State of Cary

On April 22, Mayor Weinbrecht presented an updated State of Cary presentation to the public. Click here to view the slides.

It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as the Mayor of Cary, and I am proud to deliver my 18th State of Cary address. Cary remains a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving community to live, work, play, and run a business. As we continue to evolve, we remain committed to the core values that define our town: safety, sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence. Over the past year, we’ve faced challenges and celebrated accomplishments, and I am confident that in 2025, our collective spirit will propel us toward even greater success. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all of you to make Cary a place where everyone can thrive and feel truly at home.

Awards

For decades, Cary has been nationally recognized as a community of excellence, as evidenced by the awards we received in 2024:

#1 Remote Working – SmartAsset
#1 For Renters – USA Today
#2 Best Place to live – Livability
#2 Safest Most Affordable – GoBankingRates
#3 Safest City – Travel Diary
#6 Safest City – MoneyGeek
#3 Best US Job Market - SmartAsset
#2 Most Affordable for Remote Workers – CoworkingCafe
#3 Best Real Estate Market - WalletHub
#1 Best Place to Retire – Dave Ramsey
#2 Best City for Early Retirement - Kiplinger
#12 Least Stressed City – LawnStarter
Top 30 Most Dynamic Metro – Raleigh/Cary

Cary is also recognized as a premier community in the South:

#2 Safest and Affordable in South – GoBankingRates
#8 Best Cities on the Rise in South – Southern Living
#13 Cutest Christmas Town in South – Southern Living
#15 Friendliest City in South – Southern Living
#12 Hotel in South: Umstead Hotel

Once again, Cary stands as a leader both in North Carolina and locally:

#1 For Retirement in NC – Motley Fool
#1 Hotel in NC: Umstead Hotel
#5 Best City to Move to in NC – USA Today
Space Award for Downtown Cary Park – Triangle Business Journal
Cary Zip 27518 is one of the wealthiest in nation – 608

Demographics

Cary has consistently upheld a healthy population growth rate of 2 to 2.5 percent over the past 17 years. As of early 2025, our population was estimated at approximately 188,000, ranking us as the 155th largest municipality in the U.S., the 7th largest in North Carolina, and the 2nd largest in Wake County. While we are a mid-sized city, our official name as approved by the North Carolina General Assembly is “town,” and we remain committed to preserving man y small-town values. In fact, we are the second-largest town in the nation, only behind Gilbert, Arizona.

Cary remains an educated, affluent, and aging community. More than 70% of adults hold college degrees, with over a quarter having advanced degrees. Our median household income has risen to over $125,000, an increase of more than $10,000 from the previous year. Two-thirds of our residents live in owner-occupied homes, with the median house price now at $647,748. When considering the average age of all Cary residents, we continue to be the oldest community among North Carolina's 14 largest municipalities, though our millennial population, particularly in the downtown area, is steadily growing.

Our community is becoming increasingly diverse each year. Currently, 24.7% of our population was born outside the United States, representing over 60 different nationalities. In terms of racial composition, we are 56% White, 19% Asian, 7.8% African American, 11.5% Hispanic, and 5.7% identify as other.

Financial

Cary remains one of the most financially stable communities in the nation. We hold the highest rating from all major bond rating agencies—Triple A—enabling us to finance capital projects at the lowest possible interest rates.

The current fiscal year began on July 1, 2024, with an approved budget of $497.4 million, a decrease from last year's $524 million, primarily due to fewer capital projects. However, despite the reduction, our operating costs increased by over $25 million due to significant inflation, higher construction prices, planned increases in contracted services, personnel costs, and much needed vehicle replacements.

Our tax rate is set at $0.3245 per $100 of assessed value, maintaining the lowest rate in Wake County for the 17th consecutive year. This year marked a property reevaluation by Wake County, and while the tax rate was lower than last year's, it was $0.08 higher than the revenue-neutral rate. The revenue-neutral rate is the level at which the municipality would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year. The increase of 3 cents is attributed to inflation, 2 cents for program expansion (including parks and environmental initiatives), 2 cents for debt service, and 1 cent for replenishing the General Fund. In past years, we’ve been able to offset taxes with growth, but as a more mature community, that level of growth is largely behind us.

A penny on the tax rate now generates approximately $5.1 million, an increase from last year's $3.5 million. 78% of our revenue sources are property tax and sales tax. Property tax revenue grew by 2.7%while sales tax revenue increased by 3%, a slower pace compared to the double-digit growth seen in previous years. Expenditures rose by 11%, primarily to support the operations of Downtown Cary Park, contract services, and system enhancements for R&D, Marketing, IT, and Public Safety, including the addition of new police vehicles and personnel.

