Veterans Day, Dorcas Rebrands, Council-Staff Quarterly, Verizon Event: Beyond the Storm, and the Chinese Lantern Festival Preview

Manager One-On-One

The town manager and I met briefly for our weekly meeting on Monday. Topics included new council seating chart, naming of a park, and agenda items for the quarterly.

Cary Veterans Day Observance

Tuesday was Veterans Day, and I was honored to have just a small part in honoring these heroes and their families. Joining me from council was our only veteran, Jack Smith, and council members Craig, Bansal, and Bryson-Robinson. My role was reading a proclamation recognizing this day:

DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 11, 2025 AS THE

OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY IN CARY

WHEREAS Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate peace at the end of World War I.

WHEREAS peace was declared at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. November 11 has become a day to celebrate the service of all United States military veterans.

WHEREAS, on June 1, 1954, Congress declared that Armistice Day should be Veterans Day to honor all who had served in all wars to preserve world peace.

WHEREAS residents of Cary and throughout the United States are able to live in freedom because of the contributions and sacrifices of the brave men and women who served and continue to serve.

WHEREAS, in Cary the Veterans Freedom Park is dedicated as a gathering place to honor these men and women, and to pay tribute to them and their families.

WHEREAS today we honor the service of all of those who throughout our country’s history in the Air Force, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Marines, the Navy, Space Force, and the National Guard have served in times of war and peace.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht, Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby designate November 11, 2025, as an Observance of Veterans Day in Cary, and I urge all citizens to participate in honoring our country’s service men and women for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

PROCLAIMED this 11th day of November 2025.

Our featured speaker was Ron Brigham, a Marine Corps Veteran who came from a long line of relatives who served.

Dorcas Breakfast

Thursday morning I attended the annual Dorcas Breakfast and fundraiser. This year they announced the rebranding to include Western Wake Crisis Ministry. The new brand will be called NeighborUp. However, the store in Cary will still be called Dorcas and be part of NeighborUp.

The event included three incredible testimonials followed by awards. The community award this year went to Apex. Congratulations to Mayor Gilbert and his town.

Council Staff Quarterly

Thursday the council held its last quarterly meeting of the year to review the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. Topics included updates on development, environmental initiatives, the budget, capital projects, finance, the convenience center, and intergovernmental. Here are some of the points made:

