As Wake Forest enters 2026, the first Board of Commissioners (BOC) work session of the year serves as a critical junction for the townâs governance, infrastructure, and fiscal policy. Scheduled for January 6th at 6:00 PM, this session focuses on leadership transition and the expansion of the townâs âGrowth Machine.â
The meeting will be broadcast live on WFTV 10 and available via the Townâs public meetings portal.
1. Filling the Power Vacuum: The Board Vacancy
Following the swearing-in of Mayor Ben Clapsaddle, the Board must now codify the process for filling the commissioner seat vacated by Mayor Clapsaddle.
The Process: The Board will consider Resolution 2026, which establishes a structured 12-step framework to ensure the appointment is âtransparent and equitableâ.
Timeline: The application window opened December 22, 2025, and will close January 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
Selection: Commissioners will independently rank candidates to identify finalists for public, in-person interviews, with a final majority vote required in open session.
2. The MSD Extension: Taxing the New Downtown
Building on the Wake Forest Downtown Plan adopted on November 19, 2024, staff is introducing a draft report to expand the Municipal Service District (MSD) to guide growth for the next 20 years.
The Scope: The proposal adds 151 properties, including 38 condos, totaling 59.73 acres, to the downtown special tax district.
The Surcharge: Property owners within the MSD pay an additional tax of $0.14 per $100 in assessed valuation.
Revenue Impact: The expansion is projected to increase the current MSD tax base by 33%, generating an additional $41,519 in annual revenue.
Projected Growth: Total combined MSD revenue (existing plus extension) is projected to reach $199,969 in 2024 and $242,908 by 2028.
Target Areas: The expansion includes the Heath Ridge neighborhood, the Adams property, town-owned land, the Forest on Franklin townhomes, the Forest Ridge and Creekside apartments, Grace Baptist Church, the Magnolia Square condos, and additional properties along Wait Avenue.
Geography: The new area is generally bounded by E. Roosevelt/Wait Avenue to the north, Dr. Calvin Jones Highway to the south, S. White Street to the west, and S. Franklin Street to the east.
Service Plan: Funds will support downtown revitalization, including façade improvement grants, streetscape debt service, holiday décor, and a Downtown Parking Study.
Next Steps: Staff will present the draft report on January 6 and schedule a Public Hearing for the Board of Commissioners meeting on February 17, 2026.
3. The Micromobility Pivot: Reversing the Scooter Ban
Wake Forest is poised to reverse its 2019 total ban on motorized scooters amid surging popularity.
New Regulations: The proposed ordinance would permit scooters and e-bikes on shared streets, greenways, and multi-use paths, but prohibits them explicitly on sidewalks.
Safety Limits: Proposed speed limits are set at 10 mph on greenways and 15 mph on roads (limited to roads with 25 mph limits or less).
Helmets Are Required for all riders under 16.
4. Infrastructure & Land Use: Pate Property and NC 98
The Board will also tackle lingering liability and safety issues related to the townâs rapid growth.
Pate Property Easement: A 55.93-acre rezoning at Harris Road requires a conservation easement. Staff is presenting ownership options.
NC 98 Speed Limit: The NCDOT has requested the Town adopt an ordinance establishing a 55 mph speed limit on NC 98 (Durham Road/Dr Calvin Jones Highway) to resolve a discrepancy between posted signs and the statutory 35 mph limit.
5. Fiscal Health Check
The November 30, 2025, Financial Summaries show a town in a strong but tightening cash position.
Revenue: Ad valorem taxes represent over 50% of General Fund revenues, with a YTD fund balance increase of $6.9 million.
Spending: Total YTD expenditures are at 43.5%, slightly exceeding the 42% target.
Liability: The Risk Management budget is 91.31% utilized, primarily due to front-loaded annual insurance and workersâ compensation payments.
