Raleigh City Manager Adams-David Recommends $1.26 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 to Council

The FY2024 budget process included robust community engagement, with multiple opportunities for public input and feedback. City staff conducted focus group sessions, an online survey, and public hearings to gather input from residents and will continue to build on these efforts in the next budget cycles. This inclusive approach allowed for a better understanding of the community's needs and priorities, contributing to a well-informed decision-making process. 

There were amendments made following the proposed budget including technical corrections and the addition of funding for the E-Bike Incentive Program, a pay increase for School Crossing Guards to $15.66 per hour, and parking fee increases for the Glenwood South Overlay district.  

Budget Summary

Under the FY2024 budget, the City of Raleigh has allocated significant funds for various community priority areas. A major focus area is on public safety, with increased investment in law enforcement, fire services, and emergency response systems. This commitment reflects the city's dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. 

In addition to public safety, the adopted budget prioritizes affordable housing programs, aimed at addressing the ongoing housing challenges faced by many residents. The City of Raleigh’s goal is to foster an inclusive community by facilitating affordable housing options for individuals and families in need. 

Additionally, significant funding has been set aside for road improvements, public transportation enhancements, and the maintenance and expansion of green spaces. These investments are expected to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote a sustainable and livable city. 

Budget Highlights

Below are FY2024 budget highlights:  

• The City continues its commitment with a $32.9 million allocation to the creation of affordable housing options, rental development, low-income tax credits, and programming to prevent homelessness and serve those that are unsheltered; 
• The creation of an e-bike incentive program pilot of $150,000 with a commitment from staff to develop options, pursue partnerships, and identify funding for a longer-term program in the future to support e-bikes as a means of transportation in the community;
• The adopted budget includes an increase in the hourly pay for school crossing guards from $11 per hour to $15.66 per hour with a commitment from staff to study all part-time classifications as part of the multi-year funded class and compensation study;  
• Merit increases for the City’s workforce includes a five-percent merit increase for public safety employees (Fire, Police, and Emergency Communications) and general step employees and raises the Broadband merit pool to 3.5 percent in FY2024; Permanent Part-Time (PPT) employees, established in the prior fiscal year’s budget, will receive merit increases at one percent; 
• The elimination of the employee retirement contribution match Citywide and the implementation of a three-percent contribution for all employees regardless of employee match status; 
• $500,000 to address leap-frogging issues in public safety departments and fund a $300,000 classification and compensation study;   
• Funding to support a re-organizational effort in the Human Resources Department for improved communications, service delivery, championing a positive employee experience, and investments in recruitment to attract a diverse and talented workforce;  
• Funding for an assistant director and Inclusive communities liaison for the Department of Equity and Inclusion to advance leadership for equity work organization-wide and to address issues related to the City’s community with disabilities;   
• To build authentic relationships between the City and the Raleigh community, the budget provides funds for two staff members in the Office of Community Engagement and includes additional support for the Community Engagement Board;
• Staff and related operational increases to support the 2022 $275 million Parks Bond to ensure all bond projects address evolving community needs and promote equity from implementation to completion;   
• Adds six staff for the Emergency Communications Center to ensure calls from more than one million residents in Wake County are answered and emergency response staff are dispatched promptly;  
• $1.5 million in funding for Raleigh Fire to account for increased costs for overtime and operational supplies including fuel and vehicle repairs to ensure staff can efficiently answer emergency calls in the community;   
• Funds wi-fi in all City fire stations to promote education and wellness and in all Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource community centers to help close the digital divide in our community;   
• Systematic technological investments to include two positions to support the City’s fiber backbone and the maintenance of all City-owned devices (laptops, radios, mobile computing devices, etc.,) as well as enterprise funding to the City’s capital project management software;    
• Adds four positions in Stormwater to address water quality, Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain mapping, and capital project management which underlines Council’s commitment to water quality and stormwater control; and, 
• More than $490 million in capital investments in water, stormwater, convention center/Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, parks maintenance, technology, and general public improvements, affordable housing, and transportation. This funding is critical to support necessary capital improvements that ensure organizational effectiveness and excellence in customer service to our community.    

Stay Tuned

The City of Raleigh's FY2024 budget is set to take effect on July 1 and will guide the City's operations for the upcoming fiscal year. 

For more information and to stay up to date about the FY2024 budget, visit budget.raleighnc.gov and subscribe to “budget updates.”