Nest Playground Nominated, Smart Cities Connect Conference, Fire Department Accreditation, Chinese Lantern Festival Through 2034, Council Meeting, Council Work Session, and Mayor’s Monarch Pledge

Purpose of this Blog

It is my hope that this blog will provide insight not only into who I am meeting with on behalf of the Town, but also the topics we discuss. I believe strongly in open and transparent government. This blog is one of several initiatives I implemented when I became mayor in 2007 to make the governmental process more accessible to our citizens.

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

Cary’s government, like most cities in North Carolina, uses a council–manager form of government. This system works a lot like a company, but for local government. Residents elect a council and a mayor, who set policy by passing laws, approving the budget, and guiding the town’s overall priorities. The council then hires a professional manager to run the town’s day-to-day operations.

Think of it like a company: the council acts like a board of directors, making policy and representing the public, while the city manager acts like a CEO, overseeing all departments, such as finance, public works, police, and fire, and managing town staff. The mayor leads council meetings, represents the town publicly, and has limited executive authority. While the council and mayor make policy decisions and receive regular reports, they usually see only high-level summaries rather than the detailed inner workings of each department.

In short, just as a board hires a CEO to run a company, Cary’s council hires a manager to run the town, ensuring professional management while elected officials focus on big-picture decisions and community priorities.

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Nest Nominated for Best Playground Again

Monday I was notified that the Downtown Cary’s Park Nest Playground was nominated for the best playground in the country for the second consecutive year. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC — The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated again in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Public Playground, its second consecutive year on the national list. The nature-inspired play space earned the top-ranking last year and continues to draw families and visitors from across the Triangle. 

“We’re thrilled to see The Nest at Downtown Cary Park nominated again for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Public Playground,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Since opening, The Nest has become a favorite gathering place where children explore, families connect, and visitors experience the creativity and care our staff and community bring to spaces like this. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating this incredible space by voting each day and sharing the opportunity with others.”

Voting is open through noon on April 6. Supporters can vote once per day at the USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards website. No registration or email is required. 

“As Downtown Cary Park enters another year of welcoming visitors from across the region, we’re proud to see The Nest recognized again on a national stage,” said Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis. “This nomination reflects the creativity and care that went into designing a space where children of all ages can explore and play.” 

Nestled within Downtown Cary Park, The Nest is a biophilic, nature-inspired play space designed to spark imagination and exploration. Key features include: 

  • Two unique play areas for different age groups
  • A signature 20-foot climbing structure modeled after two cardinals – North Carolina’s state bird – by playground design-build company Earthscape
  • Slides, large acorns, and fallen logs to encourage imaginative and active play
  • A seasonal splash pad that provides a place to cool off during warmer months

Designed by award-winning firms OJB Landscape Architecture and urban design firm Machado Silvetti and constructed by Balfour Beatty, Downtown Cary Park reflects Cary’s commitment to innovative public spaces that enhance quality of life and strengthen the local economy. 

Since opening in 2023, the seven-acre park has become a hub for recreation, events, family play, and community connection. It has hosted millions of visitors and thousands of events and has emerged as a national model for modern public spaces, with recognitions including: 

  • 2025 American Architecture Award – Parks and Gardens, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and Metropolitan Arts Press
  • 2025 Innovation by Design Award – Best Urban Design Project, Fast Company
  • 2025 Awards for Excellence Finalist, ULI Americas
  • 2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL
  • 2024 Gold Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence
  • 2024 Grand Award, Landscape Contractors Association Excellence in Landscape Awards
  • 2024 Space Award – Top Municipal Project, Triangle Business Journal 

According to the Incentis Group, the Park is generating $5 million in direct economic impact and has contributed to more than $800 million in property value increases. It has supported the creation of more than 80 full-time jobs and is projected to add $3.5 million annually in property and sales tax revenue by 2028. 

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top attractions and destinations across the country, selected by a panel of experts and voted on by the public. To learn more about the awards, visit 10best.usatoday.com.  

Make sure you vote starting on April 6th!

Smart Cities Connect Conference

Monday evening, I had the honor of offering welcome remarks at the opening event of the Smart Cities Connect Conference. Attendees toured the park and experienced several innovative implementations that are helping shape the future of smart communities. I also had the pleasure of introducing North Carolina’s Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, who proudly calls Cary home.

Here is an excerpt from my remarks:

“What makes this park unique is not only what you see, but how it operates. Behind the scenes, technology and data help us better understand how this space is used, how to care for it, and how to continuously improve it. That insight allows us to be more proactive, more efficient, and more responsive to the people we serve.

Here in Cary, we are committed to learning, adapting, and striving for better ways to serve our community. We believe innovation should be practical, responsible, and focused on real outcomes that improve everyday life.

This work is strengthened through partnership. We are proud to collaborate with Lenovo and NVIDIA, whose leadership and expertise help us think bigger about what is possible while staying grounded in what matters most, our residents.

This is not about technology alone. It is about building a community that is resilient, forward looking, and always seeking better ways to serve. Downtown Cary Park is our proof point and our learning lab.”

As a reminder, Downtown Cary Park generates about $16 million in annual economic benefits, demonstrating that thoughtful investment in public spaces creates real value for the community.

Fire Department Accreditation

Tuesday I was notified that our fire department has earned its sixth international accreditation, placing it among just 334 agencies worldwide that have successfully completed this rigorous review. This achievement reflects the department’s strong culture of excellence, professionalism, and dedication to service. The independent accreditation process confirms that Cary meets, or exceeds, national best practices in fire service. We are truly fortunate to live in a community served by one of the finest fire departments in the country.

Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary Through 2034

Wednesday, I learned that the Chinese Lantern Festival has been extended through the 2033–2034 season after a record-breaking anniversary year. This season generated more than $11.6 million in direct economic impact and continued to attract visitors from across North Carolina and beyond. Learn more about the festival on the Koka Booth Amphitheatre website.

Council Work Session

Thursday evening the council held a budget work session that focused mostly on capital projects. It was pointed out that at this point we are looking at director requests and not anything that is recommended. Here are some notes from that session:

  • There are 310 funded capital projects at the beginning of 2026: 141 General Capital and 169 Utility Capital.
  • Money encumbered on those projects to date is $710 million.
  • There is approximately $50 million in authority for the 2019 bonds. That will no longer be nearly enough to do the projects that were listed.
  • Council budget priorities (decided at the recent retreat) in order are community safety, new capital investment, high-performing staff, affordability, maintaining service levels, maintaining facilities, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and service excellence.
  • FY 2027 requested capital, not committed, to date:
    • Fire: $14.2 million
    • General Government: $51.5 million
    • Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources: $33.3 million
    • Transit: $5.8 million
    • Transportation: $32.5 million
  • The budget exercise that council participated in during the retreat is now being given to all boards and commission.
  • A budget open house will be on April 7 at 7 PM at the Cary Senior Center.

The Interim Town Manager also provided a few updates. The following is what was on his slides:

  • The Cedar Street Parking deck should open by the end of March.
  • The Academy Street Parking deck will probably not open in March but soon afterwards.
  • A downtown business alliance study, budgeted for this year, will begin stakeholder meetings this summer and report to council next winter.
  • A cricket request for qualifications will this spring for 60 days.
  • Rose Park Manor, with 81 senior affordable housing units, has a temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
  • This year’s budget includes $5.9 million for street resurfacing. Ten miles of neighborhood streets will be improved. Construction will begin this spring.
  • Our next work session will be on March 24th. Topics will be Capital Projects and delegation of authority.

Council Meeting

The first regularly scheduled council meeting of March occurred Thursday and included a 311 proclamation, 21 Public Speaks Out speakers, 5 consent items, and 2 discussion items.

Fifteen speakers during the Public Speaks Out session addressed the potential ICE facility in Regency. Sadly, many referenced information that was inaccurate, and some pointed to actions taken by municipalities in North Carolina that are not legally enforceable. Most of the speakers criticized me for not protesting, with some drawing comparisons to remaining silent during the Holocaust.

The consent agenda was unanimously approved and included receiving wireless carrier colocation funding, right-of-way closing on West Chatham, right-of-way closing on Jones Franklin, changing a temporary position to a full-time position for the town clerk’s office, and a meeting schedule adjustment.

The first discussion item was a speed reduction on Lochmere Drive, Cozy Oak Avenue, and Green Hope School Road. This is part of our commitment to Vision Zero to eliminate traffic fatalities.

The last discussion item was for the Alston Commons Rezoning proposal 22-REZ-20. A motion was made and failed for the approval of the proposal. A follow up motion was made and approved to table this item indefinitely which was passed 6 to 1. Most comments against the proposal were the inclusion of a car wash.

Mayor’s Monarch Pledge

I have received several requests to sign the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. This is something I have done for years. Here is what staff say about this:

This program is part of our ongoing participation in the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat initiative. We were one of the first communities to participate in this initiative with Council approval in 2015. Since then, we have worked to seamlessly incorporate various designation requirements into our ongoing annual program offerings making wildlife habitat education part of who we are and what we do.

