Turner Creek Virtual Visit
Tuesday I had the joy of having a virtual meeting with three third grade classes from Turner Creek Elementary. They are learning the difference between state and local government and the responsibilities of leaders, including mayors. I spent about ten minutes talking about municipal governments, how they function, and how our authority comes from the legislature. Then I answered several questions from each classroom. As always, it was a lot of fun, and I hope they invite me to participate in a future meeting.
Manager One-On-One
Later Tuesday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one meeting. Our topics of discussion included the remaining 2019 bond funding options, BANS (Bond Anticipation Notes), council races, and future bond projects.
Art Swarm
Wednesday afternoon I participated in an event that celebrated the beginning of Art Swarm and the new location of FALC (Fine Arts League of Cary).
Art Swarm was a five-day event of art exhibits shared by artists, some of which were internationally known. It showcased artist energy and imagination that thrive here in Cary.
The event was held at the new location of FALC, the Waldo house on Park Street next to the Mayton and adjacent to the Downtown Park.
After greeting people for several minutes, I made a few welcoming remarks to the few dozen in attendance. Rather than cutting a ribbon, FALC decided to do a community painting instead. I was given the honor of making the first paint mark on a canvass that everyone in attendance participated in creating.
I hope this event is one of many and creates an art scene in our downtown.
Cary Tennis Classic Community Appreciation Reception
Wednesday night I participated in a reception for supporters of the Cary Tennis Classic, which is a professional tennis tournament held at Cary Tennis Park every year.
Tennis is growing in popularity, in Cary and all over the United States. The US had over 25.7 million players in 2024 which is the fifth consecutive year of growth.
The Cary Tennis Park has been recognized nationally for its excellence and hosts recreational players, tournaments, college players and tournaments, and professional tournaments every year creating millions in economic benefit.
This event was to bring sponsors and supporters together to engage and talk about this tournament and growing tennis in Cary.
We were so very blessed that this reception was hosted by Rey’s restaurant, who supplied us with food and the venue for the event. In case you didn’t know, Rey’s is one of the finest dining restaurants in Cary and is known for its New Orleans-inspired steakhouse cuisine, including high-quality steaks, seafood, and classic desserts.
Meeting with Religious Leaders
Thursday afternoon I met with two leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints representing the Raleigh, North Carolina Stake. They talked about how they were involved in the community and wanted to know more ways to help in our community. We are so blessed to live in an area where people want to help our community get better.
Citizen Concerns About Downtown Park
Later Thursday I met with two individuals complaining about the Downtown Park Dog Park. One of them stated that he and his wife were suffering physically and emotionally from the barking. He stated that the town did not consider his health and safety when designing the park. The second individual said the dog barking was keeping his children awake at night.
Staff have been working with these individuals and agreed to work with them in the future. Recently the council reduced the dog park hours, but these individuals said that would make it worse since there will be more dogs concentrated in a shorter amount of time.
The only comment I will make is that safety is always the highest concern. While some may not agree with our decisions, safety is always considered.
Raksha Banhan Ceremony
Thursday evening, I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, Council member Bansal, Council member Kohn-Johnson, Council member Craig, and Fire Chief Cooper at the Page-Walker for the Raksha Banhan ceremony by members of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS).
Raksha Banhan involves a sister tying a sacred thread bracelet called a rakhi onto her brother’s right wrist, symbolizing love, protection, and a promise of support from the brother to the sister. This ritual, rooted in ancient stories and traditions, occurs on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana and extends beyond siblings to other community members, and the brother traditionally gives his sister a gift in return for her prayers and blessings.
The ceremony included introductions, the history of Raksha Banhan, the tying of the bracelets, and then a reception. The HSS members said that our bracelets were for good luck and protection as well as feeling a loving connection to others.
Council Out and About
Message From Mayor and Council
Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a great week. Like many of you, my family is adapting to a new and busy schedule for the start of the school year. I recently visited East Cary Magnet Middle School with my youngest child for orientation, and I walked the schedule with my 10th grader at Cary High. Once again, I started this school year working at Briarcliff Elementary. As a parent and teacher, I absolutely love seeing students, school staff, and families coming together with excitement for what’s ahead. Moments like these remind me of how deeply connected Cary is through our schools, neighborhoods, and businesses, and the relationships that we all share.
I’m also looking forward to the many opportunities this season brings to gather as a community. From arts and cultural events to enjoying time in our parks and greenways, there are countless ways to connect with neighbors. I continue to be in awe of how our community comes together to help one another and celebrate what makes Cary so special.
As a quick reminder, the District C Community Meeting is coming up soon — Tuesday, September 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Middle Creek Community Center. I encourage everyone in District C to attend if possible. It’s a valuable opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and stay engaged in shaping the future of our community. Your voices and perspectives matter, and these meetings are a great way to be involved.
Thank you for all you do to make Cary such a welcoming place. I look forward to connecting with many of you at events and in the community in the weeks ahead. In addition to festivals, you may see me at one of the school events to which I’m personally connected. If you do, come over and say hi. I’ve made it out to several other schools in Cary in the last couple of years. Please reach out if you’d like me to visit one of your school events or plan a field trip to Town Hall and the Page-Walker Arts and History Center. I love making new connections.
Michelle Craig
District B Council Member
Joint Meeting with Holly Springs Council
Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson provided welcoming remarks at the Joint Meeting between the Holly Springs and Cary Councils. Other Cary Councilmembers in attendance included Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson. In addition to elected officials, leadership staff from both municipalities also participated.
Hidden History Book Launch and Author Reception
Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Hidden History Book Launch and Author Reception. Cary’s own Dr. Katherine Loflin was celebrated by friends and community leaders for her latest book, “Hidden History of Cary.”
