WakeUP Wake County

Community Engagement Toolkit

Why is it important to engage in your local government?

Engaging in local governments is a vital part of creating a thriving and sustainable community. The decisions made by local governments are the ones that impact citizens’ daily lives the most. However, engagement at this level tends to be by far the lowest. This can be seen in local elections, where only 13.8% of registered voters participated in the 2023 municipal elections across North Carolina. This percentage of voters is not only small, but also unrepresentative of the population of North Carolina. In a study completed by Portland State University, the median age of voters tends to be around 55, which is a generation older than the median age of all eligible voters. This study also found that turnout varies drastically between neighborhoods. While studying planning and zoning meetings, Boston University found that participants tend to be older, male, longtime residents, voters in local elections, and homeowners. Overall, voter turnout in addition to community engagement in municipalities is low and unrepresentative of the general population. 

Local governments have a big impact on the everyday lives of the community. Local governments are in charge of budgets and urban type services, which includes water, sewage, police, streets, transportation, recreation, garbage collection/recycling, land use planning, and fire protection. 

Ways to engage in your local government:

Public Meetings

You can participate in your local government’s public meeting by attending and providing public commentary. Public comments provide the government with feedback regarding the needs of their citizens, ideas to consider before making decisions, expertise and on-the-ground experiences, and diverse perspectives. Alongside the benefits the governments get from public comments, this also gives citizens a chance to enact change regarding policy and decisions. You can participate verbally either in person or online. Verbal comments are timed and require registration before the meeting. You can also submit a written comment, which will be read aloud by a staff member during the meeting. These comments must be submitted prior to the meeting and might be summarized or abbreviated by those reading it. 

Voting

Voting is another great way to make your voice heard and enact change in your community. There are various positions that North Carolina citizens can vote for and by voting in local elections, you are having a more direct impact on your community. Local governments make decisions regarding water, transit, land use, waste management, and more. Local elected officials are the people making these decisions, so by voting for elected officials that align with your values, you are voting for policies and decisions you support. In order to vote in any election, you must register to vote, which can be done at any time, but must be completed 25 days before the election. You can register online, in person, or by mail as long as you meet the following requirements:

  • Must have a United States citizenship
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have been a citizen of Wake County, NC for at least 30 days prior to the election
  • Cannot be serving a felony sentence, including probation, parole, or post-release supervision

Early Voting vs Election Day

During early voting:

  • You must present a photo ID when voting
  • Voters can vote at ANY early voting location
  • Same day registration is available:
    • A government issued photo ID
    • A government document showing your name and address (ex. utility bill or paycheck)
    • Students living on campus must bring a document from their institution with their name and on-campus address

During early voting:

  • You must present a photo ID when voting
  • You MUST vote at your ASSIGNED voting location
  • You CANNOT register to vote on voting day

You can also participate in local governments through surveys, contacting representatives, taking courses with your municipality, and joining your municipalities citizen advisory boards.

Five Main Types of Local Governments:

  • Council-manager: an elected city council serves as the primary power in the area and a city manager is appointed by the city council
  • Mayor-council: an elected mayor and council work together to make decisions
  • Commission: an elected city council that has both legislative and executive powers is the primary decision maker for the area
  • Open town meeting: a board is elected to carry out policies, but all voters can attend meetings, debate, and vote on policy
  • Representative town meeting: all citizens can attend meetings, but a group of residents are elected to become the town meeting members and only they can vote on policies

Each of North Carolina’s municipalities follow the “Sunshine Laws,” which promotes government transparency regarding Open Meetings and Public Records. 

Each government in North Carolina is unique, each with their own structure, advisory boards, and procedures. Click to learn more about each municipality!

Wake County
Apex
Cary
Fuquay-Varina
Garner
Holly Springs
Knightdale
Morrisville
Raleigh
Rolesville
Wake Forest
Wendell
Zebulon

North Carolina

The North Carolina government has three different branches:

The Executive Branch, which includes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor appointed Cabinet Members. The Lieutenant Governor is elected by North Carolina citizens and is the second highest elected official in North Carolina. The Lieutenant Governor is the only elected official that has power in both the executive and legislative branches. 

