Based on the December 2022 Monthly Development Report, WF Planning Updated January 11, 2023 The updated Wake Forest population as of July 2022 is 54,274. In 2021 the population was 50,244. How rezoning and development requests are now heard Planning Director Courtney Tanner gave this response to a query: All legislative cases (rezonings) have a public hearing at the Commissioner meeting and a public comment session at the Planning Board. A special use permit has a public hearing at the Commissioner meeting. Administrative (correct zoning and comply with the UDO) cases are approved at the staff level. Two contentious requests *The Joyner Property on Capital Boulevard is a plan for 249 single-family lots and 137 townhouse lots on the former Wake Forest Country Club site, but the engineers at McAdams Engineering have revised the plan five times, town planners and other department officials have raised questions/issues over 100 times and

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) is celebrating Black History Month in 2023 by again offering residents the chance to recognize local African Americans who have made a difference enhancing and improving the quality of life in their community, family, church, business, organization, or other group. From now through Saturday, Jan. 21, the HRC will accept nominations for Wake Forest residents to be recognized for their contributions. The online nomination form is available at http://bit.ly/WFBHMHonorRoll. Wake Forest residents, former residents, and business and community stakeholders that identify as African American are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate leadership and integrity and be respected by their peers. In addition, potential nominees may be recognized for one or more of the following actions: • Helping neighbors and fellow Wake Forest citizens. • Demonstrating hospitality and/or concern for others. • Supporting local businesses and charities. • Promoting a sense of community in their neighborhood

Several local churches and community organizations will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road. The evening’s theme will center around one of Dr. King’s messages: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” In the spirit of the event theme, the Wake Forest MLK Committee will offer creative performance, writing, and art competitions for students in Wake Forest and Rolesville-area schools. Complete contest rules and information, along with the online contest entry form, are available at http://bit.ly/WFMLKCelebration. The competition winners will be recognized during the January 19 program. The Wake Forest MLK Committee is accepting monetary donations from the community to help fund the monetary prizes and scholarships awarded to the competition winners. The MLK Committee hopes to

You’re invited to join Mayor Vivian Jones for the 2023 State of the Town Address & Dinner on Monday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. Presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club, the event will take place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. During her remarks, Mayor Jones will reflect on the successes and challenges of the Wake Forest community over the past year. She will also outline the goals the Town will strive towards in 2023. Advance tickets are $15 per person and include a catered meal and dinner music by local performing artist Ronald Williams. Tickets can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card at https://bit.ly/WFStateofTown. Tickets may also be purchased at the Renaissance Centre Box Office with cash, check, or credit card. A limited number of tickets are available, so the event is expected to sell out. Dress

In December the Board of Commissioners (BOC) received the results of an independent audit report from Cherry Bekaert LLP for the period July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. In addition to not revealing any audit findings or problems, the report acknowledged that the Town is “in compliance” with all its financial policies and operating with strong internal controls in place. The report also included several financial performance highlights for Wake Forest which enjoys a triple A rating by all three national rating agencies: • Net change in the Town’s fund balance resulted in an increase of $7.6 million in the general fund. • Cash balances totaled $48.9 million, significantly higher than the $32.7 million in 2021. Along with above mentioned increase, this also includes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the Town. • Wake Forest collected 99.82% of its property taxes – higher than the average rate