Diwali Dance Rehearsal, and General Assembly Update

Manager One-On-One

Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Our topics of discussion included the Downtown Cary Park and council candidates.

Diwali Dance Rehearsal

Tuesday I participated in the dance rehearsal for the Celebrity Diwali dance that will be held in October at Booth Amphitheater. I have been a part of this dance for several years. This time five of seven council members will be participating.

General Assembly Update

Checkmate Government Relations provided the summary of legislative actions this week:

Veto Overrides

On Tuesday lawmakers reconvened to override several bills that Governor Stein had recently vetoed. Once bills are vetoed by the Governor, the legislation goes back to the chamber of origin and requires a three-fifths vote to override the veto. If overridden in the original chamber the legislation, then moves to the other chamber for the required three-fifths vote. If both chambers override the veto, the legislation becomes law. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Senate and House both voted to override 8 bills. In the Senate, there are 30 Republicans which provides the caucus with a supermajority. However, in the House the Republican Caucus needed at least one Democrat to vote with them to override a veto. On each vote, House Republicans were successful in getting multiple Democrat votes. The bills that the chambers voted to override include:

  • HB 193, Firearm Law Revisions which allows certain employees at non-public schools to carry a firearm or stun gun on school property.
  • HB 318, The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act requires law enforcement to notify ICE when a suspect is subject to an immigration detainer and modifies the eligibility for the release.
  • HB 402, Limit Rules with Substantial Financial Costs establishes a higher scrutiny for rules that will impose higher financial costs, requiring the General Assembly approval.
  • HB 549, Clarify Powers of State Auditor would amend the powers of the State Auditor, remove some audit requirements, and exempt the office from certain statutes. 
  • HB 805, Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Women and Minors would define two sexes in the state, prohibit state funds for gender-transition procedures in correctional facilities, allow students to be excused from certain classroom discussions, and allow parental access to library books.
  • SB 254, Charter School Changes which increases the authority of the Charter Schools Review Board to operate more independently.
  • SB 266, The Power Bill Reduction Act eliminates the interim goal for a 70% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
  • SB 416, Personal Privacy Protection Act which prohibits agencies from collecting, disclosing, or releasing information about nonprofit organizations.

There are still several vetoed bills outstanding that the House expects to take up by the end of the year.

Mini Budget

As greater budget discussions have been delayed, the House and Senate passed a small spending package in House Bill 125, Continuing Budget Operations. The current spending package allocates $2.3 billion over two years for high-priority needs, including:

  • $800 million for state construction projects
  • $600 million to adjust Medicaid funding to account for changes in enrollment, enrollment mix, service and capitation costs, federal match rates, the implementation of the Children and Families Specialty Plan, and management contracts. 
  • $118 million for JetZero from the Department of Commerce
  • $142 million for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program for statewide agricultural disasters in 2024.
  • $200 million for state employee retirement, health care, and DMV needs across the State

Adjournment Resolution

The General Assembly passed an official adjournment resolution for the 2025 legislative session. The resolution sets July 31, 2025, as the date of adjournment and establishes a schedule of monthly reconvening dates stretching into April 2026. On each of these designated dates, the legislature is authorized to consider only a narrow set of topics, including veto overrides, gubernatorial appointments, litigation-related legislation, and changes to election laws. The resolution also permits limited business such as adopting conference reports, handling impeachment proceedings, and passing disaster recovery or budget-related bills, as long as strict deadlines for drafting and introduction are met. Additionally, it allows leadership to authorize committee meetings during interims to review budget matters or prepare reports.

The dates for the General Assembly to reconvene each month are included below:

  • August 26-28
  • September 22-25
  • October 21
  • November 18
  • December 16
  • January 13
  • February 10
  • March 10
  • April 7

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

I’m pleased to share the first edition of the Town Manager’s Weekly Report with you today. This update reflects the direction given at the May 22 Work Session to divide the Council Weekly into two separate communications, each intended to serve a clearer purpose.

This report has been designed to highlight operational updates, including staff accomplishments, key projects, follow-up items from meetings, and insightful correspondence. The aim is to provide you with relevant and timely information to support your leadership and decision-making.

The first Council Out & About, celebrating your engagement in the community, will arrive Wednesday, August 6.

Looking forward to evolving this together.

Harvard Fellow Speaks on AI

This week marked a meaningful step forward in Cary’s organization-wide exploration of artificial intelligence. Through multiple sessions, including a foundation-setting conversation with all staff, a policy discussion with directors and Council, and a brainstorming session with the AI Curious group, participants explored how this technology might enhance the way Cary serves the community with excellence, intention, and a human touch. What stood out most was not just the topic, but how Council and staff engaged with thoughtful questions, openness, and a shared Cary mindset of “let’s see how this can help us do what we already care about.” This approach reflects a commitment to leaning into the future not for innovation’s sake, but to shape it in alignment with Cary’s values. Special thanks to Harvard Global Civic Innovation Fellow David Graham for leading each of these sessions. His facilitation created space for honest dialogue and helped connect the potential of AI to the priorities that guide Cary’s work every day.

Growing Community Partnerships and a Greener Future

Through Cary’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program (NIGP), the Lochmere Homeowners Association transformed a large grassy common area into a vibrant Piedmont prairie ecosystem. The project supports Cary’s sustainability goals by replacing invasive plants with native species, improving soil health, supporting pollinators, and reducing erosion between Swift Creek’s feeder creeks and Kildaire Farm Road. Visible from a major greenway and public sidewalk, the prairie demonstrates the environmental and visual benefits of native landscaping and shows how communities can create beauty while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The NIGP empowers passionate residents to make meaningful improvements that benefit both the community and the ecosystem.

Higgins Greenway Phase III Opening 

Phase III of the Higgins Greenway is now substantially complete. This new section connects Union Street to Kildaire Farm Road, extending a key link in Cary’s growing greenway network. A few final touches remain, including upgraded pedestrian crossing signage at Griffis Street and landscaping that will be added once temperatures cool. Temporary closures may occur as this work is completed over the next few months. An official ribbon-cutting is planned for this fall to celebrate improved pedestrian and bicycle access to Cary Elementary, the Cary Regional Library, and Downtown Cary Park.

GoCary Visits GiGi’s Playhouse

This week, Transit and Specialized Recreation and Inclusion Program staff visited GiGi’s Playhouse. The group discussed how GoCary’s fare-free transit service can be used to travel to GiGi’s, Downtown Cary, and other destinations across town including parks, the Senior Center, and shopping areas. Staff also highlighted upcoming Parks and Recreation programs, including the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, and encouraged participants to explore new ways to connect with the community.

Honoring Our K9 Heros 

On Tuesday, the Police Department’s command staff recognized two exceptional K9 officers for their dedicated service to the community. K9 Lemm began service in January 2018 as a dual-purpose K9 alongside handler Corporal Justin Platz. Lemm served faithfully until passing away from health complications in November 2023. K9 Nitro joined the Police Department in August 2021 as an explosive detection K9 with handler Matt Berl. Nitro retired in January 2025 and is now enjoying a well-earned retirement. More than trusted partners in the field, Lemm and Nitro were beloved members of the Cary Police Department family. We are grateful for their service and the lasting legacy they leave behind. Thank you, Lemm and Nitro, your paw prints will always be part of this community.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, August 4
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory BoardMonday, August 4
6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, August 4
6:30 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, & Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, August 5
6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, August 6
12:00 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18th. Here are the candidates for Cary Council (Incumbents are denoted with I):

  • At-Large: Carissa Johnson (I), Marjorie Eastman
  • District A: Jennifer Robinson (I), Brittany Richards
  • District C: Renee Miller, Bella Huang

Elections are on November 4th.

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 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

  • A concern about the “no turn” signal into Waverly for Chick fil A.
  • A request to work with the town on an app to reserve tennis courts.
  • A request for money from the town for a pollinator garden.
  • A complaint about potholes on Kildaire (this is a state-maintained street).
  • A complaint about the number of apartments and rentals in Cary.
  • A request to have adequate roads, schools, and other infrastructure before development (Cary used to have these – Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances, but the courts struck them down).
  • A complaint that older parts of Cary do not get enough investment.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting about the TAC swimming facility’s history, a meeting with a council candidate, a Human Relations, Inclusion, & Diversity Advisory Board meeting, a State of Cary address at Searstone, the Cary Chamber Leadership dinner, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, August 10th, 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.