Raleigh-Cary #1 for Job Opportunities and Earning Potential
This week I was notified that Checkr ranked the Raleigh-Cary metro as the best place in the country for Job Opportunities and Earning Potential. Here is an excerpt from what they said:
“… Raleigh, NC tops this year’s list, cementing its status as a modern economic powerhouse. Thanks to a strong tech and biotech presence, proximity to top-tier universities, and consistent population growth, Raleigh offers a robust mix of high-wage opportunities and affordable living. …”
Some of the criteria included the unemployment rate, labor force growth, labor force size, percentage of jobs open, real per capita personal income, 10-year income growth, and percentage of households earning more than $200,000.
TAC History and Impact Interview
Monday afternoon I was interviewed as part of a book about the history of TAC (Triangle Aquatic Center). I gave thoughts from the town’s perspective that included discussing the history of the town’s need for an indoor pool, the aquatic bonds that passed and failed, the town’s decision to not to get involved in public aquatics, and how TAC has been a tremendous benefit for the town.
Cary Council Candidate Meeting
Monday evening I interviewed a candidate for a district seat on the Cary Town Council. We discussed their interest, business, and hopes for the future. I have now talked to three of the four non-incumbents running for council.
HRID Meeting
Tuesday evening I participated in a meeting of the Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board. The topics included the Hometown Spirit Award, a discussion with the Police Department, advisory board demographics, and board recruitment demographics. The meeting lasted two hours and fifteen minutes.
State of Cary Searstone
Wednesday afternoon I gave the latest version of the State of Cary address to about 100 attendees at Searstone. After the address I was joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Robinson for a Q&A which lasted about 15 minutes. It was a very pleasant and informed group. I look forward to presenting again in the future.
Council Out and About
The Cary Council launched its Council Out and About this week which will remove council activities from the staff weekly report. The following is my message for the original report:
Welcome to the first edition of Cary Council Out & About! As your Mayor, I’m proud to serve alongside a Council that values being present, listening, and learning from the community we represent. Whether we’re meeting students at the Public Service Academy, exploring how artificial intelligence can help local governments innovate, or cheering on our first responders at a charity basketball game, each moment helps strengthen the community bonds we share.
If you’re a regular reader of my weekly blog, you know I post the Town Manager’s Weekly Report with operational updates. Now, Council has a newsletter of its own, which will be shared on social media and sent to recipients of Town news releases. To receive it straight to your inbox, sign up for newsletters at carync.gov.
What I’m excited about this week: Cary’s brand-new electric fire truck — the first of its kind on the East Coast! It’s a powerful step forward in sustainability and safety, and a great example of how we’re investing in innovation and our future.
Each week a council member will be providing a message.
Since the items in this Council Out and About were in my last blog, I will not be listing them this time.
Cary Chamber Leadership Dinner
Wednesday night I attended the Cary Chamber Leadership Dinner. This is an opportunity to thank all the leaders, elected and business, for helping make Cary great. In attendance were Congresswoman Ross, state senators, state house members, county commissioners, county school board members, dozens of business leaders, Mayor Pro-Tem Robinson, council member Smith, council member Johnson, council member Craig, and council member Bansal. In my brief remarks I thanked all for their roles, their leadership, and their belief in Cary.
Cary – Apex Football Taping
Thursday afternoon I did a taping promoting the August 23rd football game between Cary and Apex. The taping included trash talk, mean poses, and a bet between Mayor Gilbert and I with the loser hosting dinner. Hope to see you at the on the 23rd at WakeMed Soccer Park!
RTA Transportation Brunch
Friday morning, I attended the RTA (Regional Transportation Alliance) Transportation Brunch. RTA is a private-public partnership focused on accelerating transportation priorities in the region. It’s a business-led coalition within the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, focusing on transportation and infrastructure within the Triangle region. It advocates for projects like the completion of I-540, regional BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) networks, and the RDU runway expansion.
