Mayor Weinbrecht will be presenting the 2026 State of Cary to a public audience at Cary Town Hall on March 5. Learn more.

Interested community organizations are invited to request a State of Cary presentation by the Mayor for their group.

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2026 State of Cary

I am honored to present my 19th State of Cary address. We begin the year, recognized as one of the best communities in the nation, a distinction we earn year after year. We are defined by our residents, our exceptional staff, and a strong, healthy business climate. 

As we begin this year, we are also addressing challenges that emerged at the end of 2025. Longtime, and now former, Town Manager – Sean Stegall is no longer at the helm of Cary Town Government because of actions he took and directions he gave that were and are inconsistent with the values of our organization and this great community. These include over-the-top spending, inadequate financial reporting, a lack of transparency with the full Council, staff, and residents, and a work environment that negatively affected many of the employees who worked most closely with him. And on November 20, 2025, the Council voted unanimously to remove Stegall from his position after we were presented with shocking information by a handful of heroic staff. 

Three significant efforts will continue this year: a review and report by the North Carolina State Auditor, a criminal investigation by the NC State Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Wake County District Attorney, and the Council’s internal investigation conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson. Because the Town has consistently maintained a strong financial position, the impact of the former town manager’s actions was limited. 

The NC State Auditor already has access to what may be hundreds of thousands of records, and we have reassigned staff to support that work. While the timeline for the review and release of the report is unknown, I welcome and fully support the Auditor’s partnership in uncovering the full truth. Womble’s work is in its early stages and will examine not only any irregularities but also opportunities to strengthen our practices, policies, and procedures. At this point, I know very little about what the SBI’s efforts will entail, but I expect they will look at much of the same information as the State Auditor and Womble, plus more, and likely with a different lens. All together, these efforts will help position us for a stronger future. 

In my experience, reviews of this scope are unprecedented in modern North Carolina local government. I hope the resulting improvements will serve as a model for others, ensuring that issues of this nature are never repeated. 

We recognize that public trust has been damaged, and we are committed to restoring it. While this represents a low point in Cary’s history, we remain among the best because problems were identified, confronted, and corrected, not ignored or concealed. 

Interim Town Manager & Staff 

On December 15, 2025, the Council unanimously appointed Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton as Interim Town Manager. Russ was promoted to deputy town manager and chief operating officer in 2017. He joined the Town of Cary in 1998 as an engineer and went on to hold multiple leadership roles within the Engineering Department, later serving as director of the Inspections & Permits Department before moving to the Town Manager’s Office as an assistant town manager in 2013.  

Appointing a long-tenured internal leader helps ensure continuity and organizational stability for our staff, residents, and community during this transition. We are fortunate to have Russ step into this role, bringing deep institutional knowledge and a clear, steady understanding of operations during this pivotal period in Cary’s evolution. 

Finally, for the first time in more than a decade, we will be conducting an employee survey. I greatly appreciate Russ’s leadership in advancing this effort. The Council had requested such a survey from the former Town Manager for years, and it has not previously been completed. Given everything our employees have experienced during this Town Hall transition, it is essential that we listen to their voices and continue to support them. Our employees are fundamental to what makes Cary truly best-in-class. 

New Council

This year, we are pleased to welcome two new council members: Brittany Richards, representing District A, and Bella Huang, representing District C. 

Brittany is committed to protecting Cary’s natural spaces, maintaining the high-quality services residents depend on, and ensuring diverse housing options for people at every stage of life. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in public policy with a concentration in nonprofit management. 

Bella is dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure Cary remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community for families, businesses, and future generations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA. 

Following this most recent election, the council has undergone a significant transition, from nearly 100 years of combined experience to a new council in which five of the seven members together bring eight years of experience. While some communities may struggle during such transitions, I am confident our new council will learn quickly and grow into one of the strongest governing bodies. Our staff is working quickly to support and educate new members, and the Council’s collaborative approach will allow us to share knowledge and experience to strengthen our work together. 

