Raleigh Rebuild Lyceum
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Powered by The Public Lyceum
4801 Glenwood Ave,
Raleigh, NC 27612
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(984) 260-3000
Convening of Civic and Economic Leadership — February 2026 Session
The February 2026 Raleigh City Power Night convening brought together civic and economic leadership representing policy, capital, and community sectors across the Triangle region. The session focused on housing affordability, development coordination, and public-private alignment.
Participants included representatives from local government, financial institutions, healthcare systems, universities, real estate development, and community organizations serving Wake County. The structured 5-layer convening model enabled focused dialogue across sectors.
Supply constraints, workforce housing gaps, and policy responses affecting Wake County residents
Alignment between public infrastructure investment and private development timelines
Financing mechanisms for affordable and workforce housing development across the region
Summary of key observations and dialogue points from the February 2026 Raleigh City Power Night session.
Discussion confirmed that housing supply in Wake County continues to lag behind population growth. Construction timelines, land costs, and labor constraints were identified as primary factors limiting new development.
Participants noted that public infrastructure investment often trails private development by significant periods, creating service gaps and community strain. Better coordination between capital planning and development timelines was identified as a priority.
Housing costs relative to median wages continue to strain workforce recruitment for essential services including healthcare, education, and municipal operations. Participants discussed innovative financing mechanisms to address this gap.
Existing public-private partnership models were reviewed. Participants identified successful elements from other markets while acknowledging the need for locally-adapted approaches considering Wake County's specific growth dynamics.
The convening model itself was recognized as valuable. Structured dialogue between policy, capital, and community sectors was identified as foundational to effective housing solutions. Ongoing coordination mechanisms were proposed.
Insights from this session will inform ongoing research and coordination efforts. Participants committed to continued dialogue through The Public Lyceum research platform and Raleigh Rebuild briefings.
Session themes will be incorporated into upcoming housing reports and community briefings distributed through The Public Lyceum.
Participating institutions will coordinate on specific initiatives identified during breakout discussions. Follow-up meetings are being scheduled.
The next Raleigh City Power Night convening is scheduled for Spring 2026. Invitations will be extended to aligned civic and economic leaders.