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.
IT services agreement with Youngsville
Wake Forest's IT team could start providing tech services to neighboring Youngsville under a draft interlocal agreement. The town would share expertise with a neighbor and bring in extra revenue; the deal still needs legal review and Board direction before a November 17 vote.
Greenway Expansion and Walkability
The Board authorized the NCDOT municipal agreement unlocking $5.3 million in federal LAPP funds, matched locally, to build the 2.5-mile greenway gap.
Naming and future opening of the 80-Acre Property
A resident disputed the town's public statements about closing the Shady 80 trails behind Heritage High School, arguing hundreds used them for years without posted no-trespassing signs and urging the town to correct the record.
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.
Joyner Park Community Center closure during early voting
Residents warned that the early voting site is moving from the Northern Regional Center to Joyner Park Community Center, which lacks transit and parking, and asked the Town to communicate voting changes and offer the Regional Center as a second site.
Public Meetings
Ever wonder what your local leaders are actually deciding? You can easily check out the latest Wake Forest public meeting agendas and videos to stay in the loop.
Renaissance Center gallery policy and Pride exhibit
The October Pride partnership exhibit drew public questions. Staff explained the same curation rules apply to all exhibits, and the Board voted 4-1 to let the show proceed while asking for an MOU governing gallery exhibits.
Go Wake Forest fares and Sunday service expansion
The on-demand microtransit service will add Sunday service, with a new benchmark requiring it to fulfill at least 90 percent of trip requests.
ADA Transition Plan adoption
A new federally required ADA Transition Plan catalogs about 30,000 barriers — mostly uneven sidewalks — with an estimated $23 million in fixes spread over 20 years. The Board will be asked to adopt it at the August 18 meeting.
Tennis court access during Flaherty courts rebuild
A tennis advocate asked the board to help arrange joint-use agreements with Wake County schools for court time while Flaherty courts are rebuilt, and to make sure the $1.4 million rebuild fixes the subsoil failures.
Age-friendly community initiative
The two-year-old Age Friendly committee produced a strategic plan and brought in $20,000 in grants, but its future structure sparked debate. The Board reached consensus to have staff return in September with options for continuing it as a committee, advisory board, or hybrid.
Hospitality Tax Funding for Parks Projects
The Town accepted $4.64 million in Raleigh/Wake hospitality tax money — most of it for the skate park and pump track and the rest for Flaherty Park Phase 2 — without burdening local taxpayers.
Public Records and Transparency
A resident criticized the Town for omitting proclamations from the agenda packet and questioned the cost of handling public records requests, including a possible $15,000 part-time position.
Impoundment of recklessly operated micromobility devices
A new ordinance would let police impound e-bikes and similar devices from minors riding dangerously — but only after a documented prior warning and when there's an ongoing safety risk. It's framed as a safety measure, not a punishment.
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.
Potential federal immigration detention facilities in Wake Forest
Residents warned that warehouses across the country are being converted to ICE detention facilities, sometimes with little notice to towns, and asked the Board to prepare ordinances and be ready to respond.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Commissioner Sliwinski opened up about his own journey with depression and anxiety, and highlighted the town's mental wellness fairs, first-aid trainings, and NAMI partnerships that have reached over 600 people.