Transparency 

As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to build trust, trust within the Council, trust with our staff, and, most importantly, trust with our residents. To that end, we have already taken meaningful steps. 

At my direction, the Council began a public discussion of policies and procedures during the December 2025 work session. But this work must go further and be done openly. That is why, on November 20, 2025, I made a motion to live-stream all remote meetings. I appreciate the unanimous support of my Council colleagues, and I believe this change is already having a positive impact. 

We have also changed how information is shared between staff and the Council. One-on-one meetings between the town manager and individual Council members have ended. Instead, Interim Town Manager Russ Overton has instituted a practice meeting with two to three Council members and at least four staff members. This approach promotes transparency, keeps everyone informed, and ensures that discussions are properly documented and shared. This added transparency is both welcome and necessary. 

In addition, we have launched an FAQ page addressing the manager’s transition and created a centralized portal for all public records requests. 

That same level of transparency will extend to our upcoming budget process. Expect more budget discussions to take place in live-stream meetings that are open to the public. 

At our December 15, 2025, emergency meeting, I promised to keep you, our residents, updated, and I intend to keep that promise. If you don’t like where we’re heading, tell us. Attend a Council meeting or email us. We want to hear from you.  

As many residents move to Cary and choose to stay, the community is aging. The population age 65 and older increased from 11.8 percent in 2014 to 16.2 percent in 2024. At the same time, residents under 18 make up 22.3 percent of the population, slightly above the national average. The median age in Cary is 43. 

More than a quarter of Cary’s residents, 26.3 percent, were born outside the United States, the highest share in the Town’s history. Cary continues to attract residents from around the world by embracing and celebrating its diverse cultures. 

Cary’s population is highly educated. Approximately 33.6 percent of residents hold a bachelor’s degree, while 35.8 percent have a graduate or professional degree. This marks the first time that a larger share of residents holds advanced degrees than bachelor’s degrees. An additional 7.4 percent have associate degrees, and 20.5 percent have a high school diploma. 

Cary is an affluent community with a median household income of $135,132. Median income growth has accelerated significantly in recent years, increasing 27.9 percent from 2019 to 2024, compared to 15.5 percent from 2014 to 2019. 

Approximately 68.5 percent of Cary residents are homeowners, with a median home value of $649,000. Nearly all residents, 97.3 percent, have access to broadband internet. 

Finances 

Despite the actions of the former Town Manager, Sean Stegall, Cary’s financial position remains strong. The Town continues to maintain the highest credit ratings from all major bond rating agencies. 

Fiscal Year 2026 began on July 1, 2025, with a property tax rate of 34 cents per $100 of assessed value, the lowest among all twelve municipalities in Wake County for the 18th consecutive year. The total Town budget is $510.9 million, including $420.3 million for operating expenses and $90.7 million for capital investments. This represents a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year. Property taxes generate 61 percent of total revenue, while 21 percent comes from other taxes and licenses, primarily sales tax. 

Operating the Town, providing public safety services, and maintaining public works account for 83 percent of expenditures. An additional 10 percent supports parks, recreation, and cultural resources. Cary continues to use taxpayer dollars efficiently, maintaining the lowest employee-to-resident ratio in the county at fewer than seven employees per 1,000 residents, compared to some communities with nearly double that level. 

Economy 

Cary’s economy remains strong, adding 1,275 jobs in 2025. As of November 30, 2025, the unemployment rate stood at 3.3 percent, compared to 3.5 percent in Wake County, 3.8 percent statewide, and 4.6 percent nationally. Cary’s assessed property value increased by 2.5 percent to $53.1 billion, up from $51.8 billion the previous year. 

Development 

Cary continues to experience a strong interest, though less than 14 percent of developable land remains. As a result, several key areas are receiving focused attention for redevelopment and strategic development. 

