Historic Development Commission presents annual report, seeks council approval of 2026 work plan

The Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC) on Sept. 16 presented its FY25 annual report and a concise work plan for fiscal year 2026 and asked the Raleigh City Council for approval of the upcoming work plan.

Rob Allen, RHDC chair, told council the commission decided 150 certificates of appropriateness in FY25 (109 administratively and 41 in quasi‑judicial hearings) and designated two new Raleigh historic landmarks. The RHDC’s research and community‑awareness committees held a range of outreach events, including a two‑part series engaging Black church pastors about a National Trust preservation grant and a bicycle tour highlighting LGBTQIA+ historic sites.

For FY26 the commission proposed a focused agenda that calls for consultant‑supported updates to design standards (formal design guidelines) and coordination with staff on a preservation plan to roll into the 2027 planning work. Rob Allen emphasized the commission’s intent to keep the work plan short, actionable and feasible. Councilors praised the plan’s focus and the commission’s outreach work.

The council voted to approve the RHDC’s annual work plan.

Details: Commission activities included public education events, research collaborations, quasi‑judicial COA hearings, and two historic landmark designations in FY25. The commission’s 2026 plan includes preparing for a broader preservation plan to be coordinated with city planning efforts.