Your City, Answered

In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, to explore the history and future of this once‑buzzing part of downtown. Kerry shares how the convention center, performing arts center, and amphitheater all stand on land that was originally part of Raleigh’s Fourth Ward—a place that was, and will continue to be, the destinat...

In this episode, we chat with Michelle Bradley from the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and Caitlyn Parker from City of Raleigh Parking Services about convenient parking options for the busy holiday show season. With five garages within a quick .3‑mile walk (5,600 spaces), nearby on‑street parking, and a new drop‑off lane opening 90 minutes before showtime, they share everything vis...

Community Engagement Analyst Lance Shinholser joins us to preview the Engage Raleigh Expo, featuring 90 exhibitors, the Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange, and three workshops exploring “Community in a Digital Age."

Raleigh’s yard waste collection is getting a refresh—and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, Solid Waste Services Director Shikha Gupta and Sr. Communications Analyst Ellen Mathis join us to explain the City’s new weekly pickup program launching September 8 . They walk us through the shift from loose, curbside leaf piles to a system where leaves must be bagged or placed in bins , and why...

In this episode, we dive into what’s next for the Chavis–Dix Strollway and why community perspectives are at the heart of the project. City of Raleigh team members Ken Bowers and Dhanya Sandeep share how the cultural trail is being shaped by the stories, memories, and lived experiences of residents. They discuss the big‑picture vision behind the concept plan—and why this moment is critical for gat...

In this episode, we sit down with Raleigh Stormwater's Heather Montgomery and Justin Harcum to discuss the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). We learned that GSI captures rainwater where it falls—helping clean the water, replenish the local water supply, and reduce nuisance flooding. We also explored Raleigh Rainwater Rewards, the City’s cost‑share program that helps property owner...

This episode provides some insight into how the Raleigh Police Department and the Office of Special Events and Hospitality are working together to enforce the updated noise ordinance for amplified entertainment establishments downtown. With the January 1 revision came the introduction of civilian compliance officers dedicated to helping residents and business owners navigate the rules. Hear how th...

In this timely episode, we talk with Ed Buchan, Assistant Director of Raleigh Water, and Megan Anderson, Sustainability Officer, about the unprecedented heat and drought affecting our region. They explain how we monitor water levels, manage drought conditions, and prepare for ongoing challenges. Ed and Megan also discuss how heat impacts residents and share easy ways everyone can help conserve wat...

In this episode, Customer Experience Manager Karen Ray joins us to talk about Ask Raleigh, the City’s online tool that launched last year. Accessible through our website, Ask Raleigh lets residents request services, submit questions, or report concerns of any type. Anything from potholes to fallen trees and street signs, and public nuisances like tall grass or trash that's been dumped. Karen also...

In this episode, guests Bryce Abernethy and Emily Freeman share how the City’s Tool Share program is making lawn care more accessible for residents across Raleigh. They walk listeners through what equipment is available, how the program works, and the simple steps residents can take to borrow tools for residential use — all at no cost. Let’s dig into how this community‑minded service is helping ne...

In this episode, we explore a question at the heart of local government: how does the City decide what to fund? Budget and Management Services Director Sadia Sattar joins us to explain how the annual budget is shaped by the City’s values and priorities. She highlights how resident input guides the process from the very beginning, and breaks down how the City maintains a balanced budget and where i...

In this episode, we sit down with Engineering Services Assistant Director for Stormwater Wayne Miles, Stormwater Engineer Kelly Daniel, and Engineering Supervisor Seamus Riley to unpack how Raleigh is working to reduce flooding impacts—especially in vulnerable areas like Crabtree Valley Mall. From major infrastructure upgrades to long‑term watershed planning, our guests explain the strategies, cha...

In this episode, we sit down with Capital Projects Superintendent Shawsheen Baker to get the answers. We explore how Raleigh uses its guiding documents, staff expertise, and community engagement to shape park and greenway investments funded by the 2022 Parks Bond. From staying up to date with industry standards to having conversations with families right on the playground, we break down how decisi...

In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Painter , Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, to talk about a truly historic moment for Raleigh’s live‑entertainment scene. Two major storylines are unfolding at once: the relocation and construction of the new Red Hat Amphitheater, and the launch of the final performance season at the original location . Kerry shares wh...

How do you balance public safety with the welfare of animals? In this episode, we sit down with Miya Hurley, an Animal Control Supervisor with the Raleigh Police Department, to unpack that very question. Miya explains why rabies vaccinations are essential, why residents should avoid handling wildlife, and how her team approaches each call with both community safety and animal wellbeing in mind. Fr...

In this quick episode recorded in Nash Square—surrounded by its beautiful old oaks—we talk with Zach Manor, Raleigh’s Urban Forester. He answers a question from lifelong resident Alex W.: “How does Raleigh plan on staying the City of Oaks while expanding its developed land footprint?” Zach explains how the City preserves and plants trees on public land - and how private development must follow the...

In this episode, we break down why the City chose to renovate Fire Station 7 rather than build a brand‑new facility. With a $1.2 million renovation , the station gets to stay in its critical, strategic location while improving efficiency and being brought up to modern codes.   It’s a quick look at how a smart renovation can extend the life of an essential fire station, support firefighter health,...

In this episode, we break down one of the most talked‑about transit innovations: Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT. What makes it different from a regular bus, and how will it change the way people get around? We explore the core features of BRT—like dedicated lanes, faster boarding, and more frequent service—and talk with experts about what it could mean for your daily commute. https://raleighnc.gov/tran...

Spoiler alert: we haven't found a lead service line in the Raleigh Water system. So, why did residents recently receive a long, scary-looking letter about lead water lines? In this episode of Your City, Answered , Raleigh Water Assistant Director Ed Buchan explains: What the EPA requires and why you may have received a letter How older homes with lead solder could pose a risk Free lead testing off...

This episode dives into a surprisingly important question: How does winter weather impact trash pickup? Members of the Solid Waste Services team break down the real-world challenges that snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create for collection crews. They explain how safety decisions are made, what conditions can delay or alter routes, and why schedules sometimes shift during severe weather. It’...