Cary #5 in Nation of Best Places to Live, Wake County Mayors, ULI evaluation, Budget, CAMPO, Cary 101, Development Updates, Council Meeting, and NC Metro Mayors

Cary #5 Best Place in the Nation

Monday I was notified that the U.S. News & World Report named Cary as the #5 Best Place to Live in the U.S., and the #1 place to live in North Carolina for 2025-2026. Here is our press release of this great announcement:

CARY, N.C. – Cary has been named the #5 Best Place to Live in the United States and the #1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings. Cary also earned the #4 spot among the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in the U.S.

This year’s expanded report evaluated more than 850 municipalities – up from 150 in previous years – using metrics such as value, job market strength, desirability, and quality of life, weighted in part by a national survey of what Americans value most in a place to live. U.S. News noted that these changes to the methodology give consumers a more complete view into what it’s like to live somewhere at the community level.

“This kind of recognition reflects years of thoughtful planning and the dedication of Cary’s citizens and staff,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary. “While we don’t chase rankings, it sure feels good when others take notice of what we’ve built together.”

According to U.S. News, Cary was “propelled to the top 10 of our rankings by its abundant employment opportunities and high living standards.” The publication describes Cary as the largest municipality by population in the top 25, yet it still offers “the comforts of a small town, including safe neighborhoods, clean air, and excellent public schools.” Cary also ranked #27 nationally for college readiness, thanks to a top-tier K-12 education system that prepares students for success at nearby research universities. Additionally, the town placed in the top 5% for job market strength, supported by its proximity to the high-paying tech sector jobs in Research Triangle Park.

“While quality of life remains the top priority for many Americans – and has the heaviest weight in determining the Best Places to Live rankings – U.S. News slightly adjusted its weights to increase priority for a location’s job market amid heightened economic uncertainty,” said Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News & World Report.

“Choosing a place to live is a life-changing decision for many people,” Giovanetti added. “The 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings expanded this year to identify cities of all sizes that are most likely to meet the wants and needs of those considering where to call home next.”

The rankings methodology combines proprietary U.S. News data with inputs from Applied Geographic Solutions and federal agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

This national recognition for Cary builds on a standout year with Niche.com ranking Cary the #1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina and the #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in North Carolina, and USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards naming The Nest at Downtown Cary Park the #1 Public Playground in America.

About Cary, North Carolina

With excellence and innovation at its core, Cary is a thriving community of around 190,000 residents representing more than 60 nationalities, positioned at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park region. Consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and visit, Cary is known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, environmental stewardship, and premier sports and cultural venues. Its “people first” philosophy drives collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking public investments that make Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit CaryNC.gov/about and follow us on social media @caryncgov.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders, and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. news is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers, and consumer products and services.

We are so proud to once again be recognized as one of the best of the best or as we like to say, “Top of the Arc”.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday, I attempted to contact council members to hear of any concerns or questions about the upcoming council meeting agenda. There were concerns expressed about the Waverly Place rezoning proposal, and the downtown development agreement with the Walker.

Later Monday I met with staff to go over the agenda. It was decided that the downtown development agreement would be tabled for another meeting so that questions could be answered. On other items staff noted that several people had already signed up to speak at the Public Speaks Out part of the meeting.

Manager One-On-One

Later Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Topics of discussion included the Waverly Place rezoning proposal, council interactions, and property tax relief.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night I met with the Wake County Mayors Association. In attendance were the mayors of Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon.

Urban Land Institute

Monday I met and welcomed two members of the Urban Land Institute who are considering our Downtown Cary Park for their national award. After my remarks the staff focused on their criteria which are history/revitalization/growth, Master Plan to Community Acceptance, Sustainability, Running the Park, Community, and Economic Impact. Out of over 90 parks we are in the top 20 at this point.