The South Hills redevelopment includes the reuse of the former Ford dealership site, with potential plans that may include space for Cary Ballet, one of America’s premier arts organizations, now in its 27th year of bringing professional ballet to the Triangle. Council has been asked to consider establishing a Municipal Service District for the area, which would allow for enhanced services funded through an additional tax rate. Discussions remain ongoing, including the possibility of a development agreement, and are expected to continue throughout 2026. 

There is no update at this time on the former mall site owned by Epic Games. While the owner is required to maintain the property, there is no obligation to pursue redevelopment. 

Fenton continues to perform strongly and is advancing the final portion of Phase One, which includes the Pagemore Hotel. The Pagemore boutique hotel, approved in May 2025 and currently under construction, will feature 186 rooms, a restaurant, small retail spaces, and meeting room facilities. 

Alston Yards, located across from Parkside Town Commons along N.C. 55, is planned to include several hundred apartment units, a town park, and a hotel. The project is currently in its third round of review, and a proposed development agreement is in progress. The project is anticipated to be presented to Council in 2026. 

Duke Health at Green Level is moving forward in two phases. Phase One includes a hospital with ambulatory urgent care and a surgical center. Construction is underway, with an anticipated opening in mid-2027. Phase Two will expand the facility to 100 beds and include an eight-story hospital building and a 1,200-space parking deck. A foundation-only permit for Phase Two is currently under review. 

Two projects are proposed within the Regency area. The Holt project remains on hold, while the Regency multifamily project is undergoing revisions and may return to Council later this year. 

A proposed multifamily development in Weston is expected to be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board early this year. 

Downtown Development 

Downtown’s planned evolution continues at a rapid pace, with multiple projects underway or nearing completion.  

Soca 56 on Kildaire Farm Road consists of four buildings and 56 residential units. Two buildings received certificates of occupancy in December 2025, and construction on the remaining two is ongoing.  

Meridian East, located at the intersection of Hunter Street and East Chatham Street, includes a five-story mixed-use development with 220 residential units, structured parking, and ground-floor retail. As part of this project, Hunter Street was extended to Cedar Street. The development includes three buildings: one with 7,449 square feet of retail space, a second with 63 residential units, and a third with 157 residential units. The Refreshery is now open as one of the first tenants.  

Meridian Cary, at Academy Street and Chatham Street, is a mixed-use development planned for three buildings. The first building will include 195 multifamily units, with 97 units nearing certificate of occupancy. The second building will feature a 478-space parking deck, while construction on the third building has not yet begun. 

Lloyd’s, located at the corner of Chatham Street and Academy Street (in the old Gurkan’s Auto building), was approved in 2024 for renovation and expansion to become a restaurant. Construction is currently underway, with an anticipated opening in late 2026. 

The West End project, located at West Chatham Street and Old Apex Road, was rezoned in 2022 and was originally proposed as “Number 5.” Development plans were submitted in 2023, followed by additional discussions with staff in fall 2025 regarding access and circulation.  

The Rogers on Chatham Street received its first certificate of occupancy in the summer of 2024. The Cedar Street Parking Deck is part of this development. Current tenants include Gentlemen’s Corner, Villa 19, The Milkshake Factory, Tandem & West Hair Salon, Cary-founded office space, WithersRavenel, Hodge & Kittrell, and Zest Restaurant. Future tenants under review include K38 Restaurant. 

Parking 

Parking will be critical to downtown's continued success. Both the Cedar Street and Academy Street parking decks are scheduled to open in Spring 2026. 

The Cedar Street Parking Deck was delivered through a development agreement in which Cary will own the parking structure, while the ground-floor retail space will be privately owned. The deck will provide 288 public parking spaces, including 20 total ADA- and EV-designated spaces. Vehicle access will be provided from Cedar Street, with pedestrian access from Chatham Street and Rogers Alley. Rogers Alley is also being upgraded with streetscape enhancements, including green stormwater infrastructure. 

