Welcome to WakeUP Wake County’s February 2024 Newsletter

WakeUP News & Things to Know | Catch up Quick | Set a Reminder | Stay Connected

Welcome to new WakeUP Members: Jeb, Acacia, Wanda, Kristy, George, Tom, and Laura!

As always, feel free to invite neighbors, friends, and colleagues to Become Members as we advocate together for ensuring Wake County is a place where all can thrive.

WakeUP News & Things to Know

Dear WakeUP member,

It has been a whirlwind first month at WakeUP. In addition to our very successful event, WakeUP is thrilled by the community turnout at the Raleigh City Council meeting on January 30th to SpeakUP on behalf of the Transit Overlay District rezoning along New Bern. By approving the Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Council heard the community desire to support growth around transit by taking some immediate action while continuing to consider and ask additional questions around displacement. There is more to come on this topic, so be sure to follow the City’s updates on this issue here and make sure to follow along and reach out to Council between now and March 5th.

I have also spent the last several weeks meeting with community leaders as well as WakeUP board members, and staff. After connecting with community leaders, I could not be more excited about the work WakeUP does to set our area apart while ensuring that equity and sustainability are at the forefront of planning decisions being made today.

Both Board Member, Chris Herndon, and I are at the YIMBYtown conference - a nationwide movement of affordable housing advocates focused on empowering change and collaboration at the local level. As the #1 market in the country, our area must keep this issue as a top priority and focus for development to ensure we grow equitably and strong together.

Denzel Burnside,
WakeUP Executive Director

WakeUP Board Meeting. Photos: Chris Facey

Coming up in March, we will all have a chance to participate in our statewide primary election for national, state, and local offices. As a nonpartisan advocacy organization that encourages residents to SpeakUP on issues relevant to them, WakeUP firmly believes in the voting process as a crucial way for residents to impact our community for the better. We encourage you to take advantage of Early Voting sites across Wake County and to learn more about the primary process in our area.

CatchUP Quick

New Bern TOD Update:

A special thanks to all the residents who came out to SpeakUP on behalf of the TOD zoning off New Bern Ave. Over 30 residents sign-up to speak in-person at Raleigh City Council’s Jan. 30th public meeting, with even more emailing and contacting council members. The meeting went late into the night, but the commitment of residents to showUP to voice support is exactly how change happens. WakeUP is proud of our advocacy efforts as the Council approved the Comprehensive Plan Amendments to the zoning parcels moving portions of the TOD zoning forward.

With deferred action the second item in January, the Council requested City staff report back with options to consider phased rezoning along the rest of the corridor. Additional conversation on the Z-92-22 proposed rezoning covering 744 parcels along New Bern Ave will be held at the March 5th Raleigh City Council meeting.

**Action Alert: The public hearing remains open for comment. See the city’s updates here and reach out to council members in support of New Bern TOD. Be sure you take time to SpeakUP in-person or via email.

WakeUP In the News:

Raleigh must protect residents along new BRT line from gentrification

Raleigh rezoning proposal would allow denser development on hundreds of properties

Raleigh residents worry planned bus line will raise property taxes, pushing out those who live along New Bern Avenue

In case you missed it - WakeUP February Blogs:

🌳What is land use planning and why is it it important? Check out Land Use Planning in Wake County to learn more about what it is, how Wake County is engaging it, and find links to planning in your town.

🚶🏾‍♀️Walkability continues to increase in popularity for house buyers. In Pedestrian and bicycle improvements for a safer, healthier, and less car-dependent Wake County we give an overview of local plans addressing planning and safety for bikers and walkers.

🎧And, for a change of pace, Podcast Recommendations for Policy, Planning, and Sustainability Wonks covers a few fun and informative podcasts for your listening pleasure.