Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

​As Raleigh plans for its future, Transit Oriented Development has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable equitable development. Over the past five months, the Raleigh City Council has been developing a vision aimed at supporting growth and development alongside sustainable transit solutions. Central to this vision is the Transit Overlay District, a zoning innovation focused on bolstering transit lines such as the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by providing them with the density they need to ensure ridership. On July 2, the council completed rezoning over 600 individual property parcels along the New Bern Avenue corridor to complement the BRT system, aligning future development with the new mass transit system.

​A Transit Overlay District is a specialized zoning tool designed to maximize the effectiveness of transit systems by promoting compact, mixed-use developments around transit hubs and stations. These districts encourage the density necessary to sustain and enhance transit ridership, aligning with Raleigh’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and improved accessibility.
Raleigh’s initiative to establish Transit Overlay Districts is part of a broader strategy to integrate transit planning with urban development goals. Transit systems need density to be able to function. By concentrating jobs, retail spaces, and multifamily housing near transit hubs, the city aims to create vibrant, walkable communities that reduce car dependence and enhance the urban environment.

​With the recent groundbreaking of the Bus Rapid Transit system on the New Bern Avenue corridor, there is a high level of interest from both city council and local citizens to get the development around this first BRT installment right. By dividing zoning decisions into 6 zones along New Bern Avenue, instead of rezoning the whole line at once, the City Council was able to better tailor zoning decisions to diverse community needs—from historic residential areas to bustling business zones and healthcare facilities.
The success of the New Bern Avenue Transit Overlay District is not only about immediate impacts but also about laying the groundwork for the three remaining legs of this system: North up Capitol Blvd., South down Wilmington Ave., and West along Western Blvd. A thriving transit corridor here could strengthen public support and attract additional funding for further transit developments, benefiting the entire city.

​As Raleigh continues to evolve, initiatives like the Transit Overlay District demonstrate the city’s proactive approach to urban planning. By integrating transit infrastructure with thoughtful zoning policies, Raleigh is paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.
Stay informed about developments like the Transit Overlay District and other legislative updates by visiting our webpage or following us on all social media platforms at @raleighchamber.
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For more information on Raleigh’s Transit Overlay District and related projects, please visit the City of Raleigh’s official webpage.

Our September workshop from the BRT Business Resource Collaborative was a success as multiple small business owners gathered at Martin Street Baptist Church to learn more about the local financial resources available to them.

Small business owners received professional advice and insight from a variety of financial experts. Members were reminded of the BRT Business Resource Collaborative's  Business Resource Guide and received more information on how this guide can take their business to the next level. They also heard exclusive updates regarding New Bern Avenue’s Bus Rapid Transit system from Het Patel, City of Raleigh’s Senior Transit Planner. Attendees were excited to see pictures of the new bus system and hear about Wake Transit Plan’s four big moves which include providing Wake County residents with frequent and reliable transportation.

Guests at the workshop also enjoyed learning about grants that will help their business be successful. The City of Raleigh’s Small Business Development Coordinator, Ferdinand Rouse, encouraged small business owners to apply for Building Up-fit Grants, which are matching reimbursement grants awarded to owners looking to improve their small business owners, and broke down each process of the application process. Ferdinand ended his presentation by telling our members “The City of Raleigh wants to make sure that you know about this opportunity so you can be successful.” The next round of applications for the Building Up-fit Grant begins this Friday, Sept. 15.

Frank Del Villar of Carolina Impact Community Fund and Scott Wolford of the U.S. Small Business Administration also discussed counseling services available to small businesses and explained how their business's financial opportunities can aid in our leader's future success. Attendees at the workshop were interested to hear Frank discuss Kiva, a small business financial tool, which gives owners 0% interest loans that are community crowdfunded. There was also a panel with all the guest speakers where attendees were able to ask important questions about how to access financial opportunities specific to their industries.

Those who joined us left the workshop prepared to take advantage of the variety of financial resources discussed. Find more takeaways, quotes, and images of the event using our social hashtag #WakeBRT, and if you are a small business owner looking to prepare for your future success, then join us at our next workshop on Oct. 5 to learn about small business lending!​

Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance, was recently honored by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce with the Chair's Award for Public Private Partnership.

Full citation of the award presentation is below. 

