Cary Tennis Classic Board, Epic Games Layoffs, 100 Miles of Greenways, Council Work Session, Council Meeting, and No Kings Protest

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

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 every day until April 6th!

Council 3 x 4 Meetings

This week, I participated in three 3×4 meetings. Topics included how to provide information about a potential ICE office in Cary, interim town manager expenditures (only in December for professional license), bike month, Cary Public Service Academy for the teen council, budget planning, the citizen’s convenience center, delegation of authority, and upcoming agendas.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday afternoon, I met with the Mayor Pro-Tem and senior management team to review the agenda for Thursday’s regularly scheduled council meeting. Throughout the day, I also connected with individual council members to gather any questions or concerns regarding agenda items. Topics raised included the consent agenda process, the street improvements award process, and the Pittard Sears Road rezoning.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

I attended the Cary Tennis Classic board’s monthly meeting on Monday evening. An influencer focused on college tennis joined us to discuss a potential sponsorship opportunity. We also covered several other topics, including plans for the Mayor’s Cup on July 4th, possible hospitality vendors, community events during the tournament, and potential changes to ticketing.

Epic Games Layoffs

Tuesday I received the following email from the Chief People Officer at Epic Games:

Dear Mayor Weinbrecht,

I regret to inform you that Epic Games, Inc. (Epic, or the “Company”) expects to

permanently lay off employees at the Company’s facility located at 620 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary, NC 27518, USA. Consistent with these plans, we anticipate employee layoffs to commence March 27, 2026. All eligible employees will receive pay in lieu of notice that exceeds the value of their compensation and benefits during the statutory notice period, and they will also have the opportunity to receive additional compensation and continued benefits, conditioned upon signing a release of claims. We are mindful of the difficulties that this layoff poses to employees and the community.

A list of the affected job classifications and number of affected employees in each

classification is attached. No affected employees are represented by a union. All affected employees will be paid all earned wages and applicable fringe benefits upon termination. Epic anticipates that these layoffs will be permanent. No bumping rights exist.

This notice is being provided pursuant to regulations contained in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act of 1988 and applicable regulations and state obligations, which requires affected employers to provide notice to certain government units or officials of a pending mass layoff or permanent closure and is intended to provide you the best information

available to Epic at this time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Don Davis at don.davis@epicgames.com.

Sincerely,

Monika Fahlbusch

Chief People Officer

The list of people laid off at the Cary location was 211.

Cary Reaches 100 Miles of Greenways

I was notified this week that Cary has reached 100 miles of greenways. The following is the press release:

Cary, NC – This year marks a significant milestone for Cary’s greenways: Residents and visitors now enjoy over 100 miles to walk, run, bike, and stroll, connecting even more parks, natural areas, schools, retail areas, and employment centers. Cary invites residents to celebrate this milestone at upcoming events throughout the year, including Earth Day Lane at Spring Daze in April, Bike Month in May, National Trails Day in June, Lazy Daze in August, and Great Trails Day at Harvest Fest in October. Residents can also participate in Cary’s 100 Miles Celebration Photo Contest by submitting photos of the greenways in any season by September 1. Selected entries will be featured at the Bond Park Community Center and on GoCary buses.

Cary began developing its nationally recognized greenway system in 1979, steadily building a network that today exceeds 100 miles. Within this system, the White Oak Creek and Black Creek Greenways form part of the designated primary corridor of the East Coast Greenway, a continuous bicycle and pedestrian route stretching from Maine to Florida. Across the Triangle, this corridor includes more than 70 connected miles of off-road greenway, representing one of the most complete urban segments along the entire East Coast Greenway route.

“Over the past 46 years, Cary has demonstrated a strong commitment to its greenway network through the steady expansion of new corridors, the successful pursuit of grant funding, and ongoing collaboration with the development community to deliver greenways as part of new development,” said Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos, Cary’s Transportation Director. “We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to continuing to grow a high-quality greenway system that enhances quality of life and connects the Cary community.”

In addition to connecting Cary’s top-tier recreational facilities, the greenway network provides safe, accessible routes for recreation, commuting, and connection to nature.

These shared-use trails welcome everyone, whether you’re walking, running, cycling, skating, or using an ADA mobility device. Cary’s greenways are a valued and cherished amenity for the entire community.

Greenways are a fantastic amenity for our residents and is one of the reasons we have such a high quality of life.

Council Work Session

The council held a work session Tuesday evening to discuss the meeting schedule, a preview of the FY 2027 capital budget, and the interim manager’s update.

During the discussion on the meeting schedule, the council determined that the last two quarterly meetings of the year, August 13 and November 5, will need to be rescheduled. The May 13 quarterly meeting will proceed as planned, despite Mayor Pro-Tem Bush being on vacation.