The Judicial Branch, which is made up of the North Carolina Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Courts, Districts Courts, and Administrative Office of the Courts. The North Carolina Supreme Court is the highest court in North Carolina, while the North Carolina Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court. The Legislative Branch contains two chambers, the North Carolina House of Representatives and the North Carolina Senate. The House of Representatives has 120 members, who serve two year terms, while the Senate has 50 members, who serve two year terms.

North Carolina’s Constitution was created in 1776 and has since been substantially amended throughout the years. In addition to the Constitution changing throughout the years, so has the balance of power within the North Carolina government. As the years passed, the General Assembly has become one of the most powerful governing bodies in North Carolina. Another aspect that makes North Carolina’s government unique, is that the lieutenant governor runs independently and presides over the Senate, but can only vote if the Senate is equally split on a decision.

Dillon Rule in North Carolina:

This principle states that local governments should exercise only powers expressed by the state and powers that are implied and necessary for the local government to properly function. This means that local governments have certain powers, which are necessary for the county, city, or town to properly function, but none of these powers can override that of the state. Alongside this, the local governments can not pass a law that would contradict a law that has been enacted by the state. 

How a bill gets passed in North Carolina:

  1. Citizens come together and suggests change
  2. A Representative or Senator writes a bill
  3. The Bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate
  4. A committee reviews and reports on the bill
  5. The House or Senate passes the bill
  6. The bill goes to the other chamber
  7. That chamber passes the bill
  8. If the bill has been altered, it return to the first chamber for a vote or goes to a conference committee; if no alterations, the bill goes to the governor 
  9. If alterations have been made – a conference committee writes a final version of the bill
  10. The chambers vote on the final version
  11. The governor passes the bill

Wake County

Wake County is one out of one-hundred counties in North Carolina. Wake County follows a county-manager form of government and has a Board of Commissioners, Town Manager, and Advisory boards. 

The Board of Commissioners is the primary power in Wake County and is made up of seven commissioners, including one Chair and one Vice Chair. The Chair runs all board meetings, rules on how meetings are run, determines when a speaker has gone beyond expected courtesy, calls recesses, and adjourns the meetings. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected by the council for one-year terms. 

Here are all the current Commissioners in Wake County:

  • District 1 – Commissioner Don Mial
  • District 2 – Commissioner Matt Calabria
  • District 3 – Commissioner Cheryl Stallings
  • District 4 – Commissioner Susan Evans, Vice Chair
  • District 6 – Commissioner Shinica Thomas, Chair
  • District 7 – Commissioner Vickie Adamson

The Wake County Board of Commissioners meets on the first and third Mondays of each month in the Wake County Justice Center (300 S. Salisbury St). The meeting on the first Monday is held at 5:00pm and the meeting on the third Monday is held at 2:00pm. In order for a decision to be adopted during a meeting, a Commissioner must make a motion that is seconded by a different Commissioner. The Board then votes on the motion, which is adopted by a majority vote. 

In addition to a Board of Commissioners, Wake County has several Advisory Boards. These boards act as the Board of Commissioners eyes and ears. They provide the Commissioners with feedback, advice, and inform them about the needs of the community. This allows Commissioners to make informed decisions about a variety of issues, which helps to ensure that the decisions made by the Board are in the best interest of the community. Members of the Advisory Boards are residents of Wake County that were appointed through a majority vote by the Board of Commissioners on the first Monday of the month. Openings for the Boards can be found here. Applications must be submitted three weeks before the first Monday of the month. These applications remain active for one year and are considered each month until expiration. 

For questions contact: Toni.Womack@wake.gov 

Ways to Engage

For questions contact: David Ellis, Wake County Manager David.Ellis@wakegov.com

Apex

Apex is a town in Wake County that follows a council-manager form of government. Apex has a mayor and five council members, which serve as the governing body for the town. The Council appoints the  Town Manager, Town Attorney, Town Clerk, and members of boards, committees, and commissions. These officials are elected at-large by Apex residents for four-year terms. 

The Town Council has regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:00pm in the Town Hall Council Chambers (73 Hunter St). The Town Council also has work sessions on the third Tuesday of each month at 3:30pm. Agendas for all public meetings are posted on the Thursday before the meeting at 5:00pm. Citizens can provide public comments at meetings, either in person or virtually. To comment in person, citizens must sign in with the Town

Clerk before the meeting. To comment virtually, citizens can submit a written statement at least two days before the meeting. Written comments can be submitted by emailing either public.forum@apexnc.org or public.hearing@apexnc.org, or by mailing the comment to the Office of the Town Clerk (73 Hunter Street or USPS mail – P.O. Box 250, Apex, NC 27502).