Even with the additional 8 cents, the costs for currently planned projects and initiatives , some of which I will touch on in this address, will be too high, so the Council will be discussing the reprioritization of initiatives, which means that some likely will not move forward. I talk more about this toward the end of my remarks in the Budget Challenges section.

Bonds

The 2024 Cary Community Bonds questions for housing and parks and recreation projects were presented shortly after significant changes for Cary taxpayers. Over the past four years, the average property value in Cary rose by 56%. Additionally, the town's tax rate was set $0.08 above the revenue-neutral rate, leading to noticeably higher tax bills compared to the previous year. The bond projects were projected to raise taxes by another $0.09 over the next decade. With the bond vote occurring close to property revaluation and the new tax rate, many viewed it as a current funding issue, which likely contributed to the bond's failure.

It's important to note that the Council and staff have listened carefully to the community's concerns regarding the bonds. As a result, all of the proposed 2024 bond projects have been paused due to a lack of funding. While I can't predict what future councils will decide, I believe some projects, such as the Center at South Hills, may never come to fruition.

Economy

Cary’s economy continues to be very strong with an unemployment rate of 2.8 percent compared to 2.9 for Wake County, 3.8 percent for North Carolina and 4.1 percent for the United States. Last year we added 775 jobs, mostly healthcare, financial services, and IT engineering.

Cary’s total assessed value changed drastically during the last year from $34.8 billion in 2023 to $51.8 billion now.

A lot of Cary’s economic success can be attributed to the strong partnership between the town and the Cary Chamber of Commerce as well as the State of North Carolina. In addition, the advice of our local business leaders, who are part of the Town Council’s Economic Development Committee, puts us in a position of even more success in the future.

Sustainability

Our Environmental Health is a top priority for Cary. To date, most of our sustainability initiatives have been in the areas of climate action, energy, tree canopy, food waste, recycling, and stormwater.

Climate Action

In the past year, our "Count Me In, Cary!" campaign successfully engaged over 110,000 residents through a variety of events and online platforms, generating 3,786 survey responses that identified community priorities such as protecting natural resources, reducing waste, and advancing renewable energy. This valuable feedback played a key role in shaping Cary's first Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy, which focuses on six critical areas to enhance resilience and promote environmental stewardship.

Energy

Cary has been reaping the benefits of solar energy for years, and it is rapidly becoming the standard for new town facilities, enabling us to take part in more federal initiatives. Last year, we installed 301 solar panels at the USA Baseball National Training Center, which will supply 60% of the facility's energy needs. We also completed a Solar Feasibility Study, identifying 79 facilities for potential energy efficiency upgrades. Additionally, we took part in the Solarize the Triangle campaign, helping to avoid over 2.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Cary is steadily expanding its fleet of electric vehicles and exploring clean-burning alternative fuels, such as renewable propane, for vehicles that require backup power, lack electric technology, or are not suited for electric use. Last year, Cary added two electric vehicles to its fleet and installed renewable propane kits in 20 police vehicles, helping to reduce emissions while enhancing operational flexibility.

Tree Canopy

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and expanding the tree canopy, Cary has hired an urban forester and an urban forestry expeditor to advance tree care and forestry programs.

In 2024, the My Tree, Our Tree program distributed over 2,041 native trees and secured a $1 million grant for reforestation efforts through the Branching Out project.

The adoption of the Urban Forestry Master Plan, with a focus on Cary’s tree canopy, provides us with a 10-year strategy for tree stewardship and canopy expansion. This plan will enhance the quality of Cary's trees and forests while fostering a community-wide commitment to maintaining healthy, vibrant forests.

Food Waste, Recycling

In 2022, Cary launched a food waste drop-off pilot program that proved to be highly successful. Last year, a second food waste drop-off site was opened, collecting 80 tons of material in its first year. The resulting compost is being used to support local farming initiatives. This initiative aligns with Cary’s ongoing commitment to waste reduction and diverting materials from landfills. Good Hope Farm received finished compost from the collections, which made up about 10% of the total weight of the scraps.

As part of its efforts to reduce landfill waste and generate energy, Cary participated in NCSU’s Waste to Advanced Resources Conference, where it explored innovative solutions such as AI-driven technologies for converting municipal waste into biofuels.

On the recycling front, Cary maintained a 12% contamination rate, well below the national and state averages. Additionally, the town introduced eco-conscious practices at major events like Lazy Daze and Spring Daze, further promoting sustainability.

Stormwater

Last year, several key environmental actions were implemented to address stormwater issues in Cary.

Cary’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Program promotes nature-based solutions to manage stormwater runoff and enhance water quality. In April, a new grant program was launched, offering up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible GSI measures on privately owned properties or lots without existing stormwater control. Within just three months, 17 property owners expressed interest in the program.

A collaboration with the Wake County School System resulted in the rehabilitation of a stormwater control measure that had become clogged due to overgrown cypress tree roots. The redesigned area now improves flood control and water quality, incorporating flowering shrubs and plants that support pollinator species, such as monarch butterflies. Construction was completed ahead of the 2024 school year.

In January 2024, dredging was carried out at Symphony Lake to address decades of sediment buildup and restore the lake’s environmental and water quality characteristics. The sediment was transported to the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility, and site restoration included repaving the Symphony Lake Greenway Trail and reconstructing a greenway bridge. The trail reopened in May.

At Dunham Park, invasive Chinese privet was removed, and high school students from Green Hope High School planted native species, including sweet bay, buttonbush, and elderberry live stakes along the wetland edge. These efforts are aimed at preventing invasive species recolonization and promoting biodiversity.

Housing Affordability

A consistent concern raised by our residents is housing affordability, a challenge not only for Cary but also for municipalities across the United States. We believe that forming strategic partnerships with various organizations allows us to create a greater impact.

Earlier this year, the Town Council approved the 2024–2025 Cary Housing and Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Draft Plan. With over $7.2 million in funding, this plan will support the construction of 226 new affordable housing units and the preservation of 29 existing affordable homes. Additionally, the funds will assist in maintaining housing stability for residents and help strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits focused on housing and community development.

Understanding the importance of supporting residents in need, the Council unanimously voted to establish a new housing program, Stable Homes Cary, and allocated funds through 2026: $500K in 2024, $550K in 2025, and $600K in 2026. These funds will support Stable Homes Cary and two programs currently managed by Dorcas Ministries: the Oasis Utility Bill Program and the Play it Forward Scholarship Fund. The goal of the program is to help residents stay in their homes whenever possible and provide a pathway forward if relocation becomes necessary.

A partnership between Wake County, Cary, and additional funding from the U.S. government enabled the development of an affordable housing project named Marigold Cary, which broke ground last year. This groundbreaking symbolizes hope, progress, and inclusion. Our community’s future economic vitality is deeply tied to having affordable, diverse, and accessible housing for all. The 126 housing units in this development support Cary’s strategic goal of expanding housing options while ensuring the high quality of life in the town is accessible to its workforce.

As we move into this year, we will be evaluating several proposals, partnerships, and initiatives, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). In alignment with the policies outlined in the Imagine Cary Community Plan and the goals of the Cary Housing Plan, a proposed amendment to the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) aims to allow detached ADUs in all single-unit detached residential districts. This amendment would also increase the maximum allowable ADU size in relation to the primary dwelling, from 33% to 50%, with a maximum of 800 square feet for detached ADUs and additions that create an ADU. Additionally, for lots larger than 40,000 square feet, the maximum size would be 1,000 square feet. The amendment would require one parking space per ADU, regardless of the number of bedrooms, and provide clarity on the technical definitions of detached and attached ADUs.

Even with the amendment, homeowner’s associations would continue to be able to have more restrictive rules, including not allowing ADUs at all.

Leadership, New Advisory Board, and Election Changes

We are fortunate to have one of the finest fire departments, police departments, and town staff in the nation. It was no surprise when we were ranked as the #1 government in the United States a couple of years ago. Our team truly represents the best of the best. A heartfelt thank you goes to Town Manager Sean Stegall and dedicated employees who help keep Cary at the top.

Last year, we bid farewell to Doug McRainey, who successfully led our Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department for many years. Under his leadership, we earned the distinction of having the #1 parks system in the country. His successor, John Collins, has wasted no time stepping up and already proving himself as an exceptional leader.

Scot Berry has been promoted to Assistant Town Manager, overseeing a range of critical issues, with a particular focus on economic and land development.

Our Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity (HRID) initiative has transitioned from a two-year task force to a permanent advisory board. The mission of the HRID Task Force is to enhance the quality of life and foster a sense of belonging in the Cary community through data-driven recommendations, expanding access, ensuring equitable treatment, and promoting mutual understanding and respect for all people.