At this meeting the focus was on how Bus On Shoulder service, BRT, and other means of transport would come to a hub called the Exchange. This hub would be located over I-40 in the median area of Airport Boulevard. It would be accessed by a new transit road in the median of I-40. It would also provide access to the RDU airport via autonomous vehicles. A panel that included the Raleigh mayor, a NCDOT Division Engineer, a Fujifilm representative, the CEO of RDU, the CEO of Research Triangle Foundation, the RTA Sustainability and Environmental Chair, the RTA Executive Director, the President and CEO of GoTriangle, and the RTA chair discussed this plan. One interesting comment from one of the panelists, when asked what he thought about the idea, said it was like asking him what he thought of the vehicles in a Ferrari showroom.
While I think this is a fantastic idea and something we should be moving forward with, the costs will be staggering. It will take the hundreds of millions already collected in the ½ cent sales tax for transit and more. If this region wants to remain one of the best areas of the country, we must figure out a way to make this happen sooner than later. As it was stated, I-40 is already a “sea of parking”. In addition, it is imperative that we connect the triangle.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Council,
This week marked the official publication of The Top of the Arc—and candidly, saying that still feels surreal. I’m not sure it ever won’t. But I didn’t want to let this moment pass without saying thank you. Thank you for walking this path with me, and more importantly, for encouraging me to share Cary’s story in a way that reflects what’s best about its people. That includes each of you, Council. None of this happens without your leadership, your belief in staff, and your steady focus on the community.
As I begin my 10th year as Cary’s Manager, I’m incredibly grateful to be in this role, at this moment. And while the weight of what’s ahead is real, I’m excited to see what Cary’s next chapter brings.
In appreciation,
Sean
311 Communications Specialists Earns Advanced PIO
Last week, 311 Communication Specialist Rebecca Pearce completed the Advanced Public Information Officer (PIO) course through FEMA’s National Disaster & Emergency Management University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The course is designed to strengthen crisis communication skills and prepare public service communicators for real-world emergencies. It also provided an opportunity to build relationships with communicators from across the country, including peers from local and state agencies, providing connections to strengthen regional coordination and response during future emergencies. Rebecca has served in multiple emergency communications roles, including serving in Cary’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during signature events and emergency activations and in the Buncombe County EOC during Hurricane Helene.
Neighborhood Stormwater Improvement
Cary partnered with several residents along Pleasants Avenue through the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program (NIGP) to install new stormwater mitigation features that help protect local waterways and improve neighborhood resilience. This project supports Cary’s environmental goals by reducing runoff, filtering pollutants, and helping prevent localized flooding during heavy rains. Located in a residential area with aging infrastructure, the improvements demonstrate how community-driven efforts can address long-term challenges with sustainable, low-impact design. By supporting localized stormwater improvements, the NIGP empowers residents to take an active role in protecting the environment and strengthening their communities.
SCWRF Biosolids Dryer Facility Upgrade
The South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) recently replaced the drum in the thermal biosolids dryer facility after its twenty years of continual service. Following months of planning and coordination between Utilities Engineers and SCWRF staff, the project was completed in just two weeks, including testing and start-up with representatives from the manufacturer, Andritz. During the shut-down, SCWRF staff also replaced the shaker and recycle bucket elevator in the thermal biosolids dryer facility.
Important Dates
Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, August 12
6:00 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, August 13
6:30 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 request to light the pickleball courts at Ed Yerha Park.
- Questions about passenger rail, commuter rail, and Bus Rapid Transit.
- A complaint about the Ferrell Road Rezoning request 25-REZ-04 (This has not been scheduled for a public hearing so there isn’t a staff report. All I know is that the request is for 230 single family homes.)
- Several requests to attend events.
- A concern about the “disproportionate increase in the number of apartment complexes”.
- Thank you for the stormwater planners, designers, construction, and maintenance teams for managing stormwater. “They are the true unsung heroes keeping us all safe during these heavy rain events.”.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, Diwali dance practice, and a legislative update.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, August 17th, 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.
Harold's Blog 