haroldweinbrechttownofcaryorg

Happy New Year! Updates on Manager Transition, Champion Tree Removal, and an Update Stable Homes Cary

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!

Updates on the Town Manager Transition

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we continue to share updates regarding the town manager’s transition. This past week, additional information was posted on the following topics:

Land purchase and delegation of authority
Manager employment agreements
Trolley purchase and resale
Tuition reimbursement policy and related records
Council and manager roles
Council meeting participation links

The most current information is available here. Information from record requests can be found on the 311 portal.

The internal investigation being conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson is ongoing. The firm is reviewing whether any illegal activity may have occurred and identifying opportunities to strengthen our processes.

The State Auditor’s investigation is also ongoing, and we are fully cooperating by providing all requested documentation.

In addition, staff is compiling information on several matters of interest to the Council, including the ones requested by council member Bansal weeks ago:

The Town Manager’s spending authority
Professional development opportunities for Council and senior staff
Reallocation of funds for special projects
Implementation of a more structured review process for senior staff spending and documentation of time spent away from the office
Review of senior staff travel expenditures to ensure accountability
A comprehensive, in-depth review of the Town’s budget with full Council participation
Reporting on the Town’s fund balance at all quarterly meetings

It is important to allow staff and investigators sufficient time to gather and analyze information before making changes. Acting too quickly can lead to unintended consequences. For example, reducing the Town Manager’s spending authority too drastically could have serious operational impacts. In the recent water and sewer leak at Kildaire and Cary Parkway, an authority set too low would have required a special Council meeting to allocate funds, delaying critical repairs for residents and businesses.

We must avoid a “ready, shoot, aim” approach and ensure that any changes are thoughtful, deliberate, and well-informed.

Willow Oak at Page-Walker To be Removed

In Cary we value our trees and champion trees. Sadly, I received the following information from staff on Monday:

I wanted to forward some information that was shared with the Friends of Page Walker earlier this evening regarding the removal of a champion tree near the south parking area at Town Hall and adjacent to the Page Walker. Please see the full email below. The tree will be removed next week, and staff is also working on a revegetation plan to regrow the canopy. Below is a little more detail from the full arborist report and if anyone would like to see the full report, we’ll be happy to provide a copy. Please let Danna or I know if you have any additional questions.

Tree 1 was found to have two species of fungal pathogens (Oak Bracket Fungus and Brittle Cinder Fungus) at the root flare. The fungi encompass more than 50% of the circumference of the tree and was confirmed by the Bartlett Research Lab. The consulting arborist also assessed the tree using a mallet for sounding wood decay and a resistograph to determine the level of structural integrity within the root system of the tree. Resistograph drill readings were taken at 1-inch above grade in 21 locations around the full circumference of the tree and detected major structural integrity loss within the root flare. An average of at least 9.75 inches of sound wood is necessary to support a 64-inch willow oak. Of the 21 readings only three exceeded that thickness while nine showed less than 5-inches of sound wood and five showed no sound wood present within the root flare. The likelihood of failure is probable, which means that failure may be expected under normal conditions within the next two years. The tree also presented an unbalanced crown with more weight on the north side of the tree. The location of the most significant decay is on the east side of the tree, when this is combined with the unbalanced crown, there is a higher likelihood that if whole tree failure occurred the tree would fall toward the Page Walker.

We are blessed to have town staff that care about our trees.

Stable Homes Cary

The following was a briefing we received this week about our Stable Homes Cary program:

Updated December 28, 2025

Cary Housing Plan & Support for Housing Initiatives

Two key foundations of Cary’s housing strategy are Partnerships and People First. Through projects and programs, Cary collaborates with local and regional partners to improve housing resources in Cary. These endeavors help ensure that all Cary citizens can enjoy the high quality of life that Cary has to offer.
Since the adoption of the Cary Housing Plan in November 2021, Cary has launched several initiatives including Healthy Homes Cary to help low-income households with home repairs; Cary’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Program to provide training for nonprofit leaders; and Cary’s partnership with Laurel Street Residential to develop 126 units of mixed-income housing on Town-owned property at 921 SE Maynard.

Stable Homes Cary – Dorcas (recently renamed NeighborUp) Partnership

In early 2024, Cary began discussions with NeighborUp and other local groups interested in addressing housing instability, homelessness prevention, redevelopment displacement, and in particular, helping Chatham Estates residents. In addition to Cary and NeighborUp, other organizations involved in the discussions include Taylor Family YMCA, Northwest Cary YMCA, The Carying Place, A Doorway to Hope, OneWake, and the Western Regional Housing Action Group.
Through these discussions, NeighborUp, a major Cary non-profit providing emergency relief and support services to residents experiencing housing instability, agreed to serve as lead agency to support the launch of a new program, Stable Homes Cary. The program integrates three key components: short-term emergency relief, case management, and referrals to other area service providers.
In March 2024, Council approved the establishment of a two-pronged program including:
An allocation of $1,650,000 through FY27 ($500,000, $550,000, and $600,00 disbursed over three years, a blend of Cary General Funds and CDBG-CV Covid Relief funds) to scale up the existing direct emergency housing assistance model, develop housing navigation counseling expertise, and administer the Oasis Utility Bill and Play It Forward programs and;
An allocation of $800,000 (Cary General Funds) to seed a fund for assistance to be disbursed exclusively to residents who need to relocate due to property redevelopment.

Chatham Estates Potential Sale

As of February 7, 2024, Curtis Westbrook, owner of Chatham Estates, the 27.25-acre mobile home park with 144 mobile homes located at 607 Cedar Street at the intersection of E. Chatham Street and SE Maynard Road, listed the property for sale with broker Lee & Associates.
The listing currently includes the residential portion of the property. Cary’s understanding is that current owner plans to maintain ownership of the commercial area Chatham Square Shopping Center and Maynard Plaza.

In March 2025, a development plan was submitted to Cary by Withers Ravenel on behalf of Toll Brothers proposing the by-right development of 330 multifamily units and 97 townhouses. The plan is in the third round of review and with last activity in October 2025. While rezoning is not required, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZOBA) approval is necessary because the development has over 100 units.

Last month, the Toll Brothers development team initiated a meeting with NeighborUp to understand the Stable Homes Cary Program and explore opportunities to support the Chatham Estates residents through a potential contribution to the relocation fund. Cary is not aware of any additional funding committed to date.
Cary’s understanding is that Toll Brothers and the current property owner intend on closing the sale in June 2026. Under North Carolina state law, mobile home park owners are obligated to provide a Notice to Vacate 180 days in advance of eviction. Toll Brothers’ representatives have indicated this notice will be issued Monday, December 29th.
NeighborUp and A Doorway to Hope have begun community outreach to educate residents and provide information about Stable Homes Cary resources. Counselors have been on-site several times over the last month and a flyer with counselor information is being distributed door-to-door in person by NeighborUp and A Doorway to Hope staff on Monday, December 29th.
Through individual case management, both in the neighborhood and at NeighborUp, counselors will help identify potential housing options, connect residents with resources, and administer relocation assistance disbursement to help meet each household’s needs. People will be eligible to be reimbursed for assistance with moving expenses (moving vehicle rental, mobile home mover, moving materials, professional labor, etc.), housing expenses (rental deposits, utility deposits, renter’s insurance, application fees, first month’s rent, etc.) and/or home purchase expenses (down payments, inspections, HOA fees, homebuying fees, etc.) Households earning at or below 300% poverty level are eligible for the Cary Stable Homes funds. (Currently, 300% poverty level is $96,450 for a household of four.) Funds will be awarded based on need and equitably as households apply. U.S. citizenship status is not a qualifying requirement.
Once residents have received the official Notice to Vacate, NeighborUp will disburse assistance for eligible expenses as resident applications are evaluated. NeighborUp will report on program activity and request reimbursement from Cary.

Interview with WTVD ABC11

On Monday evening, I spoke with ABC11 for approximately twenty minutes. Most of the discussion focused on issues surrounding the town manager’s resignation. I was also asked about a supposed conflict of interest, a narrative being advanced by the News & Observer. I want to be clear that I have no conflict of interest.

I appreciate ABC11’s fair and balanced approach in reporting this story.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary?

Yes.

Cary was a victim of fraud. While safeguards exist to prevent this type of incident, they were not followed in this case. Through the combined efforts of the Cary Police Department, the FBI, and the bank, the funds were successfully recovered. Specific details regarding how the recovery was accomplished cannot be disclosed.

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

The town entered into a contractual agreement with Stegall in 2016. That agreement provided for six months of severance unless he committed a criminal act, a provision that is common in employment contracts nationwide. While his actions were clearly harmful, there is no indication that he committed a crime.

Under the terms of the contract, the severance obligation applied whether he resigned or was terminated. Had the town refused to honor the agreement, Stegall could have pursued legal action and likely would have still been entitled to severance, resulting in additional costs to taxpayers. Prolonged litigation also carried the risk of further harm, including the potential for lies, or public disparagement of the town and its employees.

At this time, there is no evidence that his conduct was technically illegal, though the investigation is ongoing and may provide additional clarity.

While it was difficult to pay a significant sum to someone whose actions caused substantial harm, honoring the contract was necessary and represented the most responsible course of action to protect the town’s legal and financial interests.

Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?

The mayor and council serve as members of a policy-making board. We are not full-time employees, nor do we maintain offices at Town Hall, and we do not oversee day-to-day operations. Those responsibilities rest with the town manager. This structure is known as the council-manager form of government and is used by most municipalities in North Carolina.

As a result, the manager was able to conceal his actions from the policy board, and I was unaware of his inappropriate conduct until public records requests were submitted this fall. When I first learned of the tuition expense in October, I immediately questioned the town manager about it. At that time, he defended the expenditure, and I was not aware of the full scope of the spending. Notably, he then cancelled nearly all my one-on-one meetings for the following month and a half, until the council placed him on leave.

After a second public records request was released, I went back and looked at the first one and learned that the total amount spent on tuition exceeded $25,000. I then sent an email expressing my concerns and cc’d the council. Shortly thereafter, several staff members, who requested anonymity, provided additional information, including concerns regarding land purchases and misrepresentations about the fund balance.

At that point, I contacted our auditor, Cherry Bekaert, to report what I had learned. This led to Sean’s formal review, which began on November 18 and concluded on November 20, when the council called for his resignation.

Here is my timeline of events for everything I recall:

September 1: First record request from A. Williams
September 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council:
- Council Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for two council members.
- Staff Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for Stegall and four other staff members
- Council emails, expenses, and reimbursements for all council members including me
- Staff emails, expenses, and reimbursements including Stegall
- Public records can be found here.
October 12: Public Records request for texts by A. Williams for all receipts, per diems, reimbursements, etc.
- None found and presented
October 13: I questioned Stegall about tuition at one-on-one meeting
- Stegall cancels all but two weekly one-on-one meetings with me after that
October 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council, Part 2 (text requests)
November 5: I verify land purchase next to Cary Elementary with Wake County Real estate records
November 13: Council Quarterly, Stegall says fund balance never was below policy which was a false statement
November 14: I called auditor Cherry Bekaert and tell them about what I have heard
November 14: I send email to Stegall and council:

“I reviewed this spreadsheet and looked back at previous information for A. Williams.

Based on my observations we have spent over $25,000 on tuition, which concerns me. I expressed this concern to Sean in our one-on-one a few weeks ago.

What is the projected final total for these costs? I am worried that it looks like gifts and favors especially since this is not an option for town employees. I think as a council we need to understand how it gets approved and paid. It is also troubling to me now since we are in the middle of an audit.

We should discuss this at the policy and procedure work session set for December. Thanks”

Beginning early November: Several staff approached me anonymously about their concerns:
- Stegall lying about fund balance policy
- Stegall elaborate spending including hotel receipts
- Spending Tuition on a council member when staff doesn’t get the same benefit
- Land purchase next to Cary Elementary using money budgeted for “smart” improvements to parking decks. Land to be used for affordable housing, a Guardian ad litem project, or open space. Only two council members were aware.
- Old library site to be used for affordable housing.
- Millions of dollars in contracts with friends (a company named G&H) with little or no outcomes (no other details provided to date)
November 15: I prepared to convince my colleagues to remove Stegall
November 18: Council began annual review of Stegall. At this point I was unable to get council to agree to his removal.
November 20: Due to my concerns about transparency, I made a motion in our regularly scheduled meeting that all council meetings, remote and in chambers, should be televised, which was passed unanimously
November 20: In a Closed Session meeting Sean asked to resign and is put on leave
Week of November 24: Council member pays back tuition
December 4: New Council members sworn in
December 11: First meeting with new council members
December 13: Stegall resigns
December 15: Special Meeting to announce Stegall’s resignation

When did you learn about the land purchase next to Cary Elementary?

I learned in early November that two parcels of land adjacent to Cary Elementary had been purchased. I later verified the transactions in July 2024 using the Wake County Real Estate website.

Stegall had authority for up to $1 million in discretionary spending. Because the two parcels were acquired through separate contracts, each individual purchase did not exceed that threshold, allowing staff to execute the agreements without bringing them before the Town Council for approval. Although the parcels are adjacent and likely intended for a single future project, one that would ultimately require Council approval, they were treated as separate transactions.

Stegall directed staff to purchase the parcels separately, which was technically legal. However, the purchases were not disclosed to the full Council. This appears to have been done to avoid public discussion and to accommodate the preferences of a small subset of Council members. The land acquisition is one example of how Sean operated in secrecy and in ways that benefited individual Council members rather than the Council as a whole.

The first parcel, measuring 0.58 acres, was assessed at $149,064 but purchased by the town for $379,000. The second parcel, approximately 1 acre, was assessed at $248,292 and purchased for $686,000. Combined, the total cost of the two purchases exceeded $1 million. The money came from a budgeted item for smart technology for our parking deck.

What changes have you made and will you make?

At the November 20 council meeting, I made a motion, approved by the council, to ensure that all council meetings are streamed and televised. I viewed this as an essential first step toward greater transparency.

Second, the council has eliminated one-on-one meetings. Going forward, informational update meetings with the town manager will include two council members and the mayor, along with three additional staff members. These are referred to as “3 x 4” meetings.

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to lead to further procedural changes.

Why did you say downtown trolleys were returned when they were not?

Unfortunately, this is very misleading story by the News and Observer. I am surprised that this is what I am being asked to address when there are more pressing issues facing our town.

In the blog post they reference from October 29, 2023, you will see a single statement about trolleys is listed under the work session notes. At that time, I was simply relaying information that staff had presented to the council.

Regarding the trolleys, here are the facts as I understand them. The town manager sent a staff member to accept delivery of the trolleys. That individual was not qualified to determine whether the trolleys met ADA compliance requirements. As a result, the town was placed in a difficult position when we later attempted to return them and the seller refused.

Subsequent negotiations were discussed in closed session, and state statute prohibits disclosure of those discussions. That is why no further details appeared on my blog. In the meantime, the trolleys were stored while the town attempted to resolve the matter.

Ultimately, the trolleys were sold to another community that was aware they were not ADA compliant and chose to purchase them anyway. The sale price was close to the depreciated value. While the town did incur a loss, it could have been significantly worse.

The fundamental error was the manager’s decision to send an unqualified individual to accept the trolleys. Council relies on management to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions on behalf of the town.

Do you have conflicts of interest?

No.

Under North Carolina law, an elected official has a conflict of interest (COI) only when personal financial interests or those of immediate family members conflict with their public duties. When such a conflict exists, the official must refrain from participating in decisions that could provide personal benefit. State law addresses these situations through specific statutes, including G.S. 14-234.3, which governs nonprofit board involvement, and G.S. Chapter 138A, which establishes broader ethical standards for state and local officials. These laws emphasize transparency, disclosure, recusal when appropriate, and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, particularly in matters involving contracts or quasi-judicial decisions such as zoning.

Despite this well-defined legal framework, The News & Observer has continued to publish stories suggesting that I have a conflict of interest where none exists. Notably, the publication was unable to identify a single currently practicing municipal attorney, of whom there are at least a dozen in Wake County alone, willing to state that my actions constituted a COI. Instead, they relied on commentary from a retired attorney from Durham, who characterized the situation as “sticky.” Further review of her background suggests she is not widely respected among her peers.

It is also worth noting that many elected officials across North Carolina are employed by engineering firms, yet this has not drawn similar scrutiny from The News & Observer. For example, a Johnston County commissioner works for the same firm with which I contract and currently serves as chair of CAMPO (the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization). All CAMPO members are required to complete ethics training and disclose their employment, a standard practice that promotes transparency and accountability.

Unfortunately, The News & Observer appears more focused on advancing a predetermined narrative rather than on accurately presenting the facts. The result is reporting that prioritizes sensationalism over substance, seemingly driven more by generating clicks than by providing fair and balanced coverage.

Here are the facts:

I own Weinbrecht Consulting LLC and work with WithersRavenel under an hourly consulting contract providing government relations support related to asset management. I am paid only an hourly rate and do not receive bonuses or commissions.

My consulting income from WithersRavenel was $24,404 in 2023 and $23,694 in 2024. In 2025, I expect to earn less than $20,000, although I have not yet finalized my financial summary for the year.

Most of my work involves participating in calls with staff from across the country to discuss how to effectively communicate asset management needs to elected officials. In the past several weeks, these calls have included participants from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington state.

Another component of my role is traveling nationally to give presentations, often alongside a past national president of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and occasionally assisting with WithersRavenel’s conference booth. The purpose of the booth is to gather sales leads. In the evenings, the marketing team typically hosts those leads at dinner.