Here are the current council members for the town of Apex:

  • Mayor Jacques Gilbert
  • Mayor Pro-Tempore Ed Gray
  • Council Member Brett Gantt
  • Council Member Audra Killingsworth
  • Council Member Terry Mahaffey
  • Council Member Arno Zegerman

In addition to a Town Council, Apex has citizen run advisory boards and committees. There are nine committees that citizens can serve on, which can be found here. All members of advisory boards and committees are appointed by the Town Council after submitting an interest form.

For questions contact Allen Coleman, Town Clerk: townclerk@apexnc.org 

Ways to Engage: 

Cary

The Town of Cary is a municipality in Wake County that follows a council-manager form of government. Cary is run by a Town Council, which is made up of six council members and a mayor. Council members are elected by Cary residents for four year terms. Four of the council members are elected by residents in their districts, while two members are elected town-wide. The Town Council appoints the Town attorney, Town clerk, and Town manager. 

The Town Council meets every second and fourth Thursday in the Cary Town Hall (316 N Academy St). All agendas can be found here. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public hearings and Public Speaks Outs. Citizens can submit written comments, which must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. Comments can be submitted online through the 311 portal, by emailing virtualtownhall@carync.gov, or by mailing comments to the Town

Clerk Office (P.O. Box 8005, Cary, NC 27512-8005). Citizens can sign up for verbal comments by calling 919-469-4000 before noon the day of the meetings. Verbal comments can either be shared in person or by calling into the meeting.

The current Town Council Members are:

The Town of Cary has thirteen citizen run boards, commissions, and committees. Eligible citizens may submit applications year round, however active recruitment takes place from May 1 – June 30 and terms begin in October. To be eligible for a board position, citizens must be at least 18 years of age, a Cary resident for the duration of their term, and cannot be employed by the Town. The Town Council reviews applications after June 30th and selects a list of applicants to be interviewed. Following interviews, the Council will create a final list of candidates and vote on who will be appointed for a three year term. 

For questions contact Virginia Johnson, Town Clerk: virginia.johnson@carync.gov 

Ways to Engage: 

  • Volunteering
  • Surveys: Check out our Engagement Page for surveys
  • Courses: Cary 101
    • Cary 101 is a “Citizen’s College,” where Cary residents can gain a better understanding of local government and the public’s role within it.
  • Attending Meetings

Fuquay-Varina

Fuquay-Varina is a town in Wake County that follows a council-manager form of government. Fuquay-Varina is run by a Town Council, which consists of a mayor and five council members. The mayor is elected on a nonpartisan basis for a two-year term and the council members are elected at-large, through staggered elections for four-year terms. In addition to administrative duties, council members appoint the town manager, who then appoints town staff.

The Town Council convenes for meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:00pm. These meetings are held in the John W. Byrne Municipal Building (134 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC). Agendas are typically posted on the Friday before the scheduled meeting by 5:00pm. Citizens are able to provide public comments at Town Council meetings by signing up with the Town Clerk before the meeting begins. 

Here are the current members of the Fuquay-Varina Town Council:

The town of Fuquay-Varina also has several citizen-run advisory boards and committees. There are three advisory boards and committees that citizens can apply to join. When applications are submitted and reviewed, the mayor makes recommendations to the Town Council, who then appoints the members of the boards and committees. 

For questions contact Teresa Wilder, Town Clerk: twilder@fuquay-varina.org

Ways to Engage:

Garner

The Town of Garner follows a council-manager form of government. Garner is led by the Town Council, which is made up of five council members and a mayor. Elections for council members and the mayor are non partisan and staggered. In addition to the administrative duties of the Town Council, council members are in charge of appointing the town manager. 

The Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm, while work sessions are held on the last Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. Meetings are held in the Garner Town Hall (900 7th Ave) and agendas can be found here. Citizens can participate in Town Council meetings through in person or virtual public comments. To share an in-person comment, citizens must sign up with the Town Clerk before the meeting. To submit a public comment virtually, citizens must fill out this form.

