AUGUST EVENTS with CITYBUILDER
Exciting opportunities to connect in person and virtually are coming up as Summer ends.
We hope you have enjoyed a relaxing and eventful summer in equal measure. At CITYBUILDER, we have been enjoying time in the sun with our families, while keeping an eye on everything that’s coming up this fall.
While finding some time for summer fun, we have also continued our coverage of critical housing issues in the Triangle and NC. In case you missed it, Jenn Truman broke down the kick off of municipal election season in her recent piece covering races across the region. We also have published articles breaking down issues facing Durham’s new UDO, how Cary’s new ordinance allows more ADUs to be built, and why parts of the Triangle are actually shrinking.
Thank you for continuing to support our content and attending our events. It’s been a privilege to watch our community growing.
In August, we have a full schedule of events as we gear up for even more opportunities to connect during the fall election season. See the highlights below and be sure to visit the CITYBUILDER Events Page for up-to-date info throughout the month.
See you soon,
Charlotte Chapman | Executive Administrator | CITYBUILDER
AUGUST EVENTS
BUILDING CONVERSATIONS:
Architects and Local Leaders
Join us and AIA Triangle for a breakfast roundtable with local elected officials, sponsored by ACTIVATE, an AIA North Carolina program.
Thursday, August 14th 8:00AM - 10:00AM
Center for Architecture and Design, 14 E Peace St. Raleigh
A light breakfast will be served. This event brings together local elected officials and members of the design profession for open conversation about how zoning, housing policy, and planning decisions shape our communities. From affordability to walkability, from sustainability to civic design, this is a chance to connect, share insights, and help build more livable cities together.
URBANISM FOR KIDS!
Saturday August 16th 10:30AM - 12:30 PM
Trinity Park Pavilion in Durham
Please join us for CITYBUILDER's first event for kids!
Come out and bring the kids for Family Fun at CITYBUILDER’s Kid-Friendly hang out! Bring your budding CITYBUILDER to connect with like-minded kiddos for a hands-on activity and play time. We’ll provide snacks, coffee, coloring pages, and supplies for the event.
AUGUST POLICY TALK: BUILDING TRINITY HEIGHTS with BOB CHAPMAN
Tuesday August 26th 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual (Link in Calendar)
Local Developer Bob Chapman will speak about the challenges he faced in building Trinity Heights. The project, completed in 2003, later went on to receive numerous design awards, and is now commonly mis-perceived as having “always” been a part of the historic neighborhood. Join this virtual discussion to find out more about how Trinity Heights broke dozens of anti-infill zoning rules and regulations, but got built anyway.
AUGUST BOOK CLUB: THE POWER BROKER
Wednesday August 27th 12:00pm - 1:00pm
in Raleigh at Press Coffee, 400 Hillsborough St.
You never have to read the book to join our book club lunches, but for this one we especially don’t expect it! We encourage anyone interested to try the Podcast instead, however, you are welcome even if you’ve done none of the homework. CITYBUILDER purchases your non-alcoholic beverage of choice.
Payton Chung will be leading our conversation this month. In case you missed it, here’s a re-cap of the importance of this book and why we’re talking about it now.
ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES
You’ve told us you want to show up, but need help knowing when it counts. This is your call to action. These public meetings are critical. Your voice can help shape the future of housing in our region.
ZONING CASES IN DURHAM + RALEIGH
Big decisions about housing are coming up. Durham will review several key rezonings on August 4, and Raleigh on August 19. These proposals could shape where new homes are allowed, and your voice can make a difference.
You can look up the details and share feedback by exploring the Durham rezoning cases and Raleigh rezoning cases. Remember, your voice is needed at Council meetings, so also plan to speak up for the housing you believe in.
DURHAM PLANNING OFFICE OPEN HOURS
Thursday August 7th 3:00PM - 6:00PM
AND Thursday August 21st 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Drop by and Chat at Open Office Hours with Planning staff at Durham County Libraries. More information here.
ALLIED EVENTS
Also don’t miss these great events on housing and citybuilding from our friends around the Triangle.
in situ studio REAL MATTER WORKSHOP LECTURE SERIES
July 27th - August 5th 2025
Raleigh, USA (see event for details)
The North Carolina architect firm In Situ Studio hosts its annual Real Matter lecture series. The workshop, which is shaped by the lectures and panels, focuses on the relationship between the built environment and social issues.
The series kicked off in July, and continues into August:
Germane Barnes of STUDIO BARNES - Fri Aug 1st 6:30
Betsy Williamson of WILLIAMSONWILLIAMSON - Mon Aug 4th 6:30
Sebastián Adamo of ADAMO-FAIDEN ARCHITECTS - Tue Aug 5th 6:30
RDU NEW LIBERALS PRESENTS: ABUNDANCE IN THE TRIANGLE
A Conversation on Making Progress in Local Politics
Sun Aug 10th 2:00PM - 4:00PM
WorkHub at Durham Bottling Company
Get involved in our local politics by supporting this moderated discussion on how anyone can make real impacts! This event will start with a moderated discussion followed by a social hour with refreshments. More details to follow keep an eye on RDU New Liberals Social Media and emails.
NORTH CAROLINA HOUSING TABLE PRESENTS: Banking on Housing
Tuesday August 19th 2:00PM
Virtual (More info and RSVP.)
Join North Carolina Housing Table for this insightful virtual talk.
RALEIGH STRONG TOWNS MONTHLY MEETUP
Tuesday August 19th 6:00PM - 8:00PM
in Raleigh at Weaver Street Market (upstairs mezzanine)
Join local neighbors, advocates, and citybuilders for the monthly Raleigh Strong Towns meetup! This casual gathering is a great place to talk about building stronger, more resilient communities — from housing choices and safe streets to local fiscal responsibility.
RALEIGH YIMBY MEETUP
Thu August 21st 6:30PM - 8:00PM
In Raleigh at Transfer Co. Food Hall
The local YIMBY Action chapter gives voice to residents who believe Raleigh-Durham should grow inclusively, sustainably, and affordably. In a region facing skyrocketing housing costs and rapid growth, the group pushes for zoning reform, abundant housing, and walkable communities. Here 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.