During the 2023 ICMA conference mentioned by the News & Observer, I worked at the booth helping collect sales leads. The marketing team asked me to contact Cary representatives to see if they might be interested in attending the dinner, which I did before the event by email and again on the day of the event. That was my only involvement.

It is disappointing that the News & Observer attempted to imply otherwise. This kind of misleading characterization does little to serve readers and may help explain the outlet’s declining readership.

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

A complaint that I wasn’t doing my job supervising the manager.
A complaint that I am “bought and paid for” based on the News and Observer false narrative.
A threat based on the News and Observer narrative (Thanks guys – turned that one over to the police).
A complaint “you and your team council are no longer trusted to make ANY decision in my opinion.”
Suggestions on how I should proceed as mayor.
A thanks for my “steady leadership, good heart and fortitude, especially in this challenging time”.
A request for a traffic signal at Morrisville Parkway and Highcroft Drive.
A complaint about the ICE facility off Evans Road.
Questions about Trolleys.
A request to have recycling every week (This would require more equipment, more personnel, and more tax dollars. A better solution would be to get an additional recycling bin which we will gladly provide.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, media interviews, a council work session, and a council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 11, 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.

Year End Message, Manager Resignation Q&A, Cary One of Best Places to Visit, Ginny Johnson Master Municipal Clerk, and Council Out and About

Year End Message

This is my final blog post of 2025, and I want to reflect on a few important things we will be carrying with us into 2026.

Cary remains the best of the best, our employees, our financial position, our strong business climate, and the recognition we continue to receive through award after award. You’ll hear much more about this in the 2026 State of Cary, so stay tuned.

That success is possible because in Cary, being the best never depends on one person. It depends on all of us. We will not only move beyond Stegall’s tenure, but we will also grow stronger together.

As many of us began to learn toward the end of 2025, Stegall’s actions and decisions became increasingly unwise, less transparent, and hurtful to many of the people who worked most closely with him. I am grateful to those who came forward to help confirm and expand upon what I, and others, learned, much of it through what appear to be anonymous public records requests.

At this point, we are not aware of anything strictly illegal that Stegall did. However, two significant matters will be carried into 2026: the review and report by the North Carolina State Auditor, and the Council’s own internal investigation being conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson.

While Womble’s work has only just begun, the State Auditor is already in possession of what may be hundreds of thousands of records. I don’t know how long their review will take or when their report will be released, but I continue to welcome and support their partnership in getting to the full truth of what occurred under Stegall’s “leadership.” Both investigations will help make us stronger as we move forward. In my experience, reviews of this scope are unprecedented in modern North Carolina local government, and I hope the resulting updates to our policies, procedures, and practices will serve as a model for others so that something like this never happens again.

Regarding policies and practices, at my direction the Council began a public discussion of ours during the December work session. We must do more, and we must do so openly. That is why, on November 20, I made a motion to live-stream all remote meetings. I appreciate the unanimous support of my Council colleagues, and I believe this change is already having a positive impact. Many people are watching, and that transparency matters.

Another positive we are carrying into 2026 is Interim Town Manager Russ Overton, who has truly hit the ground running. Russ brings much-needed stability, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to transparency. He has instituted a practice of meeting only with small groups of Council members, no one-on-one meetings as occurred in the past, to ensure everyone stays informed. He is also joined by at least one other staff member in these meetings, so discussions are properly documented and shared. This added “light” is both welcome and necessary.

That same level of transparency will extend to our upcoming budget process. Expect more budget discussions to take place in live-stream meetings that are open to the public.

At our December 15 emergency meeting, I promised to keep you, our citizens, updated, and I intend to keep that promise. If you don’t like where we’re heading, tell us. Attend a Council meeting or send us an email. We want to hear from you.

This month also marks the launch of our 2026 Biennial Citizens Satisfaction Survey. For the first time, it includes questions specifically about trust. If you are one of the 400 Cary residents selected to participate, please take the call. The survey takes about 20 minutes, and we know your time is valuable. We have conducted this survey every two years since 1998, something no other government can claim, and we carefully review and act on the results. All past survey results are available on our website at www.carync.gov .

Finally, for the first time in more than 10 years, we will also be conducting an employee survey. I greatly appreciate Russ’s leadership on this effort. The Council requested such a survey for years, and it never happened. Given everything our employees have experienced during this Town Hall transition, it is imperative that we hear from them and continue to support them. Our employees are a vital part of what makes Cary the best of the best.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary?

Yes.

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

At this time, there is no evidence that his conduct was technically illegal, though the investigation is ongoing and may provide additional clarity.

Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?

Here is my timeline of events for everything I recall:

September 1: First record request from A. Williams
September 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council
- Council Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for two council members.
- Staff Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for Stegall and four other staff members
- Council emails, expenses, and reimbursements for all council members including me
- Staff emails, expenses, and reimbursements including Stegall
- Public records can be found here.
October 12: Public Records request for texts by A. Williams for all receipts, per diems, reimbursements, etc.
- None found and presented
October 13: I questioned Stegall about tuition at one-on-one meeting
- Stegall cancels all but two weekly one-on-one meetings with me after that
October 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council, Part 2 (text requests)
November 5: I verify land purchase next to Cary Elementary with Wake County Real estate records
November 13: Council Quarterly, Stegall says fund balance never was below policy which was a false statement
November 14: I called auditor Cherry Bekaert and tell them about what I have heard
November 14: I send email to Stegall and council:

“I reviewed this spreadsheet and looked back at previous information for A. Williams.

Based on my observations we have spent over $25,000 on tuition, which concerns me. I expressed this concern to Sean in our one-on-one a few weeks ago.

What is the projected final total for these costs? I am worried that it looks like gifts and favors especially since this is not an option for town employees. I think as a council we need to understand how it gets approved and paid. It is also troubling to me now since we are in the middle of an audit.

We should discuss this at the policy and procedure work session set for December. Thanks”

Beginning early November: Several staff approached me anonymously about their concerns:
- Stegall lying about fund balance policyStegall elaborate spending including hotel receiptsSpending Tuition on a council member when staff doesn’t get the same benefit.Land purchase next to Cary Elementary using money budgeted for “smart” improvements to parking decks. Land to be used for affordable housing, a Guardian ad litem project, or open space. Only two council members were aware.Old library site to be used for affordable housing.
- Millions of dollars in contracts with friends (a company named G&H) with little or no outcomes (no other details provided to date)
November 15: I prepared to convince my colleagues to remove Stegall
November 18: Council began annual review of Stegall
November 20: Due to my concerns about transparency, I made a motion in our regularly scheduled meeting that all council meetings, remote and in chambers, should be televised, which was passed unanimously
November 20: In a Closed Session meeting Sean asked to resign and is put on leave
Week of November 24: Council member pays back tuition
December 4: New Council members sworn in
December 11: First meeting with new council members
December 13: Stegall resigns
December 15: Special Meeting to announce Stegall’s resignation

When did you learn about the land purchase next to Cary Elementary?

I learned in early November that two parcels of land adjacent to Cary Elementary had been purchased. I later verified the transactions in July 2024 using the Wake County Real Estate website.

What changes have you made and will you make?

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to lead to further procedural changes.

Why did you say downtown trolleys were returned when they were not?

Unfortunately, this is very misleading story by the News and Observer. I am surprised that this is what I am being asked to address when there are more pressing issues facing our town.

Do you have conflicts of interest?

No.

In North Carolina, an elected official has a conflict of interest (COI) when their personal financial or familial interests clash with their public duties, generally meaning they can’t participate in decisions benefiting themselves or close relations, with specific laws like G.S. 14-234.3 targeting nonprofit board roles, and G.S. Chapter 138A setting broader ethical standards for state officials, requiring disclosure, recusal, and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, especially in contracts or quasi-judicial matters like zoning.

The N&O had a story about the town manager’s spending at an ICMA (International City/County Management Association) conference in Austin, Texas in 2023. In the story it talks about my presence there as if I was representing the town. Not true. Why did they add this to the story? Who knows. I am guessing they are angry because I didn’t break the law and didn’t provide them with more information about the town manager’s leave until he resigned. What was their intention? Not sure. I am guessing character assassination. But it made people question my integrity. Unfortunately, the N&O seems to be focused on creating misinformation rather than telling the facts. …

Here are the facts:

I own a consulting firm, Weinbrecht Consulting LLC. I have an hourly contract with WithersRavenel to provide Government Relations consulting, with a focus on asset management. I do not do any work for the Town of Cary with WithersRavenel.

My consulting income from WithersRavenel was $24,404 in 2023 and $23,694 in 2024. In 2025, I expect to earn less than $20,000, although I have not yet finalized my financial summary for the year.

Most of my work involves participating in calls with staff from across the country to discuss how to effectively communicate asset management needs to elected officials. In the past two weeks alone, these calls have included participants from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington state.

At the ICMA conference referenced by the News & Observer, I was working at the booth to help gather sales leads. On the day in question, there were not enough prospective clients available to fill a dinner table that had been reserved. The marketing team asked me to reach out to Cary representatives to see if they would be interested in attending, which I did. That was the extent of my involvement.

Cary One of the Best Places to Visit

According to South Living Cary is one of the best places to visit:

“Cary (once a small suburb of Raleigh) has blossomed into a coveted destination in its own right. Named one of our South’s Best Cities on the Rise, it’s home to dozens of wonderful local restaurants, great shopping, unique stays, and a thriving art and culture scene. Cary is making the case that there has never been a better time to do a little further digging into the state’s famed Research Triangle. Read on for the best things to do when visiting.”

You can find the entire article here.

Cary’s Ginny Johnson is a Master Clerk

Tuesday the council received information from our clerk, Ginny Johnson, that she had achieved the highest certification available from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), Master Municipal Clerk (MMC).

IIMC grants the MMC designation only to those Municipal Clerks who complete demanding education requirements; and who have a record of significant contributions to their local government, their community and state. The program has an extensive and rigorous educational component and a professional and social contribution component. The MMC applicant must demonstrate that they have actively pursued education and professional activities. Based on information available on their website, only 14% of clerks reach this level. Congratulations to our Master Municipal Clerk, Ginny Johnson!

Media Interviews

I was scheduled to meet with three media outlets this week to answer questions related to the former town manager. Since one of them was unable to meet we decided to postpone until after Christmas.

Council Out and About

Friends of the Page-Walker Holiday Party

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the annual Friends of Page-Walker Holiday Party, which brings together the organization’s board of directors and volunteers to celebrate the holidays together. Earlier in the month, Councilmember Craig also joined Friends of Page-Walker volunteers in decorating the historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center for the holiday season.

Altitude Trampoline Park Opening

Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards attended the grand opening of Altitude Trampoline Park in Cary. The event welcomed a new recreational destination for families and youth, highlighting Cary’s continued growth and support for local business development.

Rotary Peace Pole Dedication

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht delivered remarks at the Rotary Peace Pole Dedication, emphasizing unity, peace, and global goodwill. Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards were also in attendance to support the event, Rotary Club, and its commitment to community values.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht provided remarks at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Cary Downtown Park. He was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards in celebrating the start of the holiday season at this event.

Wreaths Across America

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht delivered remarks at the Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring veterans and their families. The event served as a solemn moment of remembrance and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed for the nation.

Cary Christmas Parade

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Brittany Richards participated in the Cary Christmas Parade. The annual parade brought the community together to celebrate the holidays with local organizations, schools, and families.

Wake County Mayors Association Holiday Event

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht attended the Wake County Mayors’ Association Holiday Event, joined by Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Sarika Bansal.

Annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush delivered remarks at the annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting and was joined on stage by Councilmember Brittany Richards. Together, they marked the third night of Hanukkah with blessings and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah, while Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig attended in support of the celebration.

Cary Sister Cities Association Holiday Party

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, and Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Cary Sister Cities Holiday Party. The event celebrated international partnerships and cultural exchange while recognizing the volunteers who strengthen Cary’s global connections.

Governor Stein’s Menorah Lighting

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush attended Governor Stein’s Menorah Lighting at the Governor’s Mansion on Sunday, December 14th to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. It was an honor to join friends, families, and community leaders in marking this special tradition of light, hope, and unity.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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

Several citizens thanking me for the work I am doing and encouraging me.
A complaint about construction vehicles in Wynwood South.
Congratulations to the town for the Cary Tennis Park receiving the Racquet Sport Industry 2025 Municipality of the Year.
A complaint from a resident about the Grove at Cary Park about the landlord.
A complaint that I was “snarky” for providing an answer to the question about getting money back from the fraud incident. (see above)
A complaint that I am the “ultimate owner of this whole mess” and should resign. (A couple of things: (1) there are seven of us with equal authority. (2) I was the one that brought the information to the entire council which led to the resignation.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, media interviews, and writing my annual address.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 4, 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.

Raleigh-Cary Ranked #2 in US for Young and Rich, Manager Resigns, WCMA Holiday Event, State Auditor, Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, Sister Cities Holiday Event, Public Records Information Portal, Flex High School Goes Virtual, and Historic Holiday Stroll Event

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Why did you say downtown trolleys were returned when they were not?

Unfortunately, this is very misleading story by the N&O. I am surprised that this is what I am being asked to address when there are more pressing issues facing our town.

Do you have conflicts of interest?

No.

Here are the facts:

My consulting income from WithersRavenel was $24,404 in 2023 and $23,694 in 2024. In 2025, I expect to earn less than $20,000, although I have not yet finalized my financial summary for the year.

Most of my work involves participating in calls with staff from across the country to discuss how to effectively communicate asset management needs to elected officials. In the past two weeks alone, these calls have included participants from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington state.

Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?

As a result, the manager was able to conceal his actions from the policy board, and I was unaware of his inappropriate conduct until public records requests were submitted this fall. When I first learned of the tuition expense in October, I immediately questioned the town manager about it. At that time, he defended the expenditure, and I was not aware of the full scope of the spending. Notably, he then cancelled nearly all of my one-on-one meetings for the following month and a half, until the council placed him on leave.

Here is my timeline of events for everything I recall:

September 1: First record request from A. Williams
September 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council
- Council Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for two council members.
- Staff Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for Stegall and four other staff members
- Council emails, expenses, and reimbursements for all council members including me
- Staff emails, expenses, and reimbursements including Stegall
- Public records can be found here.
October 12: Public Records request for texts by A. Williams for all receipts, per diems, reimbursements, etc.
- None found and presented
October 13: I questioned Stegall about tuition at one-on-one meeting
- Stegall cancels all but two weekly one-on-one meetings with me after that
October 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council, Part 2 (text requests)
November 5: I verify land purchase next to Cary Elementary with Wake County Real estate records
November 13: Council Quarterly, Stegall says fund balance never was below policy which was a false statement
November 14: I called auditor Cherry Bekaert and tell them about what I have heard
November 14: I send email to Stegall and council:

“I reviewed this spreadsheet and looked back at previous information for A. Williams.”

Based on my observations we have spent over $25,000 on tuition, which concerns me. I expressed this concern to Sean in our one-on-one a few weeks ago.

What is the projected final total for these costs? I am worried that it looks like gifts and favors especially since this is not an option for town employees. I think as a council we need to understand how it gets approved and paid. It is also troubling to me now since we are in the middle of an audit.

We should discuss this at the policy and procedure work session set for December. Thanks”

Beginning early November: Several staff approached me anonymously about their concerns
- Stegall lying about fund balance policy
- Stegall elaborate spending including hotel receipts Spending Tuition on a council member when staff doesn’t get the same benefit.
- Land purchase next to Cary Elementary using money budgeted for “smart” improvements to parking decks. Land to be used for affordable housing, a Guardian ad litem project, or open space. Only two council members were aware.
- Old library site to be used for affordable housing.
- Millions of dollars in contracts with friends (a company named G&H) with little or no outcomes (no other details provided to date)
November 15: I prepared to convince my colleagues to remove Stegall
November 18: Council began annual review of Stegall
November 20: Due to my concerns about transparency, I made a motion in our regularly scheduled meeting that all council meetings, remote and in chambers, should be televised, which was passed unanimously
November 20: In Closed Session Sean asked to resign and is put on leave
Week of November 24: Council member pays back tuition
December 4: New Council members sworn in
December 11: First meeting with new council members
December 13: Stegall resigns
December 15: Special Meeting to announce Stegall’s resignation

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

At this time, there is no evidence that his conduct was technically illegal, though the investigation is ongoing and may provide additional clarity.

When did you learn about the land purchase next to Cary Elementary?

I learned in early November that two parcels of land adjacent to Cary Elementary had been purchased. I later verified the transactions in July 2024 using the Wake County Real Estate website.

Stegall had authority for up to $1 million in discretionary spending. Because the two parcels were acquired through separate contracts, each individual purchase did not exceed that threshold, allowing staff to execute the agreements without bringing them before the Town Council for approval. Although the parcels are adjacent and likely intended for a single future project—one that would ultimately require Council approval—they were treated as separate transactions.

What changes have you made and will you make?

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to lead to further procedural changes.

Raleigh-Cary Ranked #2 in US for Young and Rich

Monday I learned that Trust & Will ranked the Raleigh-Cary area as the #2 location in the nation for the young and the rich. The analyzed eight indicators across the 73 most populated millennial U.S. metros to identify where affluent millennials currently reside and where conditions point to future growth. Here is what they said:

“High‑income filers #8 sits in the top 11%, while GDP growth #10 is top 14% and permits #16 top 22%. The lag is high‑value assets #41, lower half of the study. Raleigh’s appeal is a balanced economic base with steady wealth signals and an active building pipeline.”

