Harold's Blog

Inclusive Davis Drive Park Open, Cary Hosting National Pickleball Championship, Budget Open House, State of Cary at Searstone, TST Taping, NC Metro Mayors Meeting, State of Cary at Courtyards at West Cary, and Founders Day Tour

Purpose of this Blog

It is my hope that this blog will provide insight not only into who I am meeting with on behalf of the Town, but also the topics we discuss. I believe strongly in open and transparent government. This blog is one of several initiatives I implemented when I became mayor in 2007 to make the governmental process more accessible to our citizens.

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

Cary’s government, like most cities in North Carolina and most mid-sized cities in the U.S., uses a council–manager form of government. This system works a lot like a company, but for local government. Residents elect a council and a mayor, who set policy by passing laws, approving the budget, and guiding the town’s overall priorities. The council then hires a professional manager to run the town’s day-to-day operations.

Think of it like a company: the council acts like a board of directors, making policy and representing the public, while the city manager acts like a CEO, overseeing all departments, such as finance, public works, police, and fire, and managing town staff. The mayor leads council meetings, represents the town publicly, and has limited executive authority. While the council and mayor make policy decisions and receive regular reports, they usually see only high-level summaries rather than the detailed inner workings of each department.

In short, just as a board hires a CEO to run a company, Cary’s council hires a manager to run the town, ensuring professional management while elected officials focus on big-picture decisions and community priorities.

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

New Inclusive Playground at Davis Drive Park

It was announced earlier this week that there will be a new inclusive Playground at Davis Drive Park thanks to the Shane Pegram Family Foundation who donated $400,000 supporting accessibility upgrades. Here is the press release from that announcement:

Cary, NC – Cary invites the community to celebrate a new inclusive playground at Davis Drive Park, 1610 Davis Drive, on April 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Supported by ACCESS Cary, the celebration will feature free entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities, including delicious treats from Buoy Bowles and NC Mini Doughnut Co. Community members are invited to explore the new playground, connect with neighbors, and learn more about inclusive play opportunities in Cary and across the Triangle region.

Designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, the new playground at Davis Drive Park creates a welcoming environment where individuals of all abilities can explore, interact, and play together. The space incorporates features that encourage inclusive play and support a variety of physical, sensory, and social experiences for children and families.

“The Davis Drive park inclusive playground represents more than a place to play; it’s a space where everyone can feel a sense of belonging,” said John Collins, director of Cary’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department. “We’re proud to continue advancing inclusive recreation opportunities for our community.”

Cary is committed to creating recreation spaces, programs, and experiences that are welcoming and accessible for all. In addition to more than 30 parks and natural areas, Cary offers a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors to get outside, stay active, and connect with the community. Discover even more ways to play, relax, and connect at carync.gov/parks and learn about Cary’s approach to accessibility in recreation through ACCESS Cary.

Cary is blessed to have this playground in our community so that all children can have fun and thrive no matter what their abilities.

Cary Hosting National Pickleball Championship

Monday I was notified that the National Pickleball Championship will be held here in Cary. Here is the press release of that announcement:

Cary, NC — Cary will host the Veolia Pickleball National Championships at Cary Tennis Park from Aug. 31 through Sept. 6, 2026. The event marks a major expansion of Cary’s partnership with the Carvana PPA Tour, as the Town becomes the site of the Tour’s national championship and 2026 global season launch.

“It’s exciting to see how much the PPA Tour experience has grown here in Cary,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Our staff does an incredible job making these events special for both players and fans, and our community really shows up. We’re proud to welcome the pickleball world back to Cary.”

The tournament will include world No. 1 players Anna Leigh Waters (Singles, Doubles, Mixed), Ben Johns (Doubles), Gabe Tardio (Mixed), and Chris Haworth (Singles), alongside North Carolina residents such as world No. 2 Kate Fahey and world No. 4 Brooke Buckner.

“As pickleball enjoys enormous growth in popularity and participation in the United States and globally, it is critical that we bring the very best of the PPA to the most passionate regions, and North Carolina has shown us year after year how fervent they are about the sport,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “The PPA brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to all our tournaments, and our Slam tournaments are where we shine the brightest, with unmatched entertainment and excitement for everyone to enjoy. The first-ever Veolia Pickleball National Championships will raise that bar even higher as we turn the Greater Raleigh area into the place where every pickleball fanatic wants to be this summer.”

The 2026 championship is expected to draw more than 2,000 players and thousands of daily attendees, with major network television and streaming coverage showcasing Cary to a global audience. The event is supported in part by a State of North Carolina grant of up to $984,850 through the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund.

Cary hosted PPA Tour events in 2024 and 2025, which generated more than $6 million in direct economic impact, according to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Hosting world-class events is what Cary is built for,” said Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Director John Collins. “We’re building on that foundation to deliver an experience that reflects both the growth of pickleball and Cary’s ability to host at the highest level.”

Cary Tennis Park is North Carolina’s largest public tennis facility and was named the nation’s “Municipal Facility of the Year” by Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) for the second time in 2025.

Beyond the courts, visitors will find themselves minutes from the award-winning Downtown Cary Park, dining, greenways, and cultural destinations, making it easy to turn a tournament visit into a full Cary experience.

From early matches through championship play, the event will offer an energetic, festival-style atmosphere, including live concerts, fan engagement, and pro-led camps and clinics.

Player registration is now open for amateur divisions across all skill levels, and tickets are available on the PPA Tour’s website.

I am looking forward to this event and hope to see you there.

Budget Open House

On Tuesday, the town held a public budget open house at the Cary Senior Center from 3 to 7 p.m., drawing 67 attendees. The event featured a presentation on budget issues every fifteen minutes, along with representatives from all town departments. All council members were present except one. I’m interested to see the results of the surveys completed by those who attended.

State of Cary at Searstone

On Wednesday evening, I delivered the State of Cary address to residents of Searstone, joined by Council Member Richards. The auditorium was full, with an estimated attendance of more than 200 people. While there were few questions during the Q&A session, several attendees approached us with questions afterward. Overall, the feedback indicated that residents feel the town is moving forward and handling the former town manager’s situation appropriately.

TST Taping

On Thursday morning, I recorded a welcome message for TST (The Soccer Tournament), which will be held in June. The challenge was making it feel like summer while the actual temperature hovered around 40 degrees. We filmed portions at WakeMed Soccer Park and on the skywalk at Downtown Cary Park. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.

NC Metro Mayors Meeting

On Friday, I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors, where the primary topic was a legislative preview of proposed property tax reform. We learned how the issue originated, including a visit by several North Carolina Republican legislators to Florida, where there is no state-level property tax. Mayors and their staff were encouraged to reach out to their legislative delegations to express concerns about the potential impact. In Cary, 61% of our revenue comes from property taxes; without a replacement source of funding, any change would significantly affect service levels and quality of life.

State of Cary at Courtyards at West Cary

On Saturday afternoon, I delivered the State of Cary address to roughly three dozen residents at the Courtyards at West Cary. The Q&A session covered a range of topics, including schools, hospitals, taxes, and more. Council Member Bansal joined me and helped address questions. Several attendees stayed afterward to speak with us privately and express their appreciation. Overall, the feedback was very positive, with many noting that the town is doing a great job.

Founders Day Tour

On Sunday afternoon, I portrayed Frank Page during a walking tour as part of a Founders Day play organized by Dr. Katherine Loflin. It was an engaging and informative experience, highlighting Cary’s early history around its founding on April 3, 1871. It’s always a pleasure to take part in Dr. Loflin’s productions.

Traffic Signal Update for Bond Park and High House

Staff provided an update on the future traffic signal at Bond Park Drive and High House Road which will be installed this year. Here is a portion of their update:

Here is a breakdown on the work that is still needed and the timeline until the signal is operational.

Signal Pole foundations are scheduled to be installed in the next two weeks

Steel Poles are to be delivered in late May

Late June is the current schedule for the signal to go operational

Restricting left turns at Maury O’Dell to come after the signal is in operation at Bond Park Drive

These items have been completed…

Power Service Meter and Signal Cabinet are installed

Conduit work has been completed

Thanks to the staff for all there are doing to making this traffic signal a reality.

Interim Town Manager’s Update

Russ’s Message

Council,

I wanted to take a minute to reflect on this week’s Budget Open House.

First, a big thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. There was a lot that went into it. A lot of planning, coordination, and plenty of people jumping in wherever they were needed. From the folks who helped design the event, to setting up and breaking down, to the team handling the tech, to those out front talking with residents. It all mattered. The event felt thoughtful and welcoming. It really reflected who we are and how we serve, and that’s something to be proud of. I know I am.

We had 67 people join us in person and more than 11,500 views on the livestream. That tells me people are paying attention and staying engaged. And if anyone missed it, the recording is on Cary’s YouTube channel. About two-thirds of the folks in the room filled out a survey, which gives us some really helpful feedback. Staff is going through that now and will bring a full summary to you at a future work session.

I also had a chance to spend some time with staff earlier today at an All Hands meeting focused on the budget. It’s been great keeping everyone in the loop as we continue developing the FY27 budget together.

Cricket RFQ

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to build a cricket ground at Mills Park has been posted to the NC Electronic Vendor Portal. Interested local cricket organizations are invited to submit qualifications by July 2.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,205 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,342
Email: 345
Web: 306
Internal: 157
Walk-In: 29
Text: 18
Social Media: 8

55.17% of cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 455
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 310
Water Meter Service & Requests: 178
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 169
Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 118

Academy Street Parking Deck Opens April 11

The Academy Street Parking Deck will open tomorrow just in time for the Pimento Cheese Festival, helping accommodate increased visitor traffic and improve access to downtown. Located at the southeast corner of Harrison Avenue and Chatham Street, the five-level deck is part of the broader Northwoods Jordan development and includes 225 public parking spaces owned by Cary, with shared-use arrangements that support nearby partners. Access to the deck is available via Harrison Avenue, Academy Street, and Waddell Plaza. For more information on parking in downtown Cary, visit carync.gov/parking.

Cary 101 Kickoff

This year’s Cary 101 program kicked off last week with its opening civics session, where Interim Town Manager Russ Overton provided an introduction to the program. Participants also received an overview of Cary’s structure, legal and financial framework, and participated in a budget prioritization exercise. The second session this week focused on how Cary promotes environmental stewardship, approaches marketing, and keeps residents informed, including how these efforts connect to and support 311.

Harrison Tank Rehabilitation Complete

Construction on the Harrison Avenue elevated water storage tank is complete, and the tank has been disinfected and returned to service. The one-million-gallon tank, originally built in 1974, received new protective coatings on both the interior and exterior. Regular preventive maintenance and rehabilitation help prevent corrosion and preserve structural integrity, extending the service life of the tank. The new coatings are expected to last approximately 15 years before requiring an overcoat.

Hampton Valley Road All Way Stop

Staff recently installed signs and pavement markings to convert the intersection of Hampton Valley Road and Willowbrook Drive to an all-way stop following a review of traffic volumes and driver behavior. LED-enhanced signs were used for the new stop approach on Willowbrook Drive and will remain in place for approximately three months to draw attention to the change.

Arbor Day Recap

Cary celebrated Arbor Day last Saturday, marking its 43rd consecutive year as a Tree City USA community. The event highlighted Cary’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, including recognition of 2025 Hometown Spirit Award recipient Carla Michaels with Cary’s official Arbor Day tree, a flowering dogwood to be planted at Jack Smith Park. Held in conjunction with My Tree, Our Tree, which distributed 600 native trees to residents, an additional 150 trees were provided through the Ask an Arborist booth, bringing the total to 750 new trees added to Cary’s urban forest.

Share and Care

ACCESS Cary successfully hosted another Share & Care, welcoming more than 50 vendors and over 260 attendees. The event brought together individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, service providers, and community organizations to connect residents with meaningful resources and opportunities. As a key connection point, Share & Care supports those navigating services, exploring inclusive recreation, and seeking educational and therapeutic resources, while also helping reduce barriers to information, increase awareness of available services, and strengthen community connections.

Hippity Hoppity Easter Egg Hunt

On March 29, the Hippity Hoppity Easter Egg Hunt at the USA Baseball National Training Complex welcomed 900 registered children and approximately 1,400 attendees. Before the hunt, families enjoyed photos with the Easter Bunny, Spider-Man, and Rapunzel, along with roaming entertainment including bubble artists, a winged dancer, a juggler, a magician, and a mirror disco ball performer. The event created a lively atmosphere and a memorable experience for attendees of all ages.

Important Dates

Human Relations, Inclusion, & Diversity Advisory Board
Monday, April 13, 6:00 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 p.m.

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, April 15, 6:15 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Thursday, April 16, 5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, April 16, 6:30 p.m.

Council Initiated Items

The council has a process that allows members to introduce items for discussion at meetings, often leading to further action. Given the recent increase in these requests, I will begin sharing them here along with my perspective on their pros and cons.

E-Bike Safety

This proposal, submitted by Council Members Bansal and Richards, will be on the April 16 council meeting agenda.

The council initially launched a pilot program in June 2022 to allow e-bikes. After a one-year trial period, the program was made permanent, with a posted speed limit of 15 mph on greenways. Recently, however, there have been complaints that e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices are traveling at excessive speeds and creating potentially hazardous conditions.

PROS:

We are listening to our citizens’ complaints.
Preventing e-bikes and scooters will possibly make greenways safer.

CONS:

There is basically no way to enforce an ordinance that has e-bikes or not.
Any enforcement effort would require additional officers and officers’ time. We are currently underfunding officers and require overtime to maintain existing levels of service.
We are revisiting a decision that was made after a one-year trial and review of data.

Smoke Free Ordinance

This proposal, submitted by Mayor Pro-Tem Bush and Council Member Craig, will be on the April 16 council meeting agenda.

PROS:

Eliminates toxic secondhand smoke.
Current ordinance does not match state law and Raleigh/Wake ordinance.

CONS:

Any enforcement effort would require additional officers and officers’ time. We are currently underfunding officers and require overtime to maintain existing levels of service.

Affordable Housing on Old Library Site

This proposal, submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Bush and Council Member Bansal, would place a podium-style parking deck with affordable housing on the former library site. This has yet to be scheduled for a meeting agenda.

PROS:

Adds parking across from Downtown Cary Park.
Create affordable housing units in the downtown area.

CONS:

May underutilize one of the municipality’s most valuable properties. Downtown Cary Park generates approximately $16 million annually in economic impact, and this site could represent an opportunity for a more transformative use.
The town has already invested millions in renovating the Ivey-Ellington House, positioning this area as a premier destination.

Mayor’s Mailbox

A concern about time and resources used for the No Kings protest (Dozens of police officers at a cost of $32,000).
Invitations to several events.
Several requests to help with student projects.
A complaint about too much construction work in downtown Cary: “I could not walk my dog without a detour.”
Several emails asking that Tim Witting, of the Cary staff, be inspector of the year (unfortunately not involved in that decision but I recognize that he is part of our excellent staff).
A complaint that the former town manager’s book is still on sale.
A complaint that “Impeach Trump” protestors were allowed on the Cary Arts Center property.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic event, the official council photo, the Cary Chamber Elected Officials event, an abbreviated State of Cary for the MacGregor Rotary, a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board, a council work session, a council meeting, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 19^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Raleigh-Cary #3 for Women Owned Business, World University Games Meeting, World Rugby Nations Cup Coming to Cary, and Cary 101 Kickoff

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Nest Nominated for Best Playground Again

The Downtown Cary’s Park Nest Playground was nominated for the best playground in the country for the second consecutive year. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC — The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated again in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Public Playground, its second consecutive year on the national list. The nature-inspired play space earned the top-ranking last year and continues to draw families and visitors from across the Triangle.

“We’re thrilled to see The Nest at Downtown Cary Park nominated again for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Public Playground,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Since opening, The Nest has become a favorite gathering place where children explore, families connect, and visitors experience the creativity and care our staff and community bring to spaces like this. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating this incredible space by voting each day and sharing the opportunity with others.”

Voting is open through noon on April 6. Supporters can vote once per day at the USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards website. No registration or email is required.

“As Downtown Cary Park enters another year of welcoming visitors from across the region, we’re proud to see The Nest recognized again on a national stage,” said Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis. “This nomination reflects the creativity and care that went into designing a space where children of all ages can explore and play.”

Nestled within Downtown Cary Park, The Nest is a biophilic, nature-inspired play space designed to spark imagination and exploration. Key features include:

Two unique play areas for different age groups

A signature 20-foot climbing structure modeled after two cardinals – North Carolina’s state bird – by playground design-build company Earthscape

Slides, large acorns, and fallen logs to encourage imaginative and active play

A seasonal splash pad that provides a place to cool off during warmer months

Designed by award-winning firms OJB Landscape Architecture and urban design firm Machado Silvetti and constructed by Balfour Beatty, Downtown Cary Park reflects Cary’s commitment to innovative public spaces that enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy.

Since opening in 2023, the seven-acre park has become a hub for recreation, events, family play, and community connection. It has hosted millions of visitors and thousands of events and has emerged as a national model for modern public spaces, with recognitions including:

2025 American Architecture Award – Parks and Gardens, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and Metropolitan Arts Press

2025 Innovation by Design Award – Best Urban Design Project, Fast Company

2025 Awards for Excellence Finalist, ULI Americas

2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL

2024 Gold Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence

2024 Grand Award, Landscape Contractors Association Excellence in Landscape Awards

2024 Space Award – Top Municipal Project, Triangle Business Journal

According to the Incentis Group, the Park is generating $5 million in direct economic impact and has contributed to more than $800 million in property value increases. It has supported the creation of more than 80 full-time jobs and is projected to add $3.5 million annually in property and sales tax revenue by 2028.

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top attractions and destinations across the country, selected by a panel of experts and voted on by the public. To learn more about the awards, visit 10best.usatoday.com. 

Make sure you vote every day until April 6^th!

Raleigh-Cary #3 for Women Owned Businesses

A recent study from CoworkingCafe found that women-owned businesses make up nearly 23% of all firms in the United States, and the Raleigh metro area stands out as one of the best places for them to thrive.

According to the report, Raleigh-Cary ranks as the third-best metro area in the country for women-owned businesses. In this region, these businesses account for more than 25% of all firms, placing it sixth nationwide by that measure alone. The area also scored highly in key factors such as earning potential, workforce participation, and a well-educated female talent pool.

World University Games Regional Stakeholders Meeting

On Tuesday, I met with more than 20 stakeholders to discuss plans for the World University Games (WUG), which are scheduled to take place in the region for three weeks in July 2029. Competitions are expected to be held across Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh, and Cary. The event is projected to generate over 3,000 hours of national and international television coverage, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

An estimated 10,000 athletes, coaches, administrators, media representatives, VIPs, and fans are anticipated to attend, providing a significant economic boost to the area.

Cary has tentatively agreed to host competitions at WakeMed Soccer Park and Cary Tennis Park, with additional training activities planned at USA Baseball and the Triangle Aquatic Center (TAC). However, no formal commitments have been finalized at this time.

Stakeholders, particularly elected officials, expressed a strong interest in understanding the overall scope of the commitment and the associated financial requirements, especially given current fiscal constraints. Any financial contributions would likely need to be distributed over multiple years.

The North Carolina Legislature has already made financial commitments. Federal funding will also be necessary, and securing those resources will require leadership from our congressional delegation.

World Rugby Nations Cup Coming to Cary!

World Rugby, in partnership with USA Rugby and TEG Rugby Live, has announced that the World Rugby Nations Cup will be held in Cary this summer. The USA Eagles are set to face Spain on the evening of Saturday, July 18, at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

So how did this exciting matchup land in Cary? You can thank the 2029 World University Games!

State of Cary to Cary 101 Kickoff

Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of sharing a brief version of the State of Cary at the kickoff of the Cary 101 class. I was followed by Interim Manager Overton and later by Finance Director Branch.

Cary 101 gives residents the opportunity to learn how municipal government works, the services it provides, and how they can get involved. Participants enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at local government structure, culture, and decision-making. Through discussion and hands-on activities, they gain a deeper understanding of the scope and complexity of town planning and operations.

This year, more than 80 people applied for just 25 spots, demonstrating strong community interest in engaging with local government.

Council Out and About

As we enter April, we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month by recognizing the incredible spirit of service that defines our town. Whether you are mentoring students, working to better our natural and shared spaces, or supporting the many vital nonprofits that call our community home, your tireless commitment makes a lasting impact. Your willingness to share your time and expertise strengthens the very fabric of Cary and enhances the lives of your neighbors every single day. Thank you!

In that same spirit of community involvement, we invite you to share your perspective by attending our Budget Open House on April 7, 2026. Cary’s FY27 budget is currently being developed, and your input is essential to the process. Please join us at the Cary Senior Center Ballroom any time between 3 and 7 p.m. to learn how the Town’s budget works and share your priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. This is a casual, drop-in event with no RSVP required. If you cannot attend in person, you can always share your feedback at carync.gov/budgetinput or find more details at carync.gov/openhouse.

Carissa Kohn-Johnson

Council At-Large

State of Cary – Templeton

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht delivered his State of Cary address at Templeton Retirement Living, highlighting key initiatives and future priorities. Councilmember Bella Huang attended and joined residents for a question-and-answer session following the presentation, engaging in discussion and addressing community interests while emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and ongoing efforts to support Cary’s continued growth.

CERT Training

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush joined residents in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class to build preparedness skills and better understand emergency response. The training covered disaster readiness, basic protocols, and how volunteers support neighborhood safety, helping strengthen community resilience and improving the town’s ability to respond effectively during crises.

Cary Arbor Day

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Bella Huang participated in Cary’s Arbor Day celebration. Craig read the official proclamation and shared remarks highlighting the importance of trees. The event recognized environmental stewardship and encouraged the community to support conservation efforts that enhance Cary’s natural beauty and sustainability for future generations.

ElevateGov AI

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush participated in ElevateGov AI, a civic innovation program by Elevate Cities and the U.S. Roundtable supporting leaders advancing responsible, transparent, ethical AI adoption. The initiative highlights city-led efforts building public trust and delivering long-term community benefits nationwide, with participation from cities like Denver and Chicago.

World Down Syndrome Day

Councilmember Sarika Bansal visited GiGi’s Playhouse in honor of World Down Syndrome Day. She met with program participants and their families, learning about services offered and celebrating the day’s significance. The visit highlighted community support, inclusion, and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome and those who benefit from the organization’s programs.

Congresswoman Ross

Councilmember Sarika Bansal met with Congresswoman Deborah Ross to discuss bus service in District D and increasing investment in affordable housing. Their conversation focused on expanding transit access, addressing affordable housing needs, and exploring opportunities for collaboration to better serve residents and support our community.

GFS Global Indian Visa Application Center

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended an event at the VFS Global Indian Visa Application Center in Raleigh to understand the needs of Indian Americans in the Research Triangle region. She learned about current challenges and opportunities, engaging with community members to strengthen connections and support inclusive local initiatives.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The situation left by the former town manager has been aptly described by one of our new council members as an oil spill, and that comparison is quite fitting. Like any spill, new issues may arise as the investigation and cleanup progress. While the former town manager’s actions were clearly unethical, I am not aware of any illegal conduct at this time. However, three important efforts are ongoing: a review and report by the North Carolina State Auditor, a criminal investigation led by the NC State Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Wake County District Attorney, and an internal investigation by Womble Bond Dickinson on behalf of the Council. From the information available to me, the impact of the former town manager’s actions was limited due to the town’s consistently strong financial position.

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The town’s webpage on the Town Manager Transition can be found here. Public Records Requests and answers can be found on the 311 portal here.

Mayor’s Mailbox

A complaint about spending in general, especially on the electric fire truck.
Requests to fund affordable housing and Habitat (We do fund affordable housing, and Habitat didn’t ask for any funding).
Requests to attend several events.
Requests from several students.
A complaint about a potential DHS facility.
Complaints about the rezoning proposal 24-REZ-14 in Weston.
Thanks for the State of Cary address.
A thank you statement: “I truly enjoy the way of life in Cary and you, Mayor, as the custodian, have preserved and allowed the town to prosper.” (Thank you!)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a budget open house, a State of Cary at Searstone, a TST taping, a NC Metro Mayors meeting, a Founders Day rehearsal, a State of Cary at the Courtyards at West Cary, and a Founders Day walking tour.

Cary Tennis Classic Board, Epic Games Layoffs, 100 Miles of Greenways, Council Work Session, Council Meeting, and No Kings Protest

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

Cary’s government, like most cities in North Carolina, uses a council–manager form of government. This system works a lot like a company, but for local government. Residents elect a council and a mayor, who set policy by passing laws, approving the budget, and guiding the town’s overall priorities. The council then hires a professional manager to run the town’s day-to-day operations.

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Nest Nominated for Best Playground Again

The Downtown Cary’s Park Nest Playground was nominated for the best playground in the country for the second consecutive year. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC — The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated again in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Public Playground, its second consecutive year on the national list. The nature-inspired play space earned the top-ranking last year and continues to draw families and visitors from across the Triangle.

“We’re thrilled to see The Nest at Downtown Cary Park nominated again for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Public Playground,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Since opening, The Nest has become a favorite gathering place where children explore, families connect, and visitors experience the creativity and care our staff and community bring to spaces like this. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating this incredible space by voting each day and sharing the opportunity with others.”

Voting is open through noon on April 6. Supporters can vote once per day at the USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards website. No registration or email is required.

“As Downtown Cary Park enters another year of welcoming visitors from across the region, we’re proud to see The Nest recognized again on a national stage,” said Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis. “This nomination reflects the creativity and care that went into designing a space where children of all ages can explore and play.”

Nestled within Downtown Cary Park, The Nest is a biophilic, nature-inspired play space designed to spark imagination and exploration. Key features include:

Two unique play areas for different age groups

A signature 20-foot climbing structure modeled after two cardinals – North Carolina’s state bird – by playground design-build company Earthscape

Slides, large acorns, and fallen logs to encourage imaginative and active play

A seasonal splash pad that provides a place to cool off during warmer months

Designed by award-winning firms OJB Landscape Architecture and urban design firm Machado Silvetti and constructed by Balfour Beatty, Downtown Cary Park reflects Cary’s commitment to innovative public spaces that enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy.

Since opening in 2023, the seven-acre park has become a hub for recreation, events, family play, and community connection. It has hosted millions of visitors and thousands of events and has emerged as a national model for modern public spaces, with recognitions including:

2025 American Architecture Award – Parks and Gardens, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and Metropolitan Arts Press

2025 Innovation by Design Award – Best Urban Design Project, Fast Company

2025 Awards for Excellence Finalist, ULI Americas

2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL

2024 Gold Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence

2024 Grand Award, Landscape Contractors Association Excellence in Landscape Awards

2024 Space Award – Top Municipal Project, Triangle Business Journal

According to the Incentis Group, the Park is generating $5 million in direct economic impact and has contributed to more than $800 million in property value increases. It has supported the creation of more than 80 full-time jobs and is projected to add $3.5 million annually in property and sales tax revenue by 2028.

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top attractions and destinations across the country, selected by a panel of experts and voted on by the public. To learn more about the awards, visit 10best.usatoday.com. 

Make sure you vote every day until April 6^th!

Council 3 x 4 Meetings

This week, I participated in three 3×4 meetings. Topics included how to provide information about a potential ICE office in Cary, interim town manager expenditures (only in December for professional license), bike month, Cary Public Service Academy for the teen council, budget planning, the citizen’s convenience center, delegation of authority, and upcoming agendas.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday afternoon, I met with the Mayor Pro-Tem and senior management team to review the agenda for Thursday’s regularly scheduled council meeting. Throughout the day, I also connected with individual council members to gather any questions or concerns regarding agenda items. Topics raised included the consent agenda process, the street improvements award process, and the Pittard Sears Road rezoning.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

I attended the Cary Tennis Classic board’s monthly meeting on Monday evening. An influencer focused on college tennis joined us to discuss a potential sponsorship opportunity. We also covered several other topics, including plans for the Mayor’s Cup on July 4^th, possible hospitality vendors, community events during the tournament, and potential changes to ticketing.

Epic Games Layoffs

Tuesday I received the following email from the Chief People Officer at Epic Games:

Dear Mayor Weinbrecht,

I regret to inform you that Epic Games, Inc. (Epic, or the “Company”) expects to

permanently lay off employees at the Company’s facility located at 620 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary, NC 27518, USA. Consistent with these plans, we anticipate employee layoffs to commence March 27, 2026. All eligible employees will receive pay in lieu of notice that exceeds the value of their compensation and benefits during the statutory notice period, and they will also have the opportunity to receive additional compensation and continued benefits, conditioned upon signing a release of claims. We are mindful of the difficulties that this layoff poses to employees and the community.

A list of the affected job classifications and number of affected employees in each

classification is attached. No affected employees are represented by a union. All affected employees will be paid all earned wages and applicable fringe benefits upon termination. Epic anticipates that these layoffs will be permanent. No bumping rights exist.

This notice is being provided pursuant to regulations contained in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act of 1988 and applicable regulations and state obligations, which requires affected employers to provide notice to certain government units or officials of a pending mass layoff or permanent closure and is intended to provide you the best information

available to Epic at this time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Don Davis at don.davis@epicgames.com.

Sincerely,

Monika Fahlbusch

Chief People Officer

The list of people laid off at the Cary location was 211.

Cary Reaches 100 Miles of Greenways

I was notified this week that Cary has reached 100 miles of greenways. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC – This year marks a significant milestone for Cary’s greenways: Residents and visitors now enjoy over 100 miles to walk, run, bike, and stroll, connecting even more parks, natural areas, schools, retail areas, and employment centers. Cary invites residents to celebrate this milestone at upcoming events throughout the year, including Earth Day Lane at Spring Daze in April, Bike Month in May, National Trails Day in June, Lazy Daze in August, and Great Trails Day at Harvest Fest in October. Residents can also participate in Cary’s 100 Miles Celebration Photo Contest by submitting photos of the greenways in any season by September 1. Selected entries will be featured at the Bond Park Community Center and on GoCary buses.

Cary began developing its nationally recognized greenway system in 1979, steadily building a network that today exceeds 100 miles. Within this system, the White Oak Creek and Black Creek Greenways form part of the designated primary corridor of the East Coast Greenway, a continuous bicycle and pedestrian route stretching from Maine to Florida. Across the Triangle, this corridor includes more than 70 connected miles of off-road greenway, representing one of the most complete urban segments along the entire East Coast Greenway route.

“Over the past 46 years, Cary has demonstrated a strong commitment to its greenway network through the steady expansion of new corridors, the successful pursuit of grant funding, and ongoing collaboration with the development community to deliver greenways as part of new development,” said Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos, Cary’s Transportation Director. “We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to continuing to grow a high-quality greenway system that enhances quality of life and connects the Cary community.”

In addition to connecting Cary’s top-tier recreational facilities, the greenway network provides safe, accessible routes for recreation, commuting, and connection to nature.

These shared-use trails welcome everyone, whether you’re walking, running, cycling, skating, or using an ADA mobility device. Cary’s greenways are a valued and cherished amenity for the entire community.

Greenways are a fantastic amenity for our residents and is one of the reasons we have such a high quality of life.

Council Work Session

The council held a work session Tuesday evening to discuss the meeting schedule, a preview of the FY 2027 capital budget, and the interim manager’s update.

During the discussion on the meeting schedule, the council determined that the last two quarterly meetings of the year, August 13 and November 5, will need to be rescheduled. The May 13 quarterly meeting will proceed as planned, despite Mayor Pro-Tem Bush being on vacation.

The capital budget preview prompted a lengthy discussion about increasing funding for affordable housing. I noted that it appeared to be the council’s highest priority, which members strongly affirmed. Several shared that supporting affordable housing was a key reason they ran for office. While I expressed my support for affordable housing, I also clarified that it is not my top priority. My priorities remain aligned with those established at our annual retreat, in the following order:

Community Safety
New Capital Investment
High Performing Staff
Affordability

Given the strong emphasis on affordable housing, I suggested the possibility of pursuing another bond. Staff indicated it may be too late for that option but will look into it further.

The budget presentation also highlighted significant needs in fire, police, and other service areas this year. This raises questions about how additional funding for affordable housing could be accommodated without a substantial tax increase.

In the interim manager’s update, he mentioned several items: an RFQ for cricket facilities at Mills Park; the opening of Rose Park Manor, a senior affordable housing development; the opening of the Cedar Street parking deck; the anticipated opening of the Academy Street parking deck next week; and a proposal for a downtown business alliance. The council ultimately voted unanimously against forming a downtown business alliance, concluding that such efforts should remain under the purview of the chamber.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The agenda included four consent items, one public hearing, and three discussion items.

The consent agenda, which was approved unanimously, included the rezoning on Green Level Church Road which will have single family homes with a density of 1.9 units an acre. The consent agenda also called for a public hearing for the annexation of seven lots on Jones Franklin Road.

The council held a public hearing on Act 40 of the Land Development Ordinance amendments. These updates are intended to incorporate legal and procedural changes, including aligning waiting periods with state statutes, clarifying the process for withdrawing inactive development applications, and revising standards for the maximum height, appearance, and regulation of retaining walls to be consistent with practices in other North Carolina jurisdictions. The proposal will next be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Board for review and recommendation.

The first two discussion items addressed the Pittard Sears annexation and rezoning request. The applicant sought to rezone the property from Chatham County Residential 1 to Residential 8 Conditional Use with a Watershed Protection Overlay District (Jordan Lake Subdistrict). Proposed zoning conditions included limiting development to a maximum of 23 detached homes, requiring electric vehicle charging wiring in all residential garages, and installing a pedestrian crossing along Pittard Sears Road. Following comments from each council member, both the annexation and rezoning were approved unanimously.

The final discussion item concerned the Street Improvements Project bid award, which was approved unanimously. During the discussion, it was noted that a recent study found Cary is not investing enough in street maintenance to sustain its current level of service. It was also emphasized that deferring maintenance can lead to costs that are not linear and may increase exponentially in future years.

No Kings Protest

There was a “No Kings Protest” in Cary on Saturday. Here is the news release on this event:

Cary, NC – The No Kings Protest was held this afternoon, organized by Ms. Helen Tack with Greenwood Baptist Church. Attendance was estimated at approximately 3,000 participants, notably smaller than previous No Kings events. The demonstration remained peaceful throughout, and no significant incidents or arrests were made.

To ensure the safety of participants, bystanders, and surrounding neighborhoods, the Town deployed 63 police officers and three fire department personnel throughout the event footprint. These resources supported emergency preparedness and overall public safety operations. Based on FEMA reimbursement standards, the Town’s estimated operational cost is approximately $32,000. We will complete a full after‑action review to capture lessons learned and ensure continued operational readiness in managing large‑scale public events.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

This afternoon, I joined several of our Directors to Spruce Up Cary, where we helped clean up one of our greenways, and I want to thank Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator Sarah Justice for pulling it all together and making it easy for us to show up, get to work, and spend some time together doing something good for Cary. I’m thankful for leaders who are willing to step away from their desks, work side by side, and invest in both our community and each other. Those moments matter, and they make us a better team.

