Town Government

Board of Commissioners, planning board, and local politics

Community, Opinion, Parks & Recreation, Town Government

More Than “Misinformation”: Why the Mayor’s Forum Failed to Restore Trust

The Wake Forest Center for Active Aging The Wake Forest Mayor forum misinformation trust crisis is real. Walking into the newly rebranded “Wake Forest Center for Active Aging” (formerly the Northern Wake Senior Center), the first thing you notice is the atmosphere. It’s quiet. We have begun digging into the data to understand why the […]

News, Town Government

Solvency & Silence: The Work Session Report

The Quiet Machinery of Governance On Tuesday night, the Board of Commissioners gathered for their work session. If you were worried about the “seasonal deficit” we flagged earlier this week, you can breathe easy. If you were concerned about how we are going to pay for half a billion dollars in new projects—or who will

Community, News, Parks & Recreation, Town Government

Wake Forest Center For Active Aging Open Forum

The official agenda for the December 3, 2025, Mayor’s Roundtable Open Forum. This document outlines the Town’s structured approach to addressing the community’s top concerns, focusing on the future of the Center for Active Aging’s operations under Town management. The key operational areas and leadership responsible for addressing them are clearly listed. The air in

Elections, Opinion, Town Government

An Appointment Is Not an Election

The appointment vs election Wake Forest board debate has arrived. When Wake Forest Commissioner Ben Clapsaddle won the mayor’s race this November, his victory created a democratic deficit. The new Board of Commissioners is now tasked with appointing someone to fill his just-vacated seat, and the integrity of that choice will define their commitment to

Development & Growth, Opinion, Town Government

Part 8 – Beyond Houses: A Proactive Strategy for Revenue-Positive Growth

A visual reminder that dense, walkable development generates far more long-term value per acre than low-yield sprawl. This is central to any Wake Forest revenue-positive growth strategy. A Wake Forest revenue-positive growth strategy is essential for our future. In this series, we have diagnosed the core challenges of our new small-city status (Part 1). We’ve

Development & Growth, Opinion, Town Government

Part 7 — Wake Forest’s Small‑City Operating Model (Capacity, Transparency, Delivery)

A symbolic visualization of town governance evolving from misalignment to seamless efficiency. As gears shift into sync, a radiant overlay represents the emergence of clarity, data-driven decision-making, and smart management. The Wake Forest small-city operating model needs an upgrade. This brings us to the final, crucial piece of the puzzle. We can have the best

Development & Growth, Infrastructure, Opinion, Town Government

Part 6 – The Infrastructure Cliff — and the Fix‑It‑First Playbook

This powerful visual illustrates the true cost of neglected infrastructure. We’ve discussed budgets and revenue, but the most visible challenge for residents is often our infrastructure. We all see it: more congestion on critical roads — a symptom of the Wake Forest infrastructure cliff fix-it-first advocates warn about, more wear and tear on our pavement,

Development & Growth, Opinion, Town Government

Part 5 – A Fair‑Share Partnership: A PILOT with SEBTS

When institutions & the community work together, resources flow into a common well, benefiting everyone & strengthening the town. It’s about mutual benefit & shared responsibility, ensuring a just and equal contribution to our collective future. A Wake Forest PILOT SEBTS fair share partnership could transform local revenue. As we search for a more balanced

Opinion, Town Government

Stewardship Over Secrecy

They say all politics is local. I would argue that local politics is the only politics that genuinely matters—and that Wake Forest stewardship of our community should be every citizen’s priority. Washington, D.C., does not decide if a road is paved through your backyard. The President does not determine if your town retains its charm

Development & Growth, Opinion, Town Government

Part 4 – Why Local Government Can’t Stop Bad Growth (and What We Still Can Do)

The choices we make about growth profoundly shape our community’s future. This visual illustrates the two distinct paths Wake Forest faces: one of thoughtful, integrated “Smart Growth Planning” that leads to fiscal balance and a thriving town, and another of uncoordinated development that often leaves us with sprawling, inefficient outcomes. Which path will we choose?

Immigration & Federal Policy, Opinion, Town Government

A Federal Problem, A Local Failure

With federal immigration agents reportedly deploying to Raleigh, our town’s network of Flock Safety ALPR cameras takes on a chilling new significance. Tonight, the INDY Week reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are set to deploy to the Triangle tomorrow (November 18). This isn’t just a “Raleigh story.” It has profound, immediate

News, Town Government

Your Guide to the Nov. 18 Wake Forest Town Meeting

Democracy is not a spectator sport. These intersecting lines represent the complex issues facing Wake Forest—growth, finances, and our town’s character. The Nov. 18 Board of Commissioners meeting is where your voice can become action. Get informed on the key agenda items and learn how to participate. When the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners convenes

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