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 Community Outreach Make a Reservation Bite-Sized Conversations Digital Inclusion Partnership

Project Background

In FY23, the City of Raleigh allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for a mobile engagement vehicle. Raleigh is making a long-term investment in a mobile city hall that will serve the community. A new electric powered Community Engagement Vehicle is expected to be ready in 2025.

The engagement vehicle plays a vital role in Community Partnerships. The vehicle creates opportunities for community members to engage with city resources, services, and initiatives. Through educational offerings, the vehicle also 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.

Community Outreach

Want to learn about City services without the hassle of traveling downtown? Now you can! Our team visits different areas of Raleigh each month, bringing resources directly to your neighborhood. We prioritize low-income areas with limited access to resources. Residents have the opportunity 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 much more!

Not sure when we’re visiting your neighborhood? Check out our calendar at the bottom of the page.

Make a Reservation

Having a neighborhood cookout? Celebrating your community with a special event? Don't forget to invite us. Whether your event is inside or outside, you can request the vehicle by filling out our request form. A staff member will follow up to confirm the reservation and review details. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance and no more than 90 days before the requested date. Please allow three to four business days after submitting the form for staff to confirm your request. 

Bite-Sized Conversations

Starting March 2025, City staff will bring snacks (like donut bites) to a different Raleigh neighborhood each month to host small conversations. These relaxed, agenda-free gatherings are a chance to connect, share your thoughts, and engage in meaningful, respectful discussions on the issues that matter most to you.

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?

 

  • Feb
    1

    Oaks and Spokes Free Bike Repairs

    3 p.m. • Saturday
    Peach Road Community Center
    Add to Calendar 2025-02-01 15:00:00 2025-02-01 17:00:00 Oaks and Spokes Free Bike Repairs 911 Ileagnes Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    11

    Community Outreach at Refugee Hope Partners

    11:30 a.m. • Tuesday
    Refugee Hope Partners Welcome Center
    Add to Calendar 2025-02-11 11:30:00 2025-02-11 13:00:00 Community Outreach at Refugee Hope Partners 6625-015 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    13

    On-site Hours at the Former DMV Site

    11 a.m. • Thursday
    Former DMV Site
    Add to Calendar 2025-02-13 11:00:00 2025-02-13 14:00:00 On-site Hours at the Former DMV Site 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • Feb
    19

    Community Outreach at Five Points Center

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    Five Points Center
    Add to Calendar 2025-02-19 10:00:00 2025-02-19 11:30:00 Community Outreach at Five Points Center 2000 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608 City of Raleigh Lance ShinholserCommunity Relations Analystlance.shinholser@raleighnc.gov919-996-5689 America/New_York public
  • May
    17

    Wake County Smart Start Block Party

    10 a.m. • Saturday
    Wake County Smart Start
    Add to Calendar 2025-05-17 10:00:00 2025-05-17 14:30:00 Wake County Smart Start Block Party 1300 E. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27610 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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