As a reminder, Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed next Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday, and there will be no Weekly Report next week.

I also want to highlight our Budget Open House on Tuesday, April 7. This is a first for us and a good opportunity to bring residents and staff together to talk about the upcoming FY27 budget and priorities. Looking forward to hearing what matters most to our residents.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

No 2026 Bond Referendum

Based on scoping meetings with outside bond counsel and Town financial advisors, staff has determined that we cannot seek a ballot initiative for this November’s election. While we are still technically within the window of associated deadlines with county and state agencies, we lack the lead time and capacity to prepare the extensive materials required for presentations to the Local Government Commission (LGC) and others. Following budget adoption, and should Council wish, staff can provide a general plan and schedule for Council’s discussion this summer for a potential November 2027 bond referendum.

RFP For Audit Services Posted

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for Annual Audit Services has been posted to the NC Electronic Vendor Portal. Interested independent auditors with governmental accounting and auditing experience are invited to submit proposals by April 28.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,500 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,532
Email: 434
Web: 312
Internal: 148
Walk-In: 34
Text: 22
Social Media: 18

50.00% of cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 446
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 307
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 229
Water Meter Service & Requests: 147
Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 121

Joint Letter to Utilities Commission

This week, Mayor Weinbrecht signed on to the 2026 North Carolina Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP) local government joint comment letter addressed to the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). This letter focuses on affordability, risk reduction, and transparency and accuracy in Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress electricity modeling and forecasting, and centers on keeping costs low for everyday Duke customers and on capitalizing on investments already made to the grid. More information on the CPIRP process and timeline can be found on NC Utility Commission website.

Bid Advertisement for GoCary Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility

The GoCary Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility solicitation for construction was released on March 24, with proposals due April 23. This facility will serve as the foundation for regional mobility growth, providing space for administration, operations, and maintenance functions to support GoCary services. The project is funded through the Wake Transit Plan and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants. Interested bidders can view the solicitation on the NC Electronic Vendor Portal.

Walnut Street Gravel Parking Lot Closure

Beginning Monday, March 30, contractors working on behalf of Cary will begin improvements to the Walnut Street gravel parking lot. Work will take place over 2 weeks and include new ADA parking pads and the addition of stone that will better meet parking needs. During these 2 weeks, contractors will phase the work to keep portions of the gravel lot open to the public. Weather dependent, work is scheduled to be complete before the Pimento Cheese Festival on Saturday, April 11.

East Chatham Street Lane Closure

Beginning Monday, March 30, contractors working on the 107 E. Chatham development project, Lloyds Full Service, will be working in the westbound lane of E. Chatham Street near the Academy Street intersection to install the new sidewalk and streetscape. This work will require a single-lane closure and a sidewalk detour. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be complete by Friday, April 17.

Leadership Cary Economic Development Day

On Tuesday, Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry joined the Cary Chamber’s Leadership Cary class for its Economic Development Day, where he discussed Cary’s approach to working with developers and regional partners to advance strategic growth. His remarks also included an overview of Cary’s evolution and the importance of public-private partnerships. Representatives from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) also participated, along with local developers.

Urban Land Institute Carolinas Downtown Tour

Staff and local developers welcomed a group touring downtown Cary as part of the 2026 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Carolinas Meeting on Monday. The tour highlighted key features of Downtown Cary Park and major development projects in the area, showcasing how public-private partnerships have helped to shape a vibrant and connected downtown.

Creek Week Recap

Creek Week, March 14 – 21, brought together Stormwater, Environmental Services, and PRCR staff for a week of hands-on events highlighting the creeks, culverts, and watersheds that shape the community and the work required to maintain them. In-person programming engaged 466 residents across Cary’s seven watersheds through activities such as litter sweeps, storm drain labeling, and rain garden workshops. The Sip n’ Stroll event prompted thoughtful discussion, with several participants sharing how Cary’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program has benefited their properties and neighborhoods. Overall, the week increased interest in green stormwater practices and strengthened understanding of how water moves through Cary.

Solar Sustainability Tour

Cary’s Solar Sustainability Tour at the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) brought together staff from Utilities, PRCR, and Environment to engage the community on a range of environmental topics. Staff shared their expertise to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how Cary manages natural resources and supports environmental sustainability. Participants explored key topics including water quality, natural resource management, pollinator protection, and renewable energy. Held twice each year, the tour gives participants a firsthand look at Cary’s ongoing environmental work.

Good Hope Farm Native Plant Sale

Cary’s Spring Native Plant Sale at Good Hope Farm brought together 85 community members and distributed more than 600 native wildflowers to support wildlife habitat across the community. Participants received resource guides and connected with staff to get answers to their pollinator-friendly gardening questions. This Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) event supports ecosystem health and advances natural resource goals outlined in the Urban Forest Master Plan.

All Aboard! Model Train Show

The All Aboard! Model Train Show returned to Cary last weekend with record-breaking attendance, welcoming nearly 3,600 visitors over the two-day event. Families and hobbyists of all ages enjoyed exploring detailed train layouts, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow in popularity.

Important Dates

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, April 1, 12:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The town’s webpage on the Town Manager Transition can be found here. Public Records Requests and answers can be found on the 311 portal here.

Mayor’s Mailbox

A complaint about a potential ICE facility.
Several emails to include Habitat for Humanity in our budget (They did not request funding and last time we provided them funding they returned it).
Several emails about ALS Awareness month (We always do a proclamation).
A question about Cary 101.
Questions about Chatham Estates and our funding effort through Stable Homes Cary.
A complaint about a rezoning proposal in Weston.
Several requests to continue a consulting contract for Dr. Katherine Loflin.
A complaint about the Reedy Creek rezoning proposal.
A complaint about the closing of the convenience center.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting about the World University Games, a State of Cary address for the kickoff class for Cary 101, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 5^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Wake County Mayors Association, Youth Leadership Cary, State of Cary – Templeton, CAMPO, South Hills, and NC Metro Mayors

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Nest Nominated for Best Playground Again

Monday I was notified that the Downtown Cary’s Park Nest Playground was nominated for the best playground in the country for the second consecutive year. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC — The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated again in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Public Playground, its second consecutive year on the national list. The nature-inspired play space earned the top-ranking last year and continues to draw families and visitors from across the Triangle.

“We’re thrilled to see The Nest at Downtown Cary Park nominated again for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Public Playground,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Since opening, The Nest has become a favorite gathering place where children explore, families connect, and visitors experience the creativity and care our staff and community bring to spaces like this. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating this incredible space by voting each day and sharing the opportunity with others.”

Voting is open through noon on April 6. Supporters can vote once per day at the USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards website. No registration or email is required.

“As Downtown Cary Park enters another year of welcoming visitors from across the region, we’re proud to see The Nest recognized again on a national stage,” said Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis. “This nomination reflects the creativity and care that went into designing a space where children of all ages can explore and play.”

Nestled within Downtown Cary Park, The Nest is a biophilic, nature-inspired play space designed to spark imagination and exploration. Key features include:

Two unique play areas for different age groups

A signature 20-foot climbing structure modeled after two cardinals – North Carolina’s state bird – by playground design-build company Earthscape

Slides, large acorns, and fallen logs to encourage imaginative and active play

A seasonal splash pad that provides a place to cool off during warmer months

Designed by award-winning firms OJB Landscape Architecture and urban design firm Machado Silvetti and constructed by Balfour Beatty, Downtown Cary Park reflects Cary’s commitment to innovative public spaces that enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy.

Since opening in 2023, the seven-acre park has become a hub for recreation, events, family play, and community connection. It has hosted millions of visitors and thousands of events and has emerged as a national model for modern public spaces, with recognitions including:

2025 American Architecture Award – Parks and Gardens, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and Metropolitan Arts Press

2025 Innovation by Design Award – Best Urban Design Project, Fast Company

2025 Awards for Excellence Finalist, ULI Americas

2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL

2024 Gold Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence

2024 Grand Award, Landscape Contractors Association Excellence in Landscape Awards

2024 Space Award – Top Municipal Project, Triangle Business Journal

According to the Incentis Group, the Park is generating $5 million in direct economic impact and has contributed to more than $800 million in property value increases. It has supported the creation of more than 80 full-time jobs and is projected to add $3.5 million annually in property and sales tax revenue by 2028.

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top attractions and destinations across the country, selected by a panel of experts and voted on by the public. To learn more about the awards, visit 10best.usatoday.com. 

Make sure you vote every day until April 6^th!

Wake County Mayors Association (Cancelled)

The Wake County Mayors Association’s monthly meeting was canceled due to severe weather concerns. Forecasts warned of a high-risk storm (4 out of 5), with strong winds, intense thunderstorms, and the possibility of tornadoes. Fortunately, Cary was spared any damage.

Youth Leadership Cary

On Tuesday, I spoke with about three dozen high school juniors about Cary’s local government and my role as mayor. I covered topics such as the council-manager form of government, the council’s role in decision-making, and different leadership styles. Afterward, we gathered for a group photo.

State of Cary – Templeton

This week, I delivered my State of Cary address at the Templeton retirement community, with about three dozen residents in attendance. I was joined by District Representative Bella Huong, who spoke to the group following the Q&A session. There were only a few questions, including one about the potential for an ICE facility.

CAMPO

I attended the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board meeting on Wednesday afternoon. CAMPO is a regional planning agency that coordinates transportation projects, including roads, rail, public transit, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure, across Wake County and portions of Franklin, Granville, Harnett, and Johnston counties. It also oversees federal and state funding allocations, long-range planning, and growth strategies for the Triangle region.

The agenda included three consent items and four discussion items. The consent agenda was unanimously approved and covered meeting minutes, CAMPO’s Local Input Methodology for use in Prioritization 8, and additional funding for the City of Raleigh’s Crabtree Creek Greenway at Lassiter Mill.

During the discussion portion, the board unanimously approved the Regional Transit Technology Plan as a guiding document for future technology investments. The remaining three discussion items were informational only and included the FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Study 2.0 recommendations, a Wake Transit Bus Rapid Transit update, and the draft FY 2027 Wake Transit Work Plan.

South Hills Developer Meeting

On Thursday morning, I met with representatives involved in the South Hills redevelopment. The purpose was to share information and confirm the town’s continued interest in the project. One potential future tenant is the Carolina Ballet, which could occupy a redeveloped former car dealership building. After meeting with all council members, the team will begin working with staff on a developer agreement.

NC Metro Mayors

On Friday morning, I participated in a meeting of the NC Metro Mayors, with sixteen mayors from across the state in attendance. Much of the discussion was held among mayors only and focused on security and additional measures to ensure the safety of mayors and other elected officials.

Our meetings will shift to a more legislative focus once the North Carolina General Assembly reconvenes on April 21. As this is an election year, this will be a “short session”.

Council 3 x 4 Meetings

This week, I participated in several 3×4 meetings, two council members plus the mayor, along with the interim manager and at least three senior staff members. Our focus was on capital budget requests from staff. Last week, we reviewed the initial submissions; this week, we examined those same requests after the first round of reductions. Everything we’ve seen so far is very preliminary and earlier in the process than we would typically review.

Council Out and About

Last week, I had the privilege of attending SmartCities Connect – three days of conversations, collaboration, and real talk about the technologies reshaping how cities work. Municipal leaders, technologists, researchers, and utilities came together to dig into everything from transportation and energy systems to urban data and public services. The focus wasn’t on flashy concepts; it was on what’s actually working, from pilot projects to full citywide rollouts.

One of the highlights? Cary got a chance to show off. We hosted a walkthrough of the innovative capabilities in Downtown Cary Park, and I had the chance to connect with leaders from across the state and country and share our story. Watching their reactions reminded me of something I already know but never take for granted: this town is special. Cary’s people are genuinely curious, collaborative, and always leaning toward what’s next.

That spirit of learning, sharing, and innovating, is what makes this community worth showing to the world. And I’ll be honest, it makes me proud, humbled, and grateful every single time I get to represent us.

Lori Bush

Mayor Pro-Tem

From Smart to Cognitive Event

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht welcomed attendees to From Smart to Cognitive: Live in Downtown Cary Park, an immersive event exploring connected community technologies at the Downtown Cary Park. Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmember Bella Huang attended alongside state and technology leaders. The event was hosted by the Town of Cary.

Davis Drive Elementary’s 30^th Anniversary

Councilmember Brittany Richards attended Davis Drive Elementary School’s 30th Anniversary Gala. The event brought together school leadership, including Principal Barbara Fair, Wake County School Board Chair Tyler Swanson, and WCPSS Western Area Superintendent Dr. Will Chavis. Families, staff, and alumni gathered to recognize the school’s history and community.

AI and Data Governance at Smart Cities Connect

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush participated in a keynote panel on AI and data governance at SmartCities Connect. The discussion focused on the role of local elected officials in guiding AI policy and oversight. Cary staff and representatives also attended sessions throughout the conference.

National 311 Day

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, Bella Huang and Brittany Richards participated in a tour of Cary’s 311 Center in recognition of National 311 Day. The visit highlighted how residents access non-emergency services and support. Mayor Weinbrecht acknowledged the day at the following council meeting with a proclamation in honor of the day.

Affordable Housing Listening Session

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Bella Huang and Michelle Craig attended an Affordable Housing Listening Session with regional leaders. The discussion focused on housing challenges across Wake County. Community members and officials shared perspectives on needs and potential approaches.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

I enjoyed the discussions this week during our meetings as we talked through Capital Budget. Staff continues to do really good work on it, and we are looking forward to hearing your feedback at the Work Session next Tuesday.

I hope you all have a great weekend and get a chance to enjoy the nice weather we’re supposed to have. Looks like a good couple of days to get outside a bit before another busy week.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

House Property Tax Proposals

As you may have heard earlier this week, the House committee on property tax is discussing several proposals. We have been in communication with our lobbyist, Philip Isley, and will continue to keep you informed as we learn more.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,186 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,382
Email: 292
Web: 254
Internal: 181
Walk-In: 35
Text: 37
Social Media: 5

Categories

53.20% cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 451
Inspections Scheduling & Status: 261
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 194
Water Meter Service & Requests: 162
Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 95

Cedar Street Parking Deck Opens

The Cedar Street Parking Deck officially opened to the public this week, adding approximately 300 free public parking spaces downtown. Located between Cedar Street, Chatham Street, and the newly constructed Rogers Alley, the deck also includes approximately 4,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space that will further support downtown businesses and activity. Primary vehicular access is provided from Cedar Street, with elevators and stairs located in a distinctive architectural tower along Chatham Street, as well as an additional stairway on Cedar Street. Final punch list items will be completed throughout the spring. For more information about parking downtown, visit carync.gov/parking.

Youth Leadership Cary

On Tuesday, 40 high school juniors participating in the Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Cary program spent the day at Town Hall learning about local government and potential career paths. Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry welcomed the group, and throughout the day, students heard from the Mayor and staff from Information Technology (IT), Police, Traffic Management, Emergency Communications, 311, Planning and Development Services, and the Environmental team.

NCDOT Begins Street Improvement Work

Cary completes annual street improvement projects to maintain the streets it owns and operates, while the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) performs similar maintenance on state-owned roads. To learn more about street ownership and maintenance responsibilities, visit the Street Maintenance webpage. This year, improvements are planned for Old Apex Road between Laura Duncan Road and West Chatham Street, the entire length of Melody Lane, and streets within the Homestead community.

Beginning Monday, March 23, contractors working on behalf of NCDOT will begin upgrading curb ramps along Old Apex Road in preparation for resurfacing work. Work on Melody Lane and within the Homestead community is expected to begin later this year, with a final schedule to be determined. Lane closures and night work will be necessary to complete the work while minimizing impacts during peak travel times. No road closures are expected.

Traffic Signal Update

Public Works staff recently upgraded the signal at Morrisville Parkway and Louis Stephens Drive to include Flashing Yellow Arrows for left turns along Morrisville Parkway. The signal can now operate in two modes: permissive-protected, where motorists receive a green arrow followed by a flashing yellow arrow to complete left turns, and fully protected, where drivers receive a green arrow followed by a red arrow with no permissive left turns.

Transportation staff partnered with NCDOT during design to incorporate additional features, including emergency vehicle preemption, which allows the signal to detect approaching emergency responders and provide a green indication, and a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI), which gives pedestrians a head start into the crosswalk while all vehicle signals remain red.

New Greenway Art Installation

Black Creek and White Oak Creek Greenways, which form the backbone of Cary’s more than 100-mile greenway system and are part of the East Coast Greenway, are being enhanced this spring through a placemaking initiative designed to further activate these popular corridors. In partnership with public artist Lisa Gaither, artistic centerline striping inspired by Cary’s native flora and fauna will be introduced at strategic locations, including curves and approaches to underpasses. These enhancements will improve visibility and wayfinding while also bringing energy, identity, and a more cohesive and memorable experience to this signature corridor.

Teen Council Supports Vision Zero Communications

In Cary’s ongoing efforts to partner with the community to advance Vision Zero, Assistant Director of Citizen Information & Outreach Carolyn Roman engaged nearly 150 Teen Council members in a live research exercise to better understand travel behaviors and how teens receive and respond to transportation messaging. Using a live poll, participants provided feedback on the effectiveness of campaign messaging, generating more than 3,200 individual responses. Staff will analyze this feedback to help inform future communications and targeted outreach to teen audiences. This work supports Cary’s Vision Zero strategy, a data-driven approach aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through education, engagement, and transportation system improvements that account for human behavior.