Additionally, the council elections were updated to a plurality system last year, which will be in effect for this year's election. This means there will be no runoffs and no need to secure 50% plus one vote. The change was made to reduce confusion, align with other Wake County municipalities, and save nearly $1 million by eliminating the cost of runoffs. Our new election date is November 4.

Imagine Cary Updates

Becoming a premier community requires thoughtful planning and active community engagement. The Imagine Cary Community Plan, which guides many of our decisions, was developed by our citizens and approved by the council in 2017. Those who contributed to the creation of Imagine Cary understood that regular updates would be necessary. As a result, the plan includes provisions for periodic reviews and interim updates, one of which took place last year.

This update focuses on four key areas and does not amend the entire plan. The changes include a new preface for the plan, the integration of the 2021 Cary Housing Plan into the Live chapter, the expansion of environmental initiatives—formerly part of the Serve chapter—into a new chapter called Enrich, and an update to the Serve chapter to reflect our evolving community services.

Council adopted the plan amendment on January 23.

Bikes

As Cary continues to grow, the town remains committed to enhancing its multi-modal transportation network, with a strong focus on bike infrastructure.

The Cary Bike Plan is currently underway, aiming to create a comprehensive multi-modal network, identify key priority corridors, and address gaps in the existing bike system. This plan will provide strategic direction for investing in bicycle and micro-mobility infrastructure, ensuring safe and convenient mobility for all residents across the community.

The Louis Stephens Drive Improvements Project includes a streetside trail, designed to accommodate users of all ages and abilities. This project will connect parks, schools, neighborhoods, greenways, and commercial areas. Cary, in collaboration with its consultants, is designing the project along this corridor. Right-of-way acquisition began in 2024 and construction may start in 2025.

The traffic calming project on Hortons Creek Road introduced a buffered bike lane with vertical delineators to improve safety and mobility for cyclists.

The Carpenter Fire Station Road project involves widening the road from Cameron Pond Drive to NC 55. It features a 10-foot street-side trail, providing crucial connections to local neighborhoods, the Panther Creek Greenway, and key community destinations such as the Crosspoint Church and YMCA.

Greenways

Cary, a leader in North Carolina's greenway network, boasts almost 100 miles of paved trails, with additional projects underway. This is in addition to the 482 miles of sidewalks.

Phase III of the Higgins Greenway is nearing completion. This phase will extend the greenway from its current end at Union Street, reaching Kildaire Farm Road. It will seamlessly connect with Phase IV, which will continue north along Kildaire Farm Road near Cary Elementary School. Cary has secured a $1.9 million LAPP grant from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) for Phase IV, with construction set to begin this year.

The Black Creek Greenway renovation project, which began last year, will stretch 2.5 miles from Old Reedy Creek Road by Lake Crabtree to West Dynasty Drive. This greenway is part of the East Coast Greenway, an ambitious route stretching from Maine to Florida. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2027.

The Crabtree Creek Trail Weston Parkway Crossing project, which started last year, is building a pedestrian tunnel under Weston Parkway. This will fill a 1,000-foot gap in the greenway between the Weston HOA trail system and the Crabtree Creek Greenway. The Weston HOA trail currently ends on the south side of Weston Parkway, and the LAPP grant will fund this project, slated for completion in 2026.

A new segment of the Crabtree Creek Greenway, extending 2,500 feet from Bond Park to High House Road, was recently completed. This important section connects Bond Park, passes through the Preston soccer fields, and reaches High House Road, linking to a proposed street-side trail. As part of Cary’s primary greenway corridors identified in the 2012 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan, this project fills a vital gap in the Crabtree Creek Greenway and enhances bike and pedestrian access to the Preston soccer fields and Bond Park.

A resurfacing project for the pedestrian tunnel at White Oak Creek Greenway at Cary Parkway is currently underway. The work will realign the curve on the tunnel's east side and address drainage issues. A sidewalk detour along Cary Parkway to High House Road and Bond Park (Maury O'Dell Place) is in place, with work expected to be completed early this year.

The design of the Optimist Farm Greenway will extend it from the existing segment at the northern end of Forester Lane all the way down to the southern end of West Lake Road. The greenway is proposed to wrap around the pond in the West Lake subdivision and tie to the greenway along West Lake Road at the library. LAPP funding award was awarded for a portion of this project.

Cary's WakeMed Soccer Park hosts an exceptional Cross-Country Course, but this will need to be relocated when Trinity Road is extended through the start-finish area in the coming years. However, plans to relocate and design a new cross-country course have been paused due to budget constraints.