Emergency Meeting – Manager Resigns

Monday an emergency meeting was called to announce the resignation of Sean Stegall as manager of Cary and name Russ Overton as the interim. The following is the press release:

CARY, NC – Following the December 13 resignation of Sean Stegall, Cary Town Council today appointed Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton to serve as interim town manager. The appointment of a seasoned Cary employee signals a deep focus on the fundamentals of local government management: sound financial stewardship, operational accountability, and reliable service delivery for Cary citizens and visitors. The appointment goes into effect immediately.

“Appointing a long-tenured internal leader provides continuity of operations and stability for our organization, our staff, and our community during this period of transition,” said Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “On behalf of Cary Town Council, we appreciate Russ stepping in and sharing his deep institutional knowledge and clear understanding of operations during these unprecedented moments in Cary’s evolution.”

Overton, 51, was promoted to deputy town manager and chief operating officer in 2017. He joined the Town of Cary in 1998 as an engineer and held leadership roles in the Engineering department before serving as the Inspections & Permits department director and eventually moving to the Town Manager’s Office as an assistant town manager in 2013.

Overton holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He is a graduate of the UNC School of Government’s (SOG) Municipal and County Administration Course, the UNC SOG’s Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA), the Senior Executive Institute (SEI) program at the University of Virginia, ICF – Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance at North Carolina State University, and the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education. Overton is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and a member of the North Carolina City and County Management Association (NCCCMA).

Overton is an avid fisherman raised in Ahoskie, North Carolina. He and his wife, Kristy, live on a micro-farm in the Apex portion of Wake County with their three daughters and labradoodle.

The meeting started with me making comments explaining the situation and how we got to this point. I then opened it up to council members for remarks before swearing in Russ Overton as Interim Town Manager. The following are remarks I made during the meeting:

In North Carolina, city and town Councils appoint three staff members: the clerk, the attorney, and the manager. These three people report directly to the Council. All of the rest of the staff, which in Cary is just over 1300 people, work for and ultimately report to the Town Manager.

As part of our supervisory responsibilities of the three appointed staff members, we, the Cary Council, conduct annual performance reviews of each of them. This typically occurs in the fall, and this year, those performance reviews occurred during the week of November 17th.

In the days and weeks leading up to these performance reviews, a number of public records requests that involved Sean, the Council, and several other staff revealed activities directed or undertaken by Sean that were inconsistent with the Town’s culture. The Council was copied on the responses to the records requests, and, for the first time, we, the Council as a whole became aware of disturbing decisions made by and direction given by Sean to staff. As part of our due diligence, we met with several Town staff to better understand what these records were showing and to confirm our concerns.

Then on November 20th in closed session, the Council voted unanimously to immediately place Sean on paid Administrative Leave as we took the steps necessary to separate Sean from the organization.

Multiple Federal and State privacy, public records, and equal employment laws governed what we could say at each step. And they still do. Also, like most city managers around the state and nation, Sean worked according to an employment contract signed by him and the Town when he was hired in 2016. That contract also dictates elements of what would happen in the event that either Sean or the Council wanted the employment arrangement to end.

So, we have been following applicable federal employment laws, state public records, open meetings, employment laws, and applicable Cary personnel laws as well as the provisions of Sean’s contract to get us here today where the Council and I can say these words..

It has been hard not being able to share more than we have up to this point. And it’s been sad and difficult emotionally to unwind our relationship with Sean.

For many of us, we saw Sean as our friend, not simply an employee.

Even so, there were basically three issues that led to us deciding to place Sean on leave:

-Over-the-top spending and inadequate financial reporting;

-A lack of transparency with the full Council, staff, and citizens;

-And an unhealthy work environment created by Sean with many of the staff he worked most closely with.

For me as Mayor, it just came down to a lack of trust and confidence.

While we know a lot more now about things that have occurred over the last few years, there may be more to learn. And so, we have hired a law firm specializing in employment investigations to join us in looking deeply into Sean’s activities and the things he’s directed staff to do to ensure we are fully aware of any problems and that we put process changes in place so that something like this never happens again in Cary.

The firm’s work will take time, I expect several months if not more. And I promise that we will keep you, our Cary citizens and staff, updated on our progress, our findings, and our direction to Russ for changes, as well as changes that we know we may need in how the Council operates, which will be up to us here at this table.

I have to say, having been part of Cary for most of my life and Mayor for so many years, I am stunned at the revelations that have come forward so far. I am sick and sad and I am mad.

And, like my Council colleagues, I am committed to setting things right and moving Cary forward, which we’re doing by naming Russ our Interim Town Manager.

I want to say that I, personally, am not aware of anything illegal that has occurred. And our finances are in good shape, thanks to staff who’ve been working hard to blunt the impacts of Sean’s direct and indirect actions. And for folks who live and work in Cary every day, the beautiful and high-performing Cary machine has continued to hum despite the problems in one part of Town Hall.

It is not lost on me or this Council what great work you’ve been doing, and we are grateful to you.

With that, I’ll open it up to my Council colleagues for any comments before I swear in our Interim Manager.

After the meeting, I held a Q&A with the media to address as many questions as possible before departing for the Wake County Mayors Association event. I will continue to blog responses to additional questions as they come in. Additionally, the town will make all public records releases available for everyone to view.

Wake County Mayors Association Holiday Event

On Monday evening, I attended the Wake County Mayors Association holiday event in Fuquay-Varina, joined by Council Members Craig and Bansal. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow municipal leaders and staff.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the new mayors of Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, and Zebulon. While I will miss the departing mayors, I am confident the new mayors will serve their communities with distinction.

State Auditor

Tuesday the state auditor visited the town hall with multiple requests. Our staff continues to be fully cooperative. The following is the press release I have made related to the state auditors:

“Today, the N.C. Office of the State Auditor visited Cary Town Hall to continue discussions about their concerns surrounding the departure of former Town Manager Sean Stegall.

We were first contacted by the state auditor’s office on November 25 when they visited Town Hall. Since that day, we’ve been working with them to provide the information they’ve requested.

We are fully supporting their exploration of these concerns, which mirror our own. These concerns were discussed at the December 15 Emergency Council Meeting, and are foundational to why the Council put Sean on administrative leave on November 20.

We welcome the assistance of the state in unwinding these issues associated with over-the-top spending and inadequate financial reporting, a lack of transparency with the full Council, staff, and citizens, and an unhealthy work environment created by Sean with many of the staff he worked most closely with.

Independent of the state auditor’s efforts, Council has hired a law firm, Womble Bond Dickinson, that specializes in these types of issues; to work with us to ensure we’re looking at everything that’s important to our organization and our community. Our finances are in good shape, and we appreciate the leadership that our interim town manager, Russ Overton, brings to help us resolve these issues and move us forward.”

It is extremely important to me that we work with all parties to find out any issues, correct them, and provide the public with information about what we found.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

On Tuesday night, I attended the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Downtown Cary Park. All council members were present, with the exception of two who were traveling abroad. One of the speakers, a rabbi, spoke movingly about the fear currently felt within the Jewish community, the importance of holding this event, and how meaningful it is to see non-Jewish community members in attendance. I wholeheartedly agree.

Cary is a diverse and welcoming community. Nearly one quarter of our residents were born in another country, and we represent more than 60 nationalities. We embrace our diversity and celebrate our differences. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible.

Sister Cities Holiday Event

Wednesday evening, I attended the Sister Cities Holiday Event at the Mayton Inn, which attracted approximately 100 attendees. Remarks were given by Jack Smith, the former Sister Cities liaison, and Michelle Craig, the current liaison. During the event, Sister Cities honored Jack Smith with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The organization also presented Jack Smith and me with beautiful drawings from Le Touquet, his featuring a golf theme and mine highlighting tennis.

The Sister Cities organization continues to be both successful and growing, and we are hopeful to welcome Wiesbaden, Germany, as a new partner city next year.

Public Records Information Portal

Friday the Public Records Information Portal for the town manager’s transition went live. It can be found here. This public access to information is key for transparency and to start building public trust.

Flex High School Forced to go to Virtual Learning

This week I was contacted by several parents of children attending Flex High School in Cary. The school was forced to close for in person learning because it doesn’t meet state building code requirements. The police chief responded with the following message:

“We have received the emails sent to Wake County Public Schools and the elected officials in Cary regarding the status of the FLEX Academy High School. As the Fire Chief of Cary Fire Department, I wanted to personally provide you with some information about the status of this situation.

First, I apologize for the hardship and challenges that the recent change in operations of the high school has created for you and others that it may impact. We have been in conversation with both the Wake County Public School System and the Wake County Fire Marshal’s Office for quite some time regarding FLEX Academy High School. As Dr. Robinson stated in his email to parents, operations of the school have evolved over time, and the current operation of the school in this space does not comply with the NC State Building Codes as well as local zoning ordinance.

Cary, Wake County Public Schools, the Wake County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the building’s owner have had multiple conversations in an attempt to find an amicable solution for all parties that would be code compliant. These included having the building owner add a sprinkler system to bring the building into compliance with the State Building Code. In our last meeting, all parties agreed to an option that would limit the entire building to 49 occupants, which include staff, students, and visitors. The delivery of virtual instruction was not discussed in these conversations, as school operations are not under Cary’s scope of authority.

Again, I am sorry and empathize with you regarding the change of operation for the FLEX High School. We are committed to ensuring that all facilities in Cary, including schools, are code compliant, and staff will continue to collaborate with Wake County and the school system.

Please let me know if there are any additional code-related, or other questions that I may answer.”

Mike Cooper

Fire Chief

Historic Holiday Stroll Event

Friday night, I participated in the Historic Holiday Stroll in downtown Cary, a production by Katherine Loflin. The event brought local history to life through stories about downtown structures and perspectives from different points in time. I portrayed Frank Page.

We began at Fidelity Bank and made stops at Ashworth Drugs, the Esther Ivey House, the Ivey-Ellington House, the Cary Arts Center, the Guess-Ogle House, and the Methodist Church. In addition to the wonderful performances, we were fortunate to hear first-hand stories from Ralph Ashworth. We also enjoyed several Christmas carols performed by the Cary Christian Choir at the Cary Arts Center.

The evening was a lot of fun, though navigating the crowds along Academy Street was a challenge with The Nutcracker performances and the Holiday Market happening at the same time.

Manager’s Weekly Report

Council,

Today I hosted the last All Hands meeting of 2025. It was great to get staff together before the end of the year and share updates on this interim period. One key update I shared was the launch of the 311 cases portal for public records requests. There is more information on that in the Weekly Updates below.

As a reminder, this will be the last Weekly Report of the year. I want to give a special shoutout to those employees working over the holidays. I don’t think I could ever fully express how grateful I am to them for keeping our community safe so the rest of us can enjoy this season with our loved ones. Happy holidays to all of our staff and Council, and I look forward to moving forward together in 2026.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

First Generation Smart Meters Replaced

This week marks the completion of the meter replacement project for the remaining residential water meters originally installed in 2011/2012. Cary was among the first municipalities in the state to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), also known as smart meters, which allow for remote collection and analysis of water usage data to better monitor water demand, identify water loss, and detect leaks more quickly. Staff will continue proactive management of the AMI system, which now includes approximately 75,000 meters and fixed network radio communications serving Cary, Morrisville, and Wake-RTP.

Town Manager Transition Portal

Over the past several weeks, our organization has experienced an unusually high volume of public records requests related to recent leadership changes. To provide full transparency to the larger citizenry, we’ve created a 311 Cases Portal to share requests and associated records as they are processed, and we will continue to update it on an ongoing basis.

The portal allows anyone to:

View public records requests that have been submitted
See the records that have been released in response
Track the status of requests as they are processed

Cary Housing Application Period Now Open

Applications for the 2026-2027 Cary Housing cycle opened this week. Each year, Cary invites organizations working in the key areas of new housing development, housing rehabilitation, and housing stability support services to apply for funding. Cary supports these key initiative areas to further the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan and Cary Housing Plan using a blend of local and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Under the 2026-2027 Cary Housing Program application process, organizations are invited to submit applications for funding to carry out eligible housing activities during the fiscal year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Applications are due February 13. Awards are made competitively, and draft recommendations will be posted for public comment in March. Awards are ultimately considered by Council in April and are contingent upon the approval of the FY 2027 budget.

Security Camera Replacement at Walnut Street Parking Deck

Cary IT will be replacing existing security cameras at the Walnut Street Parking Deck between Sunday, January 4, and Friday, January 9. The parking deck, including stairwells and elevators, will remain open to the public throughout the installation. However, parking capacity will be temporarily reduced during certain times, as outlined below.

Sunday, January 4, and Monday, January 5 (8 p.m. – 5 a.m.)

Levels 1, 2, and 3 will be closed overnight.
The Walker Street entrance will be closed overnight.
Access via Walnut Street will remain open.
Levels 4 through 7 will remain open.

Wednesday, January 7, through Friday, January 9

All parking levels and entrances will remain open.
One traffic lane will be partially blocked at a single level at a time.
On-site personnel will be present to direct traffic.

We appreciate your patience during this work and apologize for any inconvenience.

Ten Ten Road at Penny Road Traffic Signal

Cary partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on a project to design and install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Ten Ten Road and Penny Road.

The project included installing the signal and fiber cable to integrate it into the Cary Signal System, bringing the total number of traffic signals maintained by Cary to 230. The signal will remain in flash condition until December 30 to alert drivers that it will soon be activated. On that date, it will be placed into full operation to help improve traffic flow at this busy intersection.

Winter Wonderland

On Saturday, December 13, the Community Engagement Team hosted its annual Winter Wonderland event, a festive celebration designed to bring holiday cheer to children from underserved communities. The Cary Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) group generously provided each child with a special gift, such as a bicycle, scooter, or rollerblades, along with essential winter items, including coats, hats, and gloves. Children also received toys, toiletries, and other necessities, while families enjoyed a warm, shared meal.

The event continues to grow each year, and this year marked the largest attendance to date, with 50 children and their families gathering at the Herb Young Community Center. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, Winter Wonderland once again created meaningful holiday memories.

2025 NCAA Men’s College Cup

In partnership with the University of North Carolina, the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, and NCFC Youth, Cary proudly hosted the 2025 NCAA Men’s College Cup this past weekend. This is the 42nd national championship held in Cary and the largest yet, with record-breaking attendance both nights. Many departments worked together to make this the best championship yet, welcoming more than 21,000 fans to WakeMed Soccer Park to cheer on NC State, Furman, Washington, and Saint Louis. Washington claimed the national title in a thrilling overtime finish.

Important Dates

There are no meetings scheduled for next week.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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

Several comments and complaints related to the manager’s resignation. I am not even going to begin posting the nasty quotes I received.
A thank you for being “an outstanding Mayor”.
Several concerns from former employees about corruption.
A request to be considered for town manager.
A request to help get a student’s career started.
A request to help find a healthcare provider.
Several complaints about the closing of the Crossroads Flex school.
Thank you from Kat Campbell, WRAL weather, for the Christmas lights.
A request to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, media interviews, and the Christmas holidays.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 28^th, 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.

Cary Tennis Park #1, Cary Clerk Receives Award, Leadership Cary, Work Session on Policies and Procedures, Work Session on South Hills Service District, Council Meeting, Karen Gray Retires, Wreaths Across America, and Cary Christmas Parade

Cary Tennis Park #1 Municipal Facility in US

Cary Tennis Park was named Municipal Facility of the Year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine. Here is the press release from the town:

CARY, N.C. – Cary Tennis Park has been named Municipal Facility of the Year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine, marking the second time the world’s leading tennis and racquet sports publication has honored the venue with this distinction.

“Cary Tennis Park means a great deal to our community,” said Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “For more than 20 years, it has been a place where people of all ages can play, train to compete, see rising stars, or watch some of the best players in the world. That kind of place doesn’t happen by accident, and this national award is a testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers who bring life to this facility each day.”

Developed at the direction of Cary’s Town Council and shaped by extensive public input, Cary Tennis Park opened in 2002 following a comprehensive master planning process aimed at creating a premier, centralized tennis facility for the region. Built in partnership with Green Hope High School, the project represented a $6 million investment and quickly became one of the largest and most innovative public tennis complexes in the Southeast.

“We try to make the park a place people enjoy coming to, and that takes a lot of hands behind the scenes. This honor really belongs to them,” said John Collins, director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources. “They’re the ones setting up courts, greeting players, solving problems, and keeping the park welcoming. I’m grateful for their work and glad to see it recognized.”

Today, the 24-acre park welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually, hosts 20+ sanctioned tournaments, and serves as a year-round hub for athletes of all ages and skill levels, making about $3 million in total economic impact throughout the community each year. The complex features 25 lighted outdoor courts, seven covered courts, four permanent pickleball courts, scenic pedestrian bridges, and a wide range of tennis programs, lessons, leagues, and community events.

This year’s RSI Champions of Tennis awards also honored longtime Cary resident and Western Wake Tennis Association Executive Director Laura Weygandt as the magazine’s Grassroots Champion of the Year. Weygandt was recognized for her impact on players of all abilities through more than a decade of volunteer work, her leadership in United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern, and her advocacy for adaptive tennis through organizations like Wheel Serve NC.

Cary Tennis Park continues to expand its reputation on the professional circuit as well. In 2024, the Cary Tennis Classic advanced from an ATP Challenger Tour 75 to a Challenger Tour 100 event, and Cary added a Women’s Professional WTT Tour 100 event. The tennis park also welcomed the debut of the Pro Pickleball Association’s (PPA) North Carolina Cup, part of its national PPA Tour, bringing top-ranked athletes and national broadcast attention to the venue.

