Happy October, CITYBUILDERs!
This month is all about housing. From conversations with elected officials and architects to our Policy Talk on the North Carolina Housing Coalition’s legislative agenda, there’s plenty of ways to get involved.
We’re also looking forward to the NC Affordable Housing Conference, October 22–23 at the Raleigh Convention Center. It’s a great chance to connect with people working across the housing field, and learn about the challenges and opportunities that come with making housing more affordable.
The Housing Conference is the official kick-off of NC Housing Coalition and CITYBUILDER’s Housing Month. From October 22 to November 22, we’re connecting with housing advocates to create a month of housing, culminating with YIMBYtown on November 17 through 19, and ending with the 100th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision on Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co on November 22.
And of course, October is a huge month for local elections. Raleigh’s candidate forum on housing is October 7, and early voting begins October 15. Whether you’re attending a forum, joining a discussion, or heading to the polls, we hope you’ll participate in the conversations shaping the future of our neighborhoods and cities.
We hope to see you this month!
Charlotte Chapman
Executive Administrator, CITYBUILDER
Events with CITYBUILDER
Move-A-Bull City!
Sunday, October 4 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Downtown Durham
Come join CITYBUILDER at one of Durham’s best events of the year!
Move-A-Bull is a big block party where streets are shut down for folks to bike, skate, roll, and walk around while enjoying vendor booths, performances, and interactive activities.
Bike Durham, the City of Durham, and the Durham County Public Health Department’s Partnership for a Healthy Durham are teaming up to make our streets healthier, safer, and more joyful for folks of all ages and abilities.
More information at moveabull.org
Election Forum on Housing! for Raleigh Candidates
Wednesday, October 7 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Doors open at 6 PM; forum runs 7–9 PM
Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Ave
Join us for an evening about housing with the candidates for Raleigh city council! This is an opportunity to hear candidates discuss housing issues and share their perspectives on the future of Raleigh.
Thanks to Trophy Brewing for providing the space for this important event. Sponsored by CITYBUILDER and Yes! In My Triangle.
CITYBUILDER Carolina Policy Talk: North Carolina Housing Coalition’s Legislative Agenda
Tuesday, October 20 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Virtual - Please RSVP
Join us for a Carolina Policy Talk with Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, Director of Housing Policy at the North Carolina Housing Coalition. Stephanie will discuss the Coalition’s legislative agenda and the housing policy priorities shaping the work ahead.
CITYBUILDER Book Club
Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00–1:00 PM
PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails, 400 Hillsborough St
Please RSVP
Join us for a discussion of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem, led by Eric Braun and Nicole Stewart.
Authors Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern argue that regional rates of homelessness are primarily driven by structural housing market conditions, specifically high housing costs, rising rents, and low vacancy rates, rather than individual factors like mental illness or substance abuse. The authors show that metropolitan areas with expensive and restricted housing markets experience significantly higher per capita rates of homelessness overall.
Nicole Stewart is a prominent political consultant, community organizer, and former municipal official in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is best known for serving as an At-Large Raleigh City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem from 2017 to 2022. Currently, she operates as the founder and president of her own consulting firm, Nicole Stewart Strategies.
Eric Braun is a retired land use and litigation attorney who serves as a prominent civic leader and affordable housing advocate in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is best known as the Chair of the Raleigh Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the founder and Executive Director of RaleighForward, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on housing affordability and urban growth.
Come for community and conversation as we explore the book’s ideas about homelessness and the role housing plays in addressing it.
Enjoy lunch at PRESS; CITYBUILDER will purchase your non-alcoholic beverage of choice.
Events with Friends
AIA Triangle’s Building Conversations: Breakfast Roundtable with Architects and Local Leaders — Sanford, Oxford & Warrenton
Friday, October 2 | 8:00–10:00 AM
Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, 1801 Nash St, Sanford
Friday, October 9 | 8:00–10:00 AM
Sanctum Coffee & Wine Bar, 305 Williamsboro St, Oxford
Friday, October 30 | 8:00–10:00 AM
Warrenton, NC
Join us for Building Conversations: Architects and Local Leaders, a morning roundtable bringing together local elected officials and members of the design profession for meaningful dialogue about the future of our communities.
Over a light breakfast, we’ll explore how zoning, housing policy, and planning decisions impact affordability, sustainability, walkability, and civic design—and why architects should be at the table when those decisions are made.
This event is hosted by AIA Triangle and CITYBUILDER, and funded by the AIA NC ACTIVATE Grant.
Durham Yes! In My Triangle Meetup
Monday, October 5 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Queeny’s, 321 E Chapel Hill St, Durham
Join the Durham Yes! In My Triangle meetup and then walk over to the regular Durham City Council meeting to support local housing rezoning cases and hear what’s being said.
Bring a friend!
Raleigh Yes! In My Triangle Meetup
Tuesday, October 20 | 7:30–8:30 PM
Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh
Join the Raleigh Yes! In My Triangle chapter for a casual meetup to discuss local housing advocacy. It’s a chance to connect with others who care about making the Triangle a place where more people can afford to live, work, and flourish.
We hope to see you there!
NC Affordable Housing Conference
Thursday, October 22 – Friday, October 23
Raleigh Convention Center
The 2026 NC Affordable Housing Conference brings together affordable housing professionals for informative breakout sessions and an inspiring opening session.
Topics span tax credits, homeownership, housing counseling, nonprofits, and more. The conference is presented by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, the North Carolina Housing Coalition, and Centrant Community Capital.
Election Dates
Friday, October 9 — Voter Registration Deadline
The deadline to register to vote is 5 PM.
Thursday, October 15 — Early Voting Begins
In-person early voting begins, and same-day registration is available.
Saturday, October 31 — Early Voting Ends
In-person early voting ends at 3 PM.
Registration is open for YIMBYtown 2026!
The nation’s pro-housing gathering is coming to Raleigh! Join advocates from throughout the Triangle, across the state, and around the country for sessions on all things housing and YIMBY-ism.