Wake County approves FY2027 budget; taxes rise 2 cents

Wake County passes FY2027 budget; property tax to rise 2 cents

Last night, the Wake County Board of Commissioners passed the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Where is Wake County investing your tax dollars?

  • Education: $823 million for public schools, Wake Tech and early childhood education, including full funding of the Wake County Public School System's request.
  • Public Safety: Funding to reopen the jail annex and add new EMT positions to help meet the needs of the growing community.
  • Food Security: Continued support for two programs that help families access healthy, local food.

The adopted FY2027 budget totals $2.282 billion and includes a 2-cent property tax increase, raising the property tax rate to 53.71 cents. The increase is expected to generate approximately $62 million in additional revenue and will result in a $90 annual increase for the owner of a $450,000 home.

This investment reflects Wake County’s commitment to strong schools, safe communities and healthy families.

Watch last night's vote and read County Manager David Ellis' budget message here: wake.gov/budget

Jun 3, 2026 at 4:20 AM

Savanah, GA

Wake County Veterans Stand Down Saturday in Raleigh

Wake County will host a free Stand Down for veterans Saturday, June 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at William Peace University in Raleigh, offering showers and hygiene kits, free haircuts, hot breakfast and lunch, pet veterinary services, health screenings, housing and employment support, VA benefits assistance and more, with no appointments and no cost.

Jun 3, 2026 at 4:20 PM

Leesville Road senior Cadhla O'Dwyer to attend UNC-Chapel Hill

APEX, N.C. — Cadhla O'Dwyer, a Leesville Road High School senior in the Wake County Public School System and Class of 2026, is headed to UNC-Chapel Hill this fall after excelling in academics, athletics and extracurriculars and earning nearly two years of college credit.

Jun 3, 2026 at 4:20 AM

Houston remembers five firefighters at Southwest Inn

The Houston Fire Department gathered at the Southwest Inn site in Houston to honor five fallen members—Capt. Matthew Renaud, Engineer Operator Robert Bebee, Firefighter Robert Garner, Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan and Capt. William 'Iron Bill' Dowling—13 years after their deaths.

Jun 2, 2026 at 10:20 AM

Wakefield Student Named to SADD National Leadership Council

Wakefield High School student Lexi Rosinski has been selected to serve on the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) 2026–27 National Student Leadership Council, joining peers nationwide as she promotes safe choices through Wakefield Drives Safe.

Jun 2, 2026 at 6:20 AM

Wake County invites feedback on the South Wake landfill study

Wake County, North Carolina, is inviting residents to participate in the Beyond the South Wake Landfill Study with online materials and a short survey for input on future waste disposal options—no event attendance is required.

Jun 2, 2026 at 6:20 AM

Remembering Five Houston Firefighters Killed in 2013 Southwest Inn Fire

Four Houston firefighters were killed in a five-alarm Southwest Inn fire on May 31, 2013—the department’s deadliest incident—with Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling later dying in 2017 from complications of his injuries as five personnel from Stations 51 and 68 are remembered.

May 31, 2026 at 2:20 PM

Wake County student Brecken Patterson wins National PTA Reflections award

Wake County Public Schools in Apex, North Carolina, announced that Brecken Patterson of Middle Creek Elementary is the district's first National PTA Reflections award winner for his short film "Creeper's First Day of School," which earned the Award of Merit and will be featured in the National PTA's virtual exhibit, and he also received the 2025-2026 Wake County PTA Art Reflections Certificate of Achievement in the Film Production category.

May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM

Wake County Veterans Stand Down Set for June 6

The Wake County Veterans Stand Down will be held Saturday, June 6, at William Peace University in Raleigh, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering free meals, health screenings, housing, legal aid, showers, clothing and other services with no appointment and no cost to participate.

May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM

Wake County seeks precinct officials for 2026 General Election

Wake County's Board of Elections in Raleigh, North Carolina, is inviting residents to apply to serve as precinct officials for the 2026 General Election, a role that includes training, site setup, operating voting equipment and assisting voters, and offers a firsthand view of the preparation and teamwork behind Wake County elections.

May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM