MARCH: Book Club, Policy Talk, ADU Tour, and Vote on March 3rd!
Book Club on The Upswing; Policy Talk on a Small Lot Code for Raleigh. Show us an ADU you love!
Despite recent winter storms, the first signs of spring are beginning to show throughout the Triangle. Beyond March Madness, this month is a great time to connect with the CITYBUILDER community.
We’ve got some amazing events planned, including our Policy Talk focused on Raleigh’s Small Lot Code, and our Book Club on Robert Putnim’s The Upswing, which will be hosted by Nick Neptune. More information on these and other events below!
But first, be sure you mark your calendar and make a plan to vote on Primary Election Day: Tuesday March 3rd. Specific races vary across the Triangle, but there’s something important to vote on in every city and town in the region. With our focus on housing, CITYBUILDER has again prepared Candidate Report Cards highlighting pro-housing candidates in Raleigh, Wake County, and Orange County. The turnout for these elections is historically low, which means your vote goes even further.
Thank you for continuing to support local housing with us. We are grateful to you for helping to build this movement, so that we can continue to build our cities together, and create community for all.
We’ll see you out there!
Best,
Charlotte Chapman
Executive Administrator
CITYBUILDER
CALL TO ACTION
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: Tuesday March 3rd
Find your Voter Registration Information and Polling Place at the North Carolina State Board of Elections Website
Be sure to vote in this important Primary election. Make a plan, and take a friend. Wondering who to vote for? Check out CITYBUILDER’s Report Cards for candidates in Raleigh, Wake County, and Orange Counties.
CALLING ALL RALEIGH ADUs! Apply for the ADU Tour
Submit your completed or substantially completed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be featured in the 2026 ADU Sustainability Tour! CITYBUILDER, WakeUP Wake County, and RaleighForward are hosting this citywide tour highlighting well-designed, energy-efficient small homes built after Raleigh’s 2020 text change.
The tour will take place Saturday, June 6, 2026 (rain date June 20) and will feature a range of ADU types, including detached, attached, garage conversions, and internal units, with selected participants receiving promotion, logistics support, inclusion in tour materials, and recognition as local leaders in small-scale housing innovation.
Applications, including photos and a brief project description, are due by March 10, 2026.
MARCH EVENTS WITH CITYBUILDER
CITYBUILDER POLICY TALK: Raleigh’s Need for a Small Lot Code with Evan Bost of Bost Custom Homes
Tuesday March 17th • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Please RSVP for this virtual talk
We believe small homes on small lots can help to solve housing demand pressures, but how can we build this way when the rules aren’t made for it? Join Raleigh builder Evan Bost to hear more about how Raleigh could alleviate demand through the creation of a Small Lot Code. This casual lunch-and-learn style virtual event is open to all. Please RSVP to attend.
CITYBUILDER BOOK CLUB: The Upswing with Nick Neptune
Wednesday March 25th • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
PRESS Coffee, Crêpes & Cocktails • 400 Hillsborough St, Suite 108, Raleigh
Join us for our monthly book club. This month, we’ll be discussing Robert Putnam’s The Upswing: How we came together a century ago and how we can do it again.
This book explains how the United States moved from the individualistic, unequal Gilded Age to a more cooperative and community-minded “We” society in the early twentieth century, only to swing back toward inequality and polarization beginning in the 1960s. Blending data and storytelling, Putnam argues that because Americans have reversed such decline before, we can draw lessons from that earlier era to rebuild a stronger, more unified nation today.
Reading the book is never required, but always encouraged. Come discuss the themes and enjoy lunch from Press. CITYBUILDER will buy you the (non-alcoholic) beverage of your choice.
MARCH EVENTS WITH FRIENDS
COMMUNITY HOME TRUST Neighborhood Tour
Saturday March 7th • 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
APPLY to join
Learn more about the communities where CHT residents live and see some examples of our homes for yourself. The neighborhood tour lasts approximately two hours and starts with coffee and conversation at our office. Space on the bus is limited and registration is required.
ALLIED EVENTS
RALEIGH STRONG TOWNS MONTHLY MEETUP
Tuesday March 17th • 6:30pm - 7:30pm (directly before Yes! In My Triangle)
Weaver Street Market • 404 W Hargett St, Raleigh
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. All are welcome to come listen, share ideas, and connect with others working toward a stronger Raleigh.
YES! IN MY TRIANGLE MEETUPS IN DURHAM & RALEIGH
IN RALEIGH
Tuesday March 17th • 7:30pm - 8:30pm (directly following StrongTowns)
Morgan Street Food Hall • 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh
More info for the Raleigh Meetup and RSVP through YIMBY Action.
IN DURHAM
Thursday March 12th • 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Parts & Labor • 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham
More info for the Durham Meetup and RSVP through YIMBY Action.
The 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, 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.
LOOKING AHEAD
Coming up in April:
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 at the link.