Parks

Cary offers 30 parks and natural areas for residents to enjoy. Last year, two new neighborhood parks were added, and three were renovated.

Carpenter Fire Station Park, which opened last summer, features two lighted ballfields, a playground, a shelter with restrooms, a dog park, and basketball courts.

McCrimmon Parkway Park also opened last summer, offering six lighted tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a playground, a shelter with restrooms, a community garden, public art, and paved loop trails.

Dunham Park, one of Cary’s oldest parks, was renovated last year with brand-new playground equipment. Ed Yerha Park and Bond Park also received updates with new playground equipment.

Downtown Cary Park

One of the key drivers of Downtown redevelopment is the Downtown Cary Park, which marked its first birthday in November. Describing the park as hugely popular is an understatement— it has attracted visitors from across the region. Last year alone, over 500,000 people visited the park, including 7,960 dogs at the dog park.

The park has become the centerpiece for major events, including the annual Christmas tree lighting, and has taken on the role of hosting the Downtown Cary Farmer’s Market. Notable events included the Christmas Tree Lighting, a Hanukkah celebration, the park’s anniversary with a drone show, and the Pimento Cheese Festival, which drew over 15,000 attendees. In addition, the park hosted 547 programs, 35 tours, and seven field trips.

Across from the park on Academy Street, the Ivey-Ellington House, which has been under renovation throughout the year, is nearly ready to open and will house the park’s staff. The Gathering House, located near the Mayton Inn, and is expected to open in the summer.

Sports Venues

Cary's premier sports venues attract tens of thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the world, generating an estimated annual economic impact in the tens of millions of dollars.

The Cary tennis parks hosted several major championships this year, including a professional tennis tournament, a professional pickleball tournament, and the ACC tennis championships. The pickleball tournament, our first, alone generated a $2.6 million economic impact. We are scheduled to host both professional tennis and pickleball tournaments again this year.

WakeMed Soccer Park continues to be a top destination for championship events. This past year, the park hosted the NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship, the ACC Soccer Championship, and the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships. The NCAA has extended its contract for the Division I men’s and women’s soccer championships in Cary through 2028. Additionally, the park hosted TST (The Soccer Tournament), broadcast internationally, the Great American Cross-Country Festival, which drew 3,500 athletes and 6,000 spectators from across the country, and the Adidas XC Challenge, which brought in 2,000 athletes and 3,500 spectators.

The USA Baseball National Training Complex also plays a significant role in our economy. As the national training center, it has hosted the NCAA Division II championships since 2009, a national high school invitational, international exhibitions, collegiate events, and over 500 games annually. Last year, the NCAA awarded Cary the Division II championships through 2038. The Complex opened a new 22,000 square-foot clubhouse earlier in the year, featuring a covered full-sized infield that can be converted into eight pitching or batting lanes, 14,000 square feet of office and warehouse space, and 5,000 square feet of offices, classrooms, restrooms, showers, and other support facilities.

Other local venues also hosted noteworthy events. Before heading to the Olympics in Paris, Olympic swimmers trained at the Triangle Aquatic Center. Cary Action Sports welcomed the third stop of the USABMX Regional National Series. The 2024 US Masters Disc Golf Championship took place at the Middle Creek course, bringing together 500 professionals and amateurs from 43 states and 5 countries.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre remains one of the region’s premier venues for live arts and entertainment. In 2024, the Amphitheatre hosted 130 events, attracting over 330,000 visitors. Its concert lineup featured the North Carolina Symphony’s annual Summerfest series, along with a diverse array of national, regional, and local performances. For 2025, we’ve already secured a performance by Kool & the Gang and three nights of Billy Strings.

Among the venue's biggest annual draws are the vibrant cultural festivals held throughout the year, including Asia Fest, Oktoberfest, Hum Sub Diwali, and the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. The Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated that the Chinese Lantern Festival alone generated an $8 million economic impact for Cary and Wake County. The arts and culture scene in Cary is thriving, with no signs of slowing down.

Utilities

The Downtown Water Main Replacement Project was completed last year, installing 8,200 linear feet of water main throughout the downtown area. Additionally, Cary made infrastructure improvements along South Harrison Avenue, West Park Street, Page Street, West Street, and Byrum Street, upgrading the sanitary sewer, stormwater collection system, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and roadways. Additionally, 1,200 feet of new water and sewer was replaced on Boyd Street and water main replacement is currently underway on Turquoise Creek Drive in Preston and in the Oakwood Heights neighborhood.

