Raleigh survey draws nearly 2,000 responses; affordable housing tops FY27 priorities

Lauren Williams, a budget analyst in the Department of Budget and Management Services, told the City Council that the city’s latest budget engagement effort drew an “incredible” 1,984 survey responses and produced 1,676 written comments and 86 in-person listening-session attendees. The survey and sessions were used to inform priorities for the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget.

City staff used a multi-channel outreach approach — social media, raleighnc.gov, bus and radio ads, print flyers in English and Spanish, and partnerships with local organizations — to reach residents. Staff said they held five in-person listening sessions (one per council district), a virtual session for accessibility, and community events such as “Budget & Brews.” The city also partnered with the Raleigh Teen Council and the Boys & Girls Club to widen participation.

Williams said responses were coded by staff from open-ended questions. When asked to name services that should be prioritized in the FY27 budget, 52% of respondents identified affordable housing as a top priority; staff recorded 284 mentions in open comments, often citing concerns about low- and moderate-income housing, homelessness prevention and displacement. Public safety and police received the second-highest number of mentions, and the 911 call center ranked highly as well. Other frequently named priorities included drinking-water infrastructure, parks and recreation, and transit services.

Council members pressed staff on methodology and interpretation: some asked how staff distinguished between “transportation” and “asphalt maintenance” and how contradictory answers were reconciled. Staff said categories were organized by service type rather than by department and noted that the large survey sample — nearly 2,000 responses — is their primary vehicle for identifying citywide trends, while listening sessions provide qualitative context. Staff also said education components at sessions explained operating versus capital and enterprise funds to help respondents answer in an informed way.

The engagement report, including verbatim hearing comments and a district-by-district breakdown, is published on raleighnc.gov. City staff said resident feedback will be incorporated into development of the FY27 proposed budget. Council members were told the next related work sessions are March 9 (Raleigh Water, stormwater and parking), April 6 (solid waste and the capital improvement plan), and that staff intends to present a proposed budget on May 19.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified from the meeting transcript and include Lauren Williams (Department of Budget and Management Services) and Sadia Sitar (Budget & Management Services).