Tax increase for affordable housing part of proposed Raleigh budget

The proposal calls for increasing property taxes from 35.52 cents to 37.3 cents per $100 valuation to fund the $80 million affordable housing bond that Raleigh voters approved in November.

The property tax increase would also support parks and capital maintenance.

A total of $6 million in the 2022 budget proposal will go toward creating more affordable housing and reducing homelessness.

Adams-David also calls for a $1 increase in monthly solid waste fees to cover yard waste services and fund better routes for service delivery to customers and for a $1.50 increase in fees for stormwater management. Raleigh Water is also proposing a 1.5% hike in funding.

City officials hope to create two new offices — one focused on community engagement and the other on service delivery. The city also said it's planning to establish a Parks and Greenway Patrol Unit with six dedicated sworn officers and one sergeant to "enhance public safety" and encourage more people to use the greenway.

If the budget is passed as is, $8 million will go toward fixing streets, and $4 million will be invested in improving bike and pedestrian lanes.

The city also is proposing an increase in the living wage, from $34,130 to $36,052, which is about $18 an hour. A living wage is the minimum income that meets a worker's basic needs like food, clothing and housing.

Annual, merit-based pay raises for certain government employees will increase by 2% to 4%.

The budget also includes $24,000 for the city's Independence Day fireworks display near Carter-Finley Stadium. Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin said the location might change, as they are looking at possibly moving it to Dix Park.