Volunteer Fair at the Senior Center

Today, the Volunteer Fair at the Senior Center brought together more than 30 nonprofit organizations and over 100 older adults for a day of connection and community engagement. Attendees explored a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from education and advocacy to hands-on service projects. The strong turnout reflects the continued interest among Cary’s older adults to stay engaged and give back to the community.

2025 Water Resources Year in Review

The 2025 Water Resources Year in Review is now available, providing insights into key performance metrics, historical trends, and the continued reliability of Cary’s water utility services. This year’s report includes updates on per-capita water use and overall demand within the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) service area.

Since reaching a peak of 72 gallons per person per day in 1995, Cary has achieved a sustained reduction in per-capita water use, which has remained steady at approximately 49 gallons per person per day for nearly the past decade. The average daily demand in 2025 was 22.6 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), with the highest single-day demand of 31.7 MGD recorded on July 27, approximately 10% lower than the previous year’s peak.

Volunteers Engage to Impact Water Quality

Creek Week kicked off with litter sweeps in the Swift Creek Watershed and the Jordan Lake Upper New Hope Watershed. As part of a longstanding partnership with Wake County and Keep America Beautiful, these biannual litter sweeps engage environmental volunteers in meaningful service opportunities. Last Saturday, 81 volunteers gathered for Cary’s Spring Litter Sweep, removing more than 1,000 pounds of litter from the community. Keeping litter out of waterways is an important way to improve water quality, with impacts that flow all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Important Dates

Planning & Zoning Board
Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Tuesday, March 24, 5:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, March 25, 5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The town’s webpage on the Town Manager Transition can be found here. Public Records Requests and answers can be found on the 311 portal here.

Mayor’s Mailbox

One complaint about the possibility of ICE moving into a Regency building.
A complaint about political sign enforcement.
A request to make Cary more walkable.
Several requests for an ALS proclamation (we do one every year).
A complaint about a rezoning proposal on Reedy Creek Road.
A complaint about uninhabitable conditions within the Grove at Cary Park.
A request for code enforcement in a neighborhood off High House Road.
Requests to attend several events.
A request to continue to fund Cary History classes.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, Council Work Session, and Council Meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 29^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Nest Playground Nominated, Smart Cities Connect Conference, Fire Department Accreditation, Chinese Lantern Festival Through 2034, Council Meeting, Council Work Session, and Mayor’s Monarch Pledge

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Nest Nominated for Best Playground Again

Monday I was notified that the Downtown Cary’s Park Nest Playground was nominated for the best playground in the country for the second consecutive year. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC — The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated again in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Public Playground, its second consecutive year on the national list. The nature-inspired play space earned the top-ranking last year and continues to draw families and visitors from across the Triangle.

“We’re thrilled to see The Nest at Downtown Cary Park nominated again for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Public Playground,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Since opening, The Nest has become a favorite gathering place where children explore, families connect, and visitors experience the creativity and care our staff and community bring to spaces like this. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating this incredible space by voting each day and sharing the opportunity with others.”

Voting is open through noon on April 6. Supporters can vote once per day at the USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards website. No registration or email is required.

“As Downtown Cary Park enters another year of welcoming visitors from across the region, we’re proud to see The Nest recognized again on a national stage,” said Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis. “This nomination reflects the creativity and care that went into designing a space where children of all ages can explore and play.”

Nestled within Downtown Cary Park, The Nest is a biophilic, nature-inspired play space designed to spark imagination and exploration. Key features include:

Two unique play areas for different age groups

A signature 20-foot climbing structure modeled after two cardinals – North Carolina’s state bird – by playground design-build company Earthscape

Slides, large acorns, and fallen logs to encourage imaginative and active play

A seasonal splash pad that provides a place to cool off during warmer months

Designed by award-winning firms OJB Landscape Architecture and urban design firm Machado Silvetti and constructed by Balfour Beatty, Downtown Cary Park reflects Cary’s commitment to innovative public spaces that enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy.

Since opening in 2023, the seven-acre park has become a hub for recreation, events, family play, and community connection. It has hosted millions of visitors and thousands of events and has emerged as a national model for modern public spaces, with recognitions including:

2025 American Architecture Award – Parks and Gardens, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and Metropolitan Arts Press

2025 Innovation by Design Award – Best Urban Design Project, Fast Company

2025 Awards for Excellence Finalist, ULI Americas

2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL

2024 Gold Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence

2024 Grand Award, Landscape Contractors Association Excellence in Landscape Awards

2024 Space Award – Top Municipal Project, Triangle Business Journal

According to the Incentis Group, the Park is generating $5 million in direct economic impact and has contributed to more than $800 million in property value increases. It has supported the creation of more than 80 full-time jobs and is projected to add $3.5 million annually in property and sales tax revenue by 2028.

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top attractions and destinations across the country, selected by a panel of experts and voted on by the public. To learn more about the awards, visit 10best.usatoday.com. 

Make sure you vote starting on April 6^th!

Smart Cities Connect Conference

Monday evening, I had the honor of offering welcome remarks at the opening event of the Smart Cities Connect Conference. Attendees toured the park and experienced several innovative implementations that are helping shape the future of smart communities. I also had the pleasure of introducing North Carolina’s Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, who proudly calls Cary home.

Here is an excerpt from my remarks:

“What makes this park unique is not only what you see, but how it operates. Behind the scenes, technology and data help us better understand how this space is used, how to care for it, and how to continuously improve it. That insight allows us to be more proactive, more efficient, and more responsive to the people we serve.

Here in Cary, we are committed to learning, adapting, and striving for better ways to serve our community. We believe innovation should be practical, responsible, and focused on real outcomes that improve everyday life.

This work is strengthened through partnership. We are proud to collaborate with Lenovo and NVIDIA, whose leadership and expertise help us think bigger about what is possible while staying grounded in what matters most, our residents.

This is not about technology alone. It is about building a community that is resilient, forward looking, and always seeking better ways to serve. Downtown Cary Park is our proof point and our learning lab.”

As a reminder, Downtown Cary Park generates about $16 million in annual economic benefits, demonstrating that thoughtful investment in public spaces creates real value for the community.

Fire Department Accreditation

Tuesday I was notified that our fire department has earned its sixth international accreditation, placing it among just 334 agencies worldwide that have successfully completed this rigorous review. This achievement reflects the department’s strong culture of excellence, professionalism, and dedication to service. The independent accreditation process confirms that Cary meets, or exceeds, national best practices in fire service. We are truly fortunate to live in a community served by one of the finest fire departments in the country.

Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary Through 2034

Wednesday, I learned that the Chinese Lantern Festival has been extended through the 2033–2034 season after a record-breaking anniversary year. This season generated more than $11.6 million in direct economic impact and continued to attract visitors from across North Carolina and beyond. Learn more about the festival on the Koka Booth Amphitheatre website.

Council Work Session

Thursday evening the council held a budget work session that focused mostly on capital projects. It was pointed out that at this point we are looking at director requests and not anything that is recommended. Here are some notes from that session:

There are 310 funded capital projects at the beginning of 2026: 141 General Capital and 169 Utility Capital.
Money encumbered on those projects to date is $710 million.
There is approximately $50 million in authority for the 2019 bonds. That will no longer be nearly enough to do the projects that were listed.
Council budget priorities (decided at the recent retreat) in order are community safety, new capital investment, high-performing staff, affordability, maintaining service levels, maintaining facilities, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and service excellence.
FY 2027 requested capital, not committed, to date:
- Fire: $14.2 million
- General Government: $51.5 million
- Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources: $33.3 million
- Transit: $5.8 million
- Transportation: $32.5 million
The budget exercise that council participated in during the retreat is now being given to all boards and commission.
A budget open house will be on April 7 at 7 PM at the Cary Senior Center.

The Interim Town Manager also provided a few updates. The following is what was on his slides:

The Cedar Street Parking deck should open by the end of March.
The Academy Street Parking deck will probably not open in March but soon afterwards.
A downtown business alliance study, budgeted for this year, will begin stakeholder meetings this summer and report to council next winter.
A cricket request for qualifications will this spring for 60 days.
Rose Park Manor, with 81 senior affordable housing units, has a temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
This year’s budget includes $5.9 million for street resurfacing. Ten miles of neighborhood streets will be improved. Construction will begin this spring.
Our next work session will be on March 24^th. Topics will be Capital Projects and delegation of authority.

Council Meeting

The first regularly scheduled council meeting of March occurred Thursday and included a 311 proclamation, 21 Public Speaks Out speakers, 5 consent items, and 2 discussion items.

Fifteen speakers during the Public Speaks Out session addressed the potential ICE facility in Regency. Sadly, many referenced information that was inaccurate, and some pointed to actions taken by municipalities in North Carolina that are not legally enforceable. Most of the speakers criticized me for not protesting, with some drawing comparisons to remaining silent during the Holocaust.

The consent agenda was unanimously approved and included receiving wireless carrier colocation funding, right-of-way closing on West Chatham, right-of-way closing on Jones Franklin, changing a temporary position to a full-time position for the town clerk’s office, and a meeting schedule adjustment.

The first discussion item was a speed reduction on Lochmere Drive, Cozy Oak Avenue, and Green Hope School Road. This is part of our commitment to Vision Zero to eliminate traffic fatalities.

The last discussion item was for the Alston Commons Rezoning proposal 22-REZ-20. A motion was made and failed for the approval of the proposal. A follow up motion was made and approved to table this item indefinitely which was passed 6 to 1. Most comments against the proposal were the inclusion of a car wash.

Mayor’s Monarch Pledge

I have received several requests to sign the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. This is something I have done for years. Here is what staff say about this:

This program is part of our ongoing participation in the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat initiative. We were one of the first communities to participate in this initiative with Council approval in 2015. Since then, we have worked to seamlessly incorporate various designation requirements into our ongoing annual program offerings making wildlife habitat education part of who we are and what we do.

Two exciting upcoming examples of Cary programs that will fulfill our designation requirements are:

Our Spring Native Plant Sale at Good Hope Farm on Friday, March 20 is from 3-6 p.m. and includes native milkweed plants for sale.

Arbor Day includes a chance for participants to win a Native Pollinator Garden Starter Kit from the Cary It Green booth and we will also have an info booth from the Native Plant Society at the celebration. This event takes place on March 28 from noon-3 p.m. on the Page-Walker lawn.

Our other resources and offerings that support meeting our requirements can be explored under our Natural Resources Section at www.carync.gov/green

We are proud to include pollinator protection education and outreach initiatives as part of our ongoing offerings and our community members seem to really enjoy these opportunities.

Council Out and About

Spring is always a special time in Cary. As the weather warms up, there seem to be more opportunities than ever for neighbors to gather, celebrate, and enjoy all that makes our community such a wonderful place to call home.

Over the past few weeks, members of the Town Council and I have had the chance to attend a wide variety of events across Cary. From community celebrations and youth programs to business and cultural gatherings, these moments are always a great reminder of what makes our town so special. It’s inspiring to see residents so engaged and so committed to making Cary the very best it can be.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our outstanding Town staff, volunteers, and community partners who help bring these events and initiatives to life. On behalf of the entire Town Council, thank you for all you do to make Cary such a vibrant, welcoming, and connected community.

Harold Weinbrecht

Mayor

State of Cary at Glenaire

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the Mayor’s State of Cary event at Glenaire, sharing updates on Cary’s continued growth, community priorities, and vision for the future. Residents gathered to hear highlights from the past year and learn about upcoming initiatives shaping Cary’s next chapter.

Speaking to Scouts

Councilmember Sarika Bansal recently attended a local Scout meeting, where she spoke with young scouts about civic leadership, community service, and the importance of staying engaged in their community. She enjoyed answering questions and encouraging the next generation of leaders.

NC Secretary of Commerce

Councilmember Bella Huang attended an economic development meeting hosted by the Cary Chamber of Commerce with Senator Gale Adcock, featuring North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley. The meeting focused on strengthening economic development, expanding workforce opportunities, and supporting North Carolina’s growth.

State of Cary at Town Hall

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the Mayor’s State of Cary event, highlighting key accomplishments from the past year and outlining priorities for the year ahead. The full Council was in attendance and the Mayor took questions following the presentation.

Dr. Sharma’s 100^th Birthday

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig joined community members in celebrating Mr. Sharma’s remarkable 100th birthday. The celebration honored a century of life, family, and contributions to the community, making it a truly special milestone.

International Women’s Day

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush welcomed attendees to the HerVoice, HerPower event in celebration of International Women’s Day. Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Brittany Richards also attended the event, which highlighted the leadership, achievements, and impact of women in the community. The gathering served as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women while encouraging continued empowerment and leadership.

American Turkish Women’s Day

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the American Turkish Association of NC Women’s Day event; a gathering provided an opportunity to recognize inspiring stories and encourage continued advocacy for women’s empowerment.

Hum Sub Basant Bahar

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Michelle Craig, and Brittany Richards attended the Hum Sub Basant Bahar celebration, enjoying an evening that highlighted culture, community, and the arrival of spring. The vibrant event brought together residents to celebrate traditions, music, and the diversity that enriches Cary.

HSS Sakhi Sammelan Event

Councilmember Sarika Bansal spoke at the HSS Sakhi Sammelan event held at Bond Park Community Center in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event brought community members together for an afternoon of sisterhood, culture, and connection featuring games, chai, and engaging discussions celebrating Nari Shakti.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

It was great seeing everyone this week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,545 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,577
Email: 383
Web: 298
Internal: 196
Walk-In: 55
Text: 25 Social Media: 11

52.26% of cases fell into these top 5 categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 508
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 325
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 210
Water Meter Service & Requests: 189
Parks & Recreation Programming Inquiries & Registration: 98

3/11 Day Recognition

Cary celebrated National 311 Day with a focus on promoting 311’s texting channel, making it easier for residents to connect with Town services in ways that work best for them. As the Town’s non-emergency customer service hub, 311 serves as the primary point of contact for residents to report concerns, ask questions, and request assistance. The day included special visits from several Councilmembers, who toured the center, met with Citizen Advocates, and observed operations firsthand. The visit provided Council with a deeper understanding of the complexity and value of 311’s work and the professionalism of the team serving Cary residents every day.

April 7 Budget Open House

Residents are invited to attend a drop-in Budget Open House on April 7 from 3–7 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center ballroom to learn how the Town’s budget is developed, connect with department staff at interactive booths, and share their priorities. Budget presentations will repeat throughout the evening, and the event will be livestreamed on Cary TV, carync.tv, Facebook, and YouTube. Feedback gathered will help inform the FY 2027 budget currently under development.

Vote Daily: The Nest Returns as USA Today 10 Best Nominee

The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Public Playground for the second consecutive year. After earning the top national ranking last year, The Nest is in contention to defend its title. Voting is open until noon on April 6, and anyone can vote once per day with no sign-in required.

Fire Achieves 6^th Accreditation

Following a unanimous vote by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, the Cary Fire Department was again granted international accreditation on Tuesday. This marks the department’s sixth accredited agency designation since first receiving it in 1999, and it is one of only 334 fire and rescue agencies worldwide to achieve it. Accreditation is a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation model that allows organizations to review past, current, and future service levels and internal performance against industry best practices, leading to improved service delivery. The commission hearing was held at the annual Center for Public Safety Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida, where Assistant Chief Matt Jacoby and Fire and Emergency Services Analyst Blake Boyd were also selected to give presentations.

The Snow Ball: Daddy Daughter Dance

On Saturday, Cary’s beloved Daddy Daughter Dance welcomed more than 200 snow princesses and their fathers to the Herb Young Community Center for a winter wonderland–themed ball. Guests enjoyed live music, a swirling snow machine, and a whimsical scene complete with igloos, penguins, and frosty décor. Families danced, shared delicious food and sweet treats, and created lasting memories together.

Important Dates

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 18, 6:15 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, March 19, 6:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The town’s webpage on the Town Manager Transition can be found here. Public Records Requests and answers can be found on the 311 portal here.

Mayor’s Mailbox

ICE:

I continue to receive concerns about a potential ICE office in Cary including one from NC Representative Von Haefen. Here is my response to that request:

“Representative Von Haefen,

Thank you for contacting me and for taking the time to share your concerns.

As an elected official, I’m sure you understand that those of us who serve in public office take an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of our jurisdiction. That oath requires us to operate strictly within the scope of the authority granted to us by law. In other words, while we work to represent our constituents and address local concerns, we must do so within the limits established by state and federal law.

With that in mind, I want to clarify that our office does not have jurisdiction over the federal government or its operations. Local governments do not have the legal authority to regulate, restrict, or prevent federal agencies from occupying or operating within federal facilities. As such, we are not able to pass ordinances or take local action to stop a federal agency from maintaining or using its office.

That said, I appreciate you bringing your perspective forward, and I value your engagement on this issue. Your input is important, and I encourage you to continue sharing your concerns with the appropriate federal representatives who have the authority to address matters involving federal agencies and facilities.

Here is information provided by staff about the location in question:

“Many of you have seen a recent article regarding a potential Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) location online and have inquired about what if anything we know about this property. Recent tenants of the existing office building include software and technology businesses as well as commercial real estate office. Cary has not received any requests or permit applications for government offices or other potential tenants that indicate ICE is planning to move into this space. The property is located within the C-6 Tract of the Regency Park Planned District (PDD). Permitted uses include office, institutional, commercial, hotel and club.”

Thanks again,”

BTW, I released a statement about ICE in November. I stand behind that statement today:

“This is a sad and difficult time in Cary, where more than a quarter of our citizens are from other countries and have chosen to bring their talents, ideas, and hard work to make this community the amazing place it is today.

