By Karen Rindge
– Rapid growth and urbanization in Wake County have brought opportunity, but have also affected land values and rents. A rising number families spend more than 30% of income on housing prompting growing concern about the need for housing that’s affordable for all. Affordable housing is the focus of WakeUP Wake County’s 2017 Annual Meeting, where Jessica Holmes, Wake County Commissioner & Chair, Affordable Housing Steering Committee, will give the keynote speech, “Creating a Vision for Affordable Housing in Wake County.” The meeting is Thursday, January 26 at 7 pm at the Glenwood Club, 3300 Woman’s Club Drive, Raleigh.
Leadership Awards Presentation: In addition, WakeUP will present awards to local civic leaders dedicated to improving quality of life for our fast-growing community and who have worked tirelessly to advance the Wake public transit plan in particular. WakeUP’s 2016
award winners include:
- The Thomas Crowder Visionary Award – Anne S. Franklin
- WakeUP Leadership Award – Matt Calabria, Vice-Chair, Wake County Commission
- WakeUP Leadership Award – Sig Hutchinson, Chair, Wake County Commission
- WakeUP Leadership Award – James West, Commissioner, Wake County Commission
- The Stan Norwalk Outstanding Community Leadership Award – Raleigh-Wake Citizens Assoc. M-PAC and Wake Voters Education Coalition
- Volunteer of the Year Award – Tom and Ticie Rhodes
The annual meeting is free and open to the public. RSVP to attend the meeting at www.wakeupwakecounty.org. Registration is suggested by not required.
Prior to the start of the annual meeting, a special reception will honor Wake elected officials including Mayors, members of the Wake Legislative Delegation, Wake Board of Commissioners, and Wake Board of Education.
WakeUP Wake County is a citizens’ advocacy organization advancing good growth planning and sustainable, healthy communities. WakeUP is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, nonprofit.