Cary also completed the construction of electric vehicle charging stations at the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility and the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility, along with a rooftop solar array at the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility Maintenance Facility. In addition to meeting the electricity demand for the maintenance facility, the rooftop solar array produces enough energy to power four to seven homes for a year.

A new water main and sidewalk were also installed along Northwest Maynard Road, between High House Road and Old Apex Road, closing a 1,700-foot gap in the sidewalk and improving pedestrian safety. The new 3,500 feet of 24-inch water main enhances Cary's water transmission capacity. The project also included roadway resurfacing, striping, and new curbs in impacted areas.

Cary achieved a major milestone by completing the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revision requirements ahead of the October 16 deadline. The town published a comprehensive inventory of its 75,000 water service lines online and submitted it to the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Hundreds of citizens participated in identifying service line materials, supported by field investigations, historical records, and statistical analysis for unverified locations. After a thorough three-year evaluation, Cary proudly determined its water system contains zero lead service lines, reflecting its commitment to transparency and public health.

Street Projects

The Kildaire Farm Road Improvements Project was completed last year, including landscaping the newly installed median between Byrum Street and Walnut Street. This project enhanced intersection safety at Walnut Street, improved the corridor’s aesthetics with buried utilities and decorative streetlights, and installed new water lines to support redevelopment and ensure long-term reliability.

In 2024, Cary also secured new crash analysis software, CRASH, which uses crash report data from Cary police and geospatial analytics to identify crash patterns and areas for improvement. This software streamlines Cary’s safety programs by allowing staff to manage analyses directly, rather than relying on reports from the N.C. Department of Transportation. It also enables before-and-after assessments and predictive analytics to better determine the most effective mitigation measures.

Late last year, the realigned Morrisville Carpenter Road, east of N.C. 55, was completed with a new bridge supporting CSX-owned railroad tracks. This new street segment strengthens the region’s east-west travel connection, linking western Cary with N.C. 54 in Morrisville, and provides a direct route to I-40 and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Additionally, over 11 miles of streets were resurfaced last year as part of Cary’s annual Street Improvements program. Beyond resurfacing, streets were treated with rejuvenators to extend the life of the asphalt, and small imperfections were patched to improve overall quality.

Transit

Transit is playing an increasingly vital role in Cary’s future, particularly as we address the challenges of affordable housing. Over the past few years, we've seen significant growth in ridership, with a 40.34% increase in fiscal year 2023 and a 27.79% increase in fiscal year 2024. This year, Cary completed a Microtransit Feasibility Study to explore opportunities for expanding transit services in western and southern Cary. In addition, the GoCary app was launched last year, providing real-time bus locations, trip planning, and service updates, and the GoCary downtown loop began operations. Cary also added solar lighting to 35 additional bus stops, bringing the total to 154 stops with lighting—covering 71% of the transit system.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in our region are collaborating to identify the best strategies for securing federal funding for Passenger or Commuter Rail. Pursuing passenger rail will support the development of rail infrastructure in the region, positioning us for future commuter rail funding.

Cary also received $2 million from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) for the construction of a Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility, which will be located on Towerview Court.

The Downtown Cary Multimodal Center continues to move forward with property acquisitions. This new facility will support local and regional bus services, Bus Rapid Transit, Intercity Passenger Rail, Commuter Rail, Ride Share, and Bike Share options. Additional funding for the center will come from the Wake Transit Plan’s ½ cent sales tax and an annual allocation from the Federal Transit Administration for operations.

Biennial Survey

It is always essential to understand and listen to the perspectives of those we serve. In January, Cary conducted its biennial survey, a practice the town has maintained since 1998. The feedback collected serves as a valuable benchmark for both staff and the council as we strive to deliver the best possible services. The survey engaged 408 residents, with a margin of error of ±4.85%. Cary earned 21 A-range grades and 13 B-range grades across various service dimensions, reflecting strong overall satisfaction. The town received an A- rating as a place to live, with 99.5% of respondents rating Cary as "desirable."

While 97.3% of residents feel safe in Cary, slightly lower than the 99% reported in 2022, 84.6% would recommend Cary as a place to relocate. However, there was a decline in satisfaction in certain areas: overall service quality dropped from a B+ to a B, and perceived value for taxes and fees paid fell from a B- to a C+. Residents also expressed concerns about Cary's communication efforts, particularly regarding the availability of information and opportunities for participation in decision-making. Key issues raised included growth, traffic, affordable housing, cost of living, and high taxes. Notably, satisfaction with transportation dropped from B- to C-, and housing options saw a decline, with most grades ranging from C- to D+.