Two exciting upcoming examples of Cary programs that will fulfill our designation requirements are:

  • Our Spring Native Plant Sale at Good Hope Farm on Friday, March 20 is from 3-6 p.m. and includes native milkweed plants for sale.
  • Arbor Day includes a chance for participants to win a Native Pollinator Garden Starter Kit from the Cary It Green booth and we will also have an info booth from the Native Plant Society at the celebration.  This event takes place on March 28 from noon-3 p.m. on the Page-Walker lawn.
  • Our other resources and offerings that support meeting our requirements can be explored under our Natural Resources Section at www.carync.gov/green

We are proud to include pollinator protection education and outreach initiatives as part of our ongoing offerings and our community members seem to really enjoy these opportunities.

Council Out and About

Spring is always a special time in Cary. As the weather warms up, there seem to be more opportunities than ever for neighbors to gather, celebrate, and enjoy all that makes our community such a wonderful place to call home.

Over the past few weeks, members of the Town Council and I have had the chance to attend a wide variety of events across Cary. From community celebrations and youth programs to business and cultural gatherings, these moments are always a great reminder of what makes our town so special. It’s inspiring to see residents so engaged and so committed to making Cary the very best it can be.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our outstanding Town staff, volunteers, and community partners who help bring these events and initiatives to life. On behalf of the entire Town Council, thank you for all you do to make Cary such a vibrant, welcoming, and connected community.

Harold Weinbrecht

Mayor

State of Cary at Glenaire

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the Mayor’s State of Cary event at Glenaire, sharing updates on Cary’s continued growth, community priorities, and vision for the future. Residents gathered to hear highlights from the past year and learn about upcoming initiatives shaping Cary’s next chapter.

Speaking to Scouts

Councilmember Sarika Bansal recently attended a local Scout meeting, where she spoke with young scouts about civic leadership, community service, and the importance of staying engaged in their community. She enjoyed answering questions and encouraging the next generation of leaders.

NC Secretary of Commerce

Councilmember Bella Huang attended an economic development meeting hosted by the Cary Chamber of Commerce with Senator Gale Adcock, featuring North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley. The meeting focused on strengthening economic development, expanding workforce opportunities, and supporting North Carolina’s growth. 

State of Cary at Town Hall

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the Mayor’s State of Cary event, highlighting key accomplishments from the past year and outlining priorities for the year ahead. The full Council was in attendance and the Mayor took questions following the presentation.

Dr. Sharma’s 100th Birthday

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig joined community members in celebrating Mr. Sharma’s remarkable 100th birthday. The celebration honored a century of life, family, and contributions to the community, making it a truly special milestone.

International Women’s Day

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush welcomed attendees to the HerVoice, HerPower event in celebration of International Women’s Day. Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Brittany Richards also attended the event, which highlighted the leadership, achievements, and impact of women in the community. The gathering served as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women while encouraging continued empowerment and leadership.

American Turkish Women’s Day

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the American Turkish Association of NC Women’s Day event; a gathering provided an opportunity to recognize inspiring stories and encourage continued advocacy for women’s empowerment.

Hum Sub Basant Bahar

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Michelle Craig, and Brittany Richards attended the Hum Sub Basant Bahar celebration, enjoying an evening that highlighted culture, community, and the arrival of spring. The vibrant event brought together residents to celebrate traditions, music, and the diversity that enriches Cary.

HSS Sakhi Sammelan Event

Councilmember Sarika Bansal spoke at the HSS Sakhi Sammelan event held at Bond Park Community Center in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event brought community members together for an afternoon of sisterhood, culture, and connection featuring games, chai, and engaging discussions celebrating Nari Shakti.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

It was great seeing everyone this week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,545 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

  • Phone: 1,577
  • Email: 383
  • Web: 298
  • Internal: 196
  • Walk-In: 55
  • Text: 25 Social Media: 11

52.26% of cases fell into these top 5 categories:

  • Utility Billing & Services: 508
  • Inspection Scheduling & Status: 325
  • Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 210
  • Water Meter Service & Requests: 189
  • Parks & Recreation Programming Inquiries & Registration: 98

3/11 Day Recognition

Cary celebrated National 311 Day with a focus on promoting 311’s texting channel, making it easier for residents to connect with Town services in ways that work best for them. As the Town’s non-emergency customer service hub, 311 serves as the primary point of contact for residents to report concerns, ask questions, and request assistance. The day included special visits from several Councilmembers, who toured the center, met with Citizen Advocates, and observed operations firsthand. The visit provided Council with a deeper understanding of the complexity and value of 311’s work and the professionalism of the team serving Cary residents every day.