Here are the current Garner Town Council members:

  • Mayor Buddy Gupton
  • Mayor Pro Tem Elmo Vance
  • Council Member Kathy Behringer
  • Council Member Demian Dellinger
  • Council Member Phil Matthews
  • Council Member Gra Singleton

In addition to the Town Council, Garner has various citizen-run boards and committees.  There are six boards and committees that citizens can apply for. Applications are reviewed by council members and they will then appoint members for the boards and committees. 

For questions contact Stella Gibson, Town Clerk: sgibson@garnernc.gov

Ways to Engage:

Holly Springs

The Town of Holly Springs is run under a council-manager form of government. Holly Springs is run by a Town Council, which is made up of five council members and a mayor. Members of the Town Council are elected by Holly Springs residents for four-year terms. Positions are not party-affiliation and elections occur during odd-years on the first Tuesday following the first Monday. The Mayor Pro Tem position is voted on by the Town Council, following elections. In addition to their other duties, the Town Council appoints the Town Manager. 

The Town Council holds meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Holly Springs Town Hall (128 South Main Street). They also meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm in the Holly Springs Law Enforcement Center. Quarterly meetings are held (if needed) on the first Tuesday of March,

June, September, and December. Agendas for Town Council meetings are typically posted on the Thursday evening before the meeting. Citizens are encouraged to participate in Town Council meetings during public hearing, which can be done either in person or virtually. To comment in person, citizens must sign up with the Town Clerk before the meeting begins. Those wanting to submit public comments virtually can either fill out this form, email linda.mckinney@hollyspringsnc.gov, or drop off the comment in the payment box before 5:00pm on the Monday before the meeting. The payment box is located in the Town Hall parking lot and citizens should write “Public Comment” on the envelope.

Here are the current Town Council members for Holly Springs:

  • Mayor Sean Mayefskie 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Berry
  • Council Member Danielle Hewetson
  • Council Member Timothy Forrest
  • Council Member Annie Drees
  • Council Member Chris Deshazor

The Town of Holly Springs has various Boards and Committees that citizens can participate in. There are six citizen-run boards that residents of Holly Springs can apply to be appointed for. The Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board application period is from October 1st to the first Monday in December. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Trees Advisory Committee application period is from February 1st to the First Monday in April. The Police-Community Advisory Board application period is from the second Monday in September to the second Friday in November. Teenagers can join the Teen Recreation Advisory Council by filling out this form and attending the next upcoming meeting. 

For questions contact Linda McKinney, Town Clerk: linda.mckinney@hollyspringsnc.gov

Ways to Engage:

Knightdale

The Town of Knightdale is a municipality in Wake County that follows a council-manager form of government. Knightdale is run by a Town Council that is made up of five council members and a mayor. These council members are elected in general elections by Knightdale residents for staggered four-year terms. The Town Council is in charge of appointing the Town Manager.

Knightdale’s Town Council meets for work sessions on the first Monday at 7:00pm and for regular meetings on the third Wednesday at 7:00pm. All meetings are held in Knightdale’s Town Hall (950 Steeple Square Court). Meeting agendas are posted here. Citizens can participate in meetings in person or virtually through public comments. To comment in person, citizens must sign up using the form in the Council Chambers before the meeting begins. To comment virtually, citizens must use this form 24 hours prior to the meeting. 

Here are the current Knightdale Town Council members:

  • Mayor Jessica Day
  • Mayor pro Tem Latatious Morris
  • Councilor Steve Evans
  • Councilor Ben McDonald
  • Councilor Stephen Morgan
  • Councilor Mark Swan

Knightdale has various citizen-run advisory boards that citizens can apply for. There are five boards that citizens of Knightdale can apply for between November and January. Advisory board members are appointed by the Town Council  in February. 

For questions contact Heather Smith, Town Clerk: heather.smith@knightdalenc.gov

Ways to Engage:

Morrisville

The Town of Morrisville is one of Wake County’s municipalities. This town follows a council-manager form of government and is run by a Town Council. The Town Council is made of six councilors and a mayor. These council members are elected by Morrisville residents in staggered elections. There are four council members that represent one of Morrisville’s districts, while the other two council members and the mayor are municipality-wide elected officials. 