In 2019, the complex received the USTA Featured Facility Award and was previously honored in 2006 with both the USTA Outstanding Facility Award and RSI’s Municipal Facility of the Year. Cary Tennis Park is managed by Cary’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources department, which was named the USTA North Carolina Outstanding Parks & Recreation Department in 2023.

For more information, visit carync.gov/tennis.

Cary is blessed to have such an amazing facility. Even if you don’t like tennis, it provides millions of dollars in economic benefits each year. Congratulations to the PRCR (Parks Recreation Cultural Resources) staff and to the Cary Tennis Park staff headed up by Sean Ferreira.

Cary Clerk Receives Evergreen Excellence Award

Ginny Johnson, Cary’s Town Clerk, received Evergreen Excellence Award from the Central Pines Regional Council. The Evergreen Excellence Award recognizes a leader whose professionalism, integrity, and dedication have strengthened both their community and its relationships with neighboring municipalities. Johnson’s work ensures seamless community events, promotes inclusivity and transparent communication, and reinforces Cary’s reputation as a collaborative regional partner. Her consistent engagement with regional stakeholders has built trust, transparency, and strong intergovernmental cooperation.

Staff – Council Briefings

In the past Cary Council members received staff updates from the manager. This has now been changed to having two council members, the mayor, and four senior staff members including the Deputy Manager. This will provide consistent and timely information to all council members. I attended all three of these meetings this week. This week I participated in three meetings of this nature where staff provided updates.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I contacted each council member to hear of any concerns related to the upcoming agenda on Thursday. I walked through each agenda item with the two new council members. Later in the day I met with staff to go over the agenda items.

Leadership Cary

Tuesday I spoke to several dozen business leaders at the Cary Chamber as part of their Leadership Cary class. I talked about my role as mayor and answered several questions. Businesses ARE the backbone of our community, and I was encouraged by the number of business leaders attending.

Council Work Session – Policies and Procedures

The first work session with the two newest council members was held Tuesday evening. I spent the first few minutes talking about trust and understanding the council.

My comments were based on a presentation I have given around the country with past national president of the American Public Works Association. The talk, called “Are You Listening” helps public work managers, other staff, and elected officials understand how to trust each other and work better together. These talks are part of my role as a Government Relations consultant with a local engineering firm.

After my brief talk the council reviewed and commented on policies and procedures:

Policy 143: Rules of Procedure for the Cary Town Council

Policy 150: Rules of Order for Boards and Commissions

Policy 152: Public Records Policy

Policy 164: Ethics Policy for Town Council

Policy 181: Conflicts of Interest and Gift Policy

There weren’t a lot of discussion points among council members, so the work session lasted about forty-five minutes. This was followed by a three-hour closed session.

Council Work Session – South Hills Service District

Thursday evening the council held their second work session of the week. The topics were calendar review for early next year, a proposed South Hills Service District, the Biennial Survey, and a sales tax update.

A municipal service district is a defined area within a municipality or county where an additional property tax is charged to provide extras services. Extra services could include maintenance, revitalization, environmental improvements, and more. While most of the property owners within South Hills are in favor, a few are not. A proposal for a plan will be brought to council for a vote in January. Then there will be notifications and public hearings.

The biennial survey will begin on January 12 and run through February. Cary has been doing this survey every two years since 1998. While some of the questions will be new, many will remain the same so that comparisons can be made.

In the sales tax update, encouraging news was presented. August sales tax receipts are up 2.13%, September up 6.64%, and October up 10.05% over the last year. While this is early in the fiscal year, which began on July 1^st, it is much better than the 1% we budgeted.

Council Meeting

The last regularly scheduled council meeting of the year was held Thursday night. The agenda included speakers at Public Speaks Out, consent agenda, one public hearing, and one discussion item.

Public Speaks Out speakers mostly bashed the town and its council for not providing information about the manager’s suspension. Two of the speakers were candidates who were defeated in the last election. We are not allowed to talk about the town manager’s leave according to state statutes. Doing so would break the law and could put the town at legal risk. I applaud council colleagues who choose to stay silent and protect the town. It is like being in a fight with both hands behind your back and not being allowed to talk. The truth will come out one day and I, for one, will be glad.

The four items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously and included 2026 advisory board meeting schedule, the White Oak Church Road Annexation 25-A-04, the White Oak Church Road rezoning 25-REZ-07, and the Fairbanks Road Rezoning 25-REZ-09.

The public hearing was an annexation request by the owner of the property at 2220 Jones Franklin Road due to poor well water quality. After the public hearing the council unanimously approved.

The discussion item was to authorize $40,000 to evaluate options for the future of the Citizen’s Convenience Center. The center must be moved since part of it is on the North Carolina Railroad right-of-way and they want that back within a year. This was also approved unanimously.

Karen Gray’s Retirement

Friday afternoon I had the joy of attending the retirement ceremony for Karen Gray who has worked in the town clerk’s office and town attorney’s office for decades. What a wonderful lady who helped so many of us over the years. And of course, her personality made her a friend to many people including myself. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her over the years and to be her friend. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Wreaths Across America

Saturday I was honored to participate in the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hillcrest Cemetery. The event was attended by over a hundred people including Cary High School JROTC who I joined in a picture. As part of the ceremony, I provided remarks which included the following:

“Good afternoon! It is an honor to join you today for the Wreaths Across America ceremony, an annual tradition that brings us together in remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. Each year, this moment calls us to pause and recognize the extraordinary men and women who answered the call to serve our nation with courage, integrity, and selfless devotion.

As we stand among these headstones, each adorned with a wreath placed with care, we are reminded that behind every name is a story. A life lived in service to something greater than oneself. These are stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and love of country. Today, we gather not only as members of the Cary community, but as Americans united in our promise to remember.

Wreaths Across America teaches us an important mission: to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations the value of freedom. May today’s ceremony strengthens our commitment to that mission and inspire us to carry these values forward. Through our actions, our service, and our support for veterans, service members, and their families.

Thank you for being here today and for helping to ensure that these heroes are never forgotten. Your presence is a powerful reminder that remembrance endures, and gratitude lives on in this community.”

After my remarks I thanked the veterans attending and placed a wreath on one of the hundreds of veterans in the cemetery.

Cary Jaycees Parade

Saturday afternoon I had the joy of being part of the Cary Christmas parade. I was in vintage 1960’s Olds with my wife, retired Cary Planner Debra Grannon and her husband Bob. The parade lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes. Based on my estimation, I believe the attendance has doubled in the last ten years and increased significantly in the last five. While we are no longer allowed to throw out candy, for safety reasons, we did have volunteers from Cary Teen Council passing it out. As is my tradition, I wore a black top hat, waved, and said Merry Christmas to all I saw. I was warmly greeted by those in attendance even with a “We love you mayor!”.

Thanks to the Jaycees, the Cary Fire and Police departments for making this a safe and wonderful event.

Manager’s Weekly Report

Council,

This week began with an opportunity to welcome Councilmembers Bella Huang and Brittany Richards to our Directors’ Meeting, where we shared insights about our roles and responsibilities. This was a great introduction and truly valuable for building strong working relationships that will serve us well going forward. Your leadership was evident throughout the week—from special events to board meetings, work sessions, and our regular meetings and I’m grateful for the time and thoughtful discussion you brought to each. As we head into the weekend, I’m excited about the parade and looking forward to seeing you there tomorrow.

Assistant Town Manager

Dana Widmar

November 13 Quarterly Meeting Question About Dragonflies

This question came up at our Quarterly Meeting, regarding the new wetlands downtown, and it’s true: one mature dragonfly can eat up to 100 mosquitoes a day, making them a helpful part of Cary’s balanced outdoor ecosystems. Cary’s landscape and wetland plantings are selected with multiple benefits in mind. Along with being drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and visually appealing, many plants are chosen because they provide habitat for beneficial species, like dragonflies.
Plants such as pickerelweed, swamp milkweed, water lilies, and black-eyed Susans help create the right environment for dragonflies to thrive. In some parks and wetland areas, staff have intentionally planted around ponds with this benefit in mind, while also tracking dragonfly species to better understand the success of these habitats.
These same plants also support pollinators. Staff regularly shares this “layered” approach to plant selection through classes, social media, and event materials, highlighting how small, thoughtful decisions contribute to keeping Cary’s parks and public spaces healthy, enjoyable, and well cared for.

Intersection Upgrades

Two intersections in western Cary and one downtown were recently converted from two-way stops to all-way stops: Preston Village Way at Walcott Way, Park York Lane at Fryar Creek Drive, and South West Street at West Park Street. Each conversion followed a citizen request and staff assessment confirming that an all-way stop would improve mobility for both pedestrians and drivers. The new stop signs are equipped with LEDs that flash continuously to draw attention to the change and will be replaced with static signs in approximately three months.

Heart of the Holidays

Heart of the Holidays kicked off in Downtown Cary Park with Photos with Santa, drawing more than 1,400 visitors for games and holiday treats served by Teen Council. For the first time, Santa also made a special visit to the Neighborhood Park on Carpenter Fire Station Road. Throughout downtown, families enjoyed seasonal activities along South Academy Street, including curling, snowball fights, and a holiday market. The celebration featured 105 Gifting Trees, the 15th Annual Gingerbread House Competition, and Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, which welcomed 450 guests for carolers, crafts, and historic décor. The evening concluded with more than 5,000 people gathering alongside Mayor Weinbrecht and Council to light the Downtown Cary Park Christmas tree.

Holiday “Light Seeing” with the GoCary Downtown Loop

Two nights remain for GoCary’s special Downtown Loop “light-seeing” service; Tuesday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 23. This free, no-reservation service invites the community to enjoy twinkling lights, festive decorations, and other Heart of the Holidays activities. The Downtown Loop will follow its regular route, beginning at the Town Hall parking deck at 6 p.m. and running continuously until 8 p.m., with each loop taking about 25 minutes. Parking is available at Town Hall, and riders may board at the bus stop outside the parking deck or at any of the 13 Downtown Loop stops.

Cary Named Global Industry Champion in SAS Hackathon

Cary was selected as the Global Industry Champion in the Internet of Things (IoT) category at the 2025 SAS Hackathon for a project that analyzed traffic patterns, population and employment density, existing Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and zoning data to identify optimal locations for future EV charging stations. The data-driven model, developed by team members Cayla Denning, Naeem Toomer, and Sara Caliendo, will help inform smarter planning, advance sustainability goals, and enhance mobility for residents and visitors. Learn more about the award-winning project here.

Community Cyber Safety Outreach at Laurel Park Elementary

The Information Technology (IT) Security team was invited by the Laurel Park Elementary PTA and principal to participate in the school’s annual science fair. IT Security Manager Erik Chapman delivered a 30-minute cyber safety presentation for approximately 40 parents, fifth-grade students, and staff. The presentation prompted a thoughtful discussion among the group. Principal Lovett shared appreciation for the partnership and invited the team to return for future sessions.

Important Dates

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, December 17
6:00 p.m.

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, December 17
6:15 p.m.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.

Statement and Comments on Town Manager and News Stories

At the time of writing this I am still unable to talk about the town manager’s leave. The statement I issued at the work session on December 9^th still holds:

“Tonight marks our first televised and streamed council work session. Moving forward, all work sessions, quarterly meetings, and retreats will be accessible for public viewing. I introduced this proposal at our November meeting, and it was unanimously approved by the council.

Transparency and accountability are extremely important to me, which is why making all of our meetings publicly available is essential. This step is especially critical in light of recent events.

A public records request submitted several weeks ago produced receipts, emails, and other documents that revealed certain key information had not been shared with me or the full council, and that decisions were made without council approval.

While I would like to provide more details about the manager’s leave, state law currently prevents me from doing so. However, as soon as we are legally permitted to share additional information, we will.”

It is my hope that we will be able to provide information soon.

There was a news story this past week about the town manager’s spending at an ICMA (International City/County Management Association) conference in Austin, Texas in 2023. In the story it talks about my presence there as if I was representing the town. Not true. Why did they add this to the story? Who knows. I am guessing they are angry because I won’t break the law and provide more information about the town manager’s leave. What was their intention? Not sure. But it made people question my integrity. And now the truth about me behind the misleading news story about my presence at this conference …

I work part time (average about five hours a week) as a Government Relations consultant with an engineering firm based in the area. I am not allowed to work on any issues related to Cary. Part of my job is to go around the country and give talks with past national President of the APWA (American Public Works Association) and sometimes help with the company’s booth. The purpose of those booths is to gather sales leads. In the evening the marketing people host those leads at dinner. At this conference there were not enough leads to fill the table that was reserved. They asked if I would contact the Cary people to see if they would attend. And that was what I did. Shame on the media outlet for trying to imply there was more going on.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Several complaints about lack of information on Manager’s leave.
A complaint about water service being cut off.
A complaint about a neighbor’s “light pollution”.
A video that included Cary’s Mayton Inn.
Several thank you messages about my commitment, dedication, and courage.
A complaint about a site plan approval.
A complaint about leaving the soccer facility after a College Cup match.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, Wake County Mayors Holiday event, Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, Sister Cities Holiday Party, and a Holiday walking tour event.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 21^st, 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.

Tea for the Soul, CAP Dinner, First Responders Breakfast, Council Sworn In, Rotary Peace Pole, and Cary Tree Lighting

Tea for the Soul

Tuesday, I participated in a program called “Tea for the Soul” at WakeMed Raleigh with elected officials from Wake Forest, and Raleigh. We were also joined by the Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Authority. The “Tea for the Soul” program is run by the spiritual care chaplain. It involves visiting ICU healthcare workers and offering hot tea, sweets, snacks, and a moment to relax. I was honored just to meet these frontline workers that are the difference between life and death every day. We visited three ICU sections at WakeMed Raleigh and had our picture made at the last one. WakeMed does over 400 of these at all their facilities every year. I look forward to participating in another one soon. Words can’t express what all these frontline workers mean to our community.

Annual CAP Dinner

Tuesday night I joined council members Smith, Craig, and Bansal for the CAP (Citizens Assisting Police) Appreciation Dinner. This is put on every year by the police department for the more than 120 CAP members. I provided remarks along with the police chief and other officers. I also invited Council member Jack Smith to make a few remarks since this was his last official act as a 36-year council member. I, along with many others, will miss Jack.

First Responders Breakfast

Wednesday morning, I joined council members Craig and Bansal at the Cary Chamber’s First Responders Breakfast. The keynote speaker was NC Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson. There were hundreds of firefighters, police officers, EMS, and other first responders in attendance.

Cary is blessed with exceptional fire and police departments, and our gratitude for these everyday heroes runs deep. Thank you to every first responder who bravely moves toward danger so the rest of us can stay safe.

Council Sworn In

A reception was held Thursday evening in the lobby outside the council chambers for newly elected council members Bella Huang and Brittany Richards, and re-elected council member Carissa Kohn-Johnson. There were about a hundred people in attendance.

Before the regularly scheduled council meeting, we gathered in the council chambers for pictures.

The meeting included the swearing-in of the council members and their remarks. The council then elected Lori Bush as the Mayor Pro-Tem. I announced my council liaison appointments and other committees before adjourning. The entire meeting lasted about 25 minutes.

Rotary Peace Pole Dedication

Friday, I joined council members Kohn-Johnson, Craig, Richards, and Huang in the dedication of Cary’s first Peace Pole sponsored by the Cary Rotary.

Peace Poles carry the message of peace, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, in several languages from around the world. Peace Poles are recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument dedicated to peace on earth. Peace Poles have been planted on every continent in over 200,000 communities by friends and supporters working in unison to uplift the consciousness of humankind.

The dedication event included comments by Rotarians, me, NC Senator Adcock, and NC Representative Cervania. Afterwards I was given the honor of unveiling the pole. This was followed by various groups taking their picture with the pole including council members.

I do hope this Peace Pole acts as beacons of hope, inspiring people to come together and work towards a more peaceful world rejecting divisiveness.

Cary Tree Lighting

Saturday night the entire council joined me in a brief ceremony to officially light the town Christmas Tree in Downtown Cary Park. Lauren Johnson of WTVD was the emcee, introduced me, and I made a few remarks before introducing the council. To light the tree, I invited my 3-year-old grandson, Brady, to help. It was a special time for me, and I hope everyone had a great time. Enjoy the holidays!

Manager’s Weekly Report

Council,

I had the pleasure of celebrating our first responders at the Cary Chamber breakfast on Wednesday, always a meaningful reminder of the courage and care behind their service. What a special night with Council last night, and congratulations again to Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards. Holiday activities in downtown Cary are also picking up, with the Tree Lighting at Downtown Cary Park this Saturday. To make room for the festivities and the expected crowds, Academy Street will be closed from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It’s shaping up to be a bright and busy weekend in Cary, and I hope you get a chance to enjoy a little of it.

Russ

Deputy Town Manager

December 9 Work Session – Policies

The following policies may be discussed at the Council Work Session on Tuesday, December 9. Links to the policies are provided below for your review and familiarization with the content in advance.

Policy 143: Rules of Procedure for the Cary Town Council
Policy 150: Boards and Commissions General Rules of Order
Policy 164: Ethics Policy for Town Council
Policy 181: Conflicts of Interest and Gift Policy for Federal Procurement

Q1 Report

The Quarterly Report for July through September is available online. This quarter’s highlights include FY 2026 first-quarter financial results; the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, which drew 55,000 visitors downtown; a $400,000 donation from the Shane Pegram Family Foundation to renovate the Davis Drive Park playground; Cary’s new FEMA flood rating, which may lower flood insurance costs for some residents; and Cary’s first Scam Jam and Senior Home Fair.