April 7 Budget Open House

Residents are invited to attend a drop-in Budget Open House on April 7 from 3–7 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center ballroom to learn how the Town’s budget is developed, connect with department staff at interactive booths, and share their priorities. Budget presentations will repeat throughout the evening, and the event will be livestreamed on Cary TV, carync.tv, Facebook, and YouTube. Feedback gathered will help inform the FY 2027 budget currently under development.

Vote Daily: The Nest Returns as USA Today 10 Best Nominee

The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Public Playground for the second consecutive year. After earning the top national ranking last year, The Nest is in contention to defend its title. Voting is open until noon on April 6, and anyone can vote once per day with no sign-in required.

Fire Achieves 6th Accreditation

Following a unanimous vote by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, the Cary Fire Department was again granted international accreditation on Tuesday. This marks the department’s sixth accredited agency designation since first receiving it in 1999, and it is one of only 334 fire and rescue agencies worldwide to achieve it. Accreditation is a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation model that allows organizations to review past, current, and future service levels and internal performance against industry best practices, leading to improved service delivery. The commission hearing was held at the annual Center for Public Safety Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida, where Assistant Chief Matt Jacoby and Fire and Emergency Services Analyst Blake Boyd were also selected to give presentations.

The Snow Ball: Daddy Daughter Dance

On Saturday, Cary’s beloved Daddy Daughter Dance welcomed more than 200 snow princesses and their fathers to the Herb Young Community Center for a winter wonderland–themed ball. Guests enjoyed live music, a swirling snow machine, and a whimsical scene complete with igloos, penguins, and frosty décor. Families danced, shared delicious food and sweet treats, and created lasting memories together.

Important Dates

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 18, 6:15 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, March 19, 6:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The situation left by the former town manager has been aptly described by one of our new council members as an oil spill, and that comparison is quite fitting. Like any spill, new issues may arise as the investigation and cleanup progress. While the former town manager’s actions were clearly unethical, I am not aware of any illegal conduct at this time. However, three important efforts are ongoing: a review and report by the North Carolina State Auditor, a criminal investigation led by the NC State Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Wake County District Attorney, and an internal investigation by Womble Bond Dickinson on behalf of the Council. From the information available to me, the impact of the former town manager’s actions was limited due to the town’s consistently strong financial position.

The following questions were addressed on my January 4th, January 11th, and January 18th blog:

  • WithersRavenel Contract
  • Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
  • Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
  • When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
  • Do you have conflicts of interest?
  • Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
  • How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
  • Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
  • Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
  • What changes have you made and will you make?

The town’s webpage on the Town Manager Transition can be found here. Public Records Requests and answers can be found on the 311 portal here.

Mayor’s Mailbox

ICE:

I continue to receive concerns about a potential ICE office in Cary including one from NC Representative Von Haefen. Here is my response to that request:

“Representative Von Haefen,

Thank you for contacting me and for taking the time to share your concerns.

As an elected official, I’m sure you understand that those of us who serve in public office take an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of our jurisdiction. That oath requires us to operate strictly within the scope of the authority granted to us by law. In other words, while we work to represent our constituents and address local concerns, we must do so within the limits established by state and federal law.

With that in mind, I want to clarify that our office does not have jurisdiction over the federal government or its operations. Local governments do not have the legal authority to regulate, restrict, or prevent federal agencies from occupying or operating within federal facilities. As such, we are not able to pass ordinances or take local action to stop a federal agency from maintaining or using its office.

That said, I appreciate you bringing your perspective forward, and I value your engagement on this issue. Your input is important, and I encourage you to continue sharing your concerns with the appropriate federal representatives who have the authority to address matters involving federal agencies and facilities.

Here is information provided by staff about the location in question:

“Many of you have seen a recent article regarding a potential Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) location online and have inquired about what if anything we know about this property. Recent tenants of the existing office building include software and technology businesses as well as commercial real estate office. Cary has not received any requests or permit applications for government offices or other potential tenants that indicate ICE is planning to move into this space. The property is located within the C-6 Tract of the Regency Park Planned District (PDD). Permitted uses include office, institutional, commercial, hotel and club.”

Thanks again,”

BTW, I released a statement about ICE in November. I stand behind that statement today:

“This is a sad and difficult time in Cary, where more than a quarter of our citizens are from other countries and have chosen to bring their talents, ideas, and hard work to make this community the amazing place it is today.