Now 14 years as the executive director of their organization, this individual convenes elected officials, senior government staff, technical experts, and the business leaders to solve problems. He is delightfully impatient and jokes that the mission of his organization is not “Let’s get ready to” nor “Let’s think about doing something,” nor “Why don’t we study this, but not do it.”  Instead, the impactful motto of his organization is “Let’s Get Moving.”   Please join me in recognizing the CEO of one of this region’s most relevant and effective business leadership organization, The Regional Transportation Alliance’s Joe Milazzo, the recipient of the 2017 Chair’s Award for Public Private Partnership. 

When you are on the road—whether in your car, on the bus, on the sidewalk, or even the shoulder—you should think of and thank Joe Milazzo. RTA is a chamber of commerce-based regional business leadership and advocacy group focused on advancing transportation policy, priority, and funding solutions in our entire region. Under Joe’s leadership, RTA has successfully advocated for the construction, enhancement, and advancement of more than 250 miles of freeway and improvements at seven existing or proposed interchanges. He also spearheaded the Multimodal 54 initiative, which ensures that Chapel Hill and Carrboro are not cut off from the rest of the Triangle region. Joe launched the Air Service Advancement Project (ASAP) private sector marketing initiative as well, culminating in a Paris flight in 2016, making RDU the only non-hub U.S. airport with two nonstop transatlantic flights. Additionally, Joe coordinated the creation of our state’s first “Bus on Shoulder System” or “BOSS” to reduce transit travel times between Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, now including 60 shoulder miles as one of the largest BOSS systems in the United States. 

Congratulations, Joe—what a BOSS you are! We’re grateful for your leadership in the region and in our Chamber.

(Thanks to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber for the citation. See a full list of winners and more here.)

A program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber, the Regional Transportation Alliance is a membership group of nearly 100 companies across the Triangle and 23 member chambers of commerce in central North Carolina. It is the regional business voice for transportation initiatives and policies including strategic funding, transit, freeways, streets, air service, and rail.
 
Learn more at www.letsgetmoving.org. Follow RTA on Twitter at @RTATriangle. 

​It’s amazing how quickly the world is transforming around us as a result of new technology.
Open Source, The Cloud, the Internet of Things—all are making an impact on the things we do every day.
 
Transportation is no exception. Transportation could, in fact, be the industry where we see the most evolution over the next 5 – 10 years through the convergence with technology.
 
I am pleased to serve as the RTA’s 2016/17 Emerging Technology and Paradigms chair—the first chair of this new focus area for the regional business community’s voice on mobility solutions.
 
I hope you’ll join me to learn about the innovations that are changing the possibilities for our transportation future at the RTA’s 15th annual meeting on Dec. 15.
 
Executives from Cisco, IBM, and Meridian Autonomous will discuss advancements and emerging concepts in connected transportation, intelligent systems, automation and more.
 
In the Research Triangle, we are perfectly positioned to become a leader in applying transportation innovation due to the strength of our technology employment cluster, the research and ideas from leading universities, and the living laboratory of our dispersed, rapidly-growing region.
 
We have the opportunity to use new technology to make better decisions and smarter investments in our transportation system, both now and as we grow.


Sign-up here to join me at this special 15th anniversary event. You can still become a sponsor for $999.
 
I look forward to seeing you there!
 
Let’s get moving,
Matt
 
Matt Parson
RTA Emerging Technology and Paradigms chair
Red Hat

A message from Chamber President and CEO, Tim Giuliani

With the leadership and support of many Chamber members, local business, and elected partners, the Wake County half-cent sales tax referendum to fund a modern public transportation system has passed. Thanks to everyone who took part in this important community initiative. From posting yard signs to offering a donation, each contribution was significant to moving us forward.
 
It has been a pleasure seeing the community come together to develop the Wake Transit plan and support the referendum. The combination of a solid, bipartisan plan and broad, community support yielded its success.

We look forward to everyone’s continued engagement as we plan for our community’s future growth.
 
Onward,
Tim Giuliani
President and CEO
​
See Press Release Below: 

The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce applauds the successful passage of the Wake County half-cent sales tax referendum to fund a modern public transportation system.
 
“Our region is growing quickly—Wake County’s population adds 64 people every day. This referendum gives our community the resources to be prepared for the future and to build a modern public transportation system that provides transportation options for everyone,” said Chamber President and CEO Tim Giuliani.
 
Successful passage of the referendum secures the dedicated, locally-controlled funding source to implement the approved, bipartisan Wake Transit plan. All three Triangle counties—Wake, Durham, and Orange—now have voter-approved referenda for enhanced regional transit.
 
