Growth Management

• Jan. 19th- 21st Century City Lecture w/Rep. Earl Blumenauer - WakeUP Wake County and the Raleigh Department of City Planning will host Congressman Earl Blumenauer in the 21st Century City Lecture on January 19th, 2012 at The Stockroom at 230. Click here to register for the event.
• Parks and Recreational Land in Wake County Need Your Help!-

  Wake County Commissioners are considering repealing the Recreational Land Dedication Ordinance (RLDO), which requires new developments to set aside land, or pay a fee in-lieu of, for future parks, open space, and recreation.

  This is a fair fee that ensures that new development helps pay its fair share of the infrastructure costs of growth.  Providing and maintaining adequate parks and open space is critical as development occurs, particularly given that Wake County is projected to be the fastest growing metro region in the country over the next 10 years.  If we do not set aside places for recreation, we undermine our access to healthy living and a quality environment.  Moreover, we undercut our attractiveness to new residents and businesses.

• WakeUP Submits Comments on Raleigh's New Development Code-

  The City of Raleigh is working on a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to guide future growth and development in the city.  A draft UDO was made available for public comment at the beginning of May.  Recognizing the importance of the UDO for Raleigh's future, WakeUP Wake County convened a diverse group of individuals - representing environmental, transit, and affordable housing advocates and developers - to review the document and prepare comments.

• Donate & Volunteer!-
  
  

  Your support is very important!
  Help ensure a bright future for our community.
  Click below to make a donation, get involved with WakeUP Wake County or sponsor a special event.

• UDO Consolidated Draft now available!-

  The City of Raleigh invites you to participate in the first phase of the project's public comment period from April 6, 2011 through June 6, 2011 for the "Public Review Draft of the Unified Development Ordinance".

  Raleigh's New Code aims to streamline the approval process for compact, high quality development around established nodes throughout Raleigh. WakeUP encourages you to review the code and provide feedback and support for sustainable, smart growth measures including building frontage and setback standards, low-impact development guidelines, limited parking requirements for denser settings, and more!

• Census: Wake is growing, aging, and more diverse-

  According to census data released March 2, 2011, North Carolina's suburbs and urban areas experienced unprecedented growth rates, particularly in Wake County.  A significant portion of newcomers to NC were senior in age, including retirees, and were more ethnically and racially diverse:

• New Census: Wake up to realities of rapid growth-

  75 more people each day. That adds up to a whopping 43.5% growth rate for Wake County this past decade. New census data confirms what our communities know is true - that we're growing faster than national averages, and we're experiencing the challenges of growth every day -- from traffic congestion to crowded schools to limited drinking water supply. The six-county Triangle region grew to 1.6 million, with over half the growth in Wake alone.

• 2011 WakeUP Annual Meeting a success!-
  January 24, 2011, 7-9 pm
  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 3313 Wade Ave, Raleigh
  
  

  Wake elected officials provided an inside scoop on what actions to expect in 2011 at the NC General Assembly, Wake County Commission and Wake School Board. Speakers included from the Wake legislative delegation (House and Senate), and Wake Board of Commissioners:

• Press Release: WakeUP Wake County elects Board of Directors-

   

  
  Click here for PDF

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  For Immediate Release:
  

  Date: February 2, 2011
  Contact: Karen Rindge, Executive Director, WakeUP Wake County, 919-828-3833, Karen@wakeupwakecounty.org
  

• WakeUP Leadership Award Recipients-

  WakeUP Leadership Award:

  2007

  Representative Jennifer Weiss

  2009

  Senator Josh Stein, NC General Assembly

  Representative Deborah Ross, NC General Assembly

  Senator Richard Stevens, NC General Assembly

  2011

  Commissioner Harold Webb, Wake County Board of Commissioners

  Mayor Charles Meeker, City of Raleigh

• Feb. 3-5: National Smart Growth Conference, Charlotte-

• NC 10th largest state in the nation!- North Carolina is now the tenth largest state in the nation! We live in the fastest growing state in the southeast and our elevated ranking offers new access to federal funding opportunities for transportation, education, and other regional improvement initiatives. As one of the largest states in the nation, North Carolina's leaders will be looked to for advice on shaping national policy, particularly how to handle population growth. Wake County has an opportunity to harness heightened national attention and serve as a leader for good growth management. Read more
• A new way to stay tuned: New Raleigh launches a WakeUP Growth Issues column!-

  There is a new way to stay tuned to up-to-date growth issues in Wake County.  New Raleigh, a blossoming local news and culture online publication, recently launched a WakeUP Wake County Growth Issues column!  The column represents an important step expanding WakeUP's audience and providing information on specific growth challenges and solutions that affect the citizens of our community.  Check out the first installment, Born in Raleigh? Chances are slim.