The capital budget preview prompted a lengthy discussion about increasing funding for affordable housing. I noted that it appeared to be the council’s highest priority, which members strongly affirmed. Several shared that supporting affordable housing was a key reason they ran for office. While I expressed my support for affordable housing, I also clarified that it is not my top priority. My priorities remain aligned with those established at our annual retreat, in the following order:

  1. Community Safety
  2. New Capital Investment
  3. High Performing Staff
  4. Affordability

Given the strong emphasis on affordable housing, I suggested the possibility of pursuing another bond. Staff indicated it may be too late for that option but will look into it further.

The budget presentation also highlighted significant needs in fire, police, and other service areas this year. This raises questions about how additional funding for affordable housing could be accommodated without a substantial tax increase.

In the interim manager’s update, he mentioned several items: an RFQ for cricket facilities at Mills Park; the opening of Rose Park Manor, a senior affordable housing development; the opening of the Cedar Street parking deck; the anticipated opening of the Academy Street parking deck next week; and a proposal for a downtown business alliance. The council ultimately voted unanimously against forming a downtown business alliance, concluding that such efforts should remain under the purview of the chamber.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The agenda included four consent items, one public hearing, and three discussion items.

The consent agenda, which was approved unanimously, included the rezoning on Green Level Church Road which will have single family homes with a density of 1.9 units an acre. The consent agenda also called for a public hearing for the annexation of seven lots on Jones Franklin Road.

The council held a public hearing on Act 40 of the Land Development Ordinance amendments. These updates are intended to incorporate legal and procedural changes, including aligning waiting periods with state statutes, clarifying the process for withdrawing inactive development applications, and revising standards for the maximum height, appearance, and regulation of retaining walls to be consistent with practices in other North Carolina jurisdictions. The proposal will next be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Board for review and recommendation.

The first two discussion items addressed the Pittard Sears annexation and rezoning request. The applicant sought to rezone the property from Chatham County Residential 1 to Residential 8 Conditional Use with a Watershed Protection Overlay District (Jordan Lake Subdistrict). Proposed zoning conditions included limiting development to a maximum of 23 detached homes, requiring electric vehicle charging wiring in all residential garages, and installing a pedestrian crossing along Pittard Sears Road. Following comments from each council member, both the annexation and rezoning were approved unanimously.

The final discussion item concerned the Street Improvements Project bid award, which was approved unanimously. During the discussion, it was noted that a recent study found Cary is not investing enough in street maintenance to sustain its current level of service. It was also emphasized that deferring maintenance can lead to costs that are not linear and may increase exponentially in future years.

No Kings Protest

There was a “No Kings Protest” in Cary on Saturday. Here is the news release on this event:

Cary, NC – The No Kings Protest was held this afternoon, organized by Ms. Helen Tack with Greenwood Baptist Church. Attendance was estimated at approximately 3,000 participants, notably smaller than previous No Kings events. The demonstration remained peaceful throughout, and no significant incidents or arrests were made.

To ensure the safety of participants, bystanders, and surrounding neighborhoods, the Town deployed 63 police officers and three fire department personnel throughout the event footprint. These resources supported emergency preparedness and overall public safety operations. Based on FEMA reimbursement standards, the Town’s estimated operational cost is approximately $32,000. We will complete a full after‑action review to capture lessons learned and ensure continued operational readiness in managing large‑scale public events.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

This afternoon, I joined several of our Directors to Spruce Up Cary, where we helped clean up one of our greenways, and I want to thank Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator Sarah Justice for pulling it all together and making it easy for us to show up, get to work, and spend some time together doing something good for Cary. I’m thankful for leaders who are willing to step away from their desks, work side by side, and invest in both our community and each other. Those moments matter, and they make us a better team.

As a reminder, Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed next Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday, and there will be no Weekly Report next week.

I also want to highlight our Budget Open House on Tuesday, April 7. This is a first for us and a good opportunity to bring residents and staff together to talk about the upcoming FY27 budget and priorities. Looking forward to hearing what matters most to our residents.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

No 2026 Bond Referendum

Based on scoping meetings with outside bond counsel and Town financial advisors, staff has determined that we cannot seek a ballot initiative for this November’s election. While we are still technically within the window of associated deadlines with county and state agencies, we lack the lead time and capacity to prepare the extensive materials required for presentations to the Local Government Commission (LGC) and others. Following budget adoption, and should Council wish, staff can provide a general plan and schedule for Council’s discussion this summer for a potential November 2027 bond referendum.