Work Session on Budget

Tuesday night the council held a work session to go over the manager’s proposed budget. Here are some of the changes in the proposed budget and takeaways from that work session:

  • A reduction of $1 million from the manager’s budget which should have been downtown Park.
  • A reduction of $1.4 million from the Police due to records duplication.
  • An Increase of $2.4 million for mid-year appropriations.
  • Increase of $1,000,000 to Utility Engineering to correct for data transfer omission
  • Reduction of ($1,000,000) from Transfer to Utility Fund Balance
  • WWRWRF Regional Utility Infrastructure Review Study – $400K, added project with funding split between Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs
  • Vehicle Heavy Duty Equipment Replacement Sewer – $700K, added project
  • Vehicle Heavy Duty Equipment Replacement, Water – $350K, added project
  • CAWTF Dredge – $235K, added project
  • Water System Relocates – ($600K) removed project
  • CAWTF Lab Equipment with additional $40,250 in Apex funding
  • The Manager’s proposed tax rate is 34 cents per $100 of valuation which is 1.5 cents above the current rate. The council expressed concerns that with no new hires for the second year and a backlog of capital projects next year’s rate might require a bigger tax increase or a severe cut in services. They asked for more information about next year (FY2027)
  • Wake proposed tax rate of 51.60 cents per $100 of valuation which is 0.25 cents above current rate
  • Chatham proposed a tax rate of 60 cents per $100 valuation which is 7.04 cents above revenue neutral rate of 52.96 cents. This is 12.5 cents decrease from current rate. Chatham county residents had re-evaluation this year. Wake county residents had re-evaluation last year. They will be synchronized in 2029.
  • Median Cary home value in Chatham County increases by $215,890 from $449,429 to $665,314. There are 2,513 parcels in Chatham with a worth of $1,708,432,537 total property valuation out of $53,134,743,287 or 3.2% of Cary’s total
  • The manager’s proposed budget is “Maintenance Focused” with limited Capital Expenditures, no Capital Improvements, and a 1.5 Cent Tax Rate Increase. The budget totals $508 million, which is a 2.1% increase. This would include a 9.9% increase in operations and a 23.2% decrease in capital.
  • Staff noted that reducing expenditures on operations will result in a reduction in services.
  • The Recommended Budget reflects $26M in department-identified reductions. This includes a decrease in the Downtown Cary Park budget from $6.9M to $6.4M (further reductions discussed on June 12)
  • The Recommended Budget uses a 1% increase projection in sales tax revenue. The council recommended 0%.
  • The first public hearing on the budget will be May 22nd. This will be followed by a second public hearing at the council meeting in June.
  • Staff continue to provide a robust budget education campaign including all board and commission members.

CAMPO

Wednesday, I attended a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board. CAMPO is a a regional transportation planning organization serving communities in Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston and Wake Counties. Federal funding is distributed to all Metropolitan Planning Organizations in North Carolina. Currently, there are 19 MPOs.

This month’s agenda included three consent items, two public hearings, and five discussion items.

The consent was approved unanimously and included minutes, the FY 2025 4th Quarter Wake Transit Work Plan Amendment, and a resolution of support for statewide CMAQ funding allocation application.

The first public hearing was information on the 2026 Wake Transit Work Plan. The second public hearing was for Amendment #9 to FY 2024-2033 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which was approved unanimously. Neither public hearing had speakers.

The first discussion item was the potential tolling of US1 North. CAMPO agreed on option 2 with an additional study. This would create a toll lane. The vote was not unanimous. The remaining discussion items were for information only. They included an ITS Roadmap Update from Central Pines Regional council, a 2055 MTP Update on Deficiency Analysis & Alternatives Analysis, a report on the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program Project, and a 2025 Mobility Coordination Committee/Mobility Management Program Update.

Cary 101 Graduation

Wednesday night I joined Mayor Pro Tem Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Bush, Craig, and Smith at the Cary 101 Graduation. This class met once a week for eight weeks and learned about government structure, culture, and origins; what impacts Cary development; streets, greenways, bike lanes, and busses; fire, police, and 911; water reclamation facilities, systems, and biosolids; public works operations, solid waste, facilities, and fleet; recreation, arts, and leisure; and opportunities to stay connected. If you are interested in the next class, make sure to sign up early 2026.