ICCP ENGAGE and MOVE Chapter Updates

After many months of meaningful conversation, idea sharing, and community engagement, the draft Cary Bike Plan is now available for review.

Cary is also seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the Imagine Cary Community Plan (ICCP). These updates focus on the ENGAGE and MOVE chapters and reflect recent planning efforts and Council direction.

The ENGAGE chapter update incorporates the new Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) System Plan, which was approved by Council in December 2024. The plan will move forward for formal adoption as part of this comprehensive plan amendment process.

The MOVE chapter update integrates recommendations from the draft Cary Bike Plan and incorporates Vision Zero principles following Council’s April 2025 resolution adopting a Vision Zero strategy.

Community feedback is currently being collected on the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment and the Cary Bike Plan. Staff anticipates bringing the amendments to Council for consideration in early 2026.

Fire Gets Recommended for Reaccreditation

The Fire Department wrapped up a peer team visit on November 20 as part of its application for reaccreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Four team members from fire departments across the country toured facilities and spoke to personnel from Fire and several other departments and partner agencies to verify and validate Fire’s documents and processes supporting its pursuit of continuous improvement. The team recommended reaccreditation, and if the commission approves it at its hearings in the spring, it will be the Cary Fire Department’s sixth accreditation since 1999.

Higgins Greenway Mid-Block Crossing Improvements

Higgins Greenway Phase III crosses Griffis Street at a mid-block location. Narron Contracting and Public Works staff worked together to install and program new signage and push-button-activated, solar-powered lights that alert drivers when pedestrians are using the crosswalk. This upgrade is designed to enhance and improve the crossing for both greenway users and drivers.

Western Parkway Bridge Repair Update

As of November 19, the Weston Parkway bridges over the Black Creek Greenway have reopened to two-way, two-lane traffic. Improvements were performed to protect the structural components from water infiltration and extend the service life of the concrete. Restoration work, including final pavement markings, will continue over the next several weeks, weather permitting.

Paramount Pump Station Construction Update

Wastewater flows were transferred from the old Paramount Pump Station to the new station this week, marking the completion of 16 months of construction. Located along Paramount Parkway, the new facility increases pumping capacity to 1 million gallons per day, supporting planned development including the Wake Tech RTP campus, TownePlace Suites Marriott, and Perimeter Park Tracts 4 and 6. The original station, acquired from Morrisville during the 2006 utility merger, sat within the 100-year floodplain. The new station provides both capacity upgrades and improved resiliency by being located outside the 500-year floodplain. Replacing aging infrastructure strengthens system reliability, reduces the risk of wastewater spills, and supports future growth. After several weeks of smooth operation, the old pump station will be demolished and the site restored to a natural state.

Annual Water Main Replacement Project Begins Construction

The Annual Water Main Replacement Project is beginning downtown. J.F. Wilkerson Construction Co. was awarded the contract at the August 28 Council meeting and will begin mobilizing on December 8. Residents in affected areas have been notified. The project will replace approximately 5,000 feet of existing water main, and the aging sewer infrastructure along Shirley Drive will be upgraded before the street is resurfaced. Work on Shirley Drive will not begin before January 12.

This project complements recent improvements on Griffis Street, Harrison Avenue, and Kildaire Farm Road by upsizing and completing a loop of water main on Shirley Drive. Increasing the pipe size from 8 to 12 inches will strengthen system resiliency and support the growing demands of nearby redevelopment. Additional work includes new water main installations on Tanglewood Drive, Logan Circle, and Carnoustie Circle, along with new connections on Sarazen Meadow Way and Crabtree Crossing Parkway. The full project is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Cary Hosts Connected Vehicle Summit

In November, Cary partnered with Applied Information and Temple, Inc. to host a Connected Vehicle Summit at Downtown Cary Park. The event brought together about 40 participants from industry, municipal, and state transportation agencies to learn about Cary’s Connected Vehicle (CV) program and discuss the future of CV technology nationwide.

Cary’s CV program is among the most advanced in the country, integrating features that support drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, school zones, emergency response, transit, and railroad crossings. Presentations highlighted how this technology enhances mobility efficiency for our citizens and previewed the next generation of CV advancements.

The day concluded with demonstration rides around downtown, giving attendees a firsthand look at the program in action. The rides showcased the full range of CV features as well as the growing potential of autonomous vehicle technology.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Walkthrough

Staff braved a heavy mist at Downtown Cary Park this morning for a run-through of tomorrow’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, ensuring a smooth production for visitors to the event and those watching online. As the new Cary Town Council flips the switch at 6 p.m., viewers can tune in to Cary TV on Spectrum cable channel 11 or online at carync.tv, Facebook, and YouTube. A view of the festivities will also be featured on the World Christmas Webcam for those watching around the globe.

Cary Citizen Celebrates 101^st Birthday

Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett attended the 101st birthday celebration of Cary resident Ruth “Jeanne” Marmarose on Thursday at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. During the event, Michelle presented Ms. Marmarose with a letter of recognition from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. Jeanne has led an extraordinary life marked by service, love, and family. A proud member of the Nurse Corps during World War II, she served her country with compassion and courage. She later married her college sweetheart, Frank Marmarose, a Navy dentist, and together they built a beautiful family. Cary is proud to honor Jeanne’s remarkable journey and the legacy she continues to inspire in our community.

Growing the Future of Regenerative Agriculture in NC

As Good Hope Farm marks its tenth year as a regenerative agriculture education site, it welcomed students from UNC’s new Environment, Energy & Ecology program for their senior capstone research this semester. Using the site as a living classroom, the students explored the region’s agricultural history and examined how regenerative practices can support local food systems and environmental sustainability. Their hands-on work included tours, volunteer activities, interviews, and community engagement, culminating in the presentation of their final project this week to project sponsor and Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator Sarah Justice.

The students’ research highlighted Indigenous farming practices and the contributions of African American agricultural history to modern techniques.

10^th Annual NC Chinese Lantern Festival

The 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival returned to Koka Booth Amphitheatre this month. The festival is open through January, featuring all-new lantern displays, cultural performances, menu items, and merchandise. At the media preview on November 14, Mayor Weinbrecht opened the festival with the ceremonial “flipping of the switch,” joined by Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith, as well as NC Representative Ya Liu and members of Cary’s citizen boards and commissions. Opening weekend drew 11,764 visitors, an increase from 9,408 last year, marking a strong start to the season.

ACC Soccer Championships

Over the past two weeks, WakeMed Soccer Park hosted six soccer matches as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships. Fans from across the country came to experience Cary and one of the nation’s top soccer landmarks. With Stanford claiming the women’s title and Southern Methodist University (SMU) capturing the men’s championship, the event was a fantastic lead-in to the NCAA Men’s College Cup coming to Cary this December.

Old North State Storytelling Festival

The North Carolina Storytellers Guild returned to The Cary Theater November 7 – 8 for its annual Storytelling Festival. The event featured three sold-out performances totaling 465 patrons, along with a special sensory-friendly show. While attendees traveled from across the state, 64% of those in the audience were Cary residents. Audiences enjoyed homespun stories that were both humorous and heartfelt, making it a memorable event for all who attended.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, December 8
5:15 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, December 8
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Tuesday, December 9
5:30 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, December 9
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, December 10
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Thursday, December 11
5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, December 11
6:30 p.m.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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 complaint EBikes on greenways.
Several requests for interviews.
A complaint about Wake County Public Schools.
Thanks for my leadership during the ICE raids.
A complaint about the Weston rezoning proposal.
Thanks for my leadership in being transparent.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Leadership Cary event, two council work sessions, the only regularly scheduled council meeting of December, a staff member’s retirement party, the Cary Police Winter Wonderland event, Wreaths Across America, and the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 14^th, 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.

All-Hands Staff Meeting, Cary Tennis Classic Board, Downtown Cary Park Impact, and Thanksgiving

All-Hands Staff Meeting

I joined Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton on Monday afternoon for an all-hands meeting with Town of Cary staff. We announced that the town manager had been put on administrative leave. And while I would have liked to have provided more information, statutes prohibited me from discussing it.

Cary is blessed to have one of the best staff in the nation including strong leadership on all levels.

We will share more news when we are able.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

I met with the Cary Tennis Classic Board on Monday night. Our topics included a recap of this year and planning for next year, a Chamber After Hours event, potential facility upgrades, and future event dates. BTW, the 2026 Cary Tennis Classic will be from June 28^th through July 5^th.

Downtown Park Economic Impact

Tuesday I was presented with a recently completed draft study on the impact of Downtown Cary Park. Incentis Group was contracted to do the study and completed projections through 2028. The analysis focuses on the area within a half-mile radius of the park, which has seen significant economic benefit from the park. The study finds that the park and surrounding areas will generate over $18 million in annual economic activity, and $3.6 million per year in new revenue by 2028.

Thanksgiving

I am grateful that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my wife, both daughters, son-in-law and my grandchildren. I thoroughly enjoyed being with them and I hope everyone was able to spend time with someone they love.

Council Out and About

Pack 216 Visit with Mayor Weinbrecht

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht spoke and participated in a meeting with Pack 216, a Cary-based Cub Scout Pack. Den 12 consists of fourth grade students working on their Webelo requirements.

Veterans Day Event

Councilmember Jack Smith emceed the event at Cary’s Veterans Freedom Park, where Mayor Harold Weinbrecht read the proclamation. Additional Councilmembers in attendance included Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig.

Councilmember Smith also attended and spoke at the American Legion Post 67 Veterans Event.

Beyond the Storm: Supporting Community Disaster Resilience and Long-Term Recovery

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht provided welcoming remarks at Beyond the Storm: Supporting Community Disaster Resilience and Long-Term Recovery, a statewide convention hosted by Verizon’s Responsible Business Team in Cary, N.C. The event gathered public officials, emergency management leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to discuss strengthening North Carolina’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery systems. More than 60 volunteers assembled 300 disaster-relief kits in one hour, demonstrating the strength of coordinated community action.

Chinese Lantern Festival Event

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht also offered welcoming remarks at the Chinese Lantern Festival media event, kicking off this year’s festival. He was joined by Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith as they flipped the switch to illuminate the lantern displays.

Parkside Town Commons Holiday Event

Councilmember Sarika Bansal provided welcome remarks and flipped the light switch to kick off the holiday season at Parkside Town Commons.

Cub Scout Pack 201 Visit with Councilmember Bush

Councilmember Lori Bush engaged and answered questions with Cub Scout Pack 201, a group of 25 Scouts (boys and girls in K-5) with their parents in attendance, to learn about the importance of the democratic process, why voting matters, and what it means to serve in an elected role.

Receptions in Honor of Outgoing Councilmembers

Mayor Weinbrecht recognized Councilmember Jack Smith at a reception held in his honor and presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He also recognized Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson at a reception celebrating her service and announced the creation of the Bryson Nature Preserve. Various Councilmembers attended both events.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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

In my 22 years of being an elected official the holidays unfortunately have brought out the worst in people. Here are some of the things that were said to me this holiday week: “you are playing pretend like children”, “you are a fool”, “you are fear mongering”, “you are caught in this immature idealistic woke brainwashing”, “you are narcissistic”, you are “delusional”, and you are a “weak foolish man”.
A complaint about light pollution from a neighbor.
A question about home appreciation.
A request to help with health literacy.
Thanks for helping with a long-term RV parking problem.
Invitations to many holiday events.
A complaint about E-Bikes on greenways.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a WakeMed event, the CAP (Citizens Assisting Police) dinner, the First Responders breakfast, the Council’s Organizational meeting, the Cary Rotary Peace Pole Dedication, the Victorian Christmas event at Page Walker, the Cary Tree Lighting, and a Neurodiversity in a Religious Setting talk.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 7^th, 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.

Cary #4 for Remote Work, Hometown Spirit Award, Wake County Mayors Association, ICE Raids Cary, First National Bank Opening, Cary Matters Taping with New Council, Council Reviews of Manager/Clerk/Attorney, CAMPO, Jack Smith’s Farewell Reception, Jennifer Bryson Robinson’s Farewell Reception, Council Meeting, Waverly Tree Lighting, and Fenton Tree Lighting

Cary #4 in Nation for Remote Work

I was notified Monday that Cary is the 4^th best municipality in America for Remote Workers according to CoWorkingCafe. Their rankings included a review of 215 cities where a dozen measures were considered which included coworking space, cost of living, median income, average rent, and share of remote workers.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday, I contacted council members to hear about questions or concerns on the upcoming agenda. Since the agenda was light there weren’t any questions and the meeting with the staff later in the day was brief.

Hometown Spirit Award

Monday afternoon I joined council members in recognizing three incredible community leaders who were nominated for the Hometown Spirit Award: Matthew Gronke, Nancy Haywood, and Carla Michaels. The committee to decide the winner is made up mostly of previous winners so I had no idea who the winner would be. Here were the comments I made about each:

Matthew Gronke:

Our first finalist, Matthew Gronke, has called Cary home since 1992 — and he’s spent those years making a lasting difference in our community.

As founder of the Cary Free Bicycle Project, Matthew has given away more than 250 bicycles to local residents — free of charge. His work helps people get where they need to go, stay active, and enjoy the simple joy of riding.

You’ll find Matthew at community events like the Cary Children’s Festival and Carolina Cares Christmas, sharing bikes with families in need and spreading smiles wherever he goes.

He also serves as treasurer and board member of Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, helping maintain our local trails. At Laurel Park Elementary, he’s the Vice President of Fundraising for the PTA — and yes, he even puts on the “Lucky the Penguin” mascot suit to cheer on the kids!

Many children also know him as “Bluey,” as he volunteers in costume for local nonprofits and library events. Whether advocating for better bike infrastructure or volunteering his time, Matthew leads with energy, creativity, and heart — showing us all what it means to build a more connected and caring Cary.

Nancy Haywood:

Our next finalist, Nancy Haywood, who was born and raised in Cary shines brightly as a true example of “service above self.”
Nancy is a devoted member of the Cary-Kildaire Rotary Club, and she sponsors the Interact Club at Cary High School, mentoring students in leadership and volunteerism. She gives countless hours to projects that strengthen our community.

Nancy’s generosity extends across Cary — from helping local nonprofits like Mama Edna’s Thrift Shop and the Habitat ReStore, to connecting volunteers and ensuring that families in need receive support.

She’s organized food drives, helped families in transition, and rallied others to lend a hand — often with her own family and students by her side. Her energy, kindness, and compassion make her a constant source of light for so many.

Nancy’s work reminds us that community spirit begins with seeing a need — and taking action. Her leadership and heart go into everything she does.

Carla Michaels:

Our final finalist, Carla Michaels, is a lifelong Cary resident whose roots here run deep — generations deep. Her ancestors helped shape this town, and today she honors their legacy by preserving and sharing Cary’s rich history.

Carla is a board member of the Friends of the Page-Walker and a dedicated volunteer with Upchurch and Allied Families, spending countless hours uncovering, documenting, and telling the stories of Cary’s early residents.

She leads historic walking tours — sometimes dressed as an early 1900s schoolteacher — and she’s been featured in town projects like CARY at 150. Her enthusiasm brings history to life for everyone who meets her.

Carla is also a strong advocate for historic preservation, working to protect landmarks like the Nancy Jones House and Ivey-Ellington House, and to honor veterans and overlooked historical figures. Through her leadership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, she promotes education, patriotism, and community service.

With warmth, generosity, and grace, Carla connects Cary’s past to its present — and ensures its story continues to inspire future generations.

While I would have loved for all three to be picked, there was only one award. This year’s Hometown Spirit Award winner was Carla Michaels. CONGRATULATIONS CARLA! What a great lady.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night the Wake County Mayors Association held their last meeting of the year in Morrisville. In attendance were the mayors of Apex, Cary, Garner, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest and Wendell. Mayor Gray of Wendell was elected to be President of the Association and Mayor Gupton of Garner was elected to be Vice President and Treasurer. For me it was sad to say goodbye to longtime mayor and friend Vivian Jones of Wake Forest. She did a great job in her 24 years as mayor.

ICE Raid in Raleigh and Cary

On Tuesday ICE agents, based in Charlotte, made raids in the Raleigh – Cary metro area. From information I obtained there were three arrests in Cary and fifteen overall. People on both sides of the immigration issue were upset and complained to me. I issued the following statement.

“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.”

Of course, I was pounded with nasty emails after the statement was issued including statements that said I was brainwashed and “woke”.

First National Bank Opening

Tuesday, I attended the opening of a new First National Brank branch in Cary next to Morrisville. There were about fifty people in attendance including NC representatives, Mayor Cawley of Morrisville, and council members from Morrisville and Cary. In case you haven’t been in a bank in a while, like me, they look much different with kiosks able to handle most of your transactions.

The ceremony included comments from bank executives, Cary and Morrisville chamber presidents, and Mayor Cawley and me.

Cary Matters Taping with New Council Members

Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to do a Cary Matters taping with newly elected council members Brittany Richards and Bella Huang. The purpose of the episodes was to allow the public to get to know them better. Questions included:

Tell us about your background.
What was your first interaction with the town?
What excites you about being a councilmember?
What is your passion?

The episodes will air in December after they have been sworn into office.