• New Wake County Commission majority dives headfirst into the school diversity policy-

  The new Wake County Commission majority wasted no time during its first meeting on December 6, 2010, taking strong actions to support the Wake School Board majority's decision to end the diversity policy.  The move to rescind the former resolution in favor of diversity in schools brought objections from supporters of the school system's now discarded diversity policy:

  Karen Rindge, executive director of WakeUp, a nonpartisan group that advocates for planned development, said in an interview that the board was advocating an expensive step. She said allowing some Wake schools to slip back into high concentrations of low income and minority students will cost the county by reducing its appeal to new businesses. It's a loss the county can't afford when revenue is already down, she said.

• Triangle population: fastest growing in the nation during the recession-

  In case you need a reminder, the Triangle continues to rein as the fastest growing metropolitan region in the nation, despite the economic recession.  Likened to the 'Silicon Valley' of the East Coast, affordable housing options and a variety of tech job opportunities are fueling the Triangle's unprecedented growth rate.  As the nation emerges from the recession, population growth in the Triangle is only expected to increase.

  Read more: 'Greetings from Recoveryland', Newsweek, November 8, 2010.

• WakeUP receives awards for planning & education!-

  WakeUP's growth management efforts continue to gain MOMENTUM! Recognized as a community leader for good growth practices, WakeUP received two awards on September 30, 2010.

• Where do they stand? Wake Board of Commissioners Candidate Forum provides answers.-

  Over 160 people attended WakeUP Wake County and the League of Women Voters of Wake County's September 27, 2010 Candidate Forum.  Wake Board of Commissioner candidates provided answers to tough questions surrounding transit, drinking water supply, affordable housing, schools, and many other pressing issues.

  Download video of the forum

• Wake's population soars, highest in the state!-

  Mecklenburg County, home to the City of Charlotte, is no longer the most populous in North Carolina.  As of July 2010, Wake County holds the largest population in the state, over 920,000 residents, more than half of whom live outside of the City of Raleigh.

• Raleigh-Cary metro continues to grow-

  The Raleigh-Cary area continues to grow, making the region the 47th largest in the nation.  In March 2010, U.S. Census population figures ranked the Raleigh-Cary area as the 49th largest in the nation, but a population report released on August 4, 2010 has repositioned the region a full two spots ahead in only five months time.  CLICK HERE to read an August 4, 2010 article in the Triangle Business Journal confirming Wake's rapid growth rate.

• WakeUP Testifies before Legislative Urban Growth and Infrastructure Commission- Today WakeUP Wake County's Executive Director, Karen Rindge, presented testimony before the NC Legislative Commission on Urban Growth and Infrastructure. WakeUP was invited to provide recommendations for state action for good growth planning and discuss how WakeUP works. WakeUP's recommendations included: support for transit, drinking water conservation, better controls on stormwater pollution, fair growth funding mechanisms for schools (including transfer tax, impact fees and adequate public facilities ordinances), and diversified housing options. Rindge also explained the mission of WakeUP Wake County. CLICK HERE to read Rindge's testimony.
• 400,000+ Raleigh and surrounding Wake municipalities continue to grow-

  According to U.S. Census figures released June 22, 2010, Raleigh and surrounding Wake County municipalities continue to experience high growth rates, despite the economic recession. In 2009, Raleigh's population climbed above 400,000 people, positioning the city as the 45th largest in the nation. Other Wake municipalities, including the Town of Cary, which added an additional 8,000 residents (total 136,600), experienced comparable growth in 2009. As Wake's population continues to expand, water, transit, and landuse challenges remain at the forefront for residents concerned about maintaining a strong quality of life. Falls Lake, Wake's central drinking water supply is under scrutiny by the State Division of Water Quality, which is currently writing rules that will define the scope and effectiveness of future cleanup and conservation efforts.

• PRESS RELEASE: WakeUP Announces New Board Members-
  CLICK HERE for printable version
  
  
  

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  Contacts: Karen Rindge/Yevonne Brannon FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tel: 919-828-3833/919-244-6243 Email: andrewcarlcampbell@gmail.com

  
  

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• Census: Growth needs for our changing nation-

  The US Census underway will provide greater insight into growth and changing demographics in the Triangle region.  The whole nation is becoming increasingly diverse, as is NC. Will the Raleigh-Cary metro region still be the fastest growing? Census data will help us plan solutions for planning, like public transit options and stronger protections for water, housing options and funding for schools.  Learn more about how our region is expected to change (click link below):

  A Century of Big Change: The Demographic Remix

  Excerpts from the Keynote Address for the Human Relations Commission's Mayor's Unity Day

  Mitch Silver, AICP

• Transit or Traffic?- Urge your State Senator and Senate Finance Committee Chairs and Members to support the Transit Bill aka the "Congestion Relief/Intermodal Transport Fund" Senate Bill 151 / House Bill 148. Otherwise, enjoy the traffic: Help Dan, Save Traffic
• Growth and Development Discussion a Success!-

  Turn out exceeded expectations at the first of three discussions co-hosted by WakeUP Wake County and the Emerging Tar Heel Leaders. Many thanks to Sitti and Greg Hatem for accommodating us as the crowd overflowed the room originally designated for the discussion.

• What If...-

  What if the naysayers are right and Wake's population doesn't double in the next 20 years - will we have cleaned up our water, improved public transportation, and created better schools for nothing?

• How Did Charlotte Schools Top Wake?-

  Courtesy of The Carolinian Newspaper, NC's twice-weekly African-American newspaper, we are re-posting a topical three-part series of articles about the Wake County Public School System, written by Cash Michaels. Part 1, below, was first published in the print-only newspaper November 12, 2009.

  © Cash Michaels, The Carolinian

  Editor’s note - There is no question that as recently as ten years ago, Wake County Public Schools were considered among the best in the state, if not the nation. But, as recent reports suggest, something has gone wrong, and WCPSS has problems now it long thought were behind it. Problems that have been politically exploited, resulting in an historic change on the Wake school board that many see as detrimental to the future of black students in the system.

  In part 1 of a three-part series leading up to the Dec. 1 swearing-in of the new school board, The Carolinian examines exactly what went wrong, and why, with the WCPSS.

• WakeUP Presents Legislative Awards- WakeUP Wake County awarded three Wake County legislators with leadership awards at its annual meeting Monday November 16. Representative Deborah Ross, Senator Josh Stein, and Senator Richard Stevens were honored for their hard work and dedication during the 2009 legislative session in passing two key quality growth planning bills.
• WakeUP Welcomes New Board Members-

  WakeUP would like to extend a warm welcome to its new 2010 Board members: Ram Athavale, Beverley Clark, Abeni El-Amin, Irene Gonzalez, and Don Mial.

• Raleigh-Cary Area Dangerous for Pedestrians-

  The Raleigh-Cary metro area recently earned a new distinction - not only is it the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country, but now it's been ranked the sixth most dangerous area in the country for pedestrians, according to a new report issued by Transportation for America.

• Election Results-

  The results for the October 6th elections for Raleigh, Cary, and the Wake Board of Education are in.
  

• Zoning for a Vibrant Community- Raleigh began working on a new development code in October 2009 that could encourage more sustainable growth in the city through better zoning practices and development standards. Zoning laws - the rules that govern the way land can be developed - can have a significant impact on the look, feel, and functionality of a community. Raleigh's current zoning policies are not adequate to ensure quality growth for our rapidly expanding community - but if we make the right decisions in developing the new code, we can move Raleigh toward a more vibrant future. Read more about zoning for vibrant communities here.

   

• Raleigh's New Development Code - A Work In Progress- What is Raleigh's New Development Code?
  Raleigh's current development code is outdated, difficult to read, and often discourages good growth. As a result of Raleigh's New Comprehensive Plan, a team of consultants was recently hired by the city to write a New Development Code for Raleigh. The New Code will offer greater clarity and predictability for developers and community members alike by removing and amending outdated policies and encouraging good growth through better zoning practices and improved urban development standards.
  
• City of Raleigh Delays Tiered Water Rates- Thanks to a wet spring and a cooler-than-usual summer, Raleigh escaped the severe droughts of recent years in 2009. But we cannot be sure it won't happen next year, or the year after. However, we can be prepared for future droughts. That's why the Raleigh City Council has made recommendations for water conservation.

• Get Details of the Cary Candidate Forum Here!- WakeUP Wake County held another successful forum on September 23 for candidates running for Cary Town Council.
• Missed the Raleigh City Council Candidate Forum? Get the Details Here!-

  WakeUP Wake County and the League of Women Voters of Wake County held a very successful forum on Sept 10 for candidates running for Raleigh City Council. 

• Raleigh TV Network Channel 10 Airing Raleigh Candidate Forum-

  RTN 10 is airing the Sept 10th Raleigh City Council Candidate Forum sponsored by WakeUP Wake County and the League of Women Voters of Wake County.  The programming schedule is as follows:

• Raleigh City Council Approves Vision for Growth- The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday September 8, 2009 to adopt the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, a long-term planning document that will guide development in Raleigh over the next 20 years.  The Plan will go into effect on November 1, 2009.
  
• Local Elections DO MATTER for Quality Growth Planning- Many of the quality of life issues that affect us on a daily basis, like schools, transportation, and drinking water, are decided at the local level. This year, elections for City and Town councils, and the Wake Board of Eduction will give voters an opporutnity to select candidates who will best plan for growth in our communities.
• WakeUP Provides Comments on Raleigh's Infrastructure Impact Plan-

  The City of Raleigh recently took comments on its draft Secondary and Cumulative Impacts (SCI) Management Plan, which addresses growth-related environmental impacts from infrastructure projects planned for Raleigh and the municipalities served by the City's Public Utilities Department. Karen Rindge, Executive Director of WakeUP Wake County, submitted oral comments on the plan at a public meeting on August 17, as well as written comments that provided additional details about WakeUP's recommendations for the plan.

• WakeUP's Leader Receives Indy Citizen Award- WakeUP Wake County Chair, Karen Rindge, has been honored with the Independent Weekly's Citizen Award for 2008! Rindge is receiving the recognition for her efforts leading and building the WakeUP organization.  The Indy notes WakeUP's key role in advocating for better schools and resources conservation in Wake County.  Click here to read about Rindge and the Indy Citizen Award.
• WakeUP Wake County Applauds NC Senate for Advancing Mass Transit and Falls Lake Cleanup- For immediate release:

  Contact: Karen Rindge, Executive Director, WakeUP WakeCounty, 828-3833, 637-4271 (C)
  Date:     August 6, 2009

  Triangle residents stand to gain from two significant actions by the N.C. Senate yesterday. Amidst the flurry of legislative activity yesterday, as the NC General Assembly prepares to wrap-up its 2009 session, the Senate passed HB 148, legislation that will allow plans to build a regional mass transit system in the Triangle. The bill, almost identical to one passed by the NC House of Representatives in April, authorizes referenda in Triangle counties to fund a transit system through a half cent sales tax, and authorizes other funding measures for transit. The Senate also approved environmental legislation (HB 1099) that included provisions to start the cleanup process for Falls Lake.

• Water and Energy Discussion Paints a Cloud with Silver Linings- The second event in the Emerging Tar Heel Leaders summer series on growth in the Triangle spotlighted the challenges and opportunities for our water and energy utilities as the population grows and we recognize the need for more sustainable resource use.
• More Evidence of Wake County's Growth-

  Raleigh and Cary were among the 10 fastest-growing cities in the nation last year, a new census release shows.  As of July 2008, Cary ranked third in growth among cities with 100,000 people or more, with a growth rate of 6.9%.  Raleigh ranked eighth, with a growth rate of 3.8 percent.  While Raleigh and Cary topped the growth charts among cities with more than 100,000 people, the smaller towns in Wake County also come out on top when cities of all sizes are included.  