Work Session on Development Updates

The council held its second work session of the week on Thursday evening. Topics included a development update, new weekly report called the “Council Out and About”, and an update from the Assistant Town Manager. Here are some of my takeaways from that meeting:

  • “In Cary, new development drives the growth of public revenues that have supported the Town’s ability to provide high quality community amenities and services. On average, 80% of new revenue growth comes from new tax base to the Town. As growth slows due to limited land for development, new revenue generation models will be needed to maintain the level of service residents have come to expect.”
  • Wake County is growing at 66 people a day, which is the 3rd fastest in the nation for those counties over 1 million people.
  • Wake County has 1,232,444 people.
  • US News and World Report ranks Cary #5 in nation for best place to live.
  • Cary has 10% of development land remaining.
  • Cary’s annual growth rate over the decades: 90s-10%, 00s-12%, 10s-4%.
  • Cary’s recent annual growth rate: 2022-1.1%, 2023-1.7%, 2024-2.2%.
  • 3rd quarter had 26 rezoning cases with 7 approved.
  • Cary had 27 rezoning requests for staff, 18 pre-application conferences, but only 5 rezoning applications submitted.
  • Our rezoning conversion rate is at 13%. This out of all started with requests. This means that 87% never make it to council for a vote.
  • In this quarter 30 development plans were approved including 137 townhomes, 52 multi-family units, 158 hotel rooms, 13,235 sq feet of commercial, 229,385 sq feet of office space, 75,900 sq feet of institutional.
  • This quarter had 151 single family permits issued.
  • Meridian East at Chatham and Hunter will have their first Certificate of Occupancy this summer. It will have 220 apartments and 10,000 sq feet of retail
  • The Meridian at Chatham and Harrison will open their residential portion in early 2026. Its parking deck structure is complete with 478 spaces of which 225 are public spaces. There will be 10,000 sq feet of retail and 60,000 sq feet of office in the Jordan building.
  • There are three projects in the Byrum and Chatham area.  Soca 56, the Massey, and Walker Row.
  • Soca 56 is on Kildaire and will have 56 townhomes and condos. The presale is soon.
  • The Massey is on Byrum behind Soca 56 and will have 17 townhomes. 16 are already sold.
  • Walker Row is across from The Massey on Byrum and will have 44 townhomes and condos. The first building permit is under review and 9 of 44 have been sold.
  • Duke Health at the Green Level destination center had their phase two development approved which will include a 111,000 square foot, five story, ambulatory care and surgical center. They plan to submit their phase three plan for 40 hospital beds and a parking deck this summer.
  • Fenton has two new restaurants, Doc B’s and Brewery Bhavana.
  • The Fenton Hotel is under review and will be seven stories and have 186 rooms.
  • A new weekly report, The Council Out & About, will report on council activities from Monday through Sunday and be released on Wednesday. It will have a lead story from a council member and have the entire council’s schedule at a glance.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of May. The agenda included two presentations, one hour of public comment, seven consent items, one public hearing, and one discussion item.

The first presentation was a proclamation by council member Bush recognizing May as ALS awareness month. I presented the second proclamation to Marla Dorrel recognizing the 25th year of Marla Dorrel Park which is a park for all abilities.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The public hearing on the budget had two speakers, one who happened to be a candidate running for town council and the other whose main request was to pay staff more.

The public speaks out was dominated by folks opposing the Waverly Place rezoning proposal. There were also those who spoke in favor of the proposal. Although I gave specific instructions for no remarks, no applauding, and no props, these were all ignored. These rules are in place to maintain order. They have been adjusted over the decades to not only maintain order but make it easy for our citizens to participate in the process. Unfortunately, some used it for more than just expressing an opinion. One speaker talked about the biennial survey. Lecturing a council that has spent hours in public meetings on this survey bordered on mocking IMHO. Then saying the council got a C+ which is failing in the school he came from was mocking. Of course this generated laughter from his supporters. Fortunately, the one-hour time limit expired before the meeting got out of control.

This discussion item was the Waverly Place rezoning. After the staff presentation, which included jeers and catcalls from the audience, we began our deliberations. Council member Smith started and there was immediate heckling. After reminding the audience several times of the decorum of a business meeting, I was forced to call a recess for the first time in my 17 ½ years as mayor. Thankfully, this behavior does not represent the majority of the Lochmere residents nor most of the Cary residents. As one Lochmere resident said the day after, “that was embarrassing.” As a resident and citizen of Cary I agree.

After reconvening the council meeting each council member explained their position. They addressed the three major concerns traffic, stormwater, and building height. Traffic in that area is mostly commuter and will grow by 20% in the next 10 years even if Waverly didn’t exist. The Waverly rezoning would increase traffic by ½% in that 10-year time. A vault to handle stormwater was part of the proposal which would handle a 25-year storm event. In addition, money was promised to adjacent neighborhoods for maintaining their lakes. Building at a height of seven stories was already allowed on the property as office. If built, that would generate more traffic than the proposal.