  • Development patterns remain consistent with Imagine Cary.
  • Projects are clustered in large developments, very small projects, and downtown.
  • Two rezonings approved in FY 2026 Q1. Yates Store Road with 67 detached homes and 25 townhomes. Lewter Shop Road with 14 detached homes.
  • In FY 2026 Q1 there were 22 rezoning requests, 8 pre-application meetings, and 2 submitted.
  • Only 7% of rezoning requests were ultimately approved.
  • In the last five years, only 12% of rezoning cases were approved.
  • The five-year average of permits issued is 163 per quarter. This quarter it was 105.
  • The Pagemore Hotel at Fenton was approved and permit issued. It will be 7 stories with 186 rooms.
  • Duke health has 2 primary care and several specialty clinics. It is building an ambulatory surgical care facility. It has a 95-bed hospital under review.
  • 150 East Cedar Street has Lawrence Barbeque which opened in September.
  • Median at Hunter and Chatham has 220 apartments. Residents have started moving in. It will also have retail, a fitness studio, a juice bar, and a future restaurant. It has a parking deck with public spaces.
  • Meridian Cary at Harrison and Chatham will open early next year. It will have a parking deck with 223 public spaces.
  • Lloyd’s restaurant at Chatham and Academy is under construction. It should open early next year.
  • Downtown Cary Park has had over 1 million visitors with the #1 best public playground. Economic impact so far: $800 million increase in property value. $100 million in new household income. $3 million in annual tax and fee revenue. Over $18 million in annual economic activity.
  • In FY 2026 Q1 there were over 400 participants in Sustainability activities.
  • Cary is changing out police department fleet with propane bi-fuel conversion kits. 25 Dodge Durangos completed with 5 more to go.
  • Cary has 18% of its fleet running with alternative fuel: 2% battery electric, 9% hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and 7% propane bi-fuel.
  • Cary had the first electric firetruck in the southeast with the Pierce Volterra Electric Pumper.
  • Cary is portrayed as a national leader in sustainable public safety.
  • Cary celebrated 42 years as a Tree City USA community.
  • Cary diverts 48% from landfill with yard waste, food, and recycling. We even recycled shredded textiles in police and fire uniforms.
  • Priorities for flooding structures included property acquisitions and upsizing stormwater infrastructure.
  • Adaptive stormwater approach began in 2018 with improvements to infrastructure and measuring and monitoring.
  • Cary’s Count Me In, Cary! received an award in Sustainability and Resiliency.
  • Cary received the 2025 SFEA Green Initiative Gold Award for composting at the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival.
  • One of Cary’s public works managers received the national award for Manager of the Year.
  • One of Cary’s engineers received the Stormwater Professional of the Year award.
  • 182 capital projects were completed and closed by the end of FY 2025, June 30th.
  • $46.9 million was returned to the General Fund Balance and the General Capital Reserve Fund Balance.
  • Citizens and businesses are encouraged throughout the fiscal year to share their budget priorities with the council and staff.
  • FY 2027, beginning on July 1, 2026 has several deadlines: November 26 Capital requests are due; January 16 operating requests are due; January 30 department profile updates and draft performance measures are due.
  • Downtown Regional Wetland project was completed at 206 South Harrison. It was designed and constructed through public/private partnership with Meridian Cary.
  • Twin Lakes Dams Rehabilitation is underway and is expected to be completed by summer of 2026.
  • The High House Road at Bond Park Traffic Signal and pedestrian island is expected to begin in the spring of 2026. The cost is well over $1 million.
  • McCrimmon Parkway Pedestrian Improvements is expected to begin construction in 2027 with a project budget of $1.25 million funded by Cary. It will include a traffic signal, signalized crosswalk, and rectangular rapidly flashing beacon midblock crosswalk.
  • Sidewalks have been constructed on Weldon Ridge, West Lake Road, and Pittard Sears Road.
  • Sidewalks are being constructed on Southwest Cary Parkway, Penny Road, Optimist Farm Road, and Norwell Boulevard.
  • The pedestrian bridge and sidewalk gap along Cary Parkway over Black Creek is being installed and should be completed by the end of the year.
  • The Cedar Street Parking deck should be completed by the winter of 2026.
  • The Academy Street Parking deck should be completed by the winter of 2026.
  • A water main replacement project will begin on Shirley Drive starting January 11, 2026.
  • A Holly Springs Regional Utility Study should be completed by summer of next year to determine capacity by adding Holly Springs to the partnership with Apex and Cary.
  • Sales tax revenue remains relatively flat.
  • The consumer price index continues to rise with inflationary impacts on goods and services.
  • Property tax revenue is 59% of revenue and sales tax is 21%.
  • Cary Convenience Center is in the rail right-of-way, and we will need to move/change the facility. We are moving forward with RFQ to secure a design firm.
  • House Bill 926 limits local governments authority to regulate the display of the American flag or the North Carolina flag unless there is a safety concern.
  • The Legislature has passed a bill so that Cary will no longer be able to require a one-year waiting period for rezonings that fail.
  • House bill 926 will not allow Cary to prescribe asphalt designs for each of our roadway cross-sections.

Verizon Event: Beyond the Storm

Friday morning I provided welcoming remarks at a Verizon event about disaster readiness and recovery called Beyond the Storm. Here are my remarks:

Welcome to Cary and thank you for taking the time to join this important conversation on disaster readiness and recovery. We are grateful to Verizon for hosting and creating space for this dialogue; events like this remind us that preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and collaboration is our greatest resource. I’d especially like to acknowledge Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer, Donna Epps, for her leadership. Today’s gathering brings together emergency responders, nonprofits, educators, local officials, business leaders, and residents — all working toward the same goal: keeping people safe and communities strong. Cary is proud to host a summit centered on cooperation, planning, and caring for one another — values at the heart of this community.

We know that no single group can do this work alone; it takes coordination, trust, and a willingness to show up for one another. Public–private partnerships are essential, and Verizon is a strong example of how corporate partners can help foster resilience. Cary benefits from partnerships across Wake County and beyond — with schools, businesses, and volunteers — all committed to keeping our residents informed, supported, and resilient. Our community continues to invest in stormwater systems, data-driven planning, and public outreach to reduce risk, but resilience is about more than infrastructure. It’s also about people — the neighbor who checks in, the volunteer who rebuilds, and the student who learns how to prepare.

As you participate today, I encourage you to connect, learn, and leave with at least one new partnership or idea that strengthens your community’s readiness. Resilience isn’t built in the aftermath of a storm; it’s built every day, in moments like this, when we share our expertise and align our efforts. Thank you for your service and for helping ensure that when challenges come, North Carolina stands ready. On behalf of the Town of Cary, welcome once again, and I wish you a productive and inspiring summit.

A big thank you to Verizon for holding this event and helping us prepare for the future.