Overall, while citizen satisfaction remains high, the results highlight areas for improvement, particularly in communication, housing, and transportation.

Development

Development interest in Cary remains strong, with most new proposals and approvals aligning with the Imagine Cary Community Plan. Approximately 85% to 90% of land in Cary has either been developed or approved for development. New developments are primarily occurring in western Cary, while redevelopment is taking place in older areas like southeastern Cary and downtown.

One key development area in western Cary is the Green Level West Destination Center. Duke Health has already built a 100,000-square-foot medical office building and has plans for a similarly sized ambulatory care facility. Additionally, Duke has been approved for a 100-bed hospital. Adjacent to this, the Bel Canto proposal was approved, which includes up to 700 multifamily units, 20,000 square feet of commercial space, and 100,000 square feet of office space. The Viridis project, located across Green Level West Road, was approved in 2023 for 1,300 multifamily units, along with commercial and office space.

The Carpenter Fire Station Road at Highcroft PDD received approval for a mixed-use development consisting of 300 multifamily units and 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of office space.

The South Hills Mall redevelopment was also approved last year. This project will feature a vertically integrated, mixed-use development with structured parking. The rezoning allows for up to 550,000 square feet of commercial space, 235,000 square feet of research and development, 935,000 square feet of office and public/institutional space, 350 hotel rooms, 1,775 multifamily units, and the potential for a community center.

Regarding mall redevelopment, Epic Games has withdrawn its proposal for the redevelopment of the former Cary Town Mall site, which has since been demolished. Epic, which is headquartered in Cary, retains ownership of the land but hasn’t shared next steps for its future.

Another major proposal, Alston Yards, is currently in the rezoning process and is expected to be voted on by the council early this year. This mixed-use development includes vertical components near a retail core, with plans for up to 400,000 square feet of office space, 815 multifamily units, 200 hotel rooms, 55,000 square feet of commercial space, and either 180 hotel rooms or 180 residential condos. Additionally, the proposal includes 30,000 square feet of community gathering areas and 1,700 linear feet of greenway trails. The plan also involves land swaps with the town.

The Waverly Place proposal, currently in the rezoning process, has generated significant interest. It includes up to 750 multifamily units, 30,000 square feet of commercial space, structured parking, building heights of 4 to 7 stories, and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. The project also includes a commitment to stormwater control features, and workforce housing, with ongoing discussions between the applicant and adjacent HOAs.

Another proposal generating significant interest during the rezoning process is the Regency Multifamily project. This development would feature up to 245 multifamily units with a building height of 60 feet. Key development standards include the installation of at least 10 electric vehicle charging stations, compliance with Green Building Standards, and a commitment to set aside 5% of the units for workforce housing.

Fenton, Cary's largest mixed-use development, opened in 2022 and is nearing full occupancy in its first phase. The Allison at Fenton apartments are 93% leased and 85% occupied, while Fenton's office space is 80% leased. In March 2024, construction of a new parking deck on the western side of the development began, with completion expected this winter or spring.

Fenton also announced plans for a new hotel along Fenton Gateway Drive, which will feature about 180 rooms, a restaurant, café, and a rooftop pool terrace overlooking Fenton Main Street. The developer’s hotel partner, Mainsail, has started the development process.

Additionally, Fenton has retained Fred Smith Company to construct phase 2 of Quinard Road, which will extend from the existing roundabout at Ridgeview Walk and Quinard westward to Southeast Maynard Road. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

Downtown Development

Redevelopment of properties in Downtown Cary continues to be in high demand, driving up property values, and this trend is expected to persist.

The Walker development on its site has been successful and is now fully occupied. The first floor features several thriving new businesses and restaurants.

Across Walnut Street from The Walker, the new headquarters for Lee and Associates opened last year. Towne Bank also leased the first floor, establishing a downtown branch there.

The Massey development at Byrum and Walker, under construction in the past year, will feature 17 three-story luxury residences with private rooftop terraces. The homes, which boast "thoughtfully planned interiors for luxurious modern living" and options for private elevators, are now for sale at approximately $1 million each.

The Rogers development on Chatham Street, across from the Cary Theater, opened early last year and has been fully leased. Tenants include WithersRavenel, Cary Founded Coworking, clothing stores, and a new sushi restaurant called Zest. A town partnership is building a parking deck adjacent to the Rogers development at Cedar Street and Rogers Alley. Construction is expected to be completed in the second half of the year, providing approximately 290 public parking spaces and retail on the first floor along Chatham Street.

