State of the city recap

Raleigh's Mayor, Janet Cowell, presented her inaugural state of the city address to an enthusiastic audience at the Raleigh Convention Center. During her speech, she highlighted the achievements of the city council and outlined her objectives for the next two years, focusing on tackling homelessness, enhancing public safety, and improving transportation.

Addressing the issue of housing, Mayor Cowell pointed out the close relationship between housing shortages and homelessness. She proudly announced the initiation of the Bringing Neighbors Home pilot program, which has successfully provided housing and monthly financial support to 47 families.

“We need mixed-income, mixed-use housing integrated with transit,” Cowell said. “This council also feels very strongly about housing security … trying to provide some stability to both renters and homeowners.”

Regarding public safety, she announced that Raleigh's police department is poised for expansion this year. Additionally, Cowell commended the recent appointment of Rico Boyce as the new police chief and praised the Raleigh CARES crisis response team, which received funding approval from the city council in January.

In her discussion on transportation, a critical issue for many Raleigh residents, Cowell emphasized that public transit is a key element of her vision for the city's ongoing development. However, she noted that several challenges have impeded progress in this area. She mentioned that the city is currently "reworking" its construction plan for the New Bern BRT corridor, aiming to attract potential bidders and ensure that federal funding remains available.

“We are going to be lobbying the federal government to try and keep our money,” she said. “I am working with the other mayors of Wake County to write letters to the whole delegation.”