing how digital tools and in-person engagement work together to foster civic trust, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen democratic decision-making processes. “Revitalizing American Democracy through Civic Assemblies.”
From the Data Department:
The median price of real estate in Wake County increased by $5,000 to $452,000.
If you are interested in the impact of Raleigh’s Missing Middle ordinance reforms, the City has a resource page that illustrates permitting activity through July 2024 that you can find here.
Items of Interest in the Week Ahead:
There is no Raleigh City Council meeting this week. The next meeting will be May 6, 2025. However, be on the lookout for the City’s release of the results of its most recent “Community Survey.” These are conducted every 2 years, beginning in 2016. The 2024 edition is complete and the results are to be presented to Council in May. To review past survey results, click here and here.
Other community meetings and items of interest:
Nominations are open for the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, click here.
Keep an eye on the effort to rezone property adjacent to Raleigh’s planned Smoky Hollow Park. Neighbors defeated a similar zoning case less than 2 years ago. However, the developer succeeded in gaining approval from the City Council to file a new rezoning when Council voted to waive the 2-year waiting period. Opposition is already organizing to oppose the case. RaleighForward will be tracking the new rezoning, so expect further posts as the case moves through the process.