Aerial photo of old DMV building

Community

Former DMV Site

Welcome to the Future of the Former DMV Headquarters

Engage Now:

We’re excited to share updates about the Former DMV site and want you to be part of its transformation!

Share your ideas by completing our survey. It’s open until March 2025.

Check this page for engagement opportunities, progress updates, and more. 

About this Project

On June 24, 2024, the City of Raleigh acquired the former DMV headquarters in Southeast Raleigh, a 5.88-acre site with potential for community-driven development. The journey started in January 2019 when the City began working with NCDOT and State legislators. When the DMV headquarters moved to Rocky Mount, an opportunity came to light—and the vision for this area was further developed in the New Bern Station Area plan, which provides a basic blueprint for what the site could become. For a detailed timeline, visit the "City's Journey to Acquisition" page.

Historically, this area was home to many African Americans during segregation and was known for its close-knit community. Although the neighborhood has changed with rising costs and new residents, many legacy residents remain, keeping the strong sense of togetherness alive. Our project aims to honor and preserve this rich history. To learn more about the history of the site and neighborhood, visit The Story of New Bern Avenue.

In January 2024, the City launched an engagement plan to gather input from residents, business owners, and community leaders on their vision for the site. A Project Working Group was also formed to guide the development process.

Join us on this journey, from beginning stages to construction, and learn more on how you can be part of shaping the future of this important site by reading below.

More about the Former DMV Site Project

Project Details

 
Type:
City Properties and Facilities
Date Range:
-
Budget:
$23.34M

Contact

 

Evan Raleigh
Assistant City Manager

Lead Department:
City Manager's Office
Participating Department:
Community EngagementCommunicationsPlanning and DevelopmentTransportationCity AttorneyHousing and Neighborhoods

Subscribe

 

Pre-Approval

Date Range:
-

Acquisition and Funding:

The City of Raleigh is in the process of acquiring the old DMV headquarters. This 5.88-acre site now stands as a canvas for community-driven development.

In January 2024, the City Council took decisive steps by authorizing instruments for the purchase, closure of properties, budget amendments, and allocation of ARPA funds. Simultaneously, an engagement plan for the site was put into motion.

View the City Council presentation.

Lead Department:
City Council

Visioning

Date Range:
-

Shaping the Future of the DMV Site

Your participation is crucial as we collectively shape the future of this iconic location. Join us on this exciting journey towards a vibrant and community-focused transformation!

We are embarking on the visioning and planning phases, a crucial period where community involvement takes center stage.

Key highlights include:

Share Your Vision - Take Our Survey!
We want to ensure the DMV site reflects the values and needs of the community. Take a moment to complete our survey and let us know your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Your feedback will help shape the development and future programming of this space.

Community Office Hours
Come chat with staff and share your thoughts every second Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until February 2025. Look for us by the Engagement Van.

Project Working Group
The  Project Working Group  will be part of the decision-making process for the site’s future. Applications for the group were closed March 17, 2024. Learn more about the project working group members.

Want a Project Working Group member to attend your community meeting? Contact us at community.engagement@raleighnc.gov to schedule a Meeting in a Box session!

Community Kickoff: Shaping the Future DMV Site
On August 24, 2024 the City hosted the Community Kickoff Event to launch the engagement and visioning phase of the project. Residents enjoyed food, fun, and connecting with fellow community members and our Project Working Group. Read more about the event.

Temporary Activation (Coming Soon)
While waiting for construction, the City of Raleigh will use the DMV lot for community events. These will include food markets, entertainment, and resource-sharing activities to bring people together and support local vendors.

Additional Engagement Opportunities (Coming Soon)
Stay tuned for more ways to get involved! We will soon be announcing additional engagement opportunities, including on-site discussions about various projects within the DMV site, updates on BRT construction, and plans for the Tarboro Road Community Center. These events will give you a chance to share your thoughts. If you have ideas or visions for the site, we want to hear from you!

Please email your thoughts to: community.engagement@raleighnc.gov.

Phase Contacts

 

Nadia Moreta
Assistant Community Engagement Manager

nadia.moreta@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2708

Lead Department:
Community Engagement