Council Review of Attorney, Clerk, and Manager

Tuesday night the council held a closed session to perform its annual review of employees: the Town Clerk, Town Attorney, and Town Manager. After three hours in closed session the council adjourned. After the regular meeting on Thursday the council spent another three to four hours in closed session on this matter.

CAMPO

I participated in a meeting with the CAMPO (Capital Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting had five consent items, two public hearings, and three discussion items.

The consent items were approved unanimously and included minutes, TY 2026 Wake Transit Administrative items, CFA Community Funding Area) Program Management Plan update, 2025 updated Public Transportation Agency Safety Performance Measures and Targets, and Safety Performance Measure Targets 2026.

The first discussion item was an update on the 2055 MTP/CTP (Metropolitan Transportation Plan). This was approved pending air quality conformity. The second discussion item was an amendment to the FY 2026-2035 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) which was also approved unanimously.

Jack’s and Jennifer’s Farewell Celebrations

Wednesday night I had the honor of being the emcee at Jack Smith’s farewell event. He served 36 years on the Cary council. Dozens of people were in attendance including all three living Cary Mayors: Glen Lang, Ernie McCalister, and me. My remarks were mostly stories and a high-level review of all his accomplishments. Of course, there was no way I could begin to cover all that he has done as a council member. After my remarks I presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to Jack. This is North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by the Governor to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state through exemplary service.

Jack was a wealth of knowledge that will be deeply missed. He is a good friend, and I will miss working with him.

Thursday night I emceed the farewell celebration for Jennifer Byson Robinson which was also attended by dozens of people. Like Jack, she was a friend that I have known for a long time. She served 26 years with passion and dedication working for the town on the local, regional, and national levels.

In preparing remarks for her event, I came up with four pages of bullet points realizing there was no way to cover all that she had done. So, I kept my remarks brief and then presented a sign naming the 217 acres in west Cary to the Bryson Nature Reserve saying, “a beautiful park for a beautiful person”. Jennifer was so gracious in her remarks and acknowledged her family. She is probably one of the few people who gave birth to two children while in office.

Jennifer is a good friend. I will miss her passion and serving with her on council.

Words cannot possible capture what Jack and Jennifer have meant to this town and to me. I wish them the best in the next chapter of their lives and hope they stay involved.

Council Meeting

The town council held its last regular scheduled meeting in November on Thursday night. This was also the last meeting for Jack Smith and Jennifer Bryson Robinson. The agenda included two presentations, two consent items, and two discussion items.

The first presentation was the Capital Area Preservation Anthemion Award for the relocation and rehabilitation of the historic Ivey-Ellington House. The second award was recognition of Cary’s stormwater team for receiving an NC APWA award.

The first consent item was to remove the Ferrell Road Annexation from the meeting agenda which was approved unanimously. The second consent item was 25-A-08 which called for a Public Hearing for the annexation which is on Jones Franklin Road.

The first discussion item was the official renaming of the Earnest Jones property in Chatham County to the Bryson Nature Preserve. This was a no-brainer especially since we presented it to her at her farewell event.

The second discussion item was added to the agenda by me so that all council meetings, whether remote or not, will be streamed or televised. After discussion this was approved. A follow motion was also approved to investigate streaming all boards and commissions meeting. This also included asking board members if they are OK serving on boards if they are streamed.

After the regular agenda council went into closed session which lasted for several hours.

Waverly Tree Lighting

Friday night I joined Jack Smith in welcoming the crowd to Waverly Place for the Tree Lighting. After a little banter we introduced Santa who performed a countdown and lit the tree with magic dust. The crowd was entertained by the Embers. What a great way to start the holiday season.

Fenton Tree Lighting

Saturday night I was at Fenton for their tree lighting. The event was “Light the Square” with Abby Leigh from WQDR as the emcee. She invited me up, I gave welcome remarks and wished everyone season’s greetings. After my remarks there were several professional style performances before Santa came on stage. Santa did a countdown, flipped the switch, and the holiday season officially started at Fenton. This was their fourth year for this event, and I have been privileged to be a part of all of them.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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 complaint about the need for a stoplight on Green Level Church Road (while I wish we could make those decisions; it is the decision of NCDOT).
Best wishes for the holiday season.
Complaints that I wasn’t protecting people from ICE. Here is some of the blame I received: I was assisting “these bullies who are here only to kidnap and terrorize”, I was “standing aside for ICE is the same as supporting them”, we are not “protecting our community”, we are not protecting our community from “illegal, unconstitutional onslaught”, my silence was “unacceptable”.
Two complaints about the statement I made on the ICE raid. That I was “caught up in this immature idealistic work brainwashing” and that I was “turning a blind eye to those who cheat the system”.
A complaint that the statement I made about ICE was like when “people say they are keeping gun violence victims in our thoughts and prayers”.
A complaint about not being set up an Angel Tree.
Thank you for the Hometown Spirit Award ceremony.
A complaint about RV long-term parking.
Thank you for volunteer recommendations.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, and Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and is able to spend time with the ones they love.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, November 30^th, 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.

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 11^th 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 30^th.
$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

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 23^rd, 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.

Walter Hines Page DAR 100th Anniversary, Election, Economic Update by Abernathy, Cary Chamber Economic Development, CPA Graduation, HRID, Veterans Luncheon, and Visit with Cub Scout Pack 216

Walter Hines Page DAR 100th Anniversary

I was provided photos of my proclamation for the Walter Hines Page DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Chapter’s 100^th anniversary in London. The proclamation was warmly received by the Chapter and the President General of DAR.

A wreath was laid at the Walter Hines Page Memorial in Westminster Abbey. HRH Princess Anne and the American Ambassador attended the wreath laying ceremony along with many members from DAR from around the world. The Town of Cary was recognized for the proclamation at several of the events celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Chapter.

NC Senator Adcock’s Legislative Update

A summary of legislative actions was sent to me from NC Senator Adcock. Here is her summary:

“I wish there was better news to share in this newsletter.

State budget impasse

North Carolina has been without a new 2-year state budget for more than 120 days beyond the start of the July 1 fiscal year. This has not caused a state government shutdown because of a 2016 NC law that established an automatic continuing resolution (CR). Whenever a new budget isn’t passed on time, this CR kicks in and the state continues to function using the previous year’s certified budget. It’s not uncommon for the budget deadline to be missed by days or weeks, and running state government for a short period on an “old” budget typically isn’t a big deal. But operating on an old budget for 2 years is a problem. In 2019, the Republican-controlled legislature’s budget was vetoed by Democratic Governor Cooper, and that veto held. That 2019 stand-off was the result of partisan disagreements about spending and policy. This year is very different.

As a reminder, it takes a simple majority to pass a budget bill (26 votes in the Senate; 61 in the House). The current budget stalemate is between Republican leaders who hold 30 of 50 Senate seats and 71 of 120 House seats. They have the votes needed to pass any budget they create yet have (thus far) been unable or unwilling to resolve their differences and agree on a budget.

In real life terms, the lack of a new budget means that public school teachers and state employees’ paychecks haven’t kept pace with inflation at the same time they’re paying higher prices for gas and groceries and beginning Jan 1 will pay higher monthly premiums for State Health Plan insurance coverage. Without a new budget with meaningful raises, teachers and state employees will have less take-home pay in 2026 than they do right now. Failure to pass a budget also means delays in NCDOT highway projects, university campus capital improvements, and public safety investments. These are just a few examples of what’s at stake without a new budget.

Medicaid reimbursement cuts

Another casualty of the collapse of negotiations between House and Senate leaders is the Medicaid “rebase” (the amount needed in a new fiscal year to keep Medicaid services at the same level as the previous fiscal year). The $819M rebase request by the NC Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) would normally be included in a new budget. Without that vehicle, the legislature passed a small spending bill (aka “mini budget”) at the end of July that included $500M for the rebase, leaving a $319M shortfall. DHHS alerted legislators that without additional rebase funding it would have to cut provider reimbursements and programs to stay within its budgeted funds. With no end in sight for the budget impasse and no agreement between Republican leaders on a separate spending bill despite multiple opportunities to do so, DHHS announced in September that these cuts would go into effect October 1. The resultant across-the-board reimbursement cuts to hospitals and individual providers ranging from 3%-10% (with hospitals in the latter category), plus DHHS staff layoffs and several program eliminations, are intended to meet the agency’s fiduciary responsibility to operate with the funds it actually has. DHHS cannot operate on the hope that the needed funds could come next January or April—6-9 months into the fiscal year. The adversarial relationship between House and Senate leaders that is being played out in the press and social media makes pushing DHHS’ hard decisions into next year a bad bet.

I’ve lost count of the number of appeals I’ve had from hospitals, primary care and specialty physicians; occupational, speech-language, and other therapists; and home care providers to end the stalemate and pass a spending bill to fund the remainder of the rebase so reimbursement cuts can be reversed. They are worried about their ability to keep their doors open and continue to care for their Medicaid patients. The most heartbreaking stories are from the family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for whom home or facility care—paid for by Medicaid—is absolutely vital to their survival. Because of the power dynamic of the legislature, the power to fix this situation is in the hands of Speaker Hall and Senator Berger.

Federal government shutdown halts SNAP benefits

On October 10, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed states there would not be enough funds for November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the government shutdown continued. On October 24, the USDA sent a second state notification that it would not use roughly $6 B in contingency funds to cover the shortfall. On October 27, the USDA publicly announced that no SNAP benefits would be issued on November 1. North Carolina’s monthly SNAP allotment is $230-$250 M per month.

NC DHHS announced at the end of October that its funds for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will be exhausted after early November.

Unlike in Virginia and North Dakota where the governors have pledged to appropriate state funds to fill the gap, North Carolina’s governor cannot appropriate money, only the legislature can do this. North Carolina has $3.6 B in a “rainy day fund” and $3.2 B in “unreserved cash balance” according to the state controller. The House and Senate are adjourned until Nov 17. While Governor Stein could call the legislature into a special session before that time, legislators would not be compelled to pass a funding bill for this purpose.

On October 28, NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a lawsuit against the federal government, asking courts to force the USDA to use its contingency reserve to keep SNAP operating amid the shutdown.

More than 600,000 NC households—1.4 M children and adults—receive SNAP benefits. Four in five participating families have a child, senior or adult with a disability. More than 80% of SNAP recipients are employed; more than 580,000 are children.

BREAKING NEWS—On October 31, 2 federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds to fund SNAP during the shutdown. Both rulings gave the administration until today, Monday, Nov 3 to say how it would pay for SNAP. It wasn’t clear how quickly benefit cards could be reloaded and both decisions are likely to be appealed.

Meanwhile, the food crisis is real and while it may not directly affect you or your family, it likely impacts someone you know and care about. Here are 2 options for helping those in our community who are food insecure:

Dorcas Ministries: Check here for a list of most needed food items. Drop off your donations at either of these pantry locations:

Apex Pantry—1600 Olive Chapel Road, Suite 408 (Flex 540 Office Space). Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–4 PM. For large food drives, please call ahead to arrange drop-off. 24/7 donation box available outside the front doors.

Cary Pantry—193 High House Road (Dorcas Plaza). Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–3 PM. Pull around the right side of the building—blue donation bins are under the awning. To get a receipt or drop off a large number of items from a food drive, enter through the double doors and alert the volunteers who are happy to help unload. Financial contributions are also appreciated.

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: In addition to partnerships with local farmers, retailers, and manufacturers, the Food Bank network welcomes donations from community members—including factory-sealed, nonperishable products and beverages, refrigerated or frozen items and produce, and other non-food essentials such as hygiene items, cleaning items, or paper products. Food safety regulations require donated items to be sealed and have all ingredients listed. You can also make a financial contribution here.

New Congressional maps

During the legislature’s brief return in mid-October, the Senate redrew 2 of the state’s 14 congressional districts to guarantee that the previously highly competitive District 1 would elect a Republican in the 2026 midterm election. This is not my opinion or conjecture; this is what Senator Ralph Hise (R-Ashe) stated for the record when he introduced the bill on the Senate floor. To accomplish this, 6 entire coastal counties and part of one more were moved from the third district to the first, while 4 agricultural counties were shifted from the first district to the third. One of those 4 counties (Greene) is where current Democratic Congressman Don Davis lives, moving him into the congressional district represented by Republican Congressman Greg Murphy. This unprecedented mid-cycle redistricting was hotly debated and then passed the Senate along party lines. The House followed suit 2 days later. Governor Stein cannot veto redistricting bills. More details and analysis can be found in these WUNC and John Locke Foundation stories.

Latest on RDU land development

In its exploration of options for 136 acres of airport property near Aviation Parkway and I-40, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and developer Pacific Elm Properties held 3 public workshops in August, September and October. They are now working together on a term sheet and development agreement before project design begins. Additional details and an FAQ at www.rdu.com/recreation.

Raleigh Union Bus Station Facility

Also known as RUS Bus, GoTriangle’s newly-opened transit hub is located in the Warehouse District, strategically located adjacent to Raleigh Union Station train facility. RUS Bus was designed to serve the ever-growing Triangle region with high-quality public transportation offerings and as the new hub for GoTriangle. Highlights include 5 bays for passengers and 2 layover bays; waiting areas; passenger amenities and public restrooms; bike parking and bike racks and lockers; accommodations for future GoRaleigh Bus Rapid Transit; roadway improvements; and GoTriangle bus service improvements. Learn more at Raleigh Union Bus Station Facility.

A ray of HOPE

Every fall since 1980, I’ve attended the NC Nurses Association convention. I learn a lot from the many continuing education sessions, but what I enjoy most is the opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with longtime colleagues from across the state. This year’s meeting was in Winston Salem and included an extra-special treat that lifted everyone’s spirits (especially mine).

Thanks to Senator Adcock for all she does for Cary and for keeping us informed.

Manager One-On-One

The town manager and I met briefly for our weekly meeting on Monday. Topics included different scenarios of how staff feel after an election.

A Quote from Me Used in a Campaign Posting

I was made aware Monday, the day before the election, of a Facebook post using a quote from me. It was somewhat out of context, so I think it is important to understand the quote and the context. The recording was in April before the council began detailed discussions about the budget and the potential for a tax increase. Keep in mind the budget was approved in late June. A budget briefing exercise was presented to the Economic Development Committee members. The following is a dialog between me and board member Eastman during the meeting:

MAYOR: “…I had a conversation with a lady two days ago: ‘What happens when I can’t afford to pay my taxes anymore? What’s the answer to that? I have lived here 30 something years. What happens when I can’t afford to pay my taxes?’

EASTMAN: “She’s gonna sell”

MAYOR: “Yeah”

EASTMAN: “and move away and someone else is gonna come and buy.”

After that discussion over the next several weeks the council did a deep dive into the budget, put $85 million in capital projects on hold, and decided to increase the tax rate by 1.5 cents rather than cut police, fire, or public works which make up 80% of our expenses. With that tax rate we still have the lowest tax rate of all 12 municipalities in Wake County for the 17^th consecutive year.

It is also important to understand that no one has to be taxed out of their home. The equity gained in the last revaluation can be realized at any time and that would pay increases in taxes for years. For example, my home increased in value by $200,000 and my taxes went up by $2000. Realizing that equity now I can pay the increase in taxes for decades.

Town Manager’s Post to Employees About the Election

The town manager contacted all employees the day after the election with this posting:

“Team Cary,

Good morning.

I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your work leading up to and during yesterday’s election. Whether you directly supported election operations or ensured that our community continued receiving exceptional service, your professionalism made a difference.

Election Results

Yesterday was Election Day for three of our seven Cary Town Council seats. Based on the unofficial results from last night, Cary voters have chosen:

At-Large: Carissa Kohn-Johnson (re-elected)
District A: Brittany Richards
District C: Bella Huang (open seat)

The official canvass—the formal certification of results—is scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025. Results remain unofficial until that process is complete.

What Happens Next

Until then, Town operations continue as usual. Our purpose—to serve Cary with excellence, integrity, and care—remains the same. Following certification, staff will begin working with our Council to support onboarding and orientation for new members and to ensure a seamless transition as we continue advancing our shared priorities.

Continuing Leadership: Carissa Kohn-Johnson

We are pleased to congratulate Carissa Kohn-Johnson on her re-election as Cary’s At-Large Council Member. Since joining the Council in 2021, Carissa has been a thoughtful, engaged, and collaborative leader whose work reflects both her deep love for Cary and her dedication to equitable, sustainable growth.

Carissa has lived in Cary for nearly three decades and brings experience from her professional background in technology and public advocacy. Her leadership has focused on expanding access to affordable and safe housing, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring that Cary’s policies reflect the needs of all residents.

She continues to champion pragmatic solutions and inclusive engagement—values that align deeply with our organizational culture and with the vision that guides the Cary Way.

Welcoming New Council Member Brittany Richards

We are pleased to welcome Brittany Richards, who will represent District A. Brittany brings fresh energy and a community-centered vision for Cary. With a background in higher education and nonprofit work, she has been active in advocating for environmental protection, community engagement, and government accessibility.

Her priorities include:

Protecting Cary’s tree canopy and ensuring our natural spaces remain a defining strength of the town.
Supporting quality services for residents of all ages, including responsive customer service and vibrant community programming.
Expanding housing affordability so that public servants, seniors, and others earning below the median area income can continue to live and thrive in Cary.

Brittany’s commitment to thoughtful growth, equity, and sustainability aligns strongly with our values as an organization, and I look forward to working with her in the months ahead.

