APRIL: Book Club, Policy Talk, and NC Housing Day!
Book Club on Home; Policy Talk on Inclusionary Zoning; NC Housing Day, and Earth Day celebrations!
Spring is here, and so are CITYBUILDER events! Don’t mind the wild temperature swings and a coating of yellow covering everything; join us to connect with community and remember why long-time residents and newcomers alike delight in calling the Triangle home.
CITYBUILDER is continuing our events with another Policy Talk and Book Club for April. Join us on April 13th for our in-person monthly Book Club at Press Cafe in Downtown Raleigh, where we’ll have an informal conversation about this month’s book, Home: A Short History of an Idea by Witold Rybczynski led by Nicholas Chrapliwy, Executive Director of The Rhizome Institute in Durham.
For our April Policy Talk we’re charting new territory, leading a virtual walk-through of the new Loft3 21-unit condo project in Downtown Raleigh on April 23rd. We’ll be broadcasting live from the construction site. As always, our Book Club and Policy Talk are free and open (with RSVP).
On April 7th, be sure to join the Urban Land Institute for their Lunch Event, Addressing our Housing Crisis featuring CITYBUILDER’s own Jenn Truman. And in Late April, watch out for NC Housing Day, hosted by our friends at Habitat for Humanity NC, the NC Housing Coalition, the NC Community Land Trust Coalition, and the NC Coalition to End Homelessness. Housing Day is April 28th and 29th; registration ends on April 3rd.
We’re excited to explore some local Earth Day Celebrations across the Triangle. From Raleigh’s Family and Eco-friendly Festival in Dix Park, to Durham’s Earth Day Festival in Durham Central Park, to Carrboro Day and Cary’s Spring Daze, we can’t wait to get out and enjoy our urban environment together. More information on all of these below.
We’re so glad you’re building this pro-housing movement with us. Thanks for helping us grow together as we work toward more connected, welcoming communities for all. Can’t wait to see you out there!
Best,
Charlotte Chapman | Executive Administrator | CITYBUILDER
CALLS TO ACTION
Re-zonings & Legislation will Need Your Support in April!
There are several housing projects throughout the Triangle that may (or may not) end up before Planning Commissions and City Councils in April, plus pro-housing legislation that could come before the legislature. Continue to subscribe to CITYBUILDER updates, including our weekly CITYBUILDER Brief (paid subscribers only) for alerts about when to show up and where.
Sign up for YIMBYtown Raleigh Updates!
In case you missed it, YIMBYtown 2026 is coming to Raleigh in November! Be the first to find out about early-bird registration, speaker topics, and hotel blocks by signing up for updates at yimby.town
MARCH EVENTS WITH CITYBUILDER
BOOK CLUB
Home: A Short History of an Idea, by Witold Rybczynski with Nicholas Chrapliwy
Monday April 13th • 12:00pm - 1:00pm
PRESS Coffee, Crêpes & Cocktails • 400 Hillsborough St, Suite 108, Raleigh
Join us for our monthly book club. This month, we’ll be exploring Wiltold Rybczynki’s Home: A Short History of an Idea with discussion lead by Nicholas Chrapliwy of the Rhizome Institute.
This book is a highly readable cultural and architectural history that traces how the concept of “home” has evolved throughout time. From medieval, work-centered dwellings to the private, comfort-oriented spaces we recognize today, housing has been shaped by changes in technology, social norms, and the rise of the middle class. What makes this book especially relevant to today’s pro-housing movement is its core argument that housing is not just about shelter or efficiency, but about dignity and the lived experience of residents.
Reading the book is never required, but always encouraged. Come discuss the themes and enjoy lunch from Press. CITYBUILDER will buy you a (non-alcoholic) beverage of your choice.
POLICY TALK
Inclusionary Zoning at Loft3 - a Virtual Walk-Through with Steven Wilke
Thursday April 23rd • 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Please RSVP for this virtual talk
Join us for our first live virtual walkthrough! Loft3 in Raleigh is delivering attainable housing in a desirable location. We’ll hear from Steven Wilke about how they accomplished this feat. As always, you’re welcome to be camera-off and come for the information, but your questions and comments are welcome!