As mayor I am disappointed in how the meeting played out. It is my hope that we can always respect each other, agree, disagree, and agree to disagree. In my consulting work I see councils all over the nation. To date, I haven’t seen one better than Cary’s. While one might not agree with our decisions, all Cary council members are intelligent, work very hard, do their homework, and act professionally. I would put them up against any council in the nation. Even better is our staff who were recognized as the best government in the nation just a few years ago. They are by far the best in the nation. I honestly believe that! I would like to invite everyone to learn more about your council and your town. We are blessed to live in one of the greatest places in America as was recognized this week by US News and World Report.

NC Metro Mayors

The following is a legislative summary from Checkmate Government Relations:

House Budget

The House passed its version of the 2025 Appropriations Act, Senate Bill 257, with a vote of 86–20. Notably, 25 Democrats voted for the budget bill after Governor Stein encouraged them to do so. Both chambers proposed funding cuts due to increased efforts around government efficiency and restoring the state’s rainy-day fund. The budget bill will now go to a conference committee where chairs from the House and Senate will negotiate a final package. Some of the key provisions included in the House’s proposal are:

  • $500 million dollars from the previously funded NCInnovation Fund would be clawed back to be used for Hurricane Helene recovery. 
  • Increasing the state-funded portion of starting teacher pay to $50,000 by the end of the biennium and restoring master’s pay for teachers. 
  • State agency employees, community college staff, and UNC system personnel would receive a 2.5% raise.
  • Restoring the back-to-school sales tax holiday and making the first $5,000 of tips tax-free. 
  • Reducing the individual income tax rate to 3.99% by 2026.

The House budget did not include funding for the NC Children’s Hospital or proposed tax increases for Sports Betting operators. Both of those provisions were included in the Senate’s version. 

The Disaster Recovery Act (Hurricane Helene Bill)

The State House of Representatives unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II on Thursday. This bill appropriates $464 million for Western North Carolina for the communities and individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene and the wildfires. The Disaster Recovery Act also directs NCInnovation to transfer back to the State $500 million to fund the Disaster Recovery. Highlights of the Disaster Recovery Act are:

  • $165M to the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety to provide funds for the state match for federal assistance programs, the Private Road and Bridge Repair Program, Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program (AA Program), Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund, and grants to Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.
  • $25M for the Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program. The program will disburse grants to local airports and airfields in the affected area to repair and restore infrastructure damage and improve emergency preparedness measures. 
  • $76.25M to the Office of State Budget and Management for the Hurricane Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, for debris and sedimentation removal, for grants to specified Colleges and Universities to repair damage, and for grants to the NC League of Municipalities and the NC Association of County Commissioners for assistance to local governments.
  • $60M to the Department of Commerce for the Helene Business Recovery Grant Program.
  • $55M to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the Farm Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program, Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and the NC Forestry Service. 
  • $33M to DPI for two grant programs for damaged public-school infrastructure. 

The Disaster Recovery Act will now move to the Senate for approval.

REINS Act

The North Carolina Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act would increase legislative oversight of state agency rulemaking and clarify how courts and administrative judges are to interpret the actions of state agencies. H402 makes significant changes to NC’s rulemaking and administrative review processes, intending to limit executive overreach. 

The REINS Act would cause a delay in the effective dates of any agency rules that have a substantial economic impact or receive formal objections, giving the NCGA more time to review and disapprove such rules if necessary. Agencies proposing such rules are required to submit detailed impact analysis as well as achieve regulatory certification from the Office of State Budget and Management. 

This week, H402 was heard for discussion only in the Senate Regulatory Reform committee. The bill will be voted on during the next committee and will be sent to the Senate Rules Committee upon receiving a favorable report.

Town Manager’s Report

Danna’s Message

On Monday, we pause as a community and a nation to honor the lives of those lost in service to our country. Whether you mark the day in quiet reflection or gather with others at ceremonies like Cary’s Memorial Day Remembrance at Veterans Freedom Park, I hope you’ll join me in gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy—and for those who gave all to protect them.