Morrisville’s Town Council typically meets for regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm. Work sessions are typically held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00pm. All Town Council meetings take place in the Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560).  Agendas for all meetings can be found here. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public meetings,

either in person or virtually. To comment in person, citizens must sign up on the sign up sheet outside the Council Chambers between 12:00pm and 6:00pm on the day of the meeting. Citizens wishing to comment virtually must submit their comment to publiccomment@morrisvillenc.gov or publichearings@morrisvillenc.gov.

Here are the current Morrisville Town Council members:

  • Mayor TJ Cawley
  • Mayor Pro Tem Satish Garimella
  • Council Member Liz Johnson
  • Council Member Anne Robotti 
  • Council Member Donna L. Fender
  • Council Member Vicki Scroggins-Johnson
  • Council Member Steve Rao

Morrisville citizens can also participate in their local government by applying to join an advisory committee. There are six advisory committees that citizens can apply for. Applications are accepted year around and appointments are made by the Town Council twice a year.

For questions contact Patricia Spillane, Town Clerk: townclerk@morrisvillenc.gov

Ways to Engage:

Raleigh

The City of Raleigh is a municipality in Wake County and the capital of North Carolina. Raleigh follows a council-manager form of government and is run by a City Council. The City Council is made up of seven council members and a mayor. Councilors and the mayor are elected by residents of Raleigh for two-year terms. Five of the council members are elected by residents in their district, while three members, including the mayor, are elected at-large. The Town Council is responsible for appointing the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney. The City Manager is then responsible for hiring all other city staff members. 

The Raleigh City Council meets for regular afternoon sessions on the first and third Tuesday at 1:00pm, while regular evening sessions are held on the first Tuesday at 7:00pm. Work sessions take place on the second Tuesday at 4:00pm and the third Tuesday at 11:30am. All City

Council meetings take place in the Raleigh Municipal Meeting (222 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601). Agendas can be found here. Citizens can participate in City Council meetings by providing public comments, either in person or virtually. In person commenters must sign up before 3:00pm on the Friday before the meeting. You can sign up by calling 919-996-3040 or by filling out either of these forms: Second Tuesday at 7 form or ​​Third Tuesday at 1 form. Remote commenters should call 855-925-2801 and enter code 3362 between 5:00pm on Thursday and 5:00pm on Monday before a Tuesday Council meeting.

Here are the current Raleigh City Council Members:

Raleigh has twenty-nine boards and commissions that citizens can apply to serve on. Applications are found on each board page and vacancies can be found here. The Town Council appoints members of these boards and commissions after reviewing applications. Raleigh citizens can also apply for the Community Connector Program. Those hired for this program work to expand the reach of Raleigh’s engagement efforts. 

For questions contact Louis Buonpane, City Clerk: Louis.Buonpane@raleighnc.gov

Ways to Engage:

Rolesville

The Town of Rolesville operates under a council-manager form of government. A board of commissioners is in charge of running the town and is made up of five commissioners and a mayor. Members of the Board serve four-year terms and are elected by residents of Rolesville in staggered elections. The board of commissioners is in charge of appointing the Town Manager, alongside their other administrative duties. 

The board of commissioners meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm for regular meetings and on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm for work sessions. All meetings are held in the Rolesville Town Hall (502 Southtown Cir). Agendas for all meetings are posted on the Friday before a meeting. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public meetings through public comments, where citizens will be called to speak at meetings.

Here are the current board of commissioner members for the town of Rolesville:

  • Mayor Ronnie Currin
  • Mayor Pro Tem April Sneed
  • Commissioner Lenwood Long
  • Commissioner Michael Paul
  • Commissioner Paul Vilga
  • Commissioner Dan Alston

Rolesville has some boards and commissions that residents can apply for. These boards and commissions include the Board of Adjustment, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, and Planning Board. Members of boards and commissions are appointed by the board of commission and applications are found on each individual board and commission page. 

For questions contact Robin Peyton, Town Clerk: robin.peyton@rolesville.nc.gov

Ways to Engage: 

Wake Forest

Wake Forest is a town in Wake County that follows a council-manager form of government. Wake Forest has a board of commissioners that is made up of five members and a mayor. Commissioners and the mayor are elected by residents of Wake Forest for four-year terms. In addition to their administrative duties, the board of commissioners is responsible for appointing the town manager. 