Over the last 24 hours, I have gotten reports of federal agents moving throughout Cary — at homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and construction sites. Their activities were neither coordinated with nor conducted by the Cary Police Department, a department of caring professionals who do what it takes every day to help keep Cary one of the safest cities in America.

Regardless of one’s stance on immigration, I think we can all agree that the tactics used in these operations instill fear in our community and erode trust between our citizens and the government put in place to protect, support, and serve them.

As Mayor, my heart breaks for all those impacted by these actions, and I look forward to doing what I can to help us heal.”

Complaints about the possibility of ICE moving into a building in the Regency area. Some of the complainers are not Cary residents.
A complaint about not specifying how many ICE complaints I received. (This week it was 5)
I received thanks for my leadership on the potential ICE facility:

“…

Madam Clerk Johnson, I am respectfully requesting that the attached be made part of the official public record.

With that, Mayor Weinbrecht, I stand behind my statement of defending your honor as a father, son, lifetime Cary resident, American, and more importantly, a human.

I am profoundly perplexed and simultaneously confused how so many perceived intellectual people can continue to make statements like, “I know and understand you cannot do anything, but I still want you to do something.”

If a statement is issued, none of these people will be satisfied. They will then demand that the Mayor and Council stand with them at a protest. Then, when you do that, they will demand the Chief of Police do the same.

These people are extremely unreasonable, and I am being told by credible sources that many are paid and go from town to town just to follow their script.

Many of these people are not even from nor live in Cary.

They need to be contacting Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Valerie Foushee and making a trip to Washington, D.C.

I feel for all of you for this absolutely disrespectful and unreasonable behavior.

…”

“…

I was eager to watch the video of your State of Cary Address, and what you said was both interesting and encouraging! I especially appreciated your appeal for people to work together and be strong.

Although I expected some questions or comments about the potential ICE facility in Cary, I was surprised that so many residents focused on this topic. I hated to hear some people trying to pressure you to break the law or to get involved with police training and protocols. In my opinion, the man who thought you were a coward was far from the truth. From my perspective, you are very courageous!

You demonstrated courage in the following ways:

You gave residents an opportunity to share their opinions.

You listened when people were speaking.

You were respectful, even when people were attacking you.

You are doing the right thing (obeying laws, as well as making a statement that everyone should be treated respectfully and fairly) even when it is unpopular.

You are continuing to provide transparency, even though you receive some disrespectful or unkind comments from people.

I totally agree with your point that making a loud political statement about ICE is not wise! I think that stirring up strife with the federal government can have harmful effects for the residents of Cary (and for North Carolina overall). There are better ways to support the people who are being treated unfairly. Furthermore, speaking to our leaders who have authority to change what we don’t want, as well as voting out leaders who misuse their authority is much more effective than inviting the type of chaotic and unsafe situation that occurred in Minnesota.

Please don’t let this vocal but small group push you. They have 1,300 signatures of support among 192,000 Cary residents. Although I understand their concerns about inappropriate actions from ICE, I do not agree with the methods they are recommending. I hope and pray that this drama about ICE will decrease and the citizens of Cary will again focus on the situations that we need to deal with.

Thank you for being courageous!

…”

“…

Thank you for your service as our mayor and for standing strong through the storm of criticism. As you’ve noted, issuing a public statement would likely attract unwanted attention, and it’s not clear what meaningful purpose it would serve. While it might be politically popular and offer some people a momentary sense of reassurance, it could ironically place the very individuals they claim to care about at greater risk.

…”

A complaint that town employees won’t answer emails.
A request to talk with Womble, Bond, Dickenson.
A complaint about the need for a sidewalk on a portion of Old Apex Road.
A complaint about a work truck in a neighborhood.
A complaint about a rezoning proposal on Weston Parkway.
A complaint that the council did not ask for a lower percentage of AMI in the Alston Commons rezoning proposal. (The council does not have authority to require affordable housing. It is all voluntary.)
A complaint from someone in Orlando, Florida about a rezoning from 2020.
Invitations to several events.
Thanks, from the Executive Director of the Western Wake Tennis Association, for speaking at the council meeting.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, council-staff 3 x 4 meetings, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, the Cary Chamber Youth Leadership event, a State of Cary address at Templeton, a CAMPO Executive Board meeting, and a North Carolina Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 22^nd, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

State of Cary – Glenaire, Fitch Confirms Cary at AAA, State of Cary -Town Hall, Dr. Sharma’s 100 Birthday, and Basant Bahar

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Meeting with Citizen

Monday evening, I met with a citizen about issues related to the former town manager. Their concerns included land purchase next to Cary Elementary, the tuition payment, and the fact that certain council members should resign because of their actions with the former manager.

State of Cary – Glenaire

On Tuesday, I delivered the State of Cary address to approximately 100 residents at Glenaire in the old auditorium. The presentation lasted about 50 minutes, followed by roughly 20 minutes of questions and another 20 minutes spent speaking with residents afterward. Questions included topics related to the former town manager and rumors concerning ICE. As always, those in attendance were very kind, and I look forward to my next visit.

Cary AAA Confirmed with Fitch’s

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Town of Cary, NC’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and General Obligation (GO) bond rating at ‘AAA’. This top-tier rating means Cary can secure the lowest possible interest rates when issuing GO bonds to fund capital projects.

Fitch’s detailed commentary is available in their full report. In it, they outline the factors that could—individually or collectively—lead to a negative rating action or downgrade, including:

A sustained decline in general fund balances to below 7.5% of general fund expenditures;
Weakening demographic or economic trends, such as slower population growth, higher unemployment relative to the national average, or declining median household income compared to Fitch’s portfolio benchmarks.

At present, Cary is not at risk of either of these conditions.

State of Cary – Town Hall

Thursday night, I delivered the State of Cary address to a council chamber that was about half full. A large portion of those in attendance were protesters expressing concern about a potential ICE facility in Regency.

My remarks lasted just under 50 minutes, and I devoted a significant portion of that time to discussing the actions of the former town manager and the impacts those actions have had on our community. Because many attendees were there specifically to protest the potential ICE office, most of the questions during the public comment period focused on what the town could do to prevent ICE from locating in those offices, rather than on topics related to the State of Cary address.

As I have stated many times, the town does not have authority over the federal government and cannot control where it chooses to locate its offices.

Dr. Sharma’s 100^th Birthday

On Saturday, I had the honor of attending and speaking at Dr. Sharma’s 100th birthday celebration at the HSNC temple in Morrisville. Several hundred people attended, including Congresswoman Ross, NC Secretary of State Marshall, NC Senator Chaudhuri, Morrisville Mayor Cawley, and many other elected officials from Cary and Morrisville.

There were dozens of speakers, and the remarks lasted more than an hour. Mayor Cawley and I wrapped up our comments with a quick 10-second reprise of our Diwali dance from last year, complete with our dance jackets. (That dance ended up getting more than 190 million views in India last year!)

My wife also had the opportunity to speak, sharing that she was one of Dr. Sharma’s high school students more than 50 years ago.

Dr. Sharma has truly been a blessing to Cary, Morrisville, and the surrounding communities. Through his leadership in the Hindu Society, he helped our community grow in diversity while creating opportunities for all of us to learn from and celebrate different cultures.

Happy 100th Birthday, Dr. Sharma!

Basant Bahar

Sunday afternoon, I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bush and council members Craig and Richards at Hum Sub’s Basant Bahar celebration. This year’s theme, Dharma – a spiritual awakening, was brought to life through performances that told the stories of two aspiring individuals who chose to walk the path of Dharma, or righteousness.

At the beginning of the event, I had the opportunity to offer welcoming remarks, including:

“…Cary is proud to be one of the most diverse communities in the nation, with residents representing more than 60 nationalities. Our strength comes from embracing the many cultures, traditions, and perspectives that shape our community.

Basant Bahar is a wonderful reflection of that spirit, celebrating spring through music, dance, color, and community. Events like this give us the opportunity not only to share our cultures, but also to learn from one another and build the connections that make Cary such a special place to call home…”

It truly is a blessing to celebrate and share our cultures here in Cary.

Council Out and About

One of the things I love most about Cary is how our community shows up for one another. Whether it’s celebrating young innovators, honoring veterans and their families, or gathering across faiths during Ramadan, these moments reflect what makes our town such a special place to live.

That shared commitment to community also guides our work on Council. Last week, along with Councilmembers Huang and Bansal, I attended the Essentials of Municipal Government class at the UNC School of Government. It was a great way to deepen our understanding of the laws, ethics, and many responsibilities that come with serving in local leadership. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep learning how to better serve Cary.

As the weather warms up, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy our many parks, events, and small businesses. Please also stay connected through the Town’s official news releases and social media channels.

Thank you for being part of Cary’s vibrant spirit!

Brittany Richards

District A Council Member

Triangle Community Coalition Annual Meeting

Councilmember Bella Huang attended the Triangle Community Coalition Annual Meeting. The 2026 meeting featured newly elected municipal mayors from across Wake County, including leaders from Zebulon, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest.

Essentials of Municipal Government at UNC School of Government

Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards participated in Essentials of Municipal Government at UNC School of Government. The program provides updates on laws affecting municipal governance, covers ethics training, and strengthens leadership skills for effective local government service.

Banquet Welcoming the National President of VFW Auxiliary

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht attended a banquet welcoming the National President of the VFW Auxiliary, where he also shared remarks honoring veterans and their families. He expressed gratitude for the sacrifice and dedication of service members and recognized the vital role of local veterans organizations in supporting the community.

Islamic Center of Cary’s Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmember Michelle Craig joined the Islamic Center of Cary’s annual interfaith Iftar dinner. The gathering brought together people of many faiths and backgrounds in a spirit of shared respect, compassion, and community during Ramadan.

Future Scholars Summit

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the Future Scholars Summit, celebrating young entrepreneurs and their innovative ideas. The event brought together community leaders and partners to support the next generation of business and technology talent, highlighted by an impressive student robotics demonstration.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

It was great seeing you, residents, as well as many of our community partners this week as I attended Information Services Advisory Board (ISAB), NeighborUp, WakeMed Hospital, and the Mayor’s State of Cary. It’s always good to engage directly with the community, and a good reminder of why we do this work.

I also wanted to highlight some good financial news for Cary this week. Building on the clean audit report we recently received, we learned that Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Cary’s AAA bond rating with a stable outlook. That’s the highest rating possible and reflects the strong financial stewardship that has been a hallmark of this organization for many years.

Thanks to all of you and our staff for the steady work that keeps Cary on that strong footing, and I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the nice weather this weekend. Don’t forget to spring forward!

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Information from Foundry Commercial About ICE in Regency

Email from Foundry Commercial RE: 11000 Regency Parkway

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,596 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,579
Email: 411
Web: 306
Internal: 207
Walk-In: 57
Text: 28
Social Media: 8

54.62% cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 589
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 334
Parks & Recreation Programming Inquiries & Registration: 188
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 178
Water Meter Service & Requests: 129

State of Cary Address Engagement

Last night, the Mayor’s State of Cary Address gave community members a chance to hear directly from Mayor Weinbrecht about Cary’s progress and future, with about 65 citizens attending in person and more than 1,500 viewing online. The event’s success reflected a strong collaborative effort across multiple departments, with staff working together behind the scenes and on-site to deliver a well-coordinated, welcoming experience for the community. The Address also generated strong interest beyond the event itself, with media coverage reaching a potential audience of 117 million across five outlets, dedicated social media content reaching nearly 33,000 viewers, more than 2,000 news release readers, and over 500 visits to the event webpage. Together, these efforts broadened the event’s reach and highlighted Cary’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement.

Community Input on CDBG Annual Action Plan

Staff hosted a public meeting this week to gather input for the upcoming Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan. Residents, community partners, and members of the development community came to learn more about these programs and to share their perspectives. These discussions will help inform how Cary allocates CDBG funding in the coming year. These proposed allocations will be available for public review for 30 days beginning in late March before consideration by Council.

Biannual Bridge and Culvert Inspections Begin

This month, contractors working on behalf of NCDOT will conduct structural inspections of 23 bridges and culverts across Cary. Most locations will experience minor traffic impacts with temporary lane closures as needed. Two locations will have greater impacts: the Cary Parkway bridge over Black Creek and the Old Reedy Creek Road bridge over Crabtree Creek.

Cary Parkway Bridge over Black Creek:

Inspections will occur on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A snooper truck will be used, requiring a single-lane closure on one side of the bridge for the duration of the inspection.

Old Reedy Creek Road Bridge over Crabtree Creek:

Inspections will occur on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Due to the bridge width, the entire structure will be closed during the inspection. A snooper truck will be used, but the bridge surface will not be affected and could be crossed in an emergency. The closure will affect access to the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead parking lot and residential properties north of I-40. NCDOT’s contractor, HDR, will notify affected property owners and provide signage and message boards.

Greenway Eco-Counter Installations

Installation of 10 Eco-Counters along some of Cary’s most heavily used greenways began in early March and will continue through April. These low-profile devices count pedestrians and bicyclists, capture direction of travel, and categorize general bicycle speeds without collecting images or personally identifiable information.

This initiative coincides with Cary’s celebration of surpassing 100 miles of greenways, a milestone that underscores the importance of data-driven planning as the system continues to expand. The data will provide a clearer, real-time picture of greenway use to support planning, guide future investments and expansion, and strengthen competitive grant applications. The information will also be shared through the Open Data Portal.

My Tree, Our Tree Registration Open

Registration is now open for My Tree, Our Tree. Through this forestry program, residents may receive a free tree, while supplies last. Participants can choose from five native species: Sweetbay Magnolia, American Snowbell, Swamp White Oak, Arrowwood Viburnum, or American Fringetree. Tree pickup will take place March 28 during Cary’s Arbor Day celebration at Town Hall.

Spring Compost Workshops Kickoff

The spring Compost Workshop Series kicked off this week, with 1,080 bags of compost from Cary’s yard waste collection service set to make their way to lawns and gardens across town this weekend. Classes take place at historic Good Hope Farm and include hands-on instruction for backyard composting as well as tips for applying finished compost in residential landscapes. This biannual initiative provides a seasonal service to the community while supporting long-term environmental health.

Black History and African American Appreciation Month Recap

The community celebrated Black History and African American Appreciation Month in February with events highlighting this year’s theme, The Brilliance of Resilience.

The month began with two art exhibitions: Portraits of Resistance and Resilience, a quilt exhibition honoring eleven African American women from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era, and Christopher Evans’ Within the Light—Finding the Balance.

The Theater hosted several Black History Month film screenings, a sold-out concert, Sisters in the Name of Song, and a fireside chat and book signing with Mark Curry. On Valentine’s Day, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chip Shearin performed to a sold-out crowd of more than 400 at the Arts Center. The Willie Hinton Dance Collective also presented RISE: The Story of Love and Resilience.

The celebration concluded with the Annual Youth Advocacy Summit at Downtown Cary Park, featuring nationally recognized civil rights historian Dr. Yohuru Williams. The summit engaged young people in workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on activities focused on civic engagement, leadership, and community impact.

Important Dates

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m.

Wake County EMS Community Meeting: Cary
Wednesday, March 11, 1:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Thursday, March 12, 5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

I have received dozens of emails about the possibility of ICE moving into a building in the Regency area. The Town does not have authority over the federal government. At this time, the Town has not received any requests or permit applications from ICE. However, they could still proceed with locating there, and the Town would not have the authority to prevent it. Unfortunately, some of the emails have not only criticized me, the Council, and the Town, but have also included name-calling and personal insults.
A request to support ICE.
A request to stand with Iranian people.
Questions about the former town manager.
A complaint about a rezoning request, 26-REZ-02 after a neighborhood meeting. This is early in the process and council has yet to see a staff report.
A request to deny a rezoning based on a story in the Triangle Business Journal. Again, the council has yet to see a staff report on this proposal.
A request for a small parade in the Downtown Cary Park to recreate a celebration from Bulgaria.
A continued concern about wanting a traffic signal at Green Level Church Road and Carpenter Hill Lane.
Several compliments for my State of Cary addresses.
A concern about the Cary Convenience Center being shut down at the end of the year.
A complaint about open house directional signs.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Smart Cities Connect Conference, council-staff 3 x 4 meetings, a work session on capital budget priorities, and the first regularly scheduled council meeting of March.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 15^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Kiwanis Club, VFW Auxiliary National President, and Morrisville Apartment Fire

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Kiwanis Club Meeting

Monday I met with regional members of the Kiwanis Club who are attempting to start a chapter in Cary.

Kiwanis is a local service organization focused on improving the lives of children and communities through volunteer-driven service projects and fundraising. Members, known as Kiwanians, address community needs by building playgrounds, supporting literacy, mentoring youth, feeding the hungry, and raising funds for pediatric health initiatives. Local clubs perform over 1.3 million projects annually. Common activities include stocking food pantries, cleaning parks, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and buying medical equipment.

You can find out more about joining here.

VFW Auxiliary National President

Thursday evening, I had the distinct honor of attending a banquet welcoming the National President of the VFW Auxiliary, Lois Callahan. Along with hearing inspiring remarks from President Callahan, I also had the opportunity to share a few words of my own. An excerpt from my remarks is below:

“It is truly a privilege to stand among the men and women whose sacrifice and dedication protect the freedoms we cherish. Please know that I, along with the citizens of our community, will never forget what you have given—and continue to give—so that we may live in liberty and peace.

While I have not worn the uniform myself and cannot fully understand the thoughts and experiences that come with active duty and deployment, I do understand the pride, concern, and deep love that surround your service, as my own family is currently supporting a deployed service member.

