The Raleigh City Council took the first step on Apr. 21 toward placing a bond referendum exceeding $200 million on the ballot to fund affordable housing and transportation projects. If approved by voters in the fall, the measure would allocate $101.5 million each to affordable housing initiatives and transportation capital improvements.
The proposed bond is intended to address two of Raleigh’s most pressing needs: access to affordable housing and improved transportation infrastructure. The council’s action could lead to funding for street, sidewalk, and infrastructure upgrades, including support for bus rapid transit and neighborhood traffic management efforts. Housing projects under consideration include development and preservation programs, homebuyer assistance, homelessness prevention campaigns, and major affordable housing developments.
Allison Bradsher, Raleigh’s chief financial officer, said: “The city has debt affordability totaling $203 million … and it comes without a tax increase. This is what we have been referring to as steady state.” Bradsher explained that this approach began in the current fiscal year by using borrowing capacity made available as older bonds are repaid. This allows new projects to be funded without increasing taxes while enabling better planning for large-scale initiatives.
On May 5, the council will set a public hearing date regarding the proposed bond referendum; if approved at that meeting, a public hearing will take place on May 19 before final council approval of bond orders and placement of the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Raleigh is governed by an elected city council supported by a city manager who oversees daily operations as outlined on its official website. The city focuses on delivering public services, shaping policy decisions such as recent changes to election terms in 2024 according to its official website, managing budgets through its manager’s office according to its official website, and serving residents across districts A through E as per its official website.
Beyond governance matters, Raleigh also contributes to community life with professional sports teams like the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes according to its official website.