MARCH EVENTS WITH FRIENDS - EARTH DAY EDITION!
DURHAM EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
Sunday, April 19 • 12:00PM - 5:00PM
Durham Central Park • 501 Foster Street, Durham
Join Durham in celebrating Earth Day 2026 as we unite to honor and protect the planet. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the incredible potential everyone has to drive positive change for the environment. From individuals to communities, and businesses to governments, we all hold the power to create a sustainable future.
CARRBORO DAY 2026
Sunday April 19 • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Carrboro Town Commons & Weaver Street Market • 301 West Main Street & 101 East Weaver St, Carrboro
Celebrate sustainability and Carrboro with an event that brings people together for an afternoon of eco-friendly activities and outdoor fun. Enjoy car-free streets transformed into vibrant spaces for cycling, walking, and exploring green initiatives, all while learning how we can protect our planet. Moving forward, Carrboro Day and Earth Day will be celebrated together as one event.
RALEIGH EARTH DAY
Friday April 24 • 5:00PM - 10:00PM
Harvey Hill at Dix Park • Cranmer Dr, Raleigh
Join the City of Raleigh for the 5th annual Raleigh Earth Day. This milestone event brings together community members, local organizations, and city departments for an evening dedicated to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and connection — all in one of Raleigh’s most beautiful public spaces.
CARY SPRING DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Saturday April 25 • 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Bond Park • 801 High House Rd, Cary
There’s no better way to celebrate Spring than at Cary’s Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival! Come spend the day at beautiful Bond Park exploring one-of-a-kind art from 170+ local NC artists. Enjoy live music and performances, grab tasty bites, and get hands-on with fun activities for all ages.
More information here.
ALLIED EVENTS
ULI TRIANGLE: Addressing our Housing Crisis Lunch Event
Tuesday April 7th • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Smoky Hollow • 421 N Harrington Street, Raleigh
Join ULI Triangle for a focused conversation on the urgent need for more attainable and equitable housing. This event will explore zoning reform, innovative financing tools, and effective housing advocacy strategies. Come ready to learn, engage, and collaborate on real solutions for our region’s housing future.
Featuring our founder, Jenn Truman. More information and registration here.
2026 NC HOUSING DAY
April 28th - 29th • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
REGISTER NOW! • Registration closes April 3
Register now for NC Housing Day 2026 on April 28-29 in Raleigh! On April 29, we’ll meet with our state legislators in Raleigh and tell them that affordable housing is important for North Carolina, and the state has a vital role to play in its provision. There are also opportunities for training and networking on April 28. NC Housing Day is hosted by Habitat for Humanity NC, the NC Housing Coalition, the NC Community Land Trust Coalition, and the NC Coalition to End Homelessness.
RALEIGH STRONG TOWNS MONTHLY MEETUP & YES! IN MY TRIANGLE RALEIGH MEET-UP COMBINED MEETING
Tuesday March 17th • 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Weaver Street Market • 404 W Hargett St, Raleigh
Join local neighbors, advocates, and citybuilders for the monthly Raleigh Strong Towns meetup AND monthly Yes! In My Triangle meetup. This will be a combined-group meeting. All are welcome to come listen, share ideas, and connect with others working toward a stronger Raleigh.
Hosted by Strong Town Raleigh & Yes! In My Triangle
YES! IN MY TRIANGLE MEETUP IN DURHAM
Thursday April 9th • 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Parts & Labor • 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham
This local YIMBY Action chapter gives voice to residents who believe the Triangle should grow inclusively, sustainably, and affordably. In a region facing skyrocketing housing costs and rapid growth, YES! In My Triangle pushes for zoning reform, abundant housing, and walkable communities.
YES! In My Triangle’s advocacy counters NIMBY resistance and brings much-needed urgency to local housing debates. Simply put, they’re fighting for a Triangle where more people can afford to live, work, and flourish.
This event is hosted by Yes! In My Triangle, a Raleigh-Durham Chapter of the National YIMBY Action Network.
More info for the Durham Meetup and RSVP through YIMBY Action.
SEE YOU AROUND TOWN!
