Wake Forest · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wake Forest public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Planning Board appointments
Six residents are vying for three Planning Board seats — two regular positions and one ETJ seat. Three incumbents are reapplying, and appointments are expected at the November 17 meeting. The board shapes decisions on growth and development townwide.
Contiguous annexation of 16.38 acres at 4925 Unicon Drive
South Forest LLC's property just off Capital Boulevard is now part of Wake Forest. It stays zoned light industrial under the 2023 rezoning, so future changes would require board approval.
Annexation of 1313 N White Street (Ritchie Family Properties)
A 7.76-acre parcel at 1313 N. White Street moves toward annexation, with a public hearing set for May 19, 2026.
On-call engineering services contracts
The Board approved on-call engineering contracts, but a resident objected to outside consultants reviewing traffic impact analyses and development plans, saying residents trust the town's current engineers.
Alleged Planning Department Misrepresentation — 744 Durham Road
A property owner and attorney told the board that planning staff discussed a possible road across his family's Durham Road property without disclosing the town's involvement in plans for a hospital next door. He alleged the omissions were meant to deceive him.
Housing affordability and rentals
Median home price is $540,000 — well above what a median-income household can afford (~$466,000). Apartment vacancy has dropped to about 8% with big projects still coming.