May 4 Newsletter
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Investing in Social and Civic Infrastructure
Raleigh’s Dix Park is hitting a major milestone with the impending opening of the Gipson Play Plaza. This represents a $69 million investment by the City. Additionally, Raleigh is continually expanding its greenway and park system, including the upcoming Smoky Hollow Park. Public investment in “social infrastructure” is vital to maintaining the livability of cities.
However, to maximize the benefits of such investments, cities must also plan for how the surrounding areas will grow as private investment moves in. Raleigh’s next comprehensive plan should include tools to address this important element of urban planning.
Here is an essay from Southern Urbanism exploring the topic in relation to Cary’s recently completed downtown park, but it is equally applicable to Raleigh. We’ve included a number of articles below that explore how investing in social and civic infrastructure builds community.
Articles of interest:
Eric Braun, Founder of RaleighForward, was quoted in this article: “NC faces a housing crisis. What are lawmakers doing about it? And will it make a dent?”Speaking of housing and legislative reforms, keep an eye on the calendar as the legislative “crossover” date is May 8. Legislation must pass at least one chamber by May 8 to survive the remainder of the session.
If Montana can do it twice, maybe North Carolina can pass some of the many pro-housing bills filed during this session? “Montana’s Housing Miracle Strikes Twice.”
Similarly, Washington passed pro-housing legislation this year. The state of Washington recently passed a number of bills intended to increase housing supply.
Nevada is also considering pro-housing legislation. “Legislative Proposals Would Nudge, Aid Municipalities Toward Infill Development.”
Here is a newsletter that does a nice job reviewing some of the housing reform legislation happening across the Country. “Back to Basics” from Reason.
This article is further evidence supporting the urgent need to enact reforms to expand the housing supply across the Country. “Homeownership Further Out of Reach as High Prices, Rising Mortgage Rates Widen Affordability Gap.”
Given Raleigh’s ongoing difficulty just trying to start construction on its first BRT line along New Bern Avenue and the Trump administration threats to grant funding, the City may need to explore new options for raising additional money locally to accelerate the construction of the BRT lines beyond New Bern Avenue. Also, maybe it’s time the Triangle community partners revisit funding priorities and allocation formula established by the Wake Transit Plan in 2016? CAMPO and GoTriangle should also act more quickly in deciding whether and how to redeploy the revenue set aside for the proposed commuter rail. Particularly since commuter failed to secure Federal funding support? RaleighForward supports commuter rail, but as a community, we must be realistic about what is financially and politically feasible. Not to mention what can be delivered to best serve residents in the region in a reasonable timeframe. This Bloomberg article highlights the ongoing threat to transit systems nationally: “A $6 Billion Shortfall Has US Mass Transit Facing a Death Spiral.” And this Bloomberg column suggests that Congress is to blame for broken public transit: “Public Transit Is Broken, and Congress Deserves Some Blame.”
Social infrastructure, or the physical spaces communities use to gather and build relationships, are critical to building resilience. This article explores some of the benefits of building and maintaining social infrastructure: “Three Strategies for Using Social Infrastructure to Build Resilience.”
This article explores the integral role of social infrastructure in urban regeneration. It posits that investments in housing, education, and healthcare facilities are essential for revitalizing communities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring inclusive development. “Housing Plus: Why Social Infrastructure Is Key to Unlocking the Benefits of Regeneration.”
Urban infrastructure encompasses various components, such as transportation systems, utilities, and public services, all of which significantly impact urban design. Cities are no longer just clusters of buildings; they have become complex networks where infrastructure serves as the backbone. “The Impact of Urban Infrastructure on Urban Design.”
Items of Interest in the Week Ahead:
Council meets on May 6, 2025. Here are some key agenda items for review.
Every 2 years starting in 2016, the City conducts a community survey to gather resident input across a wide array of topics. The most recent survey was conducted in 20224 and City Council will receive a report and the results during its meeting on May 6. The survey methodology memo can be found here. The survey results will be posted here on May 6 at the conclusion of the Council meeting. To review the survey reports from 2016-2022, click here. RaleighForward will discuss the key findings in its next newsletter.
The volume of rezoning cases coming before Council has slowed significantly in recent months. There are only 2 rezoning public hearings on Council’s agenda this week:
The first case is Z-46-24 and involves approximately 3.8 acres located at 4349 Pearl Road. The request seeks to retain the current Residential-10 Conditional Use Designation but adds 7 conditions. Those relate to the style of apartment structure allowed and caps development intensity at 40 units, setback limitations and mandates traffic calming measures. The case was deferred by Council twice and is back for a continued public hearing. Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the case. For more information about the case, click here.
The second case is Z-39-24 and involves approximately 14.1 acres on Honeycutt Road within the Falls Lake Watershed. Proposed conditions limit development intensity to 56 dwelling units and prohibits a variety of uses, including apartments. There are also environmental conditions that mandate 15% tree conservation area and 30% net open space preservation. Planning Commission voted 4-2 to recommend approval of the rezoning application. For more information about this case, click here.
Other community meetings and items of interest:
On Wednesday, May 15 from 6-8:00 pm, the City is sponsoring an event to hear the results of a study commissioned to analyze the social economy’s strengths, challenges and opportunities of the Fayetteville Street District and Glenwood South District. For more details and location, please click here.