This weekend also marks the start of the season with UNC Health Summerfest and the North Carolina Symphony on Saturday at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. On Tuesday at 5 p.m., the Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum at Downtown Cary Park offers a chance to help shape Cary’s future as a more walkable, bike-friendly place for all.

Most Town facilities will be closed on Monday. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our staff who will be working throughout the weekend to support these important events. Your service is deeply appreciated.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
Danna

Meeting Follow-up and Other Correspondence

This section provides follow-up from previous Town Council meetings, along with staff correspondence and supplemental information that may offer helpful insights.
Council Work Session (May 20):
Updated Imagine Cary Community Plan
Council Work Session (May 22): 
Update on Meter Replacement Efforts – a brief summary of ongoing efforts and progress. 

Ivey-Ellington Ribbon Cutting and Open House

On Sunday, after a two-year restoration, the Ivey-Ellington House celebrated new life with a ribbon cutting and open house. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember and liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Michelle Craig gave remarks and were joined by Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson to cut the ribbon.

The House holds historical significance as outlined in the 2008 National Register Nomination report due to its rarity as a Gothic Revival cottage in Wake County, North Carolina. In 2019, Cary entered into an agreement that necessitated the relocation of the Ivey-Ellington House. Following the agreement, the Council passed a resolution committing to its preservation. In 2023, the Ivey-Ellington was stabilized, prepared for relocation, and made a one-mile journey down Academy Street to its new home where restoration began shortly after.

The Ivey-Ellington is now home to several Downtown Cary Park staff offices. 

Cary 101 Graduation

On Wednesday night, this year’s Cary 101 participants were joined by Mayor Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Bush, Craig, and Smith to celebrate their successful completion of the program. Mayor Weinbrecht thanked the graduates for their active engagement and encouraged each of them to continue contributing to our community. Over the past seven weeks, this dedicated group explored the inner workings of local government, gaining valuable insight into how Cary operates and how they can make a meaningful impact.

Greenwood Forest Affordable Housing Community Celebration

Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig joined staff and the Greenwood Forest Baptist Church community including partners from Dorcas Ministries, The Carying Place, and Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation (DHIC), to celebrate the property’s successful rezoning, another milestone towards creating affordable housing on the site. The church plans to redevelop their property and add a mixed-use building that will include 62 residential units, office space, daycare or preschool, and a community event space. The event featured community activities and a tour of the grounds.

Heritage and Hope Day

On Monday, Councilmember Craig attended Heritage and Hope Day at Kingswood Elementary School. The event was to honor the family of Sallie Jones, whose ancestors made it possible for Kingswood Elementary School to be built. A long leaf pine, a tree with deep roots within the history of our state, was dedicated in her honor.

Urban Land Institute of the Americas Awards for Excellence Visit

Mayor Weinbrecht, staff, and community leaders were visited by jury members, Shawn Barney and Kyle Reis, as part of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Americas Awards for Excellence process. Downtown Cary Park is one of 18 finalists for one of the highest awards that the ULI Americas bestows each year.

ULI began the Awards for Excellence program in 1979 to recognize truly superior development efforts in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Winning projects represent the highest standards of achievement in the development industry—standards that ULI members deem worthy of attainment in their professional endeavors.

U.S. News & World Report Awards Cary Top Honors in State, National Rankings

U.S. News & World Report named Cary the #1 Best Place to Live in NC, #5 Best Place to Live in the US, and in the top 5% for job market strength. Cary also earned the #4 spot among the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in the U.S. According to U.S. News, Cary was “propelled to the top 10 of our rankings by its abundant employment opportunities and high living standards.” This year’s Best Places to Live report evaluated more than 850 municipalities – up from 150 in previous years.

CAMPO Executive Board Votes to Endorse Tolling on US 1 North

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) has pursued converting US 1 (Capital Blvd) Corridor, north of 540, to a freeway for several decades. To address continued project delays and cost escalations, CAMPO partnered with the NC Turnpike Authority to investigate alternative and innovative methods to fund this project.
A toll study analyzed four scenarios that utilize different approaches to tolling. The conversion to freeway would remove all driveways/ intersections on US 1 and construct service roads to provide access to existing property, these access roads would be toll-free in all scenarios. Following extensive public engagement, the CAMPO Executive Board voted to approve option 2 of the US 1 North Tolling Study at their May 21 meeting. The motion was amended to include an added directive to study and improve multi-modal access within the study area and mitigate diversion of vehicles on to secondary roads. The next steps in the process will include amending the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and the pursuit of legislation needed to support tolling.