Giuliani added, “With more than a million people already living in Wake County, we can plan for the continued growth that brings traffic and congestion and maintain our excellent quality of life.”
 
The Moving Wake County Forward referendum campaign was led by a diverse, broad-based committee co-chaired by Mayor Mark Stohlman of Morrisville, Mayor James Roberson of Knightdale, Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy of Shaw University, and John Kane of Kane Realty.

More information about the Wake County Transit can be found at www.waketransit.com. 

 

This text originally appeared as an OpEd in the News & Observer on Sept. 28, 2016. ​

​


By Jill Wells Heath
2015/16 Chair, Chamber Board of Directors
President and CEO, CALYX Engineers + Consultants





Over the last few years, we’ve seen Wake County become a national hotspot for growth. New businesses and families continue to move here to the tune of a net increase of 64 people per day. I couldn’t be happier with the growth of talent and opportunity in Wake County and the Triangle.

As we look ahead, we have to ask: How do we keep this growth continuing for another 10 years, without compromising the quality of life that drew people here in the first place?

The answer is public transportation.

This election, voters have an opportunity to fund a world-class, modern and effective public transportation system for Wake County.

Our approved transit plan will make a real and lasting difference by increasing access to jobs, health care, education and more. Once transit is fully implemented, 70 percent of all jobs will be located within a half mile of a transit stop and bus service will expand to 19 hours a day.

The multimodal, network-based transit plan emphasizes frequent bus service, bus rapid transit and commuter rail. Bus rapid transit in high-traffic areas will incorporate dedicated bus lanes, level boarding platforms and other enhanced features that improve the speed and quality of service. Commuter rail service will provide welcome relief for commuters on I-40 by providing a peak hour alternative to freeway congestion.

A more connected transit system will help Wake County residents spend less time commuting and more time with their families. Even if you don’t ride a bus or train, many of your neighbors will. The quality of life we enjoy in Wake County is one of our strongest assets. Passing this transit plan will help maintain and improve it.

The bottom line is that this is the right time to act and the right plan to act on. Over 50 community organizations and businesses have already endorsed the plan, and the transit referendum to fund it: chambers of commerce, environmental and community groups, disability and affordable housing advocates, homebuilders and realtors, colleges and many more.
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I hope you’ll join me in voting for the transit referendum – located at the end of the ballot – this fall.

Learn more about the transit referendum and how you can help move Wake County forward here.

By Joe Milazzo II, PE
Executive Director
Regional Transportation Alliance



​
​Thursday, the campaign to pass the fall Wake transit referendum held its kickoff event at Shaw University.

The approved transit plan for Wake County envisions a dedicated, locally-controlled half-cent sales tax as its primary local funding source. The voters of Wake County will decide on the sales tax in a November 2016 referendum.

The four co-chairs for the campaign, listed below (pictured above), spoke this morning about the benefits of enhanced transit in our market:

• Tashni-Ann Dubroy, President, Shaw University
• John Kane, CEO, Kane Realty
• James Roberson, Mayor of Knightdale
• Mark Stohlman, Mayor of Morrisville

However, if they were to summarize the primary goal and benefit of the approved Wake Transit Plan, it would simply be this:  the plan provides more transit—that is, more travel options—for more people, more quickly.

Many groups, businesses, and educational institutions—including the Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition—have endorsed both the plan and referendum. Join us in endorsing the referendum if you have not already done so.

We urge you to vote for the referendum, for enhanced public transportation, and for your community and region’s future this fall.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners, the Go Triangle Board of Trustees, and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization all unanimously approved the new Wake County Transit Plan in spring 2016.

The approved, bipartisan plan calls for the creation of an enhanced and improved regional transit system serving all of Wake County in a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

We can likely identify a number of goals for enhancing transit in this market, or any growing region for that matter. They might include:

• Create alternative to driving, congestion, parking
• Increase travel options as we continue to grow
• Expand access to jobs, healthcare, education, civic life
• Focus land use, support sustainable/walkable development
• Attract/retain talent in our growing community

Here is a simple chart that compares our current situation in Wake County, and the corresponding element of the plan:

Our situation                                       Approved plan

High growth market                             Rapid expansion

Growing traffic congestion                  Peak relief

Dispersed county, region                     Network approach

Inconvenient travel options                Frequent service

Limited funding                                    Scalable system

Rapid technology change                   Short-term completion

Each element in the approved plan is a strong benefit for our region. Taken together, they comprise a strong response to the challenge of growth and congestion in our market.