• Thinking about swimming in Falls Lake? Think again!-

  Just this month, two Falls Lake beaches were closed due to high levels of bacteria.  But this water isn't just for recreation.  This is the water we drink!  Both Falls Lake and Jordan Lake - Wake County's drinking supply reservoirs - are rated as "impaired."  That means they're polluted from stormwater run-off, and overgrown with potentially toxic algae.
  

• Highlights from Education Forum-

  On May 12, WakeUP Wake County, in partnership with other local organizations, hosted an education forum to discuss how the Wake County Public School System will address growth and economic challenges in the years ahead. 

• Triangle Reality Check 2009-

  On February 24, 2009, a group of 300 political, business, environmental, and civic leaders came together to create a vision for growth in the Triangle Region for the next 25 years.  The challenge: where will the additional 1.2 million people and thousands of new jobs go?  Working in small groups with string, legos, and a map, workshop participants discussed issues, balanced needs, and developed scenarios that would ensure our region grows well and remains competitive in the coming decades.  Participants created 3-D models of where housing and jobs should be located, laid out plans for transit systems and new roads, and indicated where to protect open space and water resources.  The major themes that emerged from the visioning effort were 1) Providing a regional transit system, 2) Creating mixed-use development, 3) Protecting drinking water and open space, and 4) Reinvesting in our urban areas.

  Reality Check sees regional cooperation as critical for building consensus around growth issues and ensuring a long-range vision that accounts for the diverse values and interests of our community.

• Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Awards Grant to WakeUP!- The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, based in Winston-Salem, recently announced it will award WakeUP a grant for $35,000 for our work in 2009. This is the first time the Z. Smith Reynolds has given a grant to WakeUP, and it is a fine honor. The foundation recognizes that growth is a serious issue for the entire state and sees WakeUP's efforts as timely and relevant to long-term quality of life.
• CAMPO Releases Transit Map-

  The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), a group of local mayors and county commissioners, are currently reviewing long-range plans for transportation in Wake County and beyond.

  On Wednesday, CAMPO met to review plans for transportation and transit through 2035. CAMPO released a new transit map, that proposes light rail all the way from Apex to Cary, Raleigh and Wake Forest -- and commuter rail to Garner and Clayton. Bus service will be greatly expanded too.

  Of course, several things must happen BEFORE this transit system will be implemented. CAMPO must approve this plan (possibly Feb. 21), legislation must pass the NC General Assembly, and the voters must pass a referendum for funding.

  Go to CAMPO to comment on the 2035 Long-Range Transportation Plan.

• The Elections Matter for Growth-

  Most election news is focused at the national level this year.  However, many of the quality of life issues that affect us daily, like schools, transportation and drinking water, are decided at the local and state level.  This election, voters should look for candidates who will best plan for growth in our communities.

  Given the current economic slowdown, do we in the Triangle still need to be concerned about growing population and development that comes with it?  According to a study published October 5th in the New York Times, Raleigh is one of the few places in the U.S. that still has a growing economy, or at least a stronger economy than most parts of the country.  This good fortune means people will continue to come to the Triangle in search of jobs and good schools. 

  While we may need to adjust population growth projections, elected officials still must figure out how to plan and pay for the many people who will  move here.  Our increasingly urban community will best be served by elected officials who have the wisdom to take the long-term view in growth management planning.

• WRAL Listens to Raleigh-

  WRAListens recently went to Wake County to find out what are the most pressing issues to community leaders. The group met at the Raleigh City Museum where they talked about the revitalization of downtown Raleigh and the challenges of handling the county’s rapidly growing population and the demands on the area’s infrastructure.

  

  Former WRAL-TV Anchor Charlie Gaddy hosted the half-hour program which aired on WRAL-TV on Saturday, Sept 22nd at 7:30pm.

• In the News-

  WakeUP is fast developing a media presence through a variety of activities ranging form hosting candidate and issues forums to blogging in the local political sites. Please Scroll down to read or view any of our news archives.