Regional Wastewater Meeting

On Tuesday, staff from Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs met to explore regional wastewater solutions. This collaboration follows the release of the Regional Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Concept Plan for the US Hwy 421 Corridor by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) in May 2024. The plan, issued in accordance with Session Law 2023-134, recommends that Holly Springs consider partnering with Cary and Apex to address wastewater capacity challenges.

During the meeting, staff worked to develop a scope of services for a proposed study. The study will evaluate multiple strategies for conveying and treating wastewater from Holly Springs at both the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF) and the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF).

Chatham Park Water Recovery Center Visit

On Tuesday, staff visited the Chatham Park Decentralized Water Recovery Center (CPWRC), which showcases several small-scale innovative technologies for wastewater treatment supporting ongoing efforts outlined in the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Master Plan, which calls for the exploration of sustainable and cost-effective treatment strategies.

During the visit, staff observed a variety of systems in action, including an educational greenhouse where plants absorb nutrients from wastewater through their root systems. The facility also features a membrane bioreactor (MBR), an advanced technology that uses fine-pore membranes to filter out solids, bacteria, and viruses—producing high-quality treated water that is safely returned to the natural environment.

Transitions LifeCare Visit

Director of Housing and Community Partnerships, Heather Whelehan and Seniors and Aging Program Manager, Michelle Barrett, visited the Transitions LifeCare Cary campus to learn more about the nonprofit’s community services and discuss the growing need for senior housing options. In addition to in-patient palliative care, Transitions provides at-home clinician support to people across the region including hundreds of Cary residents. The organization also offers resources for families of aging individuals and bereavement counseling support within schools.

VFW Honors Police and Fire Personnel

On May 17, the Franklin-Sloan Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) Post 7383 held its annual first responders banquet and awards ceremony. Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) Albert Jones (Navy veteran), Sergeant Randy Wark (Air Force veteran), and Fire’s recently retired Capt. James Garris (Army veteran), all received commendations for their numerous contributions to public safety in the community. Police and Fire are incredibly proud of these employees, honored by their recognition, and grateful for the continued service of the Franklin-Sloan VFW Post 7383.

Upcoming Meetings

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, May 28
6:00 p.m.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.

As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.

In the coming six months, I encourage all citizens to focus on the important Cary Council election ahead, where three seats are up for decision. Once those choices are made by our community, we can then look ahead to November 2027.

Until then, I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.

Mayor’s Mailbox

  • Several emails in support of the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12.
  • Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12. Unfortunately, most of these complaints are based on information that is inaccurate or misleading. Some complaints before and after the decision included insults like “you sold your soul for the almighty dollar”. Others I can’t put in print.

(Fortunately, this does not represent the majority of those living in Lochmere and the surrounding areas and certainly does not represent most of the Cary citizens. In Cary, we should be able to agree, disagree, and agree to disagree all while respecting each other’s point of view. While this is not what we witness on the state and national levels it is what we expect here in Cary. I am extremely disappointed in what I saw and experienced in this rezoning process.)

  • A concern about traffic at the Cambridge subdivision.
  • A concern about safety on a property at Orchard Park Drive.
  • Thank you for the Ivey-Ellington House rehabilitation.
  • A request to do more for housing lower income families.
  • A complaint about the condition of GoCary buses.
  • A complaint about the management of The Bradford.
  • A request to create a space for young adults to meet.
  • A request to create legislation to “unethical and unregulated dog breeding” (We have not been granted that authority from the legislature).
  • A request to do something about Senate Bill 394.
  • A complaint about budget transparency and lack of ease reviewing the proposal (it is online here and has been since it was presented to council. We have had several work sessions and a public hearing. All are open meetings and all posted a week or more in advance).
  • A request to dance in this year’s Diwali (of course!).
  • A request to recognize a teacher at Green Hope High School.
  • An appreciation “I appreciate what you have done and are doing for Cary. You have helped make it what it is today, which is pretty great…Keep the faith and do what you think is best. It’s worked for 20 years and most likely will work for the future.” (THANK YOU!)
  • A request to help find a rental property.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Memorial Day event, and the NC Metro Mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. 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.