Staff member stands in front of engagement van while two people take surveys.

Community Engagement Van

Rolling into a neighborhood near you


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Project Background Goals of the Engagement Vehicle Request a Visit from Our Team Community Outreach Where will the Engagement Van be next?

Project Background

In FY23, the City of Raleigh allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to create an electric engagement vehicle. Our vision was for this vehicle to bring City staff and resources directly to the community. This sustainable “mobile city hall” is a long-term investment in community engagement and is expected to be ready in 2025.

Our team currently uses a temporary van while awaiting our permanent vehicle. Through in-person engagement and educational offerings, the van encourages civic participation and strengthens collaboration between individuals, organizations, and the City.

Goals of the Engagement Vehicle

  1. Enhance Community Access: Ensure fair access to city services, information, and resources for vulnerable and historically underrecognized communities. 
  2. Develop Meaningful Connections: Strengthen relationships between the City of Raleigh, organizations, and residents through face-to-face interactions. 
  3. Promote Sustainability: Support the city’s sustainability initiatives by using an electric-powered vehicle to reduce emissions and promote green practices. 
  4. Foster Participation: Increase community involvement in local government processes and decision-making.

Request a Visit from Our Team

Planning a neighborhood event or community gathering? Although residents can't drive the van, our team would love to attend your event and share resources tailored to your community. We provide opportunities to:

  • Learn about projects impacting your community;
  • Sign up for activities and classes, including our FREE English Language programs;
  • Get assistance navigating our website and services; and,
  • And much more!

To request a visit, please complete our request form with your event details. A staff member will follow up to confirm availability. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance and no more than 90 days before your event. Please allow three to four business days for staff to confirm your request.

Community Outreach

Want to learn about City services without the hassle of traveling downtown? Now you can! Our team visits neighborhoods across Raleigh on a routine basis, prioritizing communities with limited access to resources. Not sure when we’ll be in your area? Check out our calendar at the bottom of the page.

Where will the Engagement Van be next?

  • Jan
    7

    Outreach at North Regional Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    North Regional Library
    Add to Calendar 2026-01-07 10:00:00 2026-01-07 11:30:00 Outreach at North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Jan
    10

    Vote Local Outreach at North Regional Library

    10 a.m. • Saturday
    North Regional Library
    Add to Calendar 2026-01-10 10:00:00 2026-01-10 11:30:00 Vote Local Outreach at North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Jan
    10

    The Community Closet - TEES

    12 p.m. • Saturday
    The Community Closet
    Add to Calendar 2026-01-10 12:00:00 2026-01-10 15:00:00 The Community Closet - TEES 4801 Leigh Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Jan
    20

    Outreach at Advance Community Health's Southeast Raleigh Careplex

    10 a.m. • Tuesday
    Advance Community Health Southeast Raleigh Careplex
    Add to Calendar 2026-01-20 10:00:00 2026-01-20 11:30:00 Outreach at Advance Community Health's Southeast Raleigh Careplex 1001 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Jan
    21

    Vote Local Outreach at Advance Community Health

    2 p.m. • Wednesday
    Advance Community Health Southeast Raleigh Careplex
    Add to Calendar 2026-01-21 14:00:00 2026-01-21 15:30:00 Vote Local Outreach at Advance Community Health 1001 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Jan
    28

    Vote Local Outreach at Abbotts Creek Community Center

    4 p.m. • Wednesday
    Abbotts Creek Community Center
    Add to Calendar 2026-01-28 16:00:00 2026-01-28 17:30:00 Vote Local Outreach at Abbotts Creek Community Center 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    4

    Outreach at North Regional Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    North Regional Library
    Add to Calendar 2026-02-04 10:00:00 2026-02-04 11:30:00 Outreach at North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    7

    Vote Local Outreach at Athens Drive Library

    9 a.m. • Saturday
    Athens Drive Library
    Add to Calendar 2026-02-07 09:00:00 2026-02-07 10:30:00 Vote Local Outreach at Athens Drive Library 1420 Athens Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    13

    After the Conversation - Outreach at A Place at the Table

    9:30 a.m. • Friday
    A Place at the Table
    Add to Calendar 2026-02-13 09:30:00 2026-02-13 11:00:00 After the Conversation - Outreach at A Place at the Table 300 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601 , Raleigh, NC 27601 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    17

    Outreach at Advance Axcess Urgent Care

    10 a.m. • Tuesday
    Advance Axcess Urgent Care
    Add to Calendar 2026-02-17 10:00:00 2026-02-17 11:30:00 Outreach at Advance Axcess Urgent Care 3509 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public

Contact

 

Lance Shinholser
Community Relations Analyst
lance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov
919-996-5689

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Lead Department:
Community Engagement
Service Categories:
Community Partnerships

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