Welcoming New Council Member Bella Huang

We are also excited to welcome Bella Huang, who will represent District C. Bella is a long-time Cary resident and community advocate with experience in urban planning and sustainability. She has been active in civic and volunteer efforts focused on youth engagement, cultural inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

Her priorities include:

Making District C more bikeable and walkable by connecting greenways and sidewalks.
Exploring solar on town facilities (via sponsorships and grants) and add more public EV chargers.
Expanding programs like “My Tree, Our Tree,” grow composting alongside the community farm, and improve bus service coverage.

Bella is passionate about maintaining Cary’s small-town feel as we grow, while ensuring that every resident—regardless of background—feels a true sense of belonging. Her thoughtful approach and enthusiasm for collaboration will be a welcome addition to the Council team and our shared work.

Honoring Council Members Jennifer Robinson and Jack Smith

This election also marks the conclusion of service for two long-standing Cary leaders: Jennifer Robinson and Jack Smith.

Jennifer has served our community for more than two decades in District A, representing Cary regionally and nationally with vision and grace. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing technology, sustainability, and intergovernmental collaboration. She has championed innovation, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive public service that will leave a lasting legacy. She has served on the boards of so many regional and state agencies that I could not begin to list them all. She is known throughout the state and nation for expertise in local government.

Jack’s service in District C spans nearly 36 years, making him one of Cary’s longest-serving elected officials. His thoughtful leadership, deep understanding of Cary’s history, and unwavering focus on what’s best for the community have guided countless decisions that shaped our growth and identity. His wisdom and steady presence will be deeply missed, and his influence will continue to be felt across generations.

We are profoundly grateful to both Jennifer and Jack for their decades of partnership, integrity, and devotion to the people of Cary. On a personal note, they are two of the seven council members that allowed me to come to this wonderful community and organization; for that I will forever be grateful.

Professionalism and Next Steps

In today’s politically charged environment, the Cary staff stood out once again. I am very proud of our ability to remain politically neutral in our official roles and avoiding any political activity while on duty or using Town resources. This is the mark of not only adherence to the law, but to our cultural values and democratic values of serving whomever the voters have chosen with the best of our capabilities. If residents or media ask about election results, please direct them to the Wake County Board of Elections or to our official Town of Cary communications channels.

Thank you for the pride, professionalism, and compassion you bring to your work every day. No matter who is elected, Cary’s greatest strength will always be its people—you.

In service to you,

Sean

Four Wake County Mayors Lose Elections

Four out of five Wake County Mayors lost their re-election bids. All of them were Republican. These include long-time mayor Vivan Jones from Wake Forest, Mayor Mayefskie from Holly Springs, Mayor Massengill from Fuquay Varina, and Mayor York from Zebulon. Mayor Curran made the following comments about the election in an email to the outgoing mayors:

“Sean/Blake

I hope you guys are doing well. I will miss you, and very much appreciative for all the work you guys have done for your communities and the Mayor’s Association. I have always thought Holly Springs and Fuquay were in a good place and don’t fully understand all that is going on. I hope non-political Mayors is not a thing of the past, but it looks that way. Many of you I never knew the letter beside your name, because that is not what we should be about. Enough of that. As for the Mayor’s Association meeting, has any information been shared with the town managers yet? I don’t recall seeing any communications. Let me know if I can help with transition. Vivian and Glenn, I will miss you as well.”

As a result of this election, I will now be the longest serving mayor in Wake County.

Ted Abernathy on the Economy

Wednesday morning Ted Abernathy gave an update on the economy at a Cary Chamber breakfast. Here are some of the takeaways from that talk:

According to the US economic policy, uncertainty index uncertainty has skyrocketed.
Most people believe that the pace of change will surge.
US economic outlook:
- Real Gross Domestic Product 2.0% in 2026 was 2.9% in 2023.
- Total US Employment 0.8% in 2026 was 2.2% in 2023.
- Real Disposable Personal Income 1.2% in 2026 was 5.1% in 2023.
- Consumer Price Index 2.5% in 2026 was 4.1% in 2023.
Growth is steady but it is projected to remain around 2%.
NC remains one of the strongest states in real GDP.
Raleigh metro has a 11.6% change in real GDP per capita from 2019 to 2024.
Unemployment remains low, but has been rising in 2025, and job creation has slowed.
Cary has the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 3.3%.
Employees are staying in their jobs, especially Gen Z and Millennials.
NC biggest employment gain in the last year was in education & health services, professional & technical services, and construction. There has been a significant loss in manufacturing.
The projected job growth in Raleigh metro is 11.4% in the next 10 years, which is the highest in the state along with Wilmington.
Cary employment is at 98,833 which is down from 98,994 in 2024.
Two thirds of the economy is consumer consumption.
NC is among the national leaders at 6.1% growth in personal consumption expenditures.
The average hourly earnings increased by 3.8% last year, which is the lowest since the recession.
Some of the biggest consumer price index changes have been in natural gas at 11.7%, motor vehicle repairs at 7.7%, hospital services at 5.5%, meat/fish/eggs at 5.2%, and electricity at 5.1%.
The average annual cost of a family health insurance plan is $26,993.
The US has had the highest tariffs since the 1940s.
Because of tariffs the average tax for a US household increased $1300 in 2025.
Businesses are absorbing the majority of tariff costs, but that is about to change.
Candy prices increased by over 10% in 2025.
In 2025, Americans are expected to spend $157 billion on their pets, 62% more than 2019.
Last year, consumer spending grew by almost 3%. That fell to 1.4% in the second quarter of this year and is expected to remain tepid.
The top 10% of earners now drives about half of spending, up from 36% three decades ago.
The loan delinquency rate for commercial properties rose to nearly 7.5% in October, compared with 6.0% a year ago. Office delinquencies hit another all-time high at almost 11.8%. The other big climb was in multifamily delinquencies which passed 7.1%.
Data Center spending I set to exceed office construction.
The Raleigh metro area has seen a 4% decrease in housing starts.
In 2010 Cary had 27% of new residential permits in Wake County. Now it has 5.7%.
Cary residential properties sold is about the same as last year which is one of the three lowest in 25 years.
Cary has saw a 58% rise in single family home values from 2015 to 2025. This past year it was 0.2%. We have the highest residential values in Wake County.
Based on residential properties sold Cary saw an average increase of 109% in the past ten years.
AI accounted for 80% of the gain in US stocks so far in 2025. AI was 40% of the growth in US real GDP last quarter.
North Carolina ranked as #1 state for business by CNBC, #2 by Business Facilities, #3 by Site Selection, and #4 by CEO magazine.
North Carolina ranked #1 for access to qualified labor, #3 for available sites, #6 for business incentive programs, #3 for cooperative and responsive state and local government, #2 for corporate taxes, #5 for energy availability and cost, #2 for favorable property tax environment, #5 for logistics and infrastructure, #7 for cost of doing business, #4 for site readiness, #8 for water availability, and #6 for workforce training.
Millennials are having even fewer children. Grade school population is now declining in most states due to fewer babies being born.
North Carolina is expected to see an 8.2% population increase by 2034 with Raleigh having the highest growth rate of over 18%.
Older workers continue to leave the labor force.
The current immigration policy is projected to reduce the US workforce by 6.8% million people by 2028 and by 15.7 million people by 2035.
Selected occupations that require workers to have bachelor’s degree will have the following worker shortages through 2032: managers 2.9 million, teachers 611,000, nurses 362,000, accountants and auditors 226,000, engineers 210,000, attorneys 203,000, and physicians 189,000.
The US has 26.80% of the world economy up from 24.40% in 1995. China has 16.90% of the world economy up from 2.4%.
China leads globally, producing much more than the US signaling a decline in American industrial dominance. Skills gaps, cumbersome procurement processes and restrictive policies limit innovative companies. Accelerating AI adoption and streamlining government contracts are crucial steps to rebuild America’s manufacturing prowess.
The US is the world’s top producer of both oil and gas. In 2023, fossil fuels were 75% of US energy production, with natural gas accounting for 38.2% and crude oil accounting for 26.1%. Renewable energy sources comprised 8.2%. Nuclear energy was at 8.1%.
Ford CEO Jim Farley declared, “Artificial Intelligence is going to replace literally half of all white-collar workers in the US. AI will leave a lot of white-collar people behind.
50% say they’re more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life, up from 37% in 2021. More than half of Americans (57%) rate the societal risks of AI as high, compared with 25% who say the benefits of AI are high.
65% of Americans believe businesses have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Cary Chamber Economic Development Report

The President of the Cary Chamber provided a quarterly Economic Development Report this week. Here are some of the takeaways:

Unemployment Data:
- Cary: 3.3% (as of 8/31/25)
- Wake County: 3.5% (as of 8/31/25)
- North Carolina: 3.7% (as of 8/31/25)
- United States: 4.3% (as of 8/31/25) – note, due to the government shutdown, the Sept. data for the US was not available.
Consumer Price Index:

Month	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Jan	257.971	261.582	281.148	299.17	311.08	320.32
Feb	258.678	263.014	283.716	300.84	312.041	320.775
Mar	258.115	264.877	287.504	301.836	313.224	321.105
Apr	256.389	267.054	289.109	303.363	314.133	321.489
May	256.394	269.195	292.296	304.127	315.012	321.75
Jun	257.797	271.696	296.311	305.109	315.933	321.98
Jul	259.101	273.003	296.276	306.016	316.734	323.048
Aug	259.918	273.567	296.171	307.026	317.241	323.976
Sep	260.28	274.31	296.808	307.789	317.693
Oct	260.388	276.589	298.012	308.352	318.301
Nov	260.229	277.948	297.711	309.26	319.014
Dec	260.474	278.802	296.797	310.149	319.811

Annual Inflation Rates

Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug
2025	3	2.8	2.4	2.3	2.4	2.7	2.7	2.9

2025 avg year to date is 2.65%
5 yr avg is 4.18%
Business Recruiting Pipeline: Active Projects: 16; Potential Jobs: 4,302; Potential Investment: $1.8B; Industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science, IT, Research & Development, and Clean Tech.
Heron Therapeutics moved their main operations from San Diego to Cary. They develop and commercialize innovative treatments primarily for oncology and acute care settings.
Invicta Water relocated their business from Burlington, NC to Cary to have a larger operation, be in a more modern space, and to further expand their client reach. They specialize in the removal and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” from water sources. Unlike traditional methods that merely filter or capture PFAS, Invicta Water’s technology aims to eliminate these harmful substances without producing toxic byproducts.
Park Overlook’s first phase is now complete. This west Cary development is in a prime location for this type of product type. They have signed 3 leases so far and have consistent activity from brokers showing the buildings.
The planning for the Cary Chamber Intercity visit is underway. After several meetings with our planning committee, we have focused our attention Minneapolis and St. Paul. The spring trip dates we are focused on are Sunday May 3rd – Wednesday May 6th. The programming days of the trip are May 4th and 5th, with allotting the 3rd and 6th for travel.

Citizens’ Police Academy Graduation

Wednesday night I had the joy of attending the 50^th graduation class ceremony of the Cary Police Academy. This group of citizens spent three hours for nine weeks learning everything there is to know about our police department. They now have the option of becoming part of the CAP team (Citizens Assisting Police).

I joined Chief Sult in providing remarks before we joined officers in handing out certificates and having pictures made with each of the graduates.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board

Thursday night I attended a meeting of the HRID (Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board). The agenda included a presentation and assessment of the Cary Senior Center, the election of a Vice Chair, and the discussion and approval of their annual work plan.

Annual Veterans Luncheon

Friday, I had the honor of attending the annual Veterans Luncheon at Prestonwood which was sponsored by the Town of Cary. It was a capacity crowd of veterans and their families. Our emcee was Jack Smith, the Cary council’s only veteran.

I, along with Smith and council member Bansal, greeted veterans as they arrived and provided them with a pin.

In a special moment, I was able to meet and have my picture made with the only World War II veteran in the audience. He was 99 years old.

Next week we will hold a Veterans Day Observance ceremony at the Veterans Freedom Park on North Harrison Avenue.

Cub Scout Pack 216 Den 12 Community Meeting

Sunday evening, I had the joy of visiting with Cub Scout Pack 216. We talked about the difference between majority and plurality forms of elections. Then I answered questions for about half an hour. We had a wonderful time. Before I left, they presented me with bags of popcorn which they have been selling to raise money. What a treat! Then we had our picture made. It was a great way to finish the weekend, and I hope they invite me back in the future.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

It’s been an exciting week in Cary! Congratulations to Brittany Richards and Bella Huang on their wins in Districts A and C, respectively, and to Carissa Johnson on her re-election to the At-Large seat. I look forward to working with them in the future.

I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Councilmember Jack Smith and Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson for their many years of service and dedication to Cary. Our town is a wonderful place to live because of your unwavering commitment and leadership. Thank you for your service.

This past week, our staff and I organized a meeting with parents of Panther Creek High School students to discuss their concerns about pedestrian safety. It was a very productive and engaging conversation. Parents shared valuable feedback and thoughtful suggestions that will help guide our next steps. Listening to their perspectives provided a deeper understanding of the challenges students face, and I truly appreciate everyone’s time and input as we work together toward safer routes to school.

Sarika Bansal

District D Council Member

Carpenter Village State of Cary Presentation

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the State of Cary to residents of the Carpenter Village community. Following the presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined him to answer questions and engage with attendees.

Panther Creek High School Crosswalk Discussion

Councilmember Sarika Bansal participated in a community meeting held by the Town of Cary in partnership with Panther Creek High School to discuss requests for a crosswalk and pedestrian signal to support student safety.

A Cause for Celebration

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended Arise Collective’s A Cause for Celebration 2025; the organization’s annual fundraising event held on October 30 at The Palm venue in Cary. The evening highlighted powerful stories of second chances and honored community leadership during the 6th Annual Hope Awards. Honorees included Wheels4Hope as Angel of Hope, Tanisha “Chef T” Carter as Beacon of Hope, and First Lady Anna Stein as Champion of Hope.

2025 Taste of China Festival

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht delivered welcome remarks at the 2025 Taste of China – Chinese Food and Culture Festival, hosted by the Chinese American Friendship Association of North Carolina. Councilmember Sarika Bansal was also in attendance. The event featured traditional performances, Chinese cuisine, and cultural exhibits, celebrating Chinese culture with families and community members.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

I want to begin by congratulating Heather Whelehan and Jimmy Simpson for stepping into expanded roles with the Town – Heather as our Planning and Community Development Director and Jimmy as our Interim Public Works Director. Jimmy has nearly 20 years of experience in Cary Public Works, while Heather has more than 15 years in several states working in the planning and community field. I am proud of them and look forward to the ideas and energy they’ll bring to their new responsibilities.

On Thursday, I had the privilege of representing Cary at the Salesforce State and Local Government Summit in Atlanta, where I joined a panel on Reimagining Constituent and Employee Experiences to Build Trust and Drive Outcomes. Speaking with peers from across the country reaffirmed the value of Cary’s approach, where culture guides innovation and technology support staff in doing their best work. I am left grateful for the reminder that Cary’s strength continues to come from its people and the culture we’ve built together.

Please note that Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day, and there will not be a Town Manager’s Weekly Report on Friday, Nov. 14, following our Quarterly Meeting next Thursday. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Quarterly Economic Development Report

Cary Chamber of Commerce President Mark Lawson submitted a summary of economic development activity between Aug. 1 and October 28.

Loose Leaf Collection Begins

Public Works leaf collection crews began the annual Loose Leaf Collection on November 3, working across town to keep streets clean and clear. Citizens can view the interactive map on the Loose Leaf Collection page for real-time updates, schedules, and helpful tips.

Holiday Decorating Begins

Public Works crews will begin installing holiday decorations throughout the Downtown Business Improvement District on November 12, with all decorating scheduled for completion by November 28. The display footprint will mirror last year’s, featuring festive light displays and decorations across downtown. Visitors can explore the online map to find their favorite decorations and learn more about Cary’s seasonal events.

Hunter Street Opens

The extension of Hunter Street from E. Chatham Street to E. Cedar Street opened this week. Constructed through the development agreement with Meridian East Chatham, the 0.10-mile segment enhances connectivity within the downtown corridor and adds new pedestrian facilities and on-street parking.

Norwell Boulevard Sidewalk Substantially Complete

Construction of the new sidewalk along Norwell Boulevard, from Bexley Bluff Lane to Weston Parkway, is substantially complete. The project closes a key gap in the pedestrian network and includes ADA-compliant curb ramps and high-visibility crosswalks. Funded through federal transit funding provided by the Locally Administered Project Program (LAPP), the project improves connections to nearby transit facilities, strengthening Cary’s multimodal network and ensuring transit riders can complete their journeys.

Environmental Defense Fund Case Study

Cary welcomed the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on Wednesday to conduct interviews with staff and gather footage for a national case study on municipal sustainability, innovation, and fleet electrification. The visit stemmed from a pitch developed by Cary’s Marketing team, who also coordinated the production.

The report will feature the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck and highlight Cary’s long-term planning and cross-departmental collaboration as a model for other local governments. The visit’s success reflects the teamwork of staff from the Town Manager’s Office, Fire Department, and Public Works.

Chamber Intercity Planning Trip

This week, Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry and Assistant Director of Administrative Services Brittany Edwards joined representatives from the Cary Chamber of Commerce for a 2026 InterCity Trip planning visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The trip, scheduled for May 3 – 6, 2026, will include new development, redevelopment, and public-private partnership information.