The Wake Forest board of commissioners meets for work sessions on the first Tuesday of the month and for regular meetings on the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings are held at 6:00pm in the Town Hall Board Chambers (301 S. Brooks St). Citizens can participate in public meetings by registering for public hearings or public comments before 3pm on the day of the meeting. All agendas are posted here on the Friday before meetings.

Here are the current members of the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners:

  • Mayor Vivian Jones
  • Commissioner Ben Clapsaddle
  • Commissioner Faith Cross
  • Commissioner R. Keith Shackleford
  • Commissioner Nick Sliwinski
  • Commissioner Adam Wright

In addition to the board of commissioners, Wake Forest has citizen run advisory boards. There are eight advisory boards that citizens can apply for in September. Wake Forest also has a Community Council, which is composed of civic, service, social, fraternal, religious, and business organizations as well as interested individuals. These individuals work together to inform community and volunteer organizations about upcoming activities and projects, better understand community needs, exchange ideas, promote recognition of volunteers through awards, and participate in community improvement projects

For questions contact Terry Savary, Town Clerk: tsavary@wakeforestnc.gov

Ways to Engage:

  • Volunteering
  • Courses:
    • Citizens Academy
      • This is a seven-week course that offers participants an opportunity to learn more about their local government as well as experience the workings of the Town government.
    • Planning 101
      • Residents can learn about local government in Raleigh and Wake County.
      • Application for Fall 2024
  • Surveys: Check Engagement Page for Surveys
  • Attending meetings

Wendell

The Town of Wendell follows a council-manager form of government. This Town is run by a board of commissioners that is made up of a mayor and five commissioners. Members of the Board are elected in nonpartisan, at-large elections in November during odd years. Elections are staggered and board members serve four year terms. The Board of Commissioners are responsible for appointing the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney. 

Wendell’s Board of Commissioners meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7:00pm. All Board meetings are held in the Wendell Town Hall (409 Landing View Dr, Wendell, NC 27591). Agendas for all meetings are posted here. Citizens are encouraged to participate in Board of Commissioner meetings through public comments. Public comments can be made either in person or virtually. To comment in person, citizens must sign up using the sign-up sheet

at the podium in the Board Room Lobby. To comment virtually, citizens must submit their writtens comments to mtew@townofwendellnc.gov the Friday prior to the meeting by 5pm. Information about public comments can be found in each meeting agenda.

Here are the current Wendell Board of Commissioner members:

  • Mayor Virginia Gray
  • Mayor Pro Tem Jason Joyner
  • Commissioner Braxton Honeycutt
  • Commissioner Deans Eatman
  • Commissioner Joe Deloach
  • Commissioner Jon Lutz

Wendell also has multiple advisory boards that citizens can apply for. Wendell has five citizen run boards that Wendell residents can apply for each spring. Members of advisory boards are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. 

For questions contact Mary Beth Tew, Town Clerk: mtew@townofwendellnc.gov

Ways to Engage:

Zebulon

The Town of Zebulon is a municipality in Wake County that follows a council-manager form of government. Zebulon is run by a Board of  Commissioners that is made up of a mayor and five commissioners. Commissioners are elected by Zebulon residents for staggered, four-year terms. 

Zebulon’s Board of Commissioners meets for regular meeting on the first Monday of every month at 6:00pm and for work sessions on the third Thursday of the month at 5:00pm. Board meetings are held in the Zebulon Town Hall (1003 N Arendell Ave). Agendas and information about public comments can be found here. Public comments can be made either in person or virtually. To comment in person, citizens must sign up before 5:50 and to comment virtually, citizens should submit their comment to Stacie Paratore (sparatore@townofzebulon.org) by 3:00pm the day of the meeting.

Here are the current Zebulon Board of Commissioner members:

  • Mayor Glenn L. York
  • Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Harrison
  • Commissioner Shannon Baxter
  • Commissioner Beverly Clark
  • Commissioner Amber Davis
  • Commissioner Quentin Miles

In addition to the Board of Commissioners, Zebulon has various citizen-run boards. There are five appointed boards that citizens can be a part of. To join a citizen-run board, fill out this interest form. All members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. 

For questions contact Kaleb Harmon, Communications Director: kharmon@townofzebulon.org

Ways to Engage: