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.

Shaping the Future of the DMV Site

Community input has guided this project from the start. Through events, office hours, a community survey, and the Project Working Group, residents helped shape the vision for this site. Here's a look at how the community has been involved and how you can stay connected.

Previous Engagement

• 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. Over 300 residents enjoyed food, fun, and connecting with fellow community members and our Project Working Group.

• Community Input: Former DMV Site Survey
  From October 2024 to March 2025, we conducted a survey to gather community input on the future of the former DMV site. Over five months, 700 participants shared their thoughts, helping to shape the vision for this space.
• Community Office Hours
  From October 2024 to February 2025, we held monthly office hours at the former DMV site, giving community members a chance to share their thoughts and ask questions. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and contributed to the conversation.

• Egg-stravagant Basket Giveaway
  On April 12, 2025, more than 250 attendees joined us for a Spring Basket Giveaway. Families enjoyed treats, music, bounce houses, and face painting, and received updates on local projects.

• Summer Starts Here Community Cookout
  On May 30, 2026, about 450 neighbors gathered to kick off the summer with food, music, and community connection.

Ongoing Engagement

• Project Working Group
  The Project Working Group meets quarterly to help guide the future of the site, with a subcommittee supporting site activation planning and community partnerships.

• Site Activation
  While the site is being prepared for future development, the City is using the former DMV lot as a gathering space for the community. Site activations bring neighbors together, support local vendors and small businesses, and keep the site connected to the people who helped shape its future. These events are planned with input from the Project Working Group and community partners, and new opportunities are added throughout the year.

To hear about upcoming activations, subscribe to project updates or check the City's Events page. Have an idea for an event or want to partner with us? Email community.engagement@raleighnc.gov.

This is the first time the community will start to see things happening on the property. Before we can build anything new, we have to take care of what’s already there.

What’s Happening Now

We’re getting the site ready for future development. That includes:

• Asbestos Abatement: Old buildings on the site may have materials that are unsafe, like asbestos. Specialized crews will safely remove and clean up anything harmful.
• Demolition: Once the site is safe, we’ll begin tearing down the old buildings.

This early work is starting now with a fence installed around the property. The entire process should take about a year. 

Looking Ahead

We shared a Request for Proposals (RFP) to complete a market study for the next phase of this project. This study will help us understand what types of homes, businesses, and public spaces are the best fit for the area. It’s a key step before we start building, and it ensures that the project supports the community’s needs and vision.