More information about the benefits  of the plan and referendum is available at letsgetmoving.org/waketransit. Thank you for your support of regional mobility, and thank you for supporting the referendum this fall.

This blog originally appeared here on Sept. 8.

The Moving Wake County Forward Campaign kickoff event will take place Thursday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. at Shaw University. All Chamber members and transit supporters are invited to attend.

This event will formally launch the Moving Wake County Forward campaign, which will encourage residents to vote for a dedicated, locally-controlled funding source to implement the approved, bipartisan Wake Transit plan.

The campaign will be led by four distinguished co-chairs who represent different pillars of our community:

• Dr. Tashni Dubroy, Shaw University
• John Kane, Kane Realty
• Mayor James Roberson, Town of Knightdale
• Mayor Mark Stohlman, Town of Morrisville 

Additionally, the endorsement list is growing every day. If you or your organization would like to add your endorsement, please download the form.

If you have questions about the referendum campaign, the approved transit plan, or would like to become more involved, please contact Joe Milazzo II, PE, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance.

What can our region learn about transit from northern Virginia?

Around 50 regional business, elected, and transportation leaders will find out this week as part of the Regional Transportation Alliance's leadership briefing and field visit. 

Attendees will:

• Gain first-hand experience and insight about transit innovations including bus rapid transit and commuter rail—primary components of the bipartisan, network-based Wake Transit plan and elements of approved plans in both Durham and Orange counties
• Receive briefings from Virginia staff and tour the Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway—the D.C. metro region’s first bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes—as well as Virginia Railway Express commuter rail and the Capital Bikeshare system
• Learn about a new self-driving electric shuttle known as “Olli,” which incorporates the IBM Watson artificial intelligence platform.

Seeing commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and bike share in a fast-growing, competitive market like northern Virginia will help local leaders better understand key elements of our regional transit future. This experience is particularly timely as our region prepares for an important transit referendum vote this fall in Wake County.

The Leadership Briefing and Field Visit begins Tuesday, June 28. See a detailed agenda here, and find out what attendees are experiencing in real-time with the hashtag #RTAtour16 on Twitter and Instagram. Follow @RTATriangle for the latest transit information! 

by Bruce Sargent
Site Operations Manager
IBM Corporation, Research Triangle Park

RTA Air Service Chair



The Regional Transportation Alliance is partnering with the RDU Airport Authority to launch a multifaceted advertising campaign for the new RDU – Paris flight.

The new RDU – Paris nonstop flight was announced fall 2015 thanks to organized business community support, key corporate funding, and the efforts of local partners and RDU Airport Authority.

The marketing campaign will be funded in part by the RTA Air Service Advancement Project, which launched in December 2014 to create a regional marketing fund for new nonstop transatlantic air service. Both cash and in-kind investments made as part of the ASAP initiative will complement marketing expenditures by RDU Airport Authority to help ensure the success of the Paris flight by increasing awareness of the offering and encouraging its use.

Be on the lookout for RDU – Paris advertising via web, radio, TV, outdoor, event, and other channels, and help share information about the new flight with friends and colleagues.

RTA thanks all ASAP investors for helping to promote awareness of this new international connection from our market!

Thank you to all of the ASAP investors:

    Cary Chamber of Commerce
    Cisco Systems, Inc.
    Citrix
    Credit Suisse
    Duke Energy
    Duke University
    Fairway Outdoor Advertising
    First Citizens Bank
    Forge Communications
    Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
    Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
    IBM Corporation
    Morrisville Chamber of Commerce
    Quintiles
    Red Hat, Inc.
    Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
    UNC REX Healthcare
    Wells Fargo

And thank you to the ASAP in-kind partners:

    Cary Chamber of Commerce
    Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce
    Chapel Hill / Orange County Visitors Bureau
    Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau
    Morrisville Chamber of Commerce
    Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
    Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
    Downtown Raleigh Alliance
    Regional Transportation Alliance
    The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Companies can still join the Air Service Advancement Project and do not have to be an RTA member. Go here for more information about how you can help sustain and enhance our region’s connection to the world ASAP.

This blog originally appeared on the Regional Transportation Alliance's website here. RTA Air service chair Bruce Sargent serves as Site Operations Manager at RTA Leadership Team member IBM from their Research Triangle Park campus.