Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

​The Raleigh City Council has been considering numerous ways to enhance our downtown’s vibrancy and security. Previous initiatives have included private security to patrol hot spots, up-fit grants for building facades, and improved lighting. They have now put more resources into the effort, including $765,000 in infrastructure improvements, and $585,000 in homelessness diversion resources. The money comes from unspent capital reserve funds: unallocated and unspent dollars available to the council to either put in the city’s reserves or to allocate for non-recurring projects.
 
The new infrastructure improvements include new intersection and sidewalk murals, wayfinding signs, improved restaurant and business waste collection systems to reduce the number of trash cans on sidewalks, and replacing urban tree grates with flexible covers to reduce tripping hazards and improve the look of our sidewalks. These smaller individual projects will all work collectively along with previous initiatives (like improved lighting) to reduce visual clutter in our downtown and brighten our primary tourism and employment center.
 
Equally exciting, the city’s new homelessness diversion pilot is getting a financial boost: $585,000 has been allocated to keep people in their homes and prevent them from becoming homeless in the first place, and to getting the unhoused directly back into housing, reducing the number of people waiting to get into shelters and/or experiencing emergencies while homeless. These diversion programs are often initiated by Downtown Raleigh Alliance ambassadors who experience transient and homeless individuals as part of their important roles in our city’s core. By providing more direct funding for housing and case management, less people will feel compelled to congregate downtown seeking shelter and services, and the City saves funds by minimizing the number of emergencies they must respond to.
 
There is still a lot of work being done to improve Downtown Raleigh’s attractiveness to our residents and visitors, but these are two great steps. The Raleigh Chamber continues to advocate for more resources and focus on our downtown - we look forward to more announcements to come. 

​Diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) are essential values that shape our society.  As the voice of DEI in our business community, we are proud to initiate and support efforts across the Triangle that promote DEI among our businesses. Every year, we recognize an individual who embodies these values and has significantly contributed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our region.

The Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award is one of the most prestigious honors in the business community. Named in honor of Phil Freelon, a renowned architect who advanced architecture and construction as a vehicle for social justice, diversity, and inclusion through his work and efforts, the award recognizes individuals who have worked tirelessly to create a more just and equitable society.
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As we open nominations for the 4th Annual Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Award, we invite you to join us in celebrating those who have made a difference in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in their workplace or community. This includes having made significant contributions to promoting DEI in the Triangle through a wide variety of professional projects and service initiatives, and their efforts continue to have a positive impact on their workplaces and communities.  Previous winners of the Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award include Donald Thompson of The Diversity Movement (2023), Courtney White from BASF (2022), and Cheryl Parquet of Blue Cross NC (2021). ​

​Nominations are officially open for this year’s Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Award. This is your chance to nominate someone who has made a difference in promoting DEI in your workplace and community.

The recipient of the 4th Annual Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award will join an esteemed group of honorees and be recognized at a special ceremony during the 2024 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusivity Conference in partnership with Bank of America.

​The 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference, in partnership with Bank of America, is not only an opportunity to honor and recognize the contributions of those who have made a difference in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, but it is also a great opportunity to network with other business leaders who share your commitment to creating change. This year, The Focus is the Future and we are preparing to learn from industry leaders who will share their insights and best practices on inclusive leadership, organizational culture, generational diversity, and more!
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Your nomination, attendance, and engagement at the conference is vital to help us recognize and celebrate those who are working to create a more just and equitable society for all. Join us in celebrating and learning more about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our community. Submit your nomination on our website and register here! Nominations are due by June 21 at 5 p.m.