VFW Post 7383 plays a vital role in our community, steadfast in its commitment to veterans and their families. Though the words ‘thank you for your service’ may sometimes sound routine, their meaning is profound. You have placed service above self, and that selflessness is the very definition of heroism.”

It was a wonderful evening spent visiting with veterans and their supporters. We are truly blessed by their sacrifice, dedication, and continued commitment to our community.

Morrisville Apartment Fire

I was heartbroken to learn about the apartment fire in Morrisville this week. Having lost my own home to a fire in 2002, this news feels especially personal. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this devastating event. No one ever imagines facing something like this, and it’s incredibly difficult to see families and neighbors navigating such sudden loss and uncertainty.

To those who have lost their homes or been displaced, please know you are not alone. The strength and compassion of Morrisville and the surrounding communities are most evident in times like these. I’m confident that neighbors, friends, and local organizations will rally to provide comfort and support. I understand that NeighborUp (Dorcas) has been on site assisting residents, and the United Way 211 center is also available to help connect people with needed resources.

Wishing safety, healing, and resilience to all who have been affected, and sincere gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and courageously.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

I want to thank you again for your time and engagement at last week’s Council-Staff Annual Meeting. I thought it was a productive time together, with great dialogue and candid feedback, and I appreciate the way each of you contributed. That kind of conversation makes us better and helps staff move forward with clarity, especially as we shift our attention toward budget season. I look forward to continuing those conversations in the months ahead.

This week, Danna and I were in Chapel Hill attending the UNC School of Government’s Essentials of Municipal Government course, along with Councilmembers Bella, Brittany, and Sarika. The program, offered in partnership with the North Carolina League of Municipalities, is a solid refresher on municipal authority, financial oversight, ethics, and the council-manager form of government. Even after all these years, it’s helpful to step back, focus on the fundamentals of good governance, and remind ourselves why structure matters.

Since we skipped last Friday’s report because of the annual meeting, this week’s report is a bit longer than usual, but it’s full of important updates that I hope you’ll have time to review.

Have a great weekend.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Quarterly Cary Economic Development Report

Cary Chamber of Commerce President Mark Lawson submitted a summary of economic development activity between November 2025 and January 2026. The report can be found here.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,339 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,490
Email: 359
Web: 232
Internal: 157
Walk-In: 54
Text: 40
Social Media: 7

55.02% cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 563
Inspections and Certifications: 316
Permitting: 171
Water Meter Service & Requests: 129
Parks & Recreation Programming (Classes/Camps): 108

FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

As reviewed at the February 5 Work Session and Council meeting, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025 has been completed and officially submitted to the Local Government Commission (LGC). As this year’s Report concludes, attention also turns to the future. The audit is not just a conclusion; it is an opportunity to strengthen systems and affirm the organization’s responsibility to maintain effective internal controls.

2026 Cary 101 Applications Open

Applications for Cary 101 are now open through March 17. Residents can apply today at www.carync.gov/cary101. Cary 101 is a nine-session program that offers citizens an opportunity to deepen their understanding of local government and inspire greater community involvement. Participants receive a behind-the-scenes look at Cary’s culture, departments, and operations prior to their graduation in May.

Haleys Branch Trails Community Meeting

Wake County will be holding a community engagement meeting to share updates on the 286 East property, now named Haleys Branch. The 151-acre site, located adjacent to Lake Crabtree County Park, is currently leased to Wake County from RDU Airport Authority. The meeting will provide a first look at the concept plan for the property, including proposed mountain bike and hiking trails, and offer an opportunity for public feedback. It will be held on March 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Academy Pavilion Event Space at Downtown Cary Park.

CDBG Public Input Opportunity

To further the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan (ICCP) and Cary Housing Plan, Cary supports key initiatives in new housing development, housing rehabilitation, and housing stability support services. To accomplish this, Cary uses a blend of local and federal funds, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Every year, Cary prepares an Annual Action Plan outlining how federal CDBG and local funds will be used to implement community goals for the coming fiscal year, in alignment with community input and the ICCP. Before preparing the draft 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, staff will host a CDBG Public Input Opportunity on March 3 from 4-7 p.m. at the Herb Young Community Center to share information about community goals and receive public comment. Staff will consider all feedback when drafting the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, which will be posted for public review in late March. For more information about the March 3 public input opportunity, visit housing.carync.gov.

25-REZ-15 Carpenter Fire Station Townhouses Withdrawn

On February 12, the applicant for rezoning 25-REZ-15 Carpenter Fire Station Townhouses at 7021, 7025, and 7029 Carpenter Fire Station Road requested to withdraw the rezoning request. A neighborhood meeting for this case was held in January, and it had not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.

Council-Staff Annual Meeting Community Engagement

Staff kept the community informed during this year’s Council-Staff Annual Meeting through clear and accessible communications. The three livestream sessions averaged about 2,600 viewers, significantly extending the meeting’s reach, with two residents attending in person. Media coverage included seven online articles and 14 television segments across major outlets. Social media posts generated over 25,000 impressions and nearly 1,000 engagements (clicks, reactions, shares, or comments), keeping key information visible throughout the weekend. Emails to around 6,600 subscribers had strong open rates with over 1,600 opens each, directing residents to videos and materials online. With only two 311 inquiries, the low number of follow-up questions suggests the information was easy to find and understand. Overall, the communications approach helped reinforce transparency throughout the meeting. View a detailed breakdown of outreach and content here.

Annual Water Disinfection Switchover

The Cary/ Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) will begin its annual disinfection switchover process today. In accordance with state and federal recommendations, each year the treatment facility temporarily stops adding the normal chlorine/ammonia disinfection mixture and switches to free chlorine. This change to a more potent disinfectant, combined with flushing of water lines, cleanses the system and helps ensure high-quality drinking water throughout the remainder of the year. During this time, residents and customers may notice a minor increase in chlorine and, in some cases, the water may appear slightly discolored. This activity is part of our normal water system maintenance process and will be taking place in tandem with several of our neighboring municipalities. The switch in disinfectants will continue until April 6.

Annual Biosolids Report

In 2025, the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) and Western Wake Water Reclamation Facility (WWWRF) produced 6,174 dry tons of biosolids. Cary reports annual biosolids production to the Environmental Protection Agency and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The report documents production volumes, treatment performance, and compliance with Class A Exceptional Quality standards. Through thermal drying at the SCWRF and WWWRF, biosolids are converted into Enviro-Gems, a fertilizer and soil amendment used in agriculture, supporting sustainable reuse and reducing waste. Read the 2025 Annual Biosolids Report here.

Aquastar Anniversary and AMI Updates

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Cary’s implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a milestone in commitment to innovation and responsible water resource management. While all of our first-generation residential meters have been replaced and upgraded, staff continue to upgrade infrastructure as part of our proactive, asset-management-based meter management program. These efforts ensure long-term system efficiency, billing accuracy, and reliable service for our citizens and customers.

Water Main Replacement Construction Update

The Annual Water Main Replacement Project has mobilized to Shirley Drive, where the existing 8-inch water main will be upsized to 12 inches to improve downtown system resiliency. Aging sewer infrastructure will also be replaced before street restoration to reduce future maintenance needs. Letters and door hangers were distributed to impacted residents to provide advance notice of the work and associated closures. Beginning Monday, Shirley Drive will be closed to through traffic weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. while a new gravity sewer main is installed. Due to the pipe depth and center-road location, traffic cannot be maintained during construction. Daytime closures are expected to last approximately three months. Resident access will be maintained, and a signed detour will use Kildaire Farm Road, W. Cornwall Road, and Griffis Street. Since starting in December 2025, the project has progressed steadily. Water main installation is complete on Logan Circle and Carnoustie Circle, with final pavement restoration pending warmer temperatures. New water mains on Tanglewood Drive and Sarazan Meadow Way are undergoing testing before being placed in service.

Wake County Hotel Development Summit

On Thursday, Cary Chamber President Mark Lawson, Director of Planning and Community Development Heather Whelehan, and Assistant Director of Administrative Services Brittany Edwards represented Cary at the Wake County Hotel Development Summit, organized by Visit Raleigh, JLL, and Wake County Economic Development. The event connected dozens of hotel developers from across the country with municipal leaders through a series of 20-minute appointments. At Cary’s table specifically, discussions focused on local supply and demand trends, the type of hospitality product best aligned with Cary’s market, and the Town’s targeted mixed-use strategy.

Cary Chamber Business Expo

Staff from our 311 team were in attendance at this year’s Cary Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on February 25. The expo is an opportunity to showcase Cary’s 311 services to Chamber members and the community. The event was well attended and featured business exhibits, educational seminars, networking, and an afternoon social.

School BreakOUT! The Arts

More than 600 people stopped by Downtown Cary Park for School BreakOUT. Families explored a wide variety of artist-led, hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and keep young creators engaged throughout the afternoon. Participants painted ceramics, crafted pearler bead necklaces, and experimented with open-ended art using reusable materials. Artists from the Cary Arts Center also led interactive experiences, guiding guests through mosaic wood slice creations, mini watercolor resist paintings, and step-by-step Chibi manga drawing.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting: March 4

The following neighborhood meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.

26-REZ-02 Ferrell Sowter PDD Rezoning

For more information and to register, please visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, March 2, 5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, March 2, 6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 4, 12:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m.

2026 State of Cary
Thursday, March 5, 6:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Dozens of emails about ICE potentially moving into a building in Regency. (We have no authority over the federal government. At this time, the town has not received any requests or permit applications from ICE. However, they could proceed there, and we do not have the authority to stop them.)
A complaint about a town utility vehicle blocking traffic.
Thank you for our police officer’s compassion and care after an accident.
A request for a letter of congratulations.
Requests to help with school projects.
A request for flags at half staff for Jesse Jackson (these are done by the Governor, and this one was already approved).
A question about the former town manager’s hiring process.
Requests to attend several events.
A request to recognize a student who is competing for a national award.
A thank you: “I continue to have full confidence in your leadership. We need your guidance and role model now more than ever. I know this is a challenging time, but you are the perfect person to lead Cary forward. Thank you for your continued dedication to making Cary the best place to live, work, and play.”

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, meetings with residents, a State of Cary address at Glenaire, a State of Cary at town hall, a NC Metro Mayors meeting, Dr. Sharma’s 100^th birthday celebration, and Hum Sub’s Basant Bahar celebration.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 8^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

NC Association of Zoning Officials, Wake County Mayors Association, GRCVB, CAMPO, Economic Development, Interviews, Downtown Cary Park #1 in Architecture, and Council-Staff Working Retreat

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

NC Association of Zoning Officials Midwinter Meeting

On Monday, I delivered welcoming remarks to the NC Association of Zoning Officials mid-winter conference, which had about 200 attendees. I spoke just before the keynote address.

Although zoning officials often work behind the scenes, their influence is clearly seen in neighborhoods, local businesses, and the overall character of their communities. Their decisions go far beyond buildings and parcels of land; they help shape the future of the places people call home.

They operate at the intersection of law, policy, and people. Every application they review reflects someone’s investment, someone’s home, or someone’s livelihood. They are tasked with balancing private property rights and the public good, economic opportunity and infrastructure capacity, and growth with preservation. Doing so requires not only technical expertise, but sound judgment and a high degree of professionalism.

Cary was proud to be the host municipality of this conference, and I hope they consider returning next year.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday evening, I attended a meeting of the Wake County Mayors Association. Joining the discussion were the mayors of Cary, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, and Wendell.

We covered a range of topics, including pending legislation on property taxes, General Fund balance considerations, different types of council members, and the council-manager form of government. It was an excellent group, and the conversation was both thoughtful and lively.

GRCVB Board

On Tuesday morning, I attended the monthly meeting of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau in North Hills. The group began with the treasurer’s financial report, followed by several funding requests, including some already submitted for fiscal year 2031. This year, nine of the twelve municipalities, including Cary, received funding. One notable update was that hotel occupancy rates are down, a trend being seen nationwide, though our market is projected to outperform much of the country.

A representative from Kane Realty Development shared updates on current and upcoming projects in North Hills, and the meeting concluded with a walking tour of the area.

The session was wrapped up with reports from the four liaisons, including Cary. In my report, I highlighted the TST tournament and upcoming performances at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

After the meeting I received the following information about visitors to the Raleigh area for this quarter:

Around 43% of Q4 2025 visitors were day-trippers to Wake County, who did not stay overnight in the destination at paid accommodations or private homes.
The top origin market for Q4 2025 visitors to Wake County was the Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville Designated Market Area (DMA, a 23-county region), and 55.8% of all visitors hail from North Carolina. Other notable origin states for Q4 include D.C. and Va., Fla., S.C., N.Y. and Ga. These origin insights can help our business partners with ad and promotional targeting.
Out of 700 POIs tracked in Wake County, RDU International Airport saw the most visitor volume in Q4 2025, followed by Crabtree, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, North Hills – Main District and Lenovo Center, respectively. Of the top 25 POIs by visitor volume, RDU International Airport drew the highest proportion of visitors (52%) vs. residents of Wake County (48%) in Q4 2025.
Insights for accommodation partners from Q4 2025: overnight visitors from the New York, Charlotte, Greenville/New Bern/Washington, Atlanta and Wilmington DMAs spent the most with Wake County hotels across all hotel classes. Q4’s average hotel revenue per arrival was $266. (Revenues tracked by the LED vs. STR’s accounting suggest capture of approximately 28% of hotel stays with these data.)

For your data-related questions or even more insights, please contact GRCVB’s Destination Data, Technology and AI Department at data@visitRaleigh.com.

CAMPO Executive Board

Wednesday afternoon I participated in a meeting of the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board. CAMPO is a regional transportation planning organization serving communities in Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston and Wake Counties. According to The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962, areas considered by the Federal Census to be urban in nature with a population of at least 50,000 must have a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. In order to receive funding from the federal government in the state of North Carolina, this process is carried out by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). Members from each of the MPOs make up the North Carolina Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Currently, there are 19 MPOs in North Carolina.

The meeting agenda featured four consent items, four public hearings, and five discussion items.

The consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes, the FY 2026 Third Quarter Wake Transit Work Plan Amendment Requests, the NCSU-ITRE Master Service Agreement Amendment, and the Apex Pleasant Park Access Study Interlocal Agreement. All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public hearings were conducted for the FY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program, the Program Management Plan Update for Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, the FFY 2027 LAPP Program, and Amendment #2 to the FY 2026–2035 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Each of these items was approved.

Discussion items included presentations on NCDOT’s winter weather preparedness efforts, the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, a congestion management update, the Cape Fear River Basin Wildlife Crossing Study, and the Wake Transit Conference Committee.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met Wednesday night. The agenda included remarks from the Interim Town Manager Russ Overton, a development update from Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry, and the Quarterly Chamber report from Chamber President Mark Lawson.

The manager’s remarks were brief and primarily served as an introduction, providing background context.

The development update covered trend data from the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October–December). The trends indicate that Cary’s growth continues to slow.

The following are a few takeaways from the Chamber report:

Unemployment in November: Cary 3.2%, Wake County 3.5%, NC 3.7%, US 4.4%
Unemployment in December: Cary 2.8%, Wake County 3%, NC 3.9%, US 4.4%
Monthly Inflation Rates for 2025:

January 2025 3.00%

February 2025 2.82%

March 2025 2.39%

April 2025 2.31%

May 2025 2.35%

June 2025 2.67%

July 2025 2.70%

August 2025 2.92%

September 2025 3.01%

October 2025 N/A

November 2025 2.74%

December 2025 2.70%

Average: 2.69%

Inflation for January 2026 – 2.50%
Jobs created in 2025: 1,275 in order (Technology, Life Science, Advance Manufacturing, Financial Services, Professional Services, Health Care, Sports & Entertainment.)
Business Recruitment Pipeline:

Active Projects: 13

Potential Jobs: 3,038

Potential Investment: $983M

Industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science, IT, Research & Development, and Food & Beverage Manufacturing.

New Headquarters: Invicta Water – This organization relocated their business, which was in Burlington, NC to Cary, so they could have a larger operation and be in a more modern space to further expand their client reach. This company specializes in the removal and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” from water sources. Unlike traditional methods that merely filter or capture PFAS, Invicta Water’s technology aims to eliminate these harmful substances without producing toxic byproducts.

Council-Staff 3 x 4

The council-staff 3 x 4 meetings focused primarily on planning the retreat agenda. Proposed retreat topics include a financial update; budget financial fluency and priorities; Cary’s DNA; the evolving Cary community; service levels; and Cary’s mission, vision, and values. In preparation, staff requested input on which service-level discussion topics should be included.

Upcoming work sessions will address the delegation of authority policy, capital projects, and a retreat follow-up, if needed.

Looking ahead, future topics include Alston Commons, ACT 38 Imagine Cary Community Plan, ACT 23 retaining walls, and various real estate items.

Each 3 x 4 meeting lasted one hour.

Interview with WRAL

On Thursday, I gave an interview to WRAL regarding the council staff working retreat scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Although the discussion centered on the retreat, the resulting story leaned toward the kind of clickbait coverage we’ve seen from the media in recent months, particularly around the manager transition. You can review the story here. Only the final portion reflects the recent comments; the rest appears to have been blended in to heighten the drama.

Interview with Graduate Student

Thursday afternoon, I participated in an interview with a graduate student from North Carolina A&T State University who is currently studying public policy. The questions covered my background and upbringing, leadership style, key policies and initiatives, and the changes that have taken place during my time in office.

Council-Staff Working Retreat Friday

On Friday, I joined the council and staff for the start of our annual two-day retreat to establish the town’s direction and vision. Much of the conversation centered on financial planning and the budget.

The Interim Manager started the retreat with the poem “Still I rise” by Maya Angelou which was so fitting. I, along with others, feel that we have unjustly received a lifetime of hate in the last few months, so it was very uplifting. Some of the versus that really resonated with me:

“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

…

Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries.

…

You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. … I rise I rise I rise.”

With that the rest of the retreat was about how we were moving forward.

After an icebreaker, the council spent an hour and a half in a circle with NC Senator Adcock, who previously served as Cary’s Mayor Pro-Tem, discussing strategies for building a stronger, more unified council. While some might view this as unproductive, it’s important to note that council members rarely have the opportunity for these kinds of group discussions outside of official town business. Building working relationships and engaging in these conversations is not only valuable but a crucial step in helping us move forward from where we are today.

To set the tone for the remainder of the retreat, a video highlighting the future of Cary was shown, featuring both staff and council members. Following the video, the council engaged in a discussion about what defines Cary’s DNA.

The next session on Friday focused on reviewing Cary’s vision and values, which have not been updated since 2006. Participants split into seven small groups to evaluate them, with each group including one council member. We then reconvened to discuss the proposed changes and recommendations from each group. Several council members raised objections to the word “citizens” and preferred “residents” instead. They also disagreed with the statement, “We will continue to be nationally recognized for excellence in local government” and said that “we shouldn’t be chasing national awards”.

After lunch, the council received a presentation on demographics and development. The data, including graphs and charts, highlighted much of what I talk about in my State of Cary address and that we are an ageing community with a strong preference to age in place.

The subsequent presentation focused on service levels and featured a panel of staff representing utilities, fire, police, development, parks, and public works. In preparation, council members were asked several days in advance which service areas they wanted to explore. Topics included:

Loose-leaf collection between November and January, including three rounds of collection, two completed prior to December 24, and the collection of more than 10,000 tons annually.
Sidewalk maintenance under Policy 135 (covering more than 400 miles) and greenway maintenance (over 100 miles).
Greenway mowing on a 10-day cycle and trash collection on a 7-day cycle, maintained by a team of six full-time employees and three seasonal staff, with an average FY26 cost per mile of approximately $8,600.
Sidewalk maintenance response times, with assessment occurring within one day of a reported concern.
Street maintenance and pavement conditions, including a goal of addressing 90% of reported potholes on Cary-owned streets within 24 hours, and coordinating with North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding potholes on state-maintained roads.

Key takeaways from the discussion included:

Service levels require both personnel and funding.
The definition of “service level” varies depending on perspective.
Service levels are interconnected, often involving multiple departments and layers of coordination.

While the information shared was thorough and impressive, one of my most significant takeaways was that each department indicated their current operating model is not sustainable. Maintaining our existing service levels will require substantial budget considerations moving forward. One of the most significant comments I heard from some of the council members was that we do not have to be the best of the best in every area.

The council spent the rest of Friday in a closed session with the attorney, interim manager, and town clerk.

Council-Staff Working Retreat Saturday

Saturday morning began with a session to potentially prioritize budget items. Council voted on these items using the quadratic method which resulted in the following:

Community Safety: 29
New Capital Investment: 23
High Performing Staff: 22
Affordability: 21
Maintaining Service Levels: 21
Maintaining Facilities: 21
Fiscal Responsibility 16
Environmental Stewardship: 16
Service Excellence: 16
Operational Efficiency: <10

Each council member acknowledged that all priority items were important, though they placed greater emphasis on certain items when casting their votes. Staff will use both the quantitative and qualitative prioritization results to guide budget decisions.

The second session on Saturday was a financial update with key financial indicators. Here are some of the points that were made:

Top five General Fund expenditures Public Safety, General Government, non-departmental (debt service, utility, etc.), PRCR
Top five Spending increases:
- Police: $11 million
- Non-departmental: $10 million
- Parks: $9 million
- IT: $9 million
- Public Works: $5 million
Top five Personnel Spending increases:
- Police: $9 million
- Parks: $5 million
- Fire: $5 million
- Public Works: $5 million
- Town Manager’s Office: $4 million
Top five Operations and Maintenance increases:
- IT: $8 million
- Parks: $5.5 million
- Non-departmental: $4.5 million
- Finance: $2.75 million
- Police: $2.75 million
Fund Balance at 41%, policy is 33%
Available Fund Balance Revenue: 21.5%
Debt Service/Expenditures: 8.7%
FY 2026 Q2 Financial Key Takeaways:
- Property tax and sales tax revenues outperforming budget.
- Staff closely monitoring financial performance, including revenue growth and net results.
- Positive net results and fund balance projected for June 30, 2026.

Saturday’s third session focused on the Fund Balance Policy. Key takeaways included:

Fund Balance and its categories are measured at year-end and used strategically when making spending decisions.
As Cary continues to mature as a community, our financial benchmarks and policies should evolve accordingly.
Bond ratings remain critically important and are a key area of focus for the Council, leadership, and the investment community.

Our current policy states that Total Fund Balance must be at least 33.33%, approximately four months, of budgeted General Fund expenditures. General Fund expenditures include total expenditures and debt service but exclude other financing sources and uses. It is worth noting that our fund balance policy is significantly higher than that of many comparable communities. Staff will prepare options for potential changes to the Fund Balance policy and present them at a future work session.

The next session focused on unfunded positions and preliminary staff requests for the upcoming FY 2027 budget. Because a number of positions have been held vacant over the past several years, there is now a significant backlog of needs.

The interim manager ended the retreat with reflections and looking forward.

In summary, the retreat was centered more on conversation and collaborative discussion than on formal presentations. Both staff and council remained fully engaged throughout the two days, which made the experience especially productive and valuable. If you want to watch the retreat, you can view it here on Cary’s YouTube channel.

Downtown Cary Park Design Firm Receives Top US Architectural Honor

Downtown Cary Park was recently recognized for innovative park design by the 2025 American Architecture Awards, the nation’s highest architectural honor. Designed by the Boston-based firm Machado Silvetti in partnership with the Town of Cary, the Park seamlessly integrates landscape and architecture to create a cohesive, contemporary civic destination in the heart of Cary.

“The American Architecture Award is a national recognition of the design achievements of Downtown Cary Park,” said Jeffry Burchard, managing partner and principal at Machado Silvetti. “It is a reminder of the importance of community support and collective effort in the pursuit of beautiful and innovative public spaces.”

The Downtown Park design was selected for the award from a shortlist of over 1,500 submissions across 27 unique disciplines. It is one of only five parks in the nation recognized by the 2025 American Architecture Award.

One notable achievement of the park is Machado Silvetti’s unified design approach, where architecture and landscape function as one experience. The Park transitions from an urban plaza to natural spaces, creating diverse spatial and ecological conditions across the site.

Equally important to its recognition is the Park’s measurable social impact. With more than 750,000 visitors in its first year and over 1,000 events hosted, Downtown Cary Park has become a vibrant hub for recreation, culture, and community connection, demonstrating the power of design to shape public life and strengthen a growing community.

“This recognition reflects the vision and care that went into creating a park that truly belongs to the community,” said Joy Ennis, Downtown Cary Park General Manager. “Downtown Cary Park was designed to bring people together and seeing how residents and visitors have embraced the space makes this honor especially meaningful.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience the award-winning Downtown Cary Park and discover how thoughtful design, community vision, and public investment are shaping the future of Cary.

Learn more at downtowncarypark.com.

Council Out and About

Hope you’re enjoying the warmer weather and, like me, are ready to be done with the harsh winter we had this year. Many of our local businesses were impacted by the severe weather, and that’s why I organized an open walk-in meeting at a coffee shop in my district — to support the business, and to bring the community together.

The response was far more than I expected. We had a packed house and some really meaningful conversations with residents. Connecting, listening, and sharing my perspective reminded me why these moments matter so much, and it has motivated me to put more of these meetings on the schedule.

I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses and help them through this challenging time. There’s a lot happening in our town, with many opportunities to engage and support our community. One event I’m especially looking forward to is Fest in the West, an event organized annually by a long-time Cary resident in my district. It features a wonderful variety of vendors and activities for young kids and families to enjoy. Please mark your calendars for April 18th.

For more events and updates, be sure to sign up for the Town’s newsletter.

Sarika Bansal

District D Representative

Connecting With the Community

Councilmember Sarika Bansal hosted open-walk-in office hours in District D. She enjoyed connecting with residents and hearing firsthand about the ideas and issues that matter most to the community.

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Bella Huang attended the Lunar New Year Celebration hosted by the North Carolina Chinese American Society and the North Carolina Asian Americans Alliance. The festive event brought the community together to celebrate culture, tradition, and the beginning of a new year.

Councilmember Brittany Richards attended the Lunar New Year Banquet hosted by the Chinese-American Friendship Association. The evening was filled with vibrant performances and joyful fellowship in honor of the holiday.

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson toured the SAFEchild Advocacy Center in Raleigh on Monday. She was joined by Development Director Anna Jackson, Board Member Virginia Anthony, and Executive Director Rebekah Paredes to learn more about the center’s services for Wake County municipalities.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the State of Cary at Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, with Councilmember Sarika Bansal also in attendance. The presentation highlighted Cary’s progress and was followed by an engaging Q&A session.

Mayor Weinbrecht delivered the State of Cary address at the Cary Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener event. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about Cary’s accomplishments and future initiatives. Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, Bella Huang, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Brittany Richards also attended.

Mayor Weinbrecht spoke with fifth-grade students at Green Hope Elementary School. He shared insights about local government and encouraged students to get involved in their community.

Mayor Weinbrecht toured the United Way Call Center in Cary in recognition of NC211 Day. The visit highlighted the vital services NC211 provides to residents across the state.

Mayor Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Bush, and Councilmembers Bansal, Craig, Huang, and Richards attended a Lunar New Year celebration hosted by Representative Ya Liu at Prestonwood Country Club. The celebration brought community leaders and residents together to honor cultural heritage and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

Councilmember Bella Huang attended the grand opening of LIVE Hydration Spa Cary. The ribbon-cutting marked an exciting addition to Cary’s thriving small business community.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Town Owned Properties

We have received a variety of questions related to the manager’s transition, one of which was about town owned properties. The Town currently owns 352 fee simple properties. You can find a map of these properties here. To get information on the parcel, zoom in and select.

Transit Service in District D

In response to District D citizens about transit to their area the staff provided the following:

We do not currently have any new fixed route transit service planned for implementation in western Cary.
The current Wake Transit Bus Plan / short-range operations plan does not include funding for any new service in Cary; beyond the two new routes we implemented last November. The last Bus Plan update (2021-2022) looked at service options in western and southern Cary and determined that the density/ridership potential wasn’t high enough to prioritize Wake Transit Plan funding above new service for other transit providers in Wake County.
After the last Bus Plan update, Cary conducted a Microtransit Study to determine the feasibility of Microtransit service as a “starter” option in areas that don’t score high enough for Wake Transit funding.
The Microtransit Study determined this service type is a good fit for western and southern Cary. The study was presented to Council in January 2025. It was noted that this service will require 100% Town funding for at least 3 years before the service could start generating federal support. It could eventually be eligible for some level of Wake Transit funding, but the amount and timing are uncertain. We do know we won’t receive funding in the next five years.
It was also noted that it would take at least one year to purchase vehicles and design/construct stops to support new service. Service would begin the year after infrastructure needs are met. Initial capital needs are in the $1-$2M range, depending on the level of initial service, with another $1-$2M required annually to operate the service. Capital needs should be considered during the upcoming capital project prioritization discussions.
The next Wake Transit Bus Plan update will kick-off later this year, with a final plan expected in late 2027. We will advocate again to start including service in western and southern Cary in the funding model. If they are included, funding will likely not be until 2031 or later.
We continue to provide Door to Door service to eligible customers in all areas of Cary.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Dozens of emails about ICE potentially moving into a building in Regency. (We have no authority over the federal government. At this time, the town has not received any requests or permit applications from ICE. However, they could proceed there, and we do not have the authority to stop them.)
Complaints and a petition about a proposed mixed use on Davis Drive. (So far, this has not been introduced to council, and we have no staff report.)
Questions about the former town manager’s actions.
A complaint about the Downtown Cary Park’s dog park location.
Several invitations to events.
A request for a traffic signal at Green Level Road and Carpenter Hill Lane. (NODOT is the decision maker for traffic signals.)
A concern about PFAS in Cary. (We eliminated that years ago.)
A complaint about town vehicles in the parking deck during early voting. (All town lots were full of town employee cars. There was nowhere else for them to go. FYI, two decks will open in March.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting with Kiwanis Club International, a Ramadan Iftar dinner, and a proclamation for VFW Auxiliary.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 1^st, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

#1 Disc Golf Course, Cary Tennis Classic Board, State of Cary for Realtors and Chamber, Green Hope Elementary, United Way 211 Day, and Lunar New Year

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

#1 Disc Golf Course is Diavolo of Cary

Diavolo at New Hope, a 22-hole disc golf course in Cary, has been recognized by UDisc as North Carolina’s most popular disc golf course for 2025. Since opening in October 2020, the course has climbed as high as No. 7 on UDisc’s World’s Best Disc Golf Courses list and currently holds the No. 17 ranking worldwide. The honor highlights a successful partnership between the Town of Cary and the Capital Area Disc League, whose shared vision was to create a world-class destination welcoming disc golfer of every skill level.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

The Cary Tennis Classic Board met on Monday night. We are beginning to focus our monthly meetings more on the details of the tournament, especially sponsorship, which is what we spent most of our time talking about. We also talked about the future of the Cary Tennis Park and how its clubhouse expansion is essential if we are to keep this and other tournaments.

State of Cary – Realtors

Tuesday morning, I gave the State of Cary address to about 30 realtors. Council member Bansal was also in attendance and was part of the Q&A afterwards. My talk lasted about 50 minutes, and Q&A lasted about 45 minutes. We then spent another 20 minutes or so taking pictures. Most of their questions focused on roads, schools, and development.

State of Cary – Cary Chamber

On Wednesday morning, I delivered the State of Cary address to a packed ballroom at Prestonwood during the Cary Chamber’s “Breakfast with the Mayor.” I estimate that more than 300 people attended. My remarks ran about 45 minutes, and the audience was extremely supportive, greeting me with standing ovations at both the beginning and the conclusion of the program.

Several of the questions were really expressions of appreciation, thanking me for leading Cary through the town manager transition during this challenging period. Although WRAL and ABC11 were present, their coverage did not reflect that response and instead focused primarily on my comments regarding the manager transition.

Green Hope Elementary

Wednesday afternoon, I had the pleasure of speaking with four fifth-grade classes at Green Hope Elementary. I discussed how local government works, the scope of our authority, and how we collaborate with state and federal governments. I then spent about 30 minutes answering their questions.

They asked several thoughtful and engaging questions, including ones about carbon emissions, the most challenging part of being mayor, and what advice I would give my younger self. It was a lot of fun, and I hope they’ll invite me back again.

United Way of NC 211 Day

On Wednesday afternoon, I visited the United Way Call Center in Cary to help celebrate NC 211 Day. Each year, the United Way of North Carolina recognizes this day to honor the dedicated 211 professionals who serve as a vital lifeline for North Carolinians seeking essential health and human services.

Last year, NC 211 answered more than 200,000 calls and connected individuals and families across all 100 counties with over 336,000 resources. In Cary alone, there were 1,084 calls identifying 1,661 needs, unfortunately, 169 of those needs went unmet. Currently, 52 verified agencies are available to provide assistance in our area.

It was an informative and meaningful visit, and I’m grateful to United Way and the NC 211 team for the critical work they do every day to support those who need it most.

Lunar New Year

On Thursday night, I joined the full council, dozens of elected officials, and several hundred community members at Prestonwood to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The evening featured cultural performances, a series of speeches, and concluded with a group photo of the elected officials. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and mingle, especially with local business leaders, but the strong presence of public officials gave the event a distinctly political tone.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

Council,

I enjoyed seeing you all at the Mayor’s State of Cary Address on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to being with you at the Annual Council/Staff Retreat next week. We will send you more details by next Tuesday. Since we’ll all be together next Friday, there will be no weekly report. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s weekend.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,327 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,471
Email: 329
Web: 244
Internal: 167
Walk-In: 56
Text: 49
Social Media: 11

57.07% of cases fell into these top 5 categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 535
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 311
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 198
Water Meter Service & Requests: 187
Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 97

FY 2026 Q2 Report

The Quarterly Report for the second quarter (October–December 2025) of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 is available online and printed copies will be provided to Council next week. The report includes a new section offering additional detail on projected revenues, expenditures, and fund balance. Second-quarter highlights include strong midyear financials with projected fund balance growth; Downtown Cary Park generating $5 million in direct economic impact; record attendance at Harvest Fest and the NCAA Men’s College Cup; the launch of two new GoCary routes and completion of major sidewalk connections; and adoption of data governance and artificial intelligence (AI) policies.

Southern Wake County Business Summit

On Monday, Interim Town Manager Russ Overton, Assistant Town Managers Scot Berry and Shelley Curran, and Utilities Director Jamie Revels represented Cary at the Southern Wake County Business Summit. The summit was jointly hosted by NC Commerce Secretary Lilley and NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Wilson.

The meeting focused on regional wastewater capacity and collaborative solutions to support business and residential growth in southern Wake County, including the expanding life sciences sector in Holly Springs. Representatives from Apex, Holly Springs, Wake County, and the business community participated. While much of the discussion centered on Holly Springs’ wastewater treatment, staff also provided an update on the joint Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs wastewater capacity study now underway. Council should expect to review the study results later this year. Participants also discussed technical and regulatory permitting considerations and capacity management strategies to support continued industry expansion.

