Cary · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cary public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Collect and Connect Food Rescue Study
Raleigh Charter High School students presented research on food waste, expiration date confusion, and local grocery and restaurant practices. The board discussed potential next steps like composting outreach and grocery store waste ratings.
Environmental Advisory Board Annual Report
Cary is the 101st community in the nation certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, and the board reviewed the program webpage to suggest improvements. Annual recertification keeps the designation active.
Drought Monitoring and Water Supply
Staff provided a drought update, noting that while regional watersheds face dry conditions, Cary's water supply from Jordan Lake remains secure and normal operating triggers are well above restriction levels.
EV charging expansion
An electric vehicle charging update for Cary takes effect August 1, per the staff liaison's report.
Urban forestry and tree preservation standards
Cary is hosting its first tree workshop for developers, landscapers, and industry professionals, aiming to improve how trees are protected during development and redevelopment. The board weighed how to define champion, significant, and specimen trees and how to get builders and HOAs engaged.
Festival composting and waste reduction
A new FY27 contract with Compost Now extends composting to 18 Cary festivals and events, and volunteers staffed composting education at Spring Daze. It's part of the town's push to cut event waste.
Beyond the South Wake Landfill Study
Wake County is looking at what to do with our trash when the South Wake Landfill fills up around 2040-2045. Officials are weighing a new local landfill, hauling trash further away, or building a waste-to-energy facility.
Flood insurance premium reduction
Staff noted the town's FEMA Community Rating System efforts earned residents a 15% reduction in flood insurance premiums — a concrete pocketbook win tied to stormwater investment.