The Meridian Cary and Jordan Building project, a partnership between the Baptist Church, the Town, and the Jordan family, began construction last year at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Chatham Street. This development will include 190 apartments, a 70,000 square foot office building, and a parking deck with 220 spaces for public parking. Estimated construction will be completed in Spring 2026.

The Meridian East Chatham project, another partnership with the town, is under construction on East Chatham Street. It will include a mixed-use residential building with ground-floor retail and a private parking structure. The project features 220 luxury residential units, 7,500 square feet of residential amenities, and 8,000 square feet of retail. It is set for completion this year, alongside improvements to public infrastructure such as the extension of Hunter Street and upgrades to water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

Plans are under review for a new restaurant called Lloyd’s at the site of the former Gurkan’s Service Station at Academy Street and Chatham Street. If approved, the auto shop will be renovated, with an opening expected by the end of the year. The restaurant’s name honors K.M. Lloyd, who opened the original filling station there in 1951.

Plans have also been submitted for a 7-story condo building along Walker Street, offering views of Downtown Cary Park. The proposed building includes two levels of parking, approximately 2,500 square feet of retail space, and 40 condos ranging from $375,000 for a one-bedroom unit to $715,000 for a three-bedroom unit. A rooftop terrace will be available for condo owners.

Downtown Parking

To improve parking management in Downtown Cary for residents, visitors, business owners, and special events, the town has been exploring various parking solutions. While a public parking deck is already in place at the Wake County Library/The Walker, additional parking decks are in development, including those at Meridian Cary on Harrison and Chatham which will have 478 spaces with 225 for the public, Rogers between Cedar and Chatham which will have 288 public spaces. Those Cary is committed to providing ample parking and implementing effective management strategies that support both current and future development, while also considering the needs of those who live in and around Downtown.

Capital Projects

There are currently 607 active general and utility capital projects with a total budget of $1.2 billion. The actual expenditures to date have been $735 million.

Between February and June, during the annual budget process, we will focus on refining the capital improvements program to align with the current economic landscape, while remaining flexible to accommodate future financial shifts and changes in priorities.

Budget Challenges

As we began this budget year in July, it became evident that inflation for capital project construction costs would surpass our budgeted amounts. These costs remain at historic highs, and many capital projects received bids that were 150-200% higher than initial estimates, with six of those projects requiring rebidding. Due to these and other factors, Cary has shifted into maintenance mode.

Over the past five years, inflation has significantly impacted various project costs. For example, sidewalk construction has increased by 200%, water pipes by 122%, sewer pipes by 77%, street resurfacing by 37.5%, new sanitation trucks by 39%, rebar by 129%, concrete by 43%, asphalt by 29%, and iron pipe by 11.2%.

Additional challenges to our budget include stagnant sales tax revenue from the previous year, a decline in residential permits to their lowest point in decades, and a slowing in growth, which has reduced subsidies. The dramatic rise in the consumer price index has also had a significant inflationary impact on goods and services.

As a result, many capital projects currently in the research and planning phases have been put on hold for reevaluation. The Council will reprioritize these projects beginning in February. In essence, we will not have enough budgeted funds to complete all planned projects.

The good news is that Cary remains financially strong, holding the highest ratings from all major bond rating agencies. To maintain our financial health, we have issued debt for vehicle purchases, transferred funds from capital reserves to the general fund, and delayed spending on non-critical initiatives.

This maintenance mode is expected to persist in the next budget year, beginning on July 1st. We anticipate holding vacant positions, reducing travel and training expenditures, and eliminating non-essential consulting contracts. We will continue to monitor inflationary impacts—both upward and downward—and adjust budget requests accordingly during the development process.

Closing

As we look ahead to the upcoming year and the budget, we recognize that the road ahead will be a challenge. The continued pressure of inflation, combined with the failed $560 million bond, adds an additional layer of complexity to our financial planning. We must be strategic, adaptive, and thoughtful in how we allocate our resources, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our community while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

While the circumstances are challenging, I am confident in our ability to overcome them. Time and again, we have demonstrated our resilience and resourcefulness. Cary is the home of engaged citizens, strong business leaders, an exceptional staff, and a wise and experienced council. We’ve faced adversity before, and we’ve emerged stronger. With your continued support and collaboration, we will work together to prioritize our core values and long-term goals, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for our community. Together, we will rise to meet this moment and keep Cary at the "Top of the Arc."