International Leadership Foundation and NC Asian American Coalition Young Entrepreneur Award Ceremony
Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson attended the International Leadership Foundation and NC Asian American Coalition’s Young Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony. The winning team, led by a local student, was recognized for their innovative pitch of a 3D-printed “Bluebird Nest” house design.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Council,
We have a full week ahead with the District C Information meeting on Tuesday, the Chamber’s Annual Banquet on Wednesday, and a Work Session followed by the Council Meeting on Thursday. Thank you for your continued leadership, and I hope you enjoy your weekend.
Sean
August 28 Work Session – Open Space
At the council work session on August 28th questions were asked about existing funding for watershed protection. Funding for watershed protection is calculated based on consumption. Detailed information about that funding can be found here.
PFAs Settlement Payment Begins
In 2024, Cary joined with water utilities around the country in submitting class action claims against 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF for their roles in polluting American water supplies with PFAS compounds. These compounds are known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment. Recently, Cary received the first payment from these claims, approximately $1.3 million dollars from 3M’s settlement. Over the next ten years, Cary is expected to receive over $7 million dollars in settlement payments from the four companies. Cary has been treating its drinking water for PFAS since 2018, and these funds will partially offset the cost of this treatment.
Clermont, Florida Visits to Observe 311 and Smart Cities Initiatives
Staff from Clermont, Florida visited Cary this week after reading The Top of the Arc to learn more about 311 and smart cities initiatives. Their visit included a tour of Downtown Cary Park, where they were able to see firsthand how Cary is leveraging sensor technology to enhance community experiences, plus hands-on shadowing in 311, and conversations with staff on the adaptive approach to 311 operations and service delivery. This peer-to-peer exchange reflects the growing recognition of Cary’s leadership in innovation and strengthens relationships with other communities.
Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard Traffic Signal Update
A new traffic signal at Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard has been successfully activated, marking Cary’s 229th maintained signal and the first to feature fully radar-based detection on all vehicle approaches. Above ground radar sensors replaced traditional in-pavement loops, offering greater reliability, lower maintenance costs, and faster installation with less traffic disruption. The signal also includes GPS-based Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) allowing first responders to communicate with the system to temporarily adjust signal timing reducing response times. Additional features include Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons, full integration with Cary’s connected vehicle platform, and a new sidewalk constructed along the south side of Cary Parkway. By combining radar detection, connected vehicle communication, and pedestrian infrastructure, this project advances commitments to smart mobility and multimodal accessibility.
North Carolina Transportation Summit
This week, staff attended the annual North Carolina Transportation Summit in downtown Raleigh. The event kicked off with a welcome from Governor Josh Stein and remarks from USDOT Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steven Bradbury, City of Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, and several state transportation and commerce leaders.
The devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and the extraordinary response to restore western North Carolina’s infrastructure were central themes at the conference. Presenters shared progress on transportation repairs, stories of perseverance, and lessons for future disaster response. Sessions also covered Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transportation, community engagement, financing strategies, innovative solutions, mindful mobility, DMV updates, and the smart vehicle revolution.
Cary Recognized as Top Green Fleet
Cary has been ranked #28 in the Top 50 Green Fleets in North America by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). This recognition reflects Cary’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in municipal operations. Through the use of cleaner fuels, advanced technologies, and strategic fleet management practices, Cary continues to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining reliable services for the community.
Environmental Symposium
Hosted in collaboration with our nonprofit partners Trees for the Triangle, the 3rd annual Cary Environmental Symposium kicked off this week. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson opened the event highlighting our longstanding commitment as leaders in the preservation and protection of natural resources and shared about the recent addition of the Enrich Chapter to the Imagine Cary Community Plan. Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined community members for a panel discussion on soil health with representatives from Good Hope Farm, McGill Environmental commercial composters, Toward Zero Waste, and The ReCollective. Staff at the Cary It Green booth shared information on composting, Harvest Fest, and tree species selection.
Growing Forestry Education for Staff
With 80% of Cary’s urban forest canopy residing on privately owned land, staff is innovating strategies for tree care education and outreach. This week, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) staff completed a training series led by Cary’s Urban Forester Leslie Moorman and Public Works Urban Forestry Expediter Kelly Blair. The series covered topics such as simple pruning, proper planting, and tree health indicators. Increased tactical trainings like these empower staff to provide in-depth citizen education and support the Urban Forest Master Plan goals.
Important Dates
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, September 8
5:15 p.m.
Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, September 8
6:00 p.m.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, September 8
6:30 p.m.
District C Information Meeting
Tuesday, September 9
5:30 p.m.
Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 9
6:00 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, September 10
6:30 p.m.
Town Council Meeting Work Session
Thursday, September 11
5 p.m.
Town Council Meeting Regular
Thursday, September 11
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.
To find out more about the Candidates view the Cary Candidate Forum here.
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 list projects available for philanthropic funding.
- A complaint about construction work in Carpenter Village.
- A complaint about a Lazy Daze postcard arriving after the event (we are working to find out how the post office messed this up).
- A complaint about school reassignment (the Wake County School Board has this authority, and nothing is final until November).
- A complaint about softball field registration.
- A complaint that taxes are going up and “the road in front of the house and school behind the house have not changed in the last 20 years” (Flat revenues – 1% growth; inflation – much in double digits, related to fire, police, water, sewer, parks, and neighborhood streets are the main reasons).
- A complaint that trash bins are too large.
- A complaint that the Barkyard in Downtown Cary Park is “one of the leading point sources of noise pollution in all of Cary”, like that of I40 and some areas in RDU.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a talk about Downtown Cary Park in Gastonia, a District C Community Meeting, the Cary Chamber Annual Banquet, an event with Sister Cities Students, a Council Work Session, a Council Regular Meeting, and the Cary Woman’s Club 90th Anniversary Celebration.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 14th, 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.
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