Over the last 24 hours, I have gotten reports of federal agents moving throughout Cary — at homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and construction sites. Their activities were neither coordinated with nor conducted by the Cary Police Department, a department of caring professionals who do what it takes every day to help keep Cary one of the safest cities in America.

Regardless of one’s stance on immigration, I think we can all agree that the tactics used in these operations instill fear in our community and erode trust between our citizens and the government put in place to protect, support, and serve them.

As Mayor, my heart breaks for all those impacted by these actions, and I look forward to doing what I can to help us heal.”

  • Complaints about the possibility of ICE moving into a building in the Regency area. Some of the complainers are not Cary residents.
  • A complaint about not specifying how many ICE complaints I received. (This week it was 5)
  • I received thanks for my leadership on the potential ICE facility:

“…

Madam Clerk Johnson, I am respectfully requesting that the attached be made part of the official public record.

With that, Mayor Weinbrecht, I stand behind my statement of defending your honor as a father, son, lifetime Cary resident, American, and more importantly, a human.

I am profoundly perplexed and simultaneously confused how so many perceived intellectual people can continue to make statements like, “I know and understand you cannot do anything, but I still want you to do something.”

If a statement is issued, none of these people will be satisfied. They will then demand that the Mayor and Council stand with them at a protest. Then, when you do that, they will demand the Chief of Police do the same.

These people are extremely unreasonable, and I am being told by credible sources that many are paid and go from town to town just to follow their script.

Many of these people are not even from nor live in Cary.

They need to be contacting Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Valerie Foushee and making a trip to Washington, D.C.

I feel for all of you for this absolutely disrespectful and unreasonable behavior.

…”

“…

I was eager to watch the video of your State of Cary Address, and what you said was both interesting and encouraging!  I especially appreciated your appeal for people to work together and be strong.

Although I expected some questions or comments about the potential ICE facility in Cary, I was surprised that so many residents focused on this topic. I hated to hear some people trying to pressure you to break the law or to get involved with police training and protocols. In my opinion, the man who thought you were a coward was far from the truth. From my perspective, you are very courageous!

You demonstrated courage in the following ways:

  • You gave residents an opportunity to share their opinions.
  • You listened when people were speaking.
  • You were respectful, even when people were attacking you.
  • You are doing the right thing (obeying laws, as well as making a statement that everyone should be treated respectfully and fairly) even when it is unpopular.
  • You are continuing to provide transparency, even though you receive some disrespectful or unkind comments from people.

I totally agree with your point that making a loud political statement about ICE is not wise! I think that stirring up strife with the federal government can have harmful effects for the residents of Cary (and for North Carolina overall). There are better ways to support the people who are being treated unfairly.  Furthermore, speaking to our leaders who have authority to change what we don’t want, as well as voting out leaders who misuse their authority is much more effective than inviting the type of chaotic and unsafe situation that occurred in Minnesota.

Please don’t let this vocal but small group push you. They have 1,300 signatures of support among 192,000 Cary residents. Although I understand their concerns about inappropriate actions from ICE, I do not agree with the methods they are recommending. I hope and pray that this drama about ICE will decrease and the citizens of Cary will again focus on the situations that we need to deal with.

Thank you for being courageous!   

…”

“…

Thank you for your service as our mayor and for standing strong through the storm of criticism. As you’ve noted, issuing a public statement would likely attract unwanted attention, and it’s not clear what meaningful purpose it would serve. While it might be politically popular and offer some people a momentary sense of reassurance, it could ironically place the very individuals they claim to care about at greater risk.

…”

  • A complaint that town employees won’t answer emails.
  • A request to talk with Womble, Bond, Dickenson.
  • A complaint about the need for a sidewalk on a portion of Old Apex Road.
  • A complaint about a work truck in a neighborhood.
  • A complaint about a rezoning proposal on Weston Parkway.
  • A complaint that the council did not ask for a lower percentage of AMI in the Alston Commons rezoning proposal. (The council does not have authority to require affordable housing. It is all voluntary.)
  • A complaint from someone in Orlando, Florida about a rezoning from 2020.
  • Invitations to several events.
  • Thanks, from the Executive Director of the Western Wake Tennis Association, for speaking at the council meeting.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, council-staff 3 x 4 meetings, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, the Cary Chamber Youth Leadership event, a State of Cary address at Templeton, a CAMPO Executive Board meeting, and a North Carolina Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. 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.