McCrimmon Parkway Pedestrian Improvements

Contractors working on behalf of Cary located and marked existing utility infrastructure this week near Panther Creek High School. This Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) work is part of the McCrimmon Parkway Pedestrian Improvements project, which will construct two new pedestrian crossings and a new traffic signal to improve mobility near the school. The information collected will supplement the surveying work completed earlier this year by Cary’s in-house survey team and, together, will form the basis for detailed project design. The recent survey work and this SUE effort are keeping the project on schedule for completion ahead of the 2027-2028 school year.

Urban Agriculture Programming Update

While winter weather lingers, urban agriculture programs are preparing residents for spring. Garden orientations at Carpenter and McCrimmon Community Gardens welcomed 120 households, providing plots, resource packets, and access to shared tools.

New in 2026, Environmental Outreach will partner with Access Cary to pilot Plant, Grow, Connect, creating hands-on gardening opportunities for individuals with disabilities at Carpenter Community Garden. Registration is also open for a full schedule of gardening classes, including sessions where participants can take home bagged compost for residential projects.

American Legion Celebrates Public Servants

American Legion Post 67 recognized two public safety employees at its annual first responder awards dinner February 10. Police Captain Jeremy “JB” Burgin, retiring in May after more than 28 years of service, was honored for a career that included serving as the department’s first K-9 officer, district commander, and mentor to generations of officers. Fire Captain Kevin Stewart, who retired in January after 26 years, was recognized for leading major projects and developing both new and veteran firefighters throughout his career.

Gold Medal Games: Cary Goes for Gold

More than 400 people bundled up Saturday for Gold Medal Games at Downtown Cary Park (DCP), cheering on Team USA while stepping into the action themselves. Guests watched live Olympic coverage on big screens and joined interactive games and challenges across the park, testing their skills with inflatable curling and a slap shot booth, trying VR skiing, and competing in the DCP Biathlon. Families also crafted bobsleds to race down a miniature ice track, posed at an ice sculpture photo op, and designed their own Olympic-style medals.

Important Dates

Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, February 18
6:00 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, February 19
6:00 p.m.

Annual Council-Staff Retreat
Friday, February 20
8:30 a.m.

Annual Council-Staff Retreat
Saturday, February 21
8:30 a.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Potential ICE Facility in Regency

I received questions about a potential ICE facility in Regency. Here is how staff responded:

“…Many of you have seen a recent article regarding a potential Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) location online and have inquired about what if anything we know about this property. Recent tenants of the existing office building include software and technology businesses as well as commercial real estate office. Cary has not received any requests or permit applications for government offices or other potential tenants that indicate ICE is planning to move into this space. The property is located within the C-6 Tract of the Regency Park Planned District (PDD). Permitted uses include office, institutional, commercial, hotel and club. …”

Mayor’s Mailbox

A complaint about Apex apartment development hurting Cary residents.
A question about the staff merit increase.
Complaints about the “The Voice of Hind Rajab” playing at the Cary Theater.
Compliments on my State of Cary presentations.
A complaint about political sign enforcement.
A complaint about dog poop at an apartment complex.
A complaint that we are doing nothing for transparency.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, welcome remarks for the North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board meeting, an Economic Development Committee meeting, a meeting with a graduate student, and the annual council-staff working retreat.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 22^nd, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Cary Underrated, NC 8th for Tech Graduates, CAMPO Blueprint for Safety, Council Work Session, and Council Meeting

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Cary Underrated City in NC

WorldAtlas named Cary as one of the most underrated cities in North Carolina. Here is what they said:

“Located in central North Carolina within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area, Cary is a city close to Durham and Raleigh. With an estimated population of around 180,000, it ranks among the state’s largest towns, celebrated for its low crime rate, excellent schools, and easy access to parks and greenways.

Cary boasts numerous parks and recreational facilities, offering plenty of open green space such as Downtown Cary Park and North Cary Park. Residents and visitors enjoy walking trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and lakeside activities at Fred G. Bond Metro Park, which features the Bond Park Community Center. Other popular spots include the Cary Arts Center, Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, and Marla Dorrel Park. Phillips Farms of Cary is a seasonal attraction that is currently closed but plans to reopen in Spring 2026.”

One note for WorldAtlas. Cary is the 2^nd largest town in the nation, and is the largest town in North Carolina.

State of North Carolina 8^th for Tech Graduates

According to TryHackMe, North Carolina ranks eighth, with tech graduates earning 67% more than average. The average annual cost of a tech degree in North Carolina is $14,073. Four years after graduation, the median earnings for graduates in the state are $35,484, compared with $59,303 for tech graduates.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I contacted each council member to hear of any concerns or questions about the upcoming agenda. Council members had questions about the auditor’s report, the gravel lot next to the Walker, and the staff merit increase.

Council 3 x 4 Meetings

To give and receive information from staff the council and staff now hold 3 x 4 meetings which include two council members and the mayor plus the manager and at least four staff members. Topics discussed this week included the retreat agenda, the future convenience center, and the ACFR (audit) report from Cherry Bekaert. We also talked about the need to explain the council-manager form of government to the public.

CAMPO Blueprint for Safety Task Force

On Tuesday morning, I participated in a task force meeting for the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Blueprint for Safety, which was attended by more than 60 participants. The purpose of the task force is to identify infrastructure treatments and policy approaches that support safer road users, safer vehicles, post-crash care, safe speeds, and safer roads. The task force’s work is organized into pillars, strategies, and actions. The pillars define key areas of focus, Policy, Safety Culture, and Projects, designed to intentionally address safety needs. Strategies articulate the vision for advancing each pillar, while actions specify the work CAMPO, local governments, NCDOT, and other partners will undertake to implement the blueprint. These actions are further organized into near-term and long-term horizons.

Meeting with Citizen

I met with a citizen who had previously spoken during the Public Speaks Out portion of a council meeting, where he raised several questions and called for my resignation. The interim town manager was also present. As I explained and answered questions, I was interrupted several times by the citizen, who stated that he did not care. He ultimately said that I needed to resign because I had been in the position for 20 years, though this is the beginning of my 19th year as mayor. I asked whether he believed the issues were entirely my fault, and he responded that I had simply been doing the job long enough. At the conclusion of the meeting, he stated that I am a man of integrity.

Council Work Session

Council held a work session on Thursday evening and focused on two topics, the removal of the convenience center and the FY2025 budget.

The convenience center opened in the 1950s, with most of the site located within Norfolk Southern’s railroad right-of-way. This is not unusual; for example, Cedar Street itself lies within the rail right-of-way. We have been notified that the facility must vacate the right-of-way by the end of the year.

Currently, the convenience center accepts residential waste and recycling, recycling and composting, and large and specialty items. The center serves approximately 90,000 visits annually. Most convenience centers are operated by the county rather than by municipalities.

Council was presented with three options for the future of the convenience center:

Close the convenience center to the public (by December 2026). Current operating costs are approximately $800,000 to $900,000 per year.
Maintain yard waste and food waste disposal at the current site, close all other services, and reconfigure the site to accommodate those remaining functions.
Maintain yard waste disposal at the current site and relocate all other services to a new downtown location on land owned by the Town of Cary. The estimated design fee for a new location is $175,000, with construction costs projected at $3 to $4 million.

Council members requested that staff explore the possibility of Wake County developing an additional site in Cary to help offset costs; however, this appears to be a remote possibility. Based on the discussion, the council does not appear to support pursuing a new facility at a cost of $3 to $4 million. Any selected option would result in a reduced level of service compared to what Cary residents receive today. It should also be noted that, regardless of the option chosen, there will be a period after the center closes during which no convenience center services will be available in Cary. The council will be deciding on this issue later in the spring.

The next item discussed during the work session was the FY2025 budget and the audit conducted by Cherry Bekaert. The Cherry Bekaert audit is one of several actions currently underway, including:

An investigation by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor into alleged fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds.
Reviews conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson.
- An examination of procurement card usage, reimbursements, and expenditures of Town funds by the former town manager.
- A review of the former town manager’s financial reporting to the Town Council.
- An evaluation of the work environment created by the former town manager.
A criminal investigation requested by the District Attorney and being conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
The Cherry Bekaert audit, which serves as Cary’s external independent audit and reviews financial statements for financial reporting, compliance related to federal funds, and internal controls for Fiscal Year 2025.

Staff then walked the Council through the draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Once finalized, the report will be made available to the public. The ACFR:

Confirms the Town’s overall financial condition
Identifies financial trends and potential risks
Supports policy development and budget decisions
Is used by bond rating agencies, lenders, and regulatory bodies
Demonstrates stewardship of public funds
Measures accountability and outcomes

The findings of the report occurred during the council meeting that followed the work session.

Council Regular Meeting

The first regularly scheduled meeting of the council was held Thursday night. The agenda included three presentations, three consent items, and one discussion item.

The first two presentations were proclamations recognizing Lunar New Year and Ramadan. The third presentation addressed the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including the results of the independent audit and an overview of the Town’s annual financial performance. Each year, Cary prepares year-end financial statements to report financial outcomes and ensure accountability for the use of public funds. These statements are reviewed by an independent auditor, who issues an audit opinion.

The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, confirmed that Cary remains in a strong financial position. The Council presentation focused on the financial section of the ACFR. Two key takeaways from the forty-five-minute presentation were that the Town’s financial records were free of material misstatement and that Cary’s financial condition remains strong. During the fiscal year, $23.6 million was added to the fund balance, bringing the total fund balance to $106 million.

Despite these positive results, media coverage largely centered on the former town manager’s actions and recommendations rather than the Town’s overall financial health.

The consent agenda included minutes, the Walnut Street Gravel Lot Improvements Amended Proposal, and an adjustment to the meeting schedule.

The discussion item focused on restoring funding to the employee merit program, which was reduced following a recommendation from the former town manager. That recommendation was presented as having the support of the entire management team, which was not the case. The FY2026 budget currently funds Cary’s pay-for-performance employee compensation program at an average 3% merit-based increase, a 2% decrease from last year.

Underfunding the merit program makes it difficult for Cary to remain competitive in the regional labor market. When combined with the escalating cost of living, a significant number of vacant positions, and historically low staff-to-citizen ratios, the strain on many Cary employees is substantial.

This staff report recommended restoring the merit program to a 5% average increase through a series of actions, including the reallocation of existing funds. These changes can be implemented without increasing taxes, fees, or other FY2026 appropriations.

Our employees are Cary’s greatest asset, and they are truly the best of the best. The proposed funding restoration relies on reallocating funds that were already budgeted for initiatives unlikely to occur during this fiscal year. The following outlines the sources of those funds:

Reallocation From	Amount
Town Manager’s Office – Contracted Services	$500,000
Available for Mid-Year Appropriation	$450,000
Town Manager’s Office – Training and Travel	$250,000
Historic Preservation – Contracted Services	$200,000
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources – Contracted Services	$200,000
Solid Waste – Contracted Services	$150,000
General Fund Total	$1,750,000
Utility Fund – Remote Water Infrastructure Division	$280,000
Fleet – Parts	$35,000
Total	$2,065,000*

*In addition, there is a $750,000 transfer to General Fund from Utility Fund.

Council Out and About

Message from Council Member

Councilmembers attended fewer events this week, as many were rescheduled. Are you as over this winter weather, snow, ice, and unusually cold temperatures, as I am?

To the parents supporting their children through remote learning while also working from home: I see you, and I know how hard this can feel. I also recognize the difficult decisions being made to keep everyone safe.

To our small businesses and hourly workers feeling the strain of reduced hours, and to our essential workers who reported to work even before the roads were clear: I see you.

I have also seen many thoughtful posts and emails asking how to help others and expressing gratitude to the Town of Cary A+ Team, who are working around the clock to treat and plow our roads.

What stands out most, despite the frustration, is the encouragement, empathy, and respect shown across differing perspectives. This is Cary—people first—and it reminds me how proud and honored I am to live and serve here.

Michelle Craig

District B

Walk for Peace

Councilmember Sarika Bansal joined other Triangle-area elected officials as Buddhist monks participating in the Walk for Peace are expected to pass through Apex while traveling along NC 64.

Mayor’s State of Cary

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the 2026 State of Cary at the Cary Senior Center, joined by Councilmember Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig. The event provided residents with an overview of current initiatives, future goals, and opportunities for continued community engagement.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

Council,

I want to start by thanking you for your continued support of our staff. Your approval last night of the merit increase funding means a great deal to our employees, and I know it was well received. I also appreciate the steady partnership you show our organization as we continue to work through a challenging period.

As we navigate this time and keep operations moving forward, I want to point out a new addition to this week’s report titled Cary TV Online Views. Following the decision to expand and invest in online streaming of public meetings, this section shows the impact of that decision. The numbers show that residents are using these tools and appreciate having more ways to stay informed and engaged.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Council Manager Form of Government Webpage

For more information on the council-manager form of government, visit the webpage under the Mayor & Council section of Cary’s website.

Cary TV Online Views

Following Council’s vote to expand meeting streaming, here’s a breakdown of viewership over the last few months:

	Nov.	Dec.	Jan.
Council Meetings	524	9,689	4,857
Work Sessions	N/A	726	4,195
Planning & Zoning	62	N/A	N/A
Total Views	586	10,381	9,030

Click here for a more detailed breakdown.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,253 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method Phone: 1,546 Email: 351 Web: 206 Internal: 81 Walk-In: 31 Text: 29 Social Media: 9

53.86% of cases fell into these top 5 categories: Utility Billing & Services: 539 Inspection Scheduling & Status: 249 Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 156 Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 145 Water Meter Service & Requests: 125

Chatham Estates Community Report Update

Nonprofit partner NeighborUp continues to administer the Stable Homes Cary program to serve Cary residents facing relocation, including those in Chatham Estates. Last week, NeighborUp created two ways for community members to offer financial support. Online donations can be made at NeighborUp.org/ChathamEstates, and gift card donations can be dropped off at NeighborUp’s Cary office. One hundred percent of these donations will go directly to Chatham Estates families to assist with moving expenses, home repairs, food, and other needs.

Chatham Street Lane Closure

Beginning Monday, February 9, contractors working on the 107 East Chatham Street development project, Lloyds Full Service, will be working in the westbound lane of East Chatham Street near the Academy Street intersection for a sewer connection. This work will require a single lane closure and a sidewalk detour. The work is expected to be completed on Tuesday, February 10, weather dependent.

22-REZ-19 Holt PDD Withdrawn

On February 2, rezoning 22-REZ-19, the Holt Planned Development District (PDD) at 8200 and 8400 Regency Parkway, was administratively withdrawn due to inactivity, and the property owner was notified. Due to changes to NC General Statutes last year, withdrawn, denied, or approved rezoning requests are no longer subject to a one-year waiting period, and a new rezoning application may be submitted following a new pre-application meeting and a Traffic Analysis Report, if applicable.

FY26 Street Improvements Project Out for Bids

The FY26 Street Improvement Project was advertised February 5, 2026, with bids scheduled to open February 26. About 10 miles of neighborhood streets will be improved, with construction expected to begin in spring and conclude in fall 2026. Affected residents will be contacted directly throughout the process. The Annual Street Improvement Project goes beyond resurfacing by upgrading pedestrian ramps to meet federal standards, refreshing pavement markings and signage, addressing minor surface issues, and applying preservation treatments that extend pavement life. This preventive approach helps control long-term costs while maintaining Cary’s 525 miles of streets at a high level of service.

Reclaimed Water Holiday

Beginning February 9, Cary will conduct the annual 10-day maintenance shutdown of the reclaimed water system, known as the Reclaimed Water Holiday. February is selected because reclaimed water use and irrigation demand are typically lowest, allowing routine maintenance on production and distribution systems while minimizing customer impacts. Postcards were mailed in January to notify customers, and the period also gives customers time to perform maintenance on onsite systems. Commercial customers using reclaimed water for cooling towers were contacted by mail and phone so they can switch to potable water backup during the maintenance window. If no significant issues are found, full service is expected to be restored by February 19.

Taste of Black History Luncheon

The Senior Center hosted its annual Taste of Black History luncheon today, bringing residents together to honor the traditions, stories, and cultural contributions that shape Black history. The event created a warm space for conversation, reflection, and connection as attendees shared memories and celebrated the richness of the community’s heritage. Events like this continue to highlight the Senior Center’s commitment to fostering understanding, unity, and shared celebration.

Important Dates

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, February 10
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, February 11
6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Encouragement from citizens: “… I see you leading with patience, honesty, and a genuine desire to do right by this community. I also see you bringing sunlight to issues that were long tucked in the shadows by the former Town Manager. That takes courage. And it deserves to be acknowledged.

I also want to share something important: a lot of the loudest noise out there is fueled by incomplete or incorrect information. Many reasonable, thoughtful residents see this clearly and do not share those extreme views. We notice your professionalism. We notice your restraint. We notice your good faith. …”

Complaints about “The Voice of Hind Rajab” being shown at the Cary Theater (Operational matters, such as theater programming, is not a council decision).
A concern about allowing chain businesses to replace local businesses (We have no authority to dictate specific businesses).
A complaint about lack of transparency. So, I provided information. Then I am told I am attempting to manage them. So, I offered to meet with them. They responded with “I have to decline the offer for a private meeting, as I expect that you would want to manage me or lecture me on civility.”
A complaint about political signs of “Melanie Shekita”.
A complaint about giving the staff a merit increase.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board, two State of Cary presentations, speaking to 5^th graders at Green Hope Elementary, a United Way of NC211 Day event, and a Lunar New Years event.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 15^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.