MCNC Community Day

Chief Information Officer (CIO) Nicole Coughlin represented Cary on the Not Your Average Women in Tech panel at Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC) Community Day, joining an inspiring group of women leading innovation across NC. The panel featured voices from both public and private sectors. The discussion explored how women are shaping the future of technology through AI, quantum computing, and digital transformation. Nicole highlighted how Cary’s people-first approach and focus on innovation, collaboration, and responsible technology adoption are defining what it means to lead in the digital age.

Veterans Day Luncheon at Prestonwood

On Friday, Cary hosted 350 veterans at the annual Veterans Day Luncheon at Prestonwood Country Club. This cherished tradition brings the community together each year to recognize and thank those who have served our country.

Councilmember Jack Smith, a veteran himself, opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an afternoon of remembrance and gratitude. Keynote speaker Amy Dozier shared her family’s story of service and sacrifice in honor of her husband, Sgt. Jonathan Kilian Dozier, who was killed in action in Iraq. Her remarks offered a moving reminder of the cost of freedom and the resilience of military families.

Cary was proud to partner with American Legion Cary Post 67, whose presentation of the colors added a powerful sense of tradition to the ceremony. The Veterans Day Luncheon continues to reflect Cary’s deep appreciation for the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have served.

CAP Team Graduation

On November 5, the Police Department graduated 14 students from its Citizens Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is a 10-week, free program offered to Cary residents for a close-up view of the Police Department. The course is a prerequisite for citizens interested in becoming members of the Police Department’s Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) team.

GoCary Outreach at the Cary Senior Center

This week, Transit Public Outreach Specialist Fabian Rodriguez and Transportation Program Coordinator Sheri Legans led an educational session at the Senior Center as part of the Community Connections series. The presentation included a walkthrough of the GoCary app and an overview of two newly launched routes, helping participants learn how to confidently use local transit services. The session reflects Cary’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and community engagement for older adults.

Taste of China Festival

On Saturday, the Chinese-American Friendship Association hosted the 3rd annual Taste of China Food & Culture Festival at Downtown Cary Park, welcoming an estimated 10,000 visitors. The event celebrated Chinese culture through food, art, and performances, with more than 40 food vendors along Academy Street and 30 artisan booths throughout the park. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht offered welcoming remarks and was joined by Councilmember Sarika Bansal and several state dignitaries.

Important Dates

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, November 10
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, November 12
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Quarterly)
Thursday, November 13
1:00 p.m.

Councilmember Jack Smith’s Farewell Celebration
Wednesday, November 19
5:00 p.m.

Cary Council Results

An election for three of seven council seats was held on Tuesday, November 4^th. They included District A, District C, and an At-Large seat. Here are the results of the election:

At-Large

Carissa Johnson 22,184 65.00%

Marjorie K. Eastman 11,878 34.8%

District A

Brittany Richards 5,756 59.19%

Jennifer Robinson 3,956 40.68%

District C

Bella Huang 7,116 64.80%

Renee Miller 3,864 35.02%

Council members will be sworn in on Thursday, December 4^th.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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 complaint about the lack of a traffic signal at McCrimmon Parkway and Channing Park Circle.
A complaint about jaywalking on Walnut Street at Cary High School.
A complaint about Cary discontinuing shredding events.
A question about serving on the Economic Development Committee.
Several invitations to events.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, Cary’s Veterans Day Observation, the Dorcas Breakfast including branding, a council-staff quarterly, and the Chinese Lantern Festival.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, November 16^th, 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.

Cary Gets TST Through 2029, State of Cary to Carpenter Village, Joint MPO Meeting, and 5th Annual Taste of China

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TIME TO VOTE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4^TH!!!

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TST in Cary Through 2029

Monday Cary issued a press release announcing that TST (The Soccer Tournament) will return to Cary through 2029:

CARY, N.C. — The Town of Cary and The Soccer Tournament (TST) today announced a new long-term agreement that will keep the world’s premier 7v7 soccer festival at WakeMed Soccer Park through 2029.The partnership is supported by a grant from the NC Department of Commerce Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, recognizing TST’s impact in attracting visitors, driving local spending, and showcasing North Carolina on the global stage. The fund will reimburse eligible in-state expenses up to $6.8 million over the duration of the agreement.

“What makes Cary special is our people,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Our staff, our volunteers, and our citizens always show up and take pride in making visitors feel welcome. The State’s investment is a recognition of that and how amazing our facilities are. We’re proud to keep hosting The Soccer Tournament and to continue sharing this experience with our community and the world for years to come.”

Now entering its fourth year in Cary, TST has continued to expand its global reach and influence. The 2025 event doubled the size of the women’s tournament to 16 teams and achieved a record attendance of 51,730. Nearly 2,000 players representing 34 countries competed across the men’s and women’s fields. Notable past participants include Carli Lloyd, Sergio Agüero, Heather O’Reilly, Luis Nani, Hope Solo, JJ Watt, Steve Nash, Ali Krieger, and Pat McAfee, alongside entries from world-renowned clubs such as Atlético de Madrid, Inter Milan, Club América, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham United, and Wrexham AFC.

“The Town of Cary and its residents have played a major role in TST becoming the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world,” said TST CEO Jon Mugar. “Our number one goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience to fans and participants, further cementing TST as a worldwide destination. This support will go a long way toward ensuring we are able to continue to deliver on that.”

“We love hosting the event in Cary and I can’t wait to see everyone back at TST next year!” said NBA superstar and TST co-owner Chris Paul.

An estimated 31,657 fans traveled to Cary from outside Wake County, including visitors from all 50 states, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Fans raved about their experience at TST 2025, which featured a larger festival footprint with club activations, international food, and two live broadcasts of ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.”In post-event surveys, 80% of attendees called TST the best soccer event they had attended in the past year, and 87% said they would recommend it to friends and family.

According to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, TST has generated $23.9 million in total economic impact for Cary and Wake County since 2024.

The 2025 tournament generated more than $14.7 million in direct economic impact, including over $547,000 in local tax revenue. Nearly 20,000 room nights were utilized from out-of-county visiting fans, driving $3.8 million in local lodging and transportation spending.

TST has been held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary since its inception in 2023. The 158-acre park is known for its top-tier fields, natural setting, and long history of hosting championship soccer at every level, including the upcoming NCAA Division I Men’s College Cup in December and a doubleheader of both the men’s and women’s soccer championships in 2026.

This year also marked the debut of The Cary Cup, the first youth tournament to use TST’s signature 7v7 format and Target Score Time™. More than 130 boys’ and girls’ teams from nearly 60 clubs across the country competed, with championship matches played on TST’s stadium fields at WakeMed Soccer Park. As part of the agreement, The Cary Cup will return each year alongside the main tournament. Teams interested in competing in the 2026 edition of The Cary Cup can find more information at carync.gov/thecarycup.

To celebrate the new four-year partnership, TST and The Town of Cary will host a Kickoff Party at Sports & Social in Fenton on November 18, featuring giveaways, special announcements, and a live watch party for the USA vs. Uruguay soccer match.

Details for TST 2026, including dates, participants, and expanded fan experiences, will be unveiled in the coming months.

TST remains open to all teams, from global legends to local hopefuls. Applications to enter a team for TST 2026 are now open at tst7v7.com.

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About The Tournament

Founded in 2014, The Tournament is owned by Jon Mugar and Chris Paul. Its flagship property, The Basketball Tournament (TBT), has crowned 12 champions, awarded more than $15 million in prizes, and introduced innovations such as the Elam Ending®. In 2023, The Tournament launched its second property – The Soccer Tournament (TST) which has become the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world. For more information on The Tournament and its properties, visit TheTournament.com.”

This is not only great entertainment but a huge economic boost for our region. I am proud that Cary will host TST through 2029. This is a must-see event so get your tickets now!

Manager One-On-One

The town manager and I met for our weekly meeting on Monday. Topics included an issue with fireworks, traffic studies, and budget related revenues and cost sharing.

State of Cary at Carpenter Village

I presented the State of Cary address at Carpenter Village on Tuesday night. There were approximately three dozen in attendance. Afterwards I answered questions along with Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson and council members Kohn-Johnson and Bush.

Joint MPO Transportation Meeting

I joined members of the Capital Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board (CAMPO) and members of Triangle West Wednesday morning in a joint MPO meeting. Topics of discussion included the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the CAMPO and Triangle West Joint Strategic Rail Infrastructure Study.

The 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan has three areas of shared investments that include:

Transit & Rail
Healthy, Safe, Resilient Mobility
Complete Corridors/Managed Motorways

The two MPOs previously decided to prioritize investments in the following for incremental progress while larger programmatic investments are pursued:

Grade Crossing Eliminations
Advancing Station Work (including NEPA and Engineering Studies)
Protective Land Purchases for a Regional Maintenance Facility and layover yards
Interlockings and Sidings
Ridership Studies
Investments in the NC-Line from Burlington to Selma

Projects will be submitted to the state based on these priorities. Triangle West has already approved the project list, and CAMPO will vote on it in November.

The meeting concluded after about an hour and a half.

5^th Annual Taste of China Festival

Saturday, I joined council member Bansal and several state and local officials at the Taste of China festival at Downtown Cary Park. I, along with others, were given an opportunity to address the attendees. Here are the notes I spoke from:

“Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Cary Downtown Park.
We are honored to host this year’s Taste of China celebration—an opportunity to experience the flavor and tradition of Chinese culture right here in the heart of Cary.

Today is more than just great food, art, and performances. It is a celebration of community. Events like this remind us how fortunate we are to live in a town where diversity is embraced, and where traditions from around the world are shared and enjoyed by neighbors and friends.

Thank you to the organizers, performers, vendors, volunteers, and community partners who worked so hard to bring this event to life. Your dedication helps make Cary a place where everyone feels welcome and included.

To all joining us today—whether you grew up with these traditions or are experiencing them for the first time—I hope you leave with full hearts, full stomachs, and a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.

On behalf of the Town of Cary—welcome, thank you for being here, and enjoy the Taste of China!”

I am proud that Cary is a diverse community with almost 1/4^th of our residents born outside the U.S.

NCDOT Information

At the last Wake County Mayors Association meeting information was provided by a representative from NCDOT. Here are some of the interesting points made about NCDOT maintained roads:

NC has 80,591 road miles and 167,270 lane miles. More state-owned roads than any state except Texas.
NCDOT Division 5 (Wake, Durham, Franklin, Vance, Warren, Person, and Granville has 6,757 road miles and 14,945 lane miles. More than 14 states.
Wake County has 2,757 road miles and 6,229 lane miles. More than Vermont, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New Jersey.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

This week has been such a wonderful reminder of how our community “shows up” for one another. On Tuesday, I attended the District B Community Meeting at The Cary Theater, and I was thrilled to see so many neighbors come out to listen, learn, ask questions, and make their voices heard. That same energy carried into Thursday night’s Council Meeting, where residents came out to speak during Public Speaks Out. It’s inspiring to witness how deeply our community members care about shaping Cary’s future together.

On Wednesday morning, I joined the Cary Chamber’s Eye Opener Breakfast, where Dr. Katherine Loflin shared her deep knowledge of Cary’s history. As the Council Liaison for the Historic Preservation Commission and the Friends of Page-Walker (Cary’s historical society), I never want to miss one of her talks. She has such a gift for bringing Cary’s story to life. (In fact, my son and I even went to one of her recent events at the Barnabas Jones property near Jack Smith Park.)

Perhaps the highlight of my week was Cary High School’s Homecoming. There’s nothing quite like seeing the streets lined with families and friends, alumni, and students cheering on the oldest public high school in North Carolina. From the parade to the homecoming football game, the marching band, and crowning the winners from the homecoming court, it was a day full of pride and community spirit.

I can’t say enough about how much I love our town. Cary is full of people who care deeply for one another and love to celebrate together. On that note, I want to mention another way we can show up for each other. Food insecurity is growing, and local food banks and Dorcas Ministries need our help to keep their shelves stocked. Please consider making a donation if you are able: (https://dorcasnc.org/donate/)

And if you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out: (https://foodbankcenc.org/food-finder/). Several friends have shared how these programs were lifelines for their families, and no one should ever feel alone in seeking support.

Take care,

Michelle Craig

District B Council Member

Grand Opening of Cary Acclaim at Cary Pointe

Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Lori Bush attended the ribbon cutting at Acclaim, the new active adult community in Cary. Open since April, new residents are moving in daily and becoming part of the vibrant District D community.

District B Community Meeting

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson hosted the District B Community Meeting at The Cary Theater. The meeting included presentations on the State of Cary, Town Financials, Downtown Development, Aging Resources, and Public Safety. Following the presentations, the Mayor and Councilmembers answered questions from the audience.

Eye Opener Breakfast

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Cary Chamber Eye Opener Breakfast, where Katherine Loflin spoke about Cary’s Missing Landmarks and her new book, Hidden History.

Islamic Center Visit

Councilmember Sarika Bansal spent time with Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam at the Islamic Center of Morrisville, engaging with residents and community leaders.

Courtyards at West Cary Diwali Party

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the Courtyards at West Cary Diwali Party, where attendees celebrated the holiday and shared in the spirit of community and togetherness.

Trunk or Treat

Councilmember Sarika Bansal stopped by the Mills Park Elementary School Trunk or Treat to celebrate with students and parents and enjoy the creative costumes and decorated trunks.

Laasya School of Dance 30^th Anniversary

Councilmember Sarika Bansal read a letter of congratulations at the Laasya School of Dance 30th Anniversary celebration, recognizing the school’s longstanding contributions to Cary’s arts and cultural community.

Bhojan with Baba (Dine with Saibaba)

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended “Bhojan with Baba” (Dine with Saibaba), a special community event at the Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir of NC celebrating faith, service, and community spirit.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

This week, I joined Councilmember Bansal at Panther Creek High School for a community meeting to facilitate conversations with nearby residents and parents about traffic concerns around the school. About thirty community members attended and offered thoughtful input on improving traffic flow along NCDOT’s McCrimmon Parkway.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy Halloween.

Sean

New Veterans Day Flag Displays

In honor of Veterans Day, American flags have been proudly displayed along Academy Street and at Veterans Freedom Park. Flag banners were installed using existing brackets along Academy Street, while removable flagpoles were added at Veterans Freedom Park for the display. The flags will remain in place through early next week. To learn more about Cary’s Veterans Day Observance, click here.

Organizational Development Partners with Wake Tech

This week, Organizational Development (OD) wrapped up a series of classes delivered through a new partnership with Wake Tech Community College (WTCC). For the first time, professional instructors brought handpicked courses directly to staff, with a mix of on-site and virtual classes such as Confidence in Public Speaking and Big Data & Business Analytics. A total of 55 participants were enrolled in the four offerings. This initiative reflects Cary’s commitment to investing in our greatest resource – our people. This partnership created meaningful opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and strengthen the skills they use to serve our community. Building on this success, a new set of offerings is being planned for spring.

NVIDIA GTC in Washington D.C.

CIO, Nicole Coughlin represented Cary at NVIDIA’s GTC Conference in Washington, D.C., participating in a session on Leadership Strategies to Transform Public Services. The conversation explored how AI and data-driven decision-making are reshaping local government, improving operational efficiency, and advancing digital twin initiatives that help cities better model, predict, and plan for the future.

Regionalization Study Kickoff

On Wednesday, Apex and Holly Springs joined Cary to officially kick off a regional wastewater study exploring long-term solutions for all three communities. Each municipality shared project updates, and consultants from HDR and Jacobs led a discussion on project scope, success factors, and desired outcomes. The session took place at the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF), one of the sites under evaluation and currently undergoing an expansion master plan. The study is planned to wrap up in spring 2026.

Cary and Apex Tour UNC Cooling Tower

On Wednesday, Cary and Apex Utilities staff toured one of the large, chilled water plants at UNC Chapel Hill to learn more about how UNC staff have optimized their processes to use reclaimed water for their chilled water production. Reclaimed water is used on the UNC Chapel Hill campus as makeup water within the cooling towers in place of potable water to conserve water. Staff learned how proper management and optimization of the treatment processes improves water quality and prevents scaling in cooling tower applications for chilled water production.

Halloween Recap

During the month of October, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources hosted a series of fall and Halloween events across town. On October 24, the Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park drew 1,300 attendees for lakeside festivities featuring live music, food vendors, and floating jack-o’-lanterns. That same evening, the Theater’s 10th annual Zombiepalooza attracted thousands to Downtown Cary Park’s Great Lawn Pavilion for its popular costume contest and short film festival.

The celebration continued with Teen Council’s Haunted Walk at Bond Park’s Challenge Course, which drew nearly 1,000 visitors through themed areas such as Twisted Circus and Haunted Graveyard. On October 25, Downtown Cary Park’s Pumpkin Carve welcomed more than 2,000 participants who created 515 jack-o’-lanterns, while sustainability efforts converted 880 pounds of pumpkin waste into compost. The event concluded with a Halloween movie double feature drawing more than 1,000 attendees. Across town, ACCESS Cary’s Moonlight Mayhem at the Senior Center offered games, crafts, and dancing.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, November 3
5:15 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, November 3
6:30 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, November 5
12:00 p.m.

Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, November 5
5:15 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

To find out more about the Candidates view the Cary Candidate Forum here.

You can see the League of Women Voters Forum here.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

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 complaint about trash on soccer fields on High House.
A complaint about abandoned vehicles in the Brickyard at Highway 55 and Mahal Avenue.
A complaint about a malfunctioning railroad crossing at Highway 54 and Highway 55.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, an Economic Development meeting, a HRID (Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity) Advisory Board meeting, and the annual Veterans Day luncheon.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, November 9^th, 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.