SEPTEMBER EVENTS with CITYBUILDER
Fall in the Triangle will be busy with municipal elections, as well as fun opportunities to explore, learn, and connect.
We’ve been working hard planning our fall season full of opportunities to learn and connect. We hope you can join our upcoming events, and check out events by our allies, as well as opportunities for advocacy. Thank you to everyone who has come out so far. We are thrilled to watch this community continue to grow!
We’re excited to focus our attention this fall on municipal elections taking place across the Triangle. In case you missed it, Jenn Truman wrote a piece outlining every candidate in every local election, to keep you up to speed.
This year’s election in Durham especially highlights the importance of housing and development policy and practice in local government. We’ll be giving extra attention to this Bull City election, and continuing our focus on Durham’s ongoing Unified Development Ordinance re-write.
Looking ahead, on Tuesday October 14th CITYBUILDER will be hosting Durham Election Candidate Forum focused on Housing at Motorco from 7-9PM. Mark your calendars!
Don’t miss the CITYBUILDER Events Calendar for updates and more to events throughout the month. Thank you again for building this community with us!
We hope to see you soon,
Charlotte Chapman | Executive Administrator | CITYBUILDER
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
BUILDING CONVERSATIONS: Architects and Local Leaders
Friday, September 5th 8:00AM - 10:00AM
The Can Opener Durham, 205 S Gregson St
Join us and AIA Triangle for a breakfast roundtable with local elected officials, sponsored by ACTIVATE, an AIA North Carolina program.
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.
UDO KICK-THE-TIRES WORKSHOP
Tuesday September 9th 12:00pm - 2:00pm
The Trotter Building (Basement) - 410 W. Geer Street, Durham
Join CITYBUILDER to explore how buildings would fare under the new Durham UDO.
We'll be considering some of Durham's existing well-loves places, and conduct a “kick the tires” workshop to evaluate whether these places could be built under the new UDO. We'll identify issues and deliver a list to City Planning of things to fix.
CITYBUILDER will provide lunch. Please RSVP. We hope to see you there!
CAROLINA POLICY TALK
Wed Sep 17th 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual (Link More Information)
Come review Durham's candidates and hear what they had to say on the Local Municipal Election Housing Questionnaire, which was collaboratively produced by CITYBUILDER, Yes! In My Triangle (Triangle YIMBY Action chapter), RDU New Liberals, and Strong Towns Raleigh.
SEPTEMBER BOOK CLUB: THE CHARTER OF THE NEW URBANISM
Wednesday September 24th 12:00pm - 1:00pm
in Raleigh at Press Coffee, 400 Hillsborough St.
As we learn more about the issues and opportunities in the modern housing and development landscape, we continue to seek answers regarding how to build the types of places we (and so many people) want to live in.
In 1996, the Congress for the New Urbanism ratified their Charter, outlining 27 principles to guide public policy, development practice, urban planning, and design. The entire Charter is available to read online.
Local developer and original signer of the Charter, Bob Chapman will be leading this discussion over lunch at Press Cafe in Raleigh. As always, CITYBUILDER buys the NA beverages.
REMINDER: MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE
Every single municipality in the Triangle (except Raleigh) has elections this fall! ICYMI we broke down everyone whose running, in every race. Be sure you make a plan to vote!
Durham Municipal Primary Early Voting runs Thursday September 18th through Saturday October 4th.
Make a plan to vote, vote early, and take a friend. You can also one-stop register and vote during Durham’s early voting period. See detailed information on the printable flyer below.
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.
You can always 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
Thu Sep 18th 10:00am - 1:00pm
Durham County Main Library, 300 N Roxboro St
Drop by and Chat at Open Office Hours with Planning staff at Durham County Libraries. More information here.
ALLIED EVENTS
THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA) TRIANGLE TOUR OF RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Sat Sep 6th 9:00am - 5:00pm
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Triangle Tour of Residential Architecture showcases architect-designed homes throughout the North Carolina Triangle region. This is your opportunity to experience eight unique and inspiring homes in the Triangle, get ideas for your own home, and ask questions about architecture, materials, construction, and technology. Architects and docents are available to answer your questions all day! This is a self-guided tour, open to the public.
STRONG TOWNS OXFORD: A BOTTOM-UP REVOLUTION TO REBUILD AMERICAN PROSPERITY
Wed Sep 10th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Orange Street Community Center, 125 Orange St, Oxford
The first in a series of community discussions hosted by OxForward, with support from Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.
The featured speaker is Chris Allen of Strong Towns, a national organization that works “to elevate local government to be the highest level of collaboration for people working together in a place.”
Admission is free, no reservations required.
RALEIGH STRONG TOWNS MONTHLY MEETUP
Tue Sep 16th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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.
YES! IN MY TRIANGLE (LOCAL YIMBYs) DURHAM MEETUP
Thu Sep 18th 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Atomic Clock Brewing Company: 501 Washington St # A
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.
NC AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONFERENCE
Tue Sep 30th 7:30am - 6:00pm & Wed Oct 1st 7:30am - 12:30pm
At the Raleigh Convention Center
The North Carolina Affordable Housing Conference is presented by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, the North Carolina Housing Coalition and Centrant Community Capital. Each year, the NC Affordable Housing Conference features informative and timely breakout session including an inspiring opening session.
A broad range of breakout sessions include topics for all affordable housing professionals including tax credits, home ownership, housing counseling, nonprofits and more.