Southeast Special Area Study

Engagement Opportunities

Community engagement for this study is catalogued online. View results from previous surveys. There are currently no open surveys.

Stay tuned for future engagement opportunities or contact Don Belk, project manager at donald.belk@raleighnc.gov, for more information on the study.

Why do a Southeast Study?

The Southeast Special Area Study is a response to guidance from the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan influences development and conservation decisions through policies such as the Future Land Use Map, which describes the desired future land use. In this map, several Special Study Areas are identified as areas that will require more focused community outreach to determine the preferred land use pattern. The Southeast Study is focused on one of the Special Study Areas.

In addition, the study area is experiencing changing conditions that make the time ripe for thoughtful planning. Located at the periphery of several cities and towns – including Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, and Clayton – what is now rural in nature will be affected by the nearby growth and development. This includes growing infrastructure, such as public and private utilities and transportation projects like the I-540 connection. Major questions arise as to how this growth will affect natural resources inside the study area, including the Neuse River, N.C. Mountains-to-Sea Trail, State-recognized natural and cultural heritage sites, and remaining active agricultural land. The goal of this planning process is to involve the community in shaping a response to these changing conditions.

Where are we in this process?

Understanding the Study Area – The first phase of the project involved research and discussion of the study area to establish a common understanding of the issues and challenges faced. Discussions among city departments, nearby municipalities, the county, and stakeholder organizations helped establish a foundation of information on existing conditions and known projects and opportunities on the horizon. This phase was concluded in September 2019 and included community listening sessions and an online survey.

Read the Briefing Book. View the Community Meeting Presentation. See the results of the Summer 2019 survey.

Community Ideas and Options – This phase built on a shared understanding of the study area and considered ideas for land use, natural resources, transportation, and other issues. The input of residents and stakeholder groups was integrated through public meetings and an online survey conducted during Winter 2020. This brief video details the questions asked in the survey.

Final Recommendations – In this phase, the recommendations will be refined and prioritized. A draft report will be created and presented at several public meetings.

Adoption – The final phase includes a review of the draft report by the Planning Commission and City Council, which will be asked to adopt the plan recommendations.

Phase 1 (complete)

Understanding the Study Area – This phase concluded in September 2019 and included community listening sessions and an online survey.
Read the Briefing Book. View the Phase 1 presentation. See the results of the Summer 2019 survey.

Phase 2 (underway)

Community Ideas and Options – This phase will build on a shared understanding of the study area and consider ideas for land use, natural resources, transportation, and other issues. The input of residents and stakeholder groups will be integrated through public meetings and an online survey during Winter 2020. This brief video details the questions asked in the survey.

Phase 3 (future)

Final Recommendations – In this phase, the recommendations will be refined and prioritized. A draft report will be created and presented at several public meetings.

Phase 4 (future)

Adoption – The final phase includes a review by the Planning Commission and City Council and potential adoption of plan recommendations

How do I get involved?

Participate in public meetings or if you can’t make it to one, you can lend your voice online. Check this page or follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) to receive notifications once dates are set.

And please don’t hesitate to reach out to Don Belk, the project manager, with any questions, comments, or concerns. Do you have a community group, business, or event you would like us to attend to provide more information? We’d love to hear from you!

Why should I get involved?

Plans such as the Southeast Special Area Study are a way to shape the future of an area. Planning affects many aspects of everyday life – what kind of housing is available, how we get around, the preservation of natural areas, and much more. Your involvement in the process helps build effective recommendations for the study area.