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 Digital Inclusion Partnership 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 equitable 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.

Digital Inclusion Partnership

Raleigh’s Digital Inclusion Services will now utilize the Engagement Vehicle, in addition to their regular activities. Staff will work with Digital Ambassadors to mobilize various services aimed at benefiting the residents of Raleigh. From providing invaluable advice on device usage through events like Advice About Your Device (AAYD), to facilitating the distribution of mobile computers to low-income families, efforts are dedicated to enhancing digital literacy and accessibility for all.

Where will the Engagement Van be next?

  • Oct
    1

    Outreach at North Regional Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    North Regional Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-10-01 10:00:00 2025-10-01 11:30:00 Outreach at North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Oct
    14

    Outreach at Duraleigh Community Library

    2 p.m. • Tuesday
    Duraleigh Community Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-10-14 14:00:00 2025-10-14 15:30:00 Outreach at Duraleigh Community Library 5800 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Oct
    22

    Outreach at Green Road Community Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    Green Road Community Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-10-22 10:00:00 2025-10-22 11:30:00 Outreach at Green Road Community Library 4101 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Nov
    4

    Outreach at North Regional Library

    10 a.m. • Tuesday
    North Regional Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-11-04 10:00:00 2025-11-04 11:30:00 Outreach at North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Nov
    19

    Outreach at Green Road Community Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    Green Road Community Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-11-19 10:00:00 2025-11-19 11:30:00 Outreach at Green Road Community Library 4101 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Dec
    3

    Outreach at North Regional Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    North Regional Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-12-03 10:00:00 2025-12-03 11:30:00 Outreach at North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Dec
    16

    Outreach at Duraleigh Community Library

    2 p.m. • Tuesday
    Duraleigh Community Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-12-16 14:00:00 2025-12-16 15:30:00 Outreach at Duraleigh Community Library 5800 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Dec
    17

    Outreach at Green Road Community Library

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    Green Road Community Library
    Add to Calendar 2025-12-17 10:00:00 2025-12-17 11:30:00 Outreach at Green Road Community Library 4101 Green Road, 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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