Artspace is on the move thanks to its new mobile art program.
Art hit the streets at high-speed March 1 with a colorful addition: Artspace on the Go. The DTR-based open-floor studio and creative space, known for using art to create positive impacts in the community since 1986, will be driving further into its mission via a mobile art program in the form of the newly debuted van.
The nonprofit visual arts center plans to wheel the magic of arts education directly to K-12 students in underserved neighborhoods across Wake County who haven’t been able to visit its Downtown hub—thus keeping art accessible to all.
“We want to give opportunities for [children] to express themselves, to learn about art and to hear from teaching artists in their own community,” says Director of Community Engagement David Moore. “The people who can’t get to us will be able to have the full Artspace experience with teaching artist exhibitions and learning more about arts education.”
Equipped with professional teaching artists and hands-on activities, Artspace on the Go will drop by community centers, libraries, after-school programs and Title 1 schools—giving families the chance to experience interactive art murals, Styrofoam printmaking, linocuts, visual slideshows of current exhibitions and more.
“Art touches everything,” says Moore. “It’s a very important component of learning. We believe it’s important to make sure people have space to be creative and to have an imagination. If people can’t come to us, let’s go to their neighborhood.”
Artspace on the Go’s new journey has just rolled out—but it’s far from finished. The now on-the-move studio plans to stop by rural communities and local nursing homes—plus, look for it setting up shop at myriad festivals and community events to boot.
“In addition to helping us reach new communities, [the van] will help us grow awareness for our organization,” shares the community engagement director. “This is the first step to getting to know us better. If you want to come to Raleigh and get a taste of what our art scene is like, Artspace is the perfect place.” … Sounds like they’re only getting arted!
A recent raise got everyone talking about how our local government works—and why they earn what they do.
Few things have caused a stir in Raleigh quite like the announcement of the city manager’s pay raise at a December City Council meeting. The second-consecutive 10% pay increase raising Marchell Adams-David’s annual salary to $356,375 effective Jan. 1 (up from $323,978) effectively makes her the highest paid city manager in the Triangle—and second only statewide to Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones.
That substantial raise—and income—has been the talk of the town all winter. Whether in the boardroom or at the bar, the banter was ubiquitous… sparking the repeated question: Why?
Pictured left: City Council; Pictured right: Marchell Adams-David
Why such a high salary?
Essentially, the City of Raleigh is the organization, and the Office of the City Manager is the administrative center, with the city manager at the helm. Thus, Adams-David executes and oversees the day-to-day operations of city government—think hirings, budget and beyond. In addition to coordinating and overseeing all City Department undertakings, supervising ~4,000 full-time city employees across those 20 departments, and proposing the city’s annual $1.3 billion budget to City Council, she serves as direct staff support for the mayor, City Council and committees, and as director of Raleigh’s future plans.
What does City Manager Adams-David do?
In short, Marchell Adams-David, who was appointed after serving ~6 1/2 years as assistant city manager, oversees a city of 472,540. Beyond her responsibilities to Raleigh’s nearly half-million population, her direct reports include four deputy/assistant managers who assist in research, public policy proposals, public program evaluation and direction of City Council, as well as a chief of administrative services, a chief of council services and, if approved in the budget, a new community relations analyst.
Why do city managers earn more than mayor/city council?
In North Carolina, according to the NC League of Municipalities, as dictated by General Charter, most municipalities—including Raleigh—are run in the form of council-manager, meaning the city manager is the chief policymaker, with city councils acting as the legislative body.
The city manager is thus the chief executive—similar to mayors in other major metropolitan areas, with one major caveat. She isn’t elected. Instead, the city manager is appointed as an administrator to implement the policies of the mayor-council, and execute and oversee the day-to-day operations of city government—think hirings, budget and beyond.
What does the mayor make?
According to the City of Raleigh, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin earns an annual base income of $37,606 per the current adopted budget (FY23), up from a former $24,550 base. Implemented in December 2002, the boost was in accordance with a pay plan recommended by a September 2021 community study group as part of a concerted effort to increase mayor and council pay to full-time-worthy living wages.
The mayor pro-tem earns $33,203 and councilmembers $30,743, the latter up from an $18,021 base. As a point of note, these base salaries exclude additional compensation for car, technology, educational courses and other expenses. Insurance is also paid on their behalf.
According to the budget highlights in the FY24 Proposed Budget, “the City Council’s adopted budget includes personnel increases ($88,825) based on the new pay plan that was adopted by Council during the FY23 budget process,” as well as “benefit adjustments ($9,533) that account for increases in health care.”
City Manager Salaries
City Manager: $356,375 Deputy City Manager: $243,248 Asst. City Manager: $208,684 Asst. City Manager: $206,679 Asst. City Manager: $188,100
Hot Take: Gender Gap Who rule the world—er, real estate market? Women. While women couldn’t even get a mortgage or a credit card without a male cosign until 1974 (sit on that fact for a second…), single females now outpace single men in NC property ownership 14% to 9% per current Census data. While women’s weekly earnings still lag, the growing gender gap for single homeownership skews female—with NC ranking No. 6 in states with the widest gender gap.
Pro tip: Falling rates is likely to fuel demand and drive up prices. Experts say now is the time for smart buyers to start shopping.
Market Outlook—According to Resident Experts
“2024 should have a fairly positive outlook. Both buyers and sellers will adjust to the reality of interest rates and that the median home price has remained relatively flat (a slight decrease from Jan ’23 compared to Jan ’24). With both sides having a more realistic view of what the market looks like now, they’ll both adjust expectations and 2024 will certainly be another year of growth in the Triangle.” —Sarah Hunter, Broker/Realtor, City to Coast Realty
“Our local real estate market has shown an unusually early surge this year. There has been a noticeable increase in home showings and a resurgence of buyers. … Additionally, the Triangle region continues to attract hundreds of new residents daily, setting the stage for a projected 4% growth in the housing market for 2024. —Shawn Britt, Broker/Owner, Realty World Triangle Living
“Sellers remain in an advantageous position with significant home appreciation over the past few years, and home equity is strong! A lot of opportunity exists on both sides of the transaction—whether buying or selling. It’s a great time for potential sellers to take advantage of their high equity position, and buyers are feeling more settled and accepting of rates! —Renee Smith, Managing Broker, Compass Raleigh Midtown; Managing Director, Compass Carolinas | Compass Real Estate
“The potential for Fed interest rate cuts later this year could further boost the market by possibly lowering mortgage rates and bolstering buyer confidence. However, key challenges remain tight supply and affordability constraints due to limited used home inventory. Balancing this demand with adequate supply will be crucial for a truly thriving housing market in the Triangle.” —James Flanagan, Vice President of Community Experience, Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh
Relocating buyers from other states amounts to ~23% of our buyer population
Trend Report
12 trends to expect in Raleigh real estate in 2024 according to local experts
⬆️Buyer Demand “As interest rates fall from a 2023 high and the hype of inflation settles a bit, buyers who held back in the latter part of last year are back in full force!” —Renee Smith, Managing Broker, Compass Raleigh Midtown; Managing Director, Compass Carolinas | Compass Real Estate
Continued Market Stabilization “After a period of price appreciation and limited inventory, 2024 should see some stabilization. Mortgage rates are expected to remain somewhat elevated, but we anticipate a leveling in Q2/Q3.” —James Flanagan, Vice President of Community Experience, Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh
Making Moves “Interest rates will probably not go back to the 2–3% days, and buyers and sellers are starting to adjust their mindsets to the current conditions. We’re seeing more buyers and sellers start to make moves instead of sitting and waiting for rates to drop.” —Sarah Hunter, Broker/Realtor, City to Coast Realty
⬆️Housing Prices “Low inventory levels and high demand will likely contribute to a competitive market, making it more challenging for first-time homebuyers.” —Shawn Britt, Broker/Owner, Realty World Triangle Living
⬆️Multiple Offers “The return of multiple offers on hot properties—aka homes that are priced right, in best locations and don’t need many updates. We’ll see more of this as interest rates fluctuate too.” —Sarah Hunter
Affordability Focus “With affordability continuing to be a concern, homebuilders may shift toward smaller, more efficient homes—and even possibly attached products that can cater to first-time buyers and budget-conscious consumers.” —James Flanagan
⬆️Move-In Ready Demand “Buyers looking for move-in ready homes where updates have already been made—or new construction—to avoid renovations.” —Sarah Hunter
⬆️ Seller $hellout “The return of repair requests and seller paid closing costs: as the market changes and sellers need to sell, we may see more willing to give up money for repairs or closing costs to keep buyers under contract and close the sale.” —Sarah Hunter
Stress on Sustainability “As environmental concerns become more prominent, homebuyers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly features and energy-saving technologies—and, just as importantly, quality over quantity.” —Shawn Britt
Transplant Takeover “NC—and specifically the Triangle—is a highly desirable destination and many buyers are flocking here for our great economy, highly educated population, incredible lifestyle, comfortable weather, and proximal beaches and mountains!” —Renee Smith
Live/Work/Play “With consumers continuing to prioritize outdoor spaces and community experiences, developers are focusing on building homes in walkable neighborhoods with access to parks and green spaces, as well as amenities like pools, fitness centers and more. This trend could also lead to the development of mixed-use communities combining homes with retail, office space and entertainment options.” —James Flanagan
Tech Effect “An influx of tech-related jobs will likely influence the demand for housing and commercial real estate in the area.—Shawn Britt
$78,631 Median household income for City of Raleigh
2.2 months Active inventory—a stable market typically includes a six-month supply.
