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https://raleighnc.gov/downtown
10/30/2026 12:05 pm

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Building a Downtown for All A Place to Live, Work, Play, and Thrive

Raleigh's downtown is its economic engine. It drives business growth, tax revenue and job creation. The work we do now will shape Raleigh for years to come. The City's major projects in our central business district - and ongoing private projects - will fuel investment, attract businesses, and create prosperity downtown and beyond. At the same time, we're working to keep downtown safe for residents and visitors. See how we're making Raleigh North Carolina's downtown.   

Investing in a Vibrant Community
Connecting People with Places
Keeping Our Downtown Safe and Clean
Shaping a Lively Downtown
Cultivating Experiences

Downtown Updates

the new Red hat amphitheater under construction

Big Changes Ahead for the New Red Hat Amphitheater

Construction has been moving right along for downtown's largest music venue. Here’s a quick snapshot:

  • Structural soil has been installed along McDowell Street.
  • The concrete is being poured for the seating bowl.
  • Underground utility work is underway.

    • Learn more about this project.

a walkway with wooden benches

A rendering of one of the new types of seating coming to Fayetteville Street

Fresh Changes are Underway on Fayetteville Street

Last November, City Council dedicated $1 million to short term enhancements along the 100-500 blocks of Fayetteville Street. Improvements include space for walking and outdoor dining, new event seating, intersection wayfinding, and public art.

Learn more about this project.

Bright green scooters are parked on a pavement painted with a colorful quilt square design.

Scooter corral mural by Kat Kuhn and Brittany Thomas. Image by Elise Boorom.

Raleigh Expands Parking Zones for Shared Scooters and Bikes

These updates will improve the micromobility experience for residents and visitors alike. E-scooters and e-bikes support our broader goals of reducing congestion, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improving access to key destinations.

Learn more about this project




Investing in a Vibrant Community 

A vibrant downtown doesn’t happen by chance - it’s built through thoughtful planning and sustained investment. Strategic investments in public spaces, infrastructure, and facilities such as the Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater not only enhance the daily experience for residents and visitors but also lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth. When a city prioritizes its downtown, it signals a commitment to its future. These efforts attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create welcoming environments where people want to spend time, connect, and invest.  

aerial photo of lichtin plaza

Newly renovated Lichtin Plaza

Ways we are investing in a vibrant community:

Helpful Links

Connecting People with Places

We’re committed to making downtown easy to navigate for everyone - whether you're walking, biking, riding transit, or driving. Accessible transportation connects people to jobs, shops, and experiences, while reducing traffic and supporting local businesses. These investments help ensure people of all abilities can move freely and confidently throughout our downtown. 

five people ride on orange electric bikes on a Downtown Raleigh street

Dockless Bike Share

Ways we are connecting people with places:

Helpful Links

Keeping Our Downtown Safe and Clean

When downtown feels safe and clean, people notice - and they come back. Whether you're meeting friends for coffee, taking your kids to a park, or walking to work, a well-maintained downtown creates a sense of comfort and pride. Clean sidewalks, good lighting, and visible safety efforts show that the City cares about its people and its future. These everyday details make a big difference in how we experience our community – and in how others see it, too.  

A City of Raleigh employee powerwashing a sidewalk

Downtown Services

Ways we are keeping our Downtown safe and clean:

Helpful Links

Downtown Public Safety

The Raleigh Police Department works with private partners to ensure your safety in downtown. Concerns center around the GoRaleigh station, which saw an increase in violent and property crime from 2022 to 2023. So far this year, though, RPD reports a 20-percent reduction in violent crime in this area, and overall crime in Raleigh continues to decrease.

Increased enforcement has brought a 27-percent increase in quality-of-life violations. While arrest numbers are up, this means aggressive panhandling, drug activity, and loitering are being met with a strong response.

View Raleigh's crime data

Want to learn more?

For more information, see the Downtown Safety and Quality of Life presentation.

Raleigh Police Headquarters along Hargett Street

What are the City and RPD are doing:

Shaping a Lively Downtown

A lively cityscape is a vibrant, energetic visual and sensory experience of a city that feels full of life and activity. It’s more than just buildings - it’s the dynamic atmosphere created by people, movement, lights, sounds, and culture. 

a person walking around a corner with large dandelion sculputures coming out of the sidewalk

Wayfinding Artist-in-Residence: Example Image "Dandelions" by artist Carin Mincemoyer

Ways we are shaping a lively Downtown:

Helpful Links

Cultivating Experiences

We hope everyone who visits Downtown Raleigh feels the vibrant energy and unique spirit that make our city so special. Whether you're a street vendor or performer, or simply someone who enjoys festivals and parades, the City offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable experiences. 

cup of beer

Sip n' Stroll

Ways we are cultivating experiences:

Helpful Links

Events in Downtown Raleigh