RFP For Audit Services Posted

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for Annual Audit Services has been posted to the NC Electronic Vendor Portal. Interested independent auditors with governmental accounting and auditing experience are invited to submit proposals by April 28.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,500 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

  • Phone: 1,532
  • Email: 434
  • Web: 312
  • Internal: 148
  • Walk-In: 34
  • Text: 22
  • Social Media: 18

50.00% of cases fell into these top five categories:

  • Utility Billing & Services: 446
  • Inspection Scheduling & Status: 307
  • Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 229
  • Water Meter Service & Requests: 147
  • Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 121

Joint Letter to Utilities Commission

This week, Mayor Weinbrecht signed on to the 2026 North Carolina Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP) local government joint comment letter addressed to the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). This letter focuses on affordability, risk reduction, and transparency and accuracy in Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress electricity modeling and forecasting, and centers on keeping costs low for everyday Duke customers and on capitalizing on investments already made to the grid. More information on the CPIRP process and timeline can be found on NC Utility Commission website.

Bid Advertisement for GoCary Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility

The GoCary Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility solicitation for construction was released on March 24, with proposals due April 23. This facility will serve as the foundation for regional mobility growth, providing space for administration, operations, and maintenance functions to support GoCary services. The project is funded through the Wake Transit Plan and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants. Interested bidders can view the solicitation on the NC Electronic Vendor Portal.

Walnut Street Gravel Parking Lot Closure

Beginning Monday, March 30, contractors working on behalf of Cary will begin improvements to the Walnut Street gravel parking lot. Work will take place over 2 weeks and include new ADA parking pads and the addition of stone that will better meet parking needs. During these 2 weeks, contractors will phase the work to keep portions of the gravel lot open to the public. Weather dependent, work is scheduled to be complete before the Pimento Cheese Festival on Saturday, April 11.

East Chatham Street Lane Closure

Beginning Monday, March 30, contractors working on the 107 E. Chatham development project, Lloyds Full Service, will be working in the westbound lane of E. Chatham Street near the Academy Street intersection to install the new sidewalk and streetscape. This work will require a single-lane closure and a sidewalk detour. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be complete by Friday, April 17.

Leadership Cary Economic Development Day

On Tuesday, Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry joined the Cary Chamber’s Leadership Cary class for its Economic Development Day, where he discussed Cary’s approach to working with developers and regional partners to advance strategic growth. His remarks also included an overview of Cary’s evolution and the importance of public-private partnerships. Representatives from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) also participated, along with local developers.

Urban Land Institute Carolinas Downtown Tour

Staff and local developers welcomed a group touring downtown Cary as part of the 2026 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Carolinas Meeting on Monday. The tour highlighted key features of Downtown Cary Park and major development projects in the area, showcasing how public-private partnerships have helped to shape a vibrant and connected downtown.

Creek Week Recap

Creek Week, March 14 – 21, brought together Stormwater, Environmental Services, and PRCR staff for a week of hands-on events highlighting the creeks, culverts, and watersheds that shape the community and the work required to maintain them. In-person programming engaged 466 residents across Cary’s seven watersheds through activities such as litter sweeps, storm drain labeling, and rain garden workshops. The Sip n’ Stroll event prompted thoughtful discussion, with several participants sharing how Cary’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program has benefited their properties and neighborhoods. Overall, the week increased interest in green stormwater practices and strengthened understanding of how water moves through Cary.

Solar Sustainability Tour

Cary’s Solar Sustainability Tour at the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) brought together staff from Utilities, PRCR, and Environment to engage the community on a range of environmental topics. Staff shared their expertise to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how Cary manages natural resources and supports environmental sustainability. Participants explored key topics including water quality, natural resource management, pollinator protection, and renewable energy. Held twice each year, the tour gives participants a firsthand look at Cary’s ongoing environmental work.

Good Hope Farm Native Plant Sale

Cary’s Spring Native Plant Sale at Good Hope Farm brought together 85 community members and distributed more than 600 native wildflowers to support wildlife habitat across the community. Participants received resource guides and connected with staff to get answers to their pollinator-friendly gardening questions. This Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) event supports ecosystem health and advances natural resource goals outlined in the Urban Forest Master Plan.

All Aboard! Model Train Show

The All Aboard! Model Train Show returned to Cary last weekend with record-breaking attendance, welcoming nearly 3,600 visitors over the two-day event. Families and hobbyists of all ages enjoyed exploring detailed train layouts, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow in popularity.

Important Dates

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, April 1, 12:00 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

  • A complaint about a potential ICE facility.
  • Several emails to include Habitat for Humanity in our budget (They did not request funding and last time we provided them funding they returned it).
  • Several emails about ALS Awareness month (We always do a proclamation).
  • A question about Cary 101.
  • Questions about Chatham Estates and our funding effort through Stable Homes Cary.
  • A complaint about a rezoning proposal in Weston.
  • Several requests to continue a consulting contract for Dr. Katherine Loflin.
  • A complaint about the Reedy Creek rezoning proposal.
  • A complaint about the closing of the convenience center.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting about the World University Games, a State of Cary address for the kickoff class for Cary 101, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 5th, 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.