CARY

Overview

Cary is a town 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 townwide. 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 Out. 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 to make 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 Town of Cary has numerous 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 and a Cary resident for the duration of their term; they cannot be employed by the Town. The Town Council reviews applications after June 30 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.