Chinese Lantern Festival Preview

Friday night I had the honor of providing welcoming remarks for the VIP pre-opening of the Chinese Lantern festival. Elected officials, advisory board members, and others were invited to this event which featured food, entertainment, and of course the Chinese lanterns. After my remarks we counted down and flipped the switch marking the beginning of the festival which will last until the second week in January. This year almost all lanterns were new, and the kid’s features were expanded. This is a must see during the holidays! To learn more about the Chinese Lantern Festival see my remarks below:

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to another spectacular night at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival here in Cary. It’s wonderful to see so many of you gathered to celebrate one of our most beloved traditions. This year is especially meaningful, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the festival — a decade of color, craftsmanship, culture, and shared joy.

One of the most exciting features this year is the debut of the “Snake on the Lake,” a stunning new creation stretching 164 feet long and standing 20 feet high. It takes the place of the familiar dragon and brings a fresh sense of wonder to Symphony Lake. You’ll also see other remarkable installations throughout the festival grounds, including a 38-foot-tall entry display and the towering 59-foot Fantasy Forest that continues to be a guest favorite.

Behind these displays is an enormous effort. This year, around 45 trucks delivered the lanterns and materials, all originally shipped from China at the beginning of September. And we are fortunate to have more than 50 artisans onsite — about 15 more than in previous years — whose craftsmanship and creativity make this festival possible. Their dedication is reflected in every lantern you’ll see tonight.

As we celebrate this milestone year, I want to thank our partners at
Tianyu (Tea an you), our Town of Cary staff, and all of you who return year after year to support this event. This festival brings families, neighbors, and visitors together, reminding us how powerful public art can be in building community.

On behalf of the Town of Cary, thank you for being here. I hope you have a magical and memorable evening at this year’s Chinese Lantern Festival. Enjoy the lights, the creativity, and the spirit that makes Cary such a special place.

Let’s flip the lights on – Help me countdown from 10!

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

As we turn our attention to the busy holiday season, I would like to extend my gratitude to our outgoing Councilmembers Jack Smith and Jennifer Bryson Robinson. My history with these two goes back to my time as a first-year Councilmember in 1999. Jack was a seasoned Councilmember of 10 years, while Jennifer and I were sworn in on the same night. I hope that others have fond memories of Cary past and join us as we celebrate the contributions of these two next week:

November 19, 5:30 p.m. – Jack Smith at McGregor Downs Country Club

November 20, 4:30 p.m. – Jennifer Bryson Robinson at the Gathering House, Downtown Cary Park

Additional details are available at carync.gov/calendar.

While we honor and recognize the past, we also look forward to the future as we welcome Bella Huang and Brittany Richards. The new Councilmembers, along with returning member Carissa Kohn-Johnson, will be sworn in on Dec. 4 at Cary Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

See you there!

Harold Weinbrecht

Cary Mayor

Hacking Hysteria Project Showcase

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Hacking Hysteria Showcase, where Wake STEM Early College 11th grade students presented interdisciplinary projects exploring how fear and stress responses influence the body and political messaging.

Rise and Shine Event with Ted Abernathy

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmember Jack Smith attended Rise and Shine with Ted Abernathy, hosted by the Cary Chamber of Commerce at Prestonwood Country Club. Attendees learned about the current economic state and future trends.

Citizens Assisting Police Graduation

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht attended the Citizens Assisting Police Graduation, Town of Cary Police Department Program.

Cary Veterans Luncheon

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Jack Smith attended the Town of Cary Veterans Luncheon at Prestonwood County Club.

Visit to Nancy Jones House

Councilmember Michelle Craig, accompanied by members of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), toured the Nancy Jones House.

Western Wake Children’s Business Fair

Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Western Wake Children’s Business Fair where they met with young entrepreneurs.

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.

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

  • Thanks for having the Women’s ACC Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park.
  • A complaint about Public Works’ schedule for pickup of leaves.
  • Interest in serving on a town board.
  • A complaint about taxes (we have had the lowest tax rate of all twelve municipalities in Wake County for the last 18 years.
  • A question about a comment on my blog last week.
  • Thanks for flying the American Flag on Academy Street.
  • A question about completing Higgins Greenway.
  • Several requests to attend events.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, Hometown Spirit Award reception, Wake County Mayors Association, First National Bank opening on Davis Drive, Cary Matters taping, Council review of Attorney, Clerk, and Manager, CAMPO, Jack Smith’s farewell event, Jennifer Bryson Robinson’s farewell event, Waverly Place tree lighting, and Fenton tree lighting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, November 23rd, 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.