It’s democracy’s favorite time of year: Election Day. And thanks to democracy, the rules of voting have changed since the last time you watched Schoolhouse Rock! Plus, the ballot is long—spanning the presidential election to spots in the Council of State and legislative and congressional seats.
Although positions like NC’s state auditor and insurance commissioner may not seem very glamorous, come November they will have a direct impact on your day-to-day life—making it more important than ever to do your homework before casting votes. Note: To win a party nomination, a candidate needs 30% of the vote plus one… so every ballot counts. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the polls Tuesday. Let’s do our civic duty!
When: Election Day is Tuesday, March 5. Polling places will be open from 6:30am to 7:30pm on Election Day. Any voter in line by 7:30pm will still have the opportunity to vote, so don’t skip out on the polls just because you’re running late.
Bring your ID, as voters are now asked to show photo identification upon voting in NC. This can be a driver’s license, student ID, state ID card, passport, tribal enrollment card or government ID. The address on the ID doesn’t have to match voter registration records.
If you don’t have an ID, still go and vote! Voters without a valid photo ID can still vote, as long as they fill out an ID Exception Form.
Unaffiliated voters may vote in the primary of their choosing. To view your sample ballot before Election Day, visit the NC Board of Elections voter search.
The 411 on a multitude of Raleigh projects taking shape.
There’s no doubt about it: Raleigh is on the rise. The City of Oaks was named one of the top 25 fastest growing places in the U.S. in 2023, coming as no shock to any local who has spotted the scad of construction projects popping up left and right around town.
The burgeoning developments are poised to benefit all—from one-of-a-kind office spaces to a public transit update coming down the pipeline (crappy commutes, no more?!). Here, we delve into projects coming out of the ground now or slated to break ground soon. Look at you grow, Raleigh!
Keep your eyes to the skies as a new high-rise is coming to Downtown. The 17-story tower sitting at the corner of Hargett and McDowell streets (aka the previous RPD HQ site, defunct since 2010) aims to align facilities, staff and technology with organizational needs and establish a centralized campus for city staff and citizens alike. As part of the Percent for Art program, 1% of the planned budget is eligible to be used for public art for the structure.
Current status: The construction crew is continuing to destroy sections of the building and sort debris, with a completion date TBD.
Current status: Construction is underway for Oberlin Hotel, with an anticipated 2024 opening; and Camden Village District is slated to be move-in ready by fall 2024.
Oberlin Hotel | Rendering courtesy of Quality Oil Company LLC/Quality Hospitality
Big things are on the horizon for North Hills. The area’s newest sector spans 33 acres across central Midtown (and stacks up to the tune of $1 billion) with infrastructure geared toward preserving green space and bolstering local businesses. One high-rise making its debut is the 17-story Tower 5, boasting 322,000 square feet of office space, common areas and ground-level retailers—including indoor cycling studio HomeTurf. And when it comes to residential and retail spaces, the district doesn’t lack. Find in-the-works St. Albans Lofts gearing up to offer high-class living spaces, and Makers Alley, the district’s micro-retail shopping area located under the Channel House apartments, hosting seven local and female- or minority-owned storefronts opening in the coming months. Tributary, a mix-used complex named for the adjacent creek, is also shaping up to benefit small business owners with the addition of “live-work” units, where they can open up on the ground level and live directly above.
Current status: Tower 5 construction is well underway and slated to be completed by summer 2024; St. Albans Lofts are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025; and Makers Alley will open seven storefronts this spring. Tributary is scheduled to begin construction mid-2024.
Bus Rapid Transit
Raleigh is growing and going. Bus Rapid Transit is cruising to Wake Co. with fast, reliable and frequent transit—not to mention ~20 miles of routes along main corridors. What’s more, planning and design for the New Bern Corridor, which will connect DTR to WakeMed and New Hope Road, has been completed and construction is set to break ground in mid-2024 after a public preconstruction meeting is held.
The Southern Corridor, set to link Raleigh and Garner; and the Western Corridor, connecting Raleigh and Cary, are still in the preliminary design process—read: finishing 30% of the final product design. The Northern Corridor, which will bridge Downtown Raleigh and North Raleigh is still in the planning stages. Note: Don’t sell your car for parts just yet—the project isn’t expected to be fully up and running until 2035.
