After more than a month off, City Council returned from “summer break” in mid August. I spent most of my time away from the City Council table focusing on my re-election campaign. In case you missed it, my campaign received major endorsements from the Wake County Democratic Party, Equality NC, all three public safety unions, and community groups with deep history and impact. I am extremely proud of the diversity and breadth of support of the groups and organizations supporting my re-election.

My last major fundraiser before early voting begins is next Monday, September 30, in downtown Raleigh. I would greatly appreciate your support; you can purchase tickets or make a contribution here.

Okay, now back to business. Below is a summary of our August and September meetings.

1. We accepted a federal grant of nearly $1 million for improvements on and near Tarboro Road through the assistance of Congressman Wiley Nickel. The grant will fund multi-modal safety and placemaking along the corridor between Oakwood Avenue and New Bern Avenue. This area is a key first/last mile connection for stations for the upcoming New Bern Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route.

2. We received an update on planned enhancements to the Lenovo Center (formerly, PNC Arena; I’m still getting used to it too…). In fall 2023, the City Council and Wake County Commissioners approved distribution of funds from the room occupancy and prepared food and beverage tax revenue. This fund is generated by tourism and the revenues can only be spent on tourism. Lenovo Center received $300 million for upgrades and changes, as part of an overall agreement to keep the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh for at least another 20 years. Plans for Lenovo Center include a new, modern look, more food and beverage options, improved restrooms, and more public spaces.

3. We allocated nearly $30 million for affordable housing and to assist folks who are unhoused. The funds are designated for several projects, including the creation of 450 new affordable rental units in three new developments (Maple Ridge Apartments, Strickland Apartments, and Moore Square Apartments). The funds will also be used for creating a new emergency shelter in North Raleigh, converting a hotel into housing, and launching the Bringing Neighbors Home program to end homelessness, which is a pilot program designed to give funds for housing directly to individuals and families who are unsheltered.

4. I’m sure you’ve heard about this item already, but we approved the expansion and relocation of Red Hat. Technically, the item on our agenda was approval of closing a small portion of South Street to create space for Red Hat to move. The funds for Red Hat to expand were actually approved last fall (when we approved the money for Lenovo Center). City staff spent several months working with design and engineering firms to come up with plans for the new Red Hat that kept the amphitheater downtown, adjacent to its existing site, and within the project budget. Ultimately, the plan called for the closure of a portion of South Street. I think it’s important to understand that the current Red Hat amphitheater sits on the expansion location for the Convention Center and was always intended to be a temporary venue. That’s why the current Red Hat lacks many amenities and permanent fixtures. It is now time to expand the Convention Center, but folks have come to love Red Hat so much over the past decade, so it was important to keep it downtown. With this approval, the new Red Hat will be built adjacent to the existing Red Hat. Concerts will move to the new, bigger and permanent Red Hat amphitheater once it’s completed, and then the Convention Center will begin construction on the site of the existing Red Hat amphitheater. There will be no gaps in concerts. While closing a portion of South Steet was not ideal, it was the only viable option, and the city is planning a new connection for vehicles and improved bike/ped infrastructure as well as a new park in this area. I posted renderings on X/Twitter, if you’re interested. I am proud to have voted to keep Red Hat amphitheater downtown and to expand and make it a permanent venue.

Our next regular City Council meetings are Tuesday, October 1, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. I’m also hosting Community Office Hours Saturday, October 5 at The Green Monkey 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please stop by and chat!