Raleigh City Council News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

New social district: Raleigh's Seaboard Station 'Sip 'n Stroll' starts in November

The Raleigh City Council approved a new social district for Seaboard Station in a 6-2 vote. It will allow open alcohol consumption from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting Nov. 14 in a designated area.

Battling fires and burnout: Raleigh firefighters worked more than 117,000 hours of OT in one year

The Raleigh Fire Department accrued more than 117,000 overtime hours and nearly $4.84 million in overtime spending in the last fiscal year, more than any other city department.

Raleigh Fire Department racks up nearly $4.84 million in overtime in latest fiscal year

The Raleigh Fire Department accrued more than 117,000 overtime hours and nearly $4.84 million in overtime spending in the last fiscal year, more than any other city department.

Raleigh leaders vote to scrap Six Forks Road widening

The assistant director of Raleigh's transportation department told city council members the cost to widen Six Forks Road from Rowan Street to Millbrook Road had grown from $56.1 million to $93.5 million, a 67% increase.

Raleigh Fire Department works to improve response times

A new Raleigh Fire master plan reveals the Raleigh Fire Department consistently misses national targets for emergency response times, with only 54% of first units arriving within the recommended timeframe and only 48% meeting effective response force goals.

Raleigh scraps Six Forks Road widening, redirects funds to pedestrian safety and sidewalks

The assistant director of Raleigh's transportation department told city council members the cost to widen Six Forks Road from Rowan Street to Millbrook Road had grown from $56.1 million to $93.5 million, a 67% increase.

Raleigh staff gives first look at ideas for old DMV headquarters

Next summer, the city plans to demolish the two former DMV buildings along New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.

$1.78B proposed budget: Raleigh employees would receive raises, property tax rate remains the same

The city of Raleigh has unveiled a $1.78 billion budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring substantial pay raises for some city employees. The budget also proposes increases in solid waste, water, sewer and stormwater fees, though the property tax rate is set to remain unchanged.

Raleigh City Council approves rezoning for Hurricanes' $1B plan to develop around Lenovo Center

The development project is expected to begin later this year and will include residential, office and retail space along with a small concert venue and entertainment options.

Raleigh considers possible toll road on US 1

Thousands of people drive on U.S. 1 every day, and it soon could cost drivers to drive on a certain section of the highway.

Raleigh considering yard waste bins instead of curbside leaf pickup

During the Raleigh City Council's Tuesday work session, several city council members shared support for the elimination of the existing curbside leaf pickup program.

Raleigh leaders consider eliminating leaf pickup program

During the Raleigh City Council's Tuesday work session, several city council members shared support for the elimination of the existing curbside leaf pickup program.

Raleigh mayor delivers state of the city address Wednesday evening

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell on Wednesday delivered an annual State of the City address at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Raleigh leaders consider changes to noise ordinance

The Raleigh City Council approved stiffer penalties earlier in 2024, but said the city is still struggling with repeat offenders.

Raleigh leaders mulling tighter restrictions on city's noise ordinance

Raleigh City Council approved stiffer penalties earlier in 2024, but said they are still struggling with repeat offenders.

Changes to Raleigh's new noise ordinance to be considered Tuesday

On Tuesday, more changes could be coming to Raleigh's noise ordinance.

Next steps to connect Raleigh to Cary with Bus Rapid Transit line under review Tuesday

The City of Raleigh is advancing to the final design phase for the 12-mile Western Corridor of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, connecting downtown Raleigh and Cary.

Raleigh moves forward with Western Corridor BRT project, final design phase begins

The City of Raleigh is advancing to the final design phase for the 12-mile Western Corridor of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, connecting downtown Raleigh and Cary.

Some residents of Raleigh's Village District opposed to proposed social district

The Raleigh City Council is considering a proposal to allow open alcohol consumption in the Village District. It would allow people to drink beer, wine or cocktails from specially marked cups during specific times in areas of the Village District.

Social district proposal: Raleigh's Village District residents raise concerns about proposed open-alcohol consumption

The Raleigh City Council is considering a proposal to allow open alcohol consumption in the Village District. It would allow people to drink beer, wine or cocktails from specially marked cups during specific times in areas of the Village District.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

New renderings show possible future look of Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh is moving forward with a $387 million expansion of its convention center, adding 300,000 square feet to accommodate the growing demand for event space.

Here's what the expanded Raleigh Convention Center might look like

Raleigh is moving forward with a $387 million expansion of its convention center, adding 300,000 square feet to accommodate the growing demand for event space. The project, which includes a new Omni Park Hotel and the relocation of Red Hat Amphitheater, aims to modernize the downtown area and enhance the city's appeal as a hub for large-scale events.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

Janet Cowell preps for Raleigh mayor role, plans to focus on affordable housing

Janet Cowell, Raleigh's mayor-elect, attended Wednesday's city council meeting ahead of her official swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 2. Cowell, who plans to prioritize affordable housing, discussed the need to address the city's housing challenges and build on current progress.

Shaun Gallagher, WRAL reporter

Raleigh Mayor-elect Janet Cowell to address housing

Former State Treasurer Janet Cowell is due to become the 63rd mayor of Raleigh. She close to 60% of the vote late Tuesday night.

Raleigh mayoral race: Janet Cowell with big lead

Janet Cowell said Tuesday that she and her team felt comfortable claiming victory in the race.