The Academy Street Parking Deck was also constructed under a development agreement. Cary will own the lower three levels, while a private multifamily development will own the upper three levels. The deck will include 222 public parking spaces, with 22 total ADA- and EV-designated spaces. Parking for the private residential development will be separated from the public deck through a nested gate system. Vehicle access will be available from Academy Street, Harrison Avenue, and Chatham Street. Streetscape improvements will be added along Academy Street and Harrison Avenue, and a new roadway, Waddell Plaza Lane, will be constructed off Chatham Street. 

Street Projects 

Road infrastructure plays a vital role in both our quality of life and the strength of our economy. Repaving projects, routine street maintenance, intersection upgrades, and bike and pedestrian initiatives will continue. 

As part of this fiscal year’s Street Improvement Program, approximately nine miles of neighborhood streets will be repaved. In addition, Cary will apply several low-cost, life-extending pavement treatments to improve performance and maximize the lifespan of the transportation network cost-effectively. Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026. 

This year also includes the resurfacing of West Chatham Street from Cary Parkway to Old Apex Road. About 1.5 miles of this heavily traveled, median-divided roadway will be improved. Design work is underway to maintain traffic flow during construction and minimize disruptions along this critical corridor. 

Several projects will be delivered in partnership with NCDOT. Resurfacing of N.C. 55 and Trinity Road will move forward with Cary staff coordinating striping and safety enhancements. Cary also assumed maintenance and operation of the traffic signal at Ten-Ten Road and Penny Road after NCDOT installed fiber-optic cable, expanding the Town’s fiber network at no cost to residents. Additional improvements included adding a second left-turn lane on Dillard Drive at Walnut Street and upgrading high-visibility crosswalk markings at multiple signalized intersections. 

Intersection improvements remain a focus area. A new traffic signal was installed last year at Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard, along with a new sidewalk connecting the intersection to the Silverton community greenway. This year, improvements are planned at the High House Road and Bond Park intersection, including a traffic signal, crosswalks, and intersection modifications, with completion anticipated in summer 2026. The intersection of Weston Parkway and Evans Road will also receive pedestrian crosswalk improvements in Spring 2026, followed by a repaving this summer. 

Pedestrian improvements along McCrimmon Parkway are currently underway. Design is in progress for a new traffic signal with two pedestrian crosswalks at Panther Creek High School, with the improvements expected to be operational for the 2027–2028 school year. 

Cary also successfully completed its annual Powell Bill process. The Town now maintains more than 525 miles of streets, including 6.44 miles added in 2025. Through the Powell Bill program, the State of North Carolina provided over $5 million to support street maintenance efforts. 

In April 2025, the Town Council adopted a formal Vision Zero resolution. Vision Zero is a global strategy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by recognizing that human error is inevitable and designing transportation systems so that mistakes do not result in loss of life. The initiative emphasizes infrastructure, education, enforcement, and policy to create a safer, more equitable, and sustainable transportation system for everyone. 

Transit 

Transit remains an essential service for Cary’s residents. 

Cary is advancing upgrades at all bus stops to improve accessibility and rider experience. Planned improvements include ADA-accessible landing pads, enhanced security lighting, and easy-to-read customer information panels displaying route and schedule details. 

Construction of a new bus operations and maintenance facility should begin this year, with the facility expected to be operational in 2028. The approximately 50,000-square-foot facility will house administrative offices, operations, and maintenance for GoCary’s fixed-route and door-to-door services, with capacity to support future expansion. 

The Town is also moving forward with a new Multi-Modal Center, to be located between Harrison Avenue, North West Street, and the CSX and NCRR rail lines. The facility will support a wide range of current and future transportation modes, including local and regional bus service, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), future commuter rail, and Amtrak intercity passenger rail. Preliminary work, including abatement permitting, is currently underway, with demolition planned for later this spring. 

Sustainability 

Sustainability is a core value shared by the Town of Cary and its residents. Ongoing initiatives focus on energy efficiency, tree canopy preservation, recycling and waste reduction, and responsible stormwater management.  

Cary continues to modernize its vehicle fleet with energy-efficient and alternative-fuel options. In 2025, Fire Station 9 placed a Pierce Volterra Electric Pumper into service, marking the first electric fire truck on the East Coast. Additionally, 30 Cary Police Department Dodge Durangos were converted to propane bi-fuel using a $210,400 resiliency and carbon-reduction grant. Today, 18 percent of the Cary fleet uses alternative fuels, including 2 percent battery-electric, 9 percent hybrid or plug-in hybrid, and 7 percent propane-bi-fuel vehicles. 

Cary’s tree canopy remains one of the community’s most valued assets. In 2025, Cary celebrated 42 years as a Tree City USA community and launched expanded staff training programs focused on proper tree care. The Town also received a Duke Foundation grant to support tree-planting efforts. In addition, updates to Cary’s Open Space Plan, serving as a long-term roadmap for tree preservation and protection, are nearing completion. 

Efforts to divert waste from landfills through recycling and food-waste composting continue to grow. In 2025, 71,000 tons of waste, recycling, and yard waste were collected, with 48 percent diverted from landfills. Of that total, 33 percent consisted of yard waste, leaves, and food waste, while 15 percent was traditional recycling. Cary also launched a pilot program to recycle police and fire uniforms through textile recycling. 

Stormwater management remains a key priority. Efforts include removing structures from floodplains when appropriate and providing technical assistance to thousands of property owners. Several major infrastructure projects were initiated in 2025, including the Twin Lakes Dam Rehabilitation, installation of a downtown regional wetland, repairs to storm drains and sinkholes, and erosion repairs near lateral sewer lines. Cary continues basin modeling of creeks and streams and has updated soil protection specifications to require sustainable, biodegradable matting that protects wildlife. Additionally, Cary joined the FEMA Community Rating System, resulting in a 15 percent flood insurance discount for Cary residents. 

Cary’s sustainability efforts have received significant recognition. Awards in 2025 include the NCAPA Sustainability and Resilience Award for the Count Me In, Cary! program; the U.S. Composting Council’s Organics Diversion Program of the Year; the Southeast Festivals and Events Association Green Initiative Gold Award for composting at the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival; APWA Fleet Manager of the Year honors at both the state and national levels for Brandon Pasinski; and Stormwater Operations Manager Billy Lee for APWA-NC Stormwater Professional of the Year. 

Housing 

Cary is a community of choice, committed to providing high-quality, diverse housing options that strengthen and enrich our community. Through strong partnerships, we address housing needs and support sustained economic growth so all residents can fully enjoy Cary’s exceptional quality of life.  

In 2025, Cary adopted a five-year Consolidated Action Plan outlining the use of an estimated $3.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds. More than 1,000 residents contributed input through a community survey that helped shape the plan’s priorities and strategies. 

Cary also adopted ACT 32, a Land Development Ordinance amendment that expands opportunities for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The amendment streamlines the process for homeowners to add secondary dwelling units, such as backyard cottages or in-law suites, while responding to evolving housing needs and preserving neighborhood character.  

Construction is underway at Marigold Cary, a mixed-income housing development on town-owned land at 921 SE Maynard Road near Fenton. Scheduled for completion in spring 2027, the project will include 126 units, half affordable and half market-rate, along with a new greenway connection, a public road linking Ryan Road and SE Maynard Road, a small community park, and green stormwater infrastructure. 

Rose Park Manor, an 81-unit affordable senior housing development located just outside downtown near Glenaire, is nearing completion and expects to welcome residents within the next few months. Demand for these units remains high. 

The Healthy Homes Cary Program provided critical home repairs to 25 lower-income residents across Cary. The program promotes safe and sanitary housing by addressing hazardous structural conditions, improving energy efficiency, enhancing accessibility for residents with disabilities, and supporting aging in place. Since the program’s inception, nearly 2/3 of the households served have been seniors aging in place.  

More than 2,000 residents have received emergency crisis assistance through the Stable Homes Cary Program and nonprofit partnerships, including NeighborUp, The Carying Place, and the White Oak Foundation. 

The Stable Homes Cary Program assists Cary residents facing housing-related challenges by providing services such as relocation assistance and counseling on housing instability and family circumstances. Through individualized assessments and counseling, residents are guided toward available options and sustainable pathways forward. This support has been especially critical following the sale of Chatham Estates, which resulted in nearly 150 families receiving notices in late 2025 requiring them to vacate by mid-2026. 

Greenways 

Cary boasts one of the region’s most extensive greenway systems, with over 107 miles of paved greenways and more than 492 miles of sidewalks. 

The Town continues to enhance this network through thoughtful planning and user-focused improvements. This spring, new functional public art in the form of artistic centerline striping will debut along the Black Creek and White Oak Creek Greenways. Additional eco-counters are also being installed to track usage and guide future planning. 

Phase 2 of the Black Creek Greenway Renovations, stretching from Livingstone Drive to Weston Parkway, and the new sidewalk over Black Creek along Cary Parkway are expected to open by spring. Phase 3, the final phase of the project, will extend the renovated greenway to the trailhead at Old Reedy Creek Road and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. 

Higgins Greenway Phase III opened to the public on August 1, extending the popular corridor from Union Street to Kildaire Farm Road. By completing a critical gap in the greenway, this phase greatly improves bicycle and pedestrian access to key community assets, including Cary Elementary, Cary Regional Library, and Downtown Cary Park. The project also includes public art and an LED-enhanced crossing at Griffis Street.  

The Connecting Cary Sidewalks projects include sidewalks and streetside trails, as well as improvements to pedestrian crossings, signals, stormwater infrastructure, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades. These projects also provide opportunities to implement safety and accessibility technology, including LED-enhanced crosswalk signs and audible pedestrian signals at intersections. 

Completed sidewalks include Lilly Atkins Road, Optimist Farm Road (West), with signals expected by summer 2026; West Lake Road; Pittard Sears Road; West Chatham Streetside Trail; West Boundary Street; and Weldon Ridge Boulevard. Sidewalks scheduled for completion by this summer include SE Cary Parkway and Penny Road. 

Parks and Koka Booth Amphitheater 

Parks remain one of Cary’s greatest amenities and continue to see heavy use. In 2025, both Thomas Brooks Park and Bond Park welcomed more than two million visitors each. The new Davis Drive Playground, made possible by a philanthropic gift from the Pegram Family Foundation, is scheduled for completion in April of this year. Lazy Daze, one of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts festivals, celebrated its 49th anniversary in 2025 and drew record crowds. 

Koka Booth Amphitheatre celebrated its 25th anniversary season in 2025. To commemorate the milestone, the Town of Cary commissioned local artist Sean Kernick to create a striking 9-by-50-foot on-site mural featuring iconic imagery that captures 25 years of music, entertainment, and shared community memories. 

More than 100 events were hosted throughout the year, including multiple sold-out performances, drawing over 365,000 visitors. The venue also hosted several large cultural celebrations, including Hum Sub Diwali, Asia Fest, and Oktoberfest. The Chinese Lantern Festival alone is estimated to have generated more than $10 million in direct economic impact for Cary and Wake County.  

Together, these achievements highlight not only the continued success of Koka Booth Amphitheatre but also the strength and momentum of Cary’s growing arts and culture scene. This impact was further recognized with the amphitheater being named a finalist for the Red Rocks Award for Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year.  

Downtown Cary Park remains extremely popular, attracting more than 100,000 visitors to festivals held throughout the year. Among the most well-attended events were the Pimento Cheese Festival and Taste of China. The dog park also saw increased use, with approximately 67,000 visits recorded in 2025. In addition, The Nest was recognized as the #1 playground in America. 

The economic impact of Downtown Cary Park has been substantial. An estimated $200–$300 million in assessed property value is located within a half mile of the park. Over the past five years, more than 15 new downtown businesses have opened, creating 1,129 jobs. During that same period, food and beverage tax revenue increased by 11 percent, while hotel tax revenue rose by 18 percent. 

Overall, Downtown Cary Park is projected to generate an annual economic impact of $16 million, driving job growth, increasing property values, and supporting both new and existing businesses. 

Sports Venues 

Cary’s three world-class sports venues, Cary Tennis Park, WakeMed Soccer Park, and USA Baseball, had a remarkable year in 2025.  

Cary Tennis Park continues to offer outstanding tennis and pickleball programming while also delivering entertainment and economic benefits through major tournaments. The town has signed an agreement to host the ITA Women’s All-American Championships through 2033 in partnership with UNC, NC State, and Duke. Cary is also working to bring back a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) event in 2026, following the success of the 2025 PPA tour stop, which was the most well-attended in the country. 

The Cary Tennis Classic, a professional men’s and women’s tournament, returns June 28–July 5. Additionally, Cary will host the men’s and women’s ACC Championships from April 14–19. 

WakeMed Soccer Park, home of the NC Courage, continues to shine on both the national and international stage through its tournaments and events. The Courage enjoyed a strong season with record-setting attendance that continues to grow. The NCAA College Cup was a major success this year, highlighted by NC State’s men’s team advancing to the finals and drawing two sellout crowds despite freezing temperatures. For the first time, the 2026 Men’s and Women’s College Cups will be hosted on the same weekend in December. In August, Cary hosted the Apex High vs. Cary High football game before an electric crowd celebrating the 100th anniversary of the rivalry. TST (The Soccer Tournament) will return through 2029, along with its associated youth tournament, the Cary Cup. This event is estimated to generate $15 million in annual economic impact while showcasing elite 7v7 soccer featuring top talent from around the world. The NCFC men’s team has paused play for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, and staff are actively working to schedule additional events and sports to fill the stadium during that time. 

USA Baseball’s National Training Center continued to host major tournament play, once again serving as the site of the Division II College World Series. The contract to host this tournament has been extended through 2038. The training center also experienced significant improvements, including the completion of the indoor complex, which allowed USA Baseball staff to operate on-site year-round for the first time. 

Additional upgrades were completed across the facility. The turf and drainage at Coleman Field, the baseball stadium, were renovated over the winter as part of standard maintenance that occurs every 10–15 years. Fields 3 and 4 were converted from grass to artificial turf last year. As a result, weekend tournament cancellations have been dramatically reduced, and overall hours of use have increased. 

Imagine Cary Community Plan 

The Imagine Cary Community Plan, often referred to simply as Imagine Cary, is the Town’s comprehensive plan. It reflects several years of work, unprecedented community engagement, and dozens of meetings and workshops. The plan establishes a long-term vision that guides policies and strategic actions through 2040. 

Adopted in 2017, Imagine Cary is a living document and was most recently updated in 2024. The Town is currently updating the ENGAGE and MOVE chapters to incorporate the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources System Plan, the draft Cary Bike Plan, and the Council’s adoption of Vision Zero principles, a global strategy to help eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. 

Proposed updates can be found at https://carync.gov/engageandmove. 

Closing 

I was standing next to the TheMayton Inn when I overheard a couple pushing a stroller coming from the downtown park say, “That’s it. I’ve seen enough. I want to move here.” That Cary, the one who inspires people in moments like that, is still here today. 

Every community faces challenges, and we are confronting the most significant one we’ve seen in decades. We have a choice: we can come together and emerge stronger, or we can give in to the naysayers and tear ourselves apart. I believe in Cary and our residents. I am confident we will not only meet this challenge but also emerge even better than we were before. 

Why? Because Cary’s success has never depended on one person. It depends on all of us. We will move beyond the tenure of the former Town Manager, and together, we will continue to grow stronger.