2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
Consultation has concluded
Capital Improvement Plan
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a five-year plan identifying the Town’s capital outlay and improvement needs. As a long-range plan, the CIP reflects the Town’s policy regarding long-range physical and economic development. By providing a planned schedule of public improvements, the CIP outlines present and future public needs and priorities. A capital improvement is defined as any expenditure for equipment, buildings, infrastructure, land acquisition, plan, or project in which the cost exceeds $25,000 and the estimated useful life is greater than one year.
The Town of Wake Forest adopted its first CIP in 1985. Capital project planning is an ongoing process, so the CIP document has been updated each year since then. Changing needs and priorities, emergencies, cost changes, mandates, and changes in technology all require the CIP to be updated annually.
The CIP Update is the first step in the annual budgeting process and will outline the Town’s official commitment to funding capital expenditures in the upcoming budget. Later, during the annual budget process, Wake Forest will refine first-year projects and develop a financing plan within the budget to fund those expenditures receiving the highest priority.
Public Hearing - September 16
The Town of Wake Forest will host a public hearing to gather citizen input for inclusion in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Update during the Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Chambers, 301 S. Brooks St.
Wake Forest community members are invited to attend the session and provide their input in this important process.
Town staff are currently considering projects to include in the CIP Update which covers the five fiscal years from 2026-27 through 2030-31.
Next Steps
Town staff will present the CIP Update to the BOC during the BOC work session on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Discussion with the BOC is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, and final approval is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.
Share Your Opinion
In the feedback section below, please share your thoughts and opinions on the specific areas in which the Town should focus over the next five years. All comments received will be shared with the BOC for consideration and will become part of the public record.
Better access to downtown south of 98 - pedestrian bridge across 98/S. Main, safer crossings, greenways, bike lanes, etc. so folks can access downtown area without car. South Main Street improvements, bike lanes, better sidewalks, general beautification as main entry into Wake Forest. Additional recreational facilities as population continues to grow. Greenway expansion around WF middle school to connect to other greenways.
I agree with others that I would love to see continued focus on bringing more local businesses to downtown Wake Forest, while still preserving its charming historic buildings. There has been so much development in Wake Forest but it seems to be mainly in newly developed centers and strip malls with chain restaurants, although those options are still very appreciated.
Downtown WF has the quaint setting, plenty of vacant building space, and successful events (FNOW). Are there incentives for new business owners to come in and have a permanent establishment? We would love to see new local restaurants (not national chains) serving fresh unique food options, a good sandwich shop, a bakery and cafe, another nicer dinner spot, more international fresh food options. Womens, mens and childrens clothing boutiques with everyday useful clothing (there are enough gift/novelty knick-knack places). A local antique shop would be great (Youngsville has at least three in their DT). A children's toy store. One of the lofts with a lot of light would make a great yoga or pilates studio. Endless possibilities.
Secondly I would love to have an understanding of the land protections that Wake Forest has planned including areas that will stay natural and protected from development. The beautiful woods and farmlands of this area are what many of us love about living here. I hope the town is keeping top of mind that the balance between development and preservation is really important to its residents.
(I apologize for the length, just trying to be detailed)
I agree with others that I would love to see continued focus on bringing more local businesses to downtown Wake Forest, while still preserving its charming historic buildings. There has been so much development in Wake Forest but it seems to be mainly in newly developed centers and strip malls with chain restaurants, although those options are still very appreciated.
Downtown WF has the quaint setting, plenty of vacant building space, and successful events (FNOW). Are there incentives for new business owners to come in and have a permanent establishment? We would love to see new local restaurants (not national chains) serving fresh unique food options, a good sandwich shop, a bakery and cafe, another nicer dinner spot, more international fresh food options. Women's, men's and children's clothing boutiques with everyday useful clothing (there are enough gift/novelty knick-knack places). A local antique shop would be great (Youngsville has at least three in their DT). A children's toy store. One of the lofts with a lot of light would make a great yoga or pilates studio.
Secondly I would love to have an understanding of the land protections that Wake Forest has planned including areas that will stay natural and protected from development. The beautiful woods and farmlands of this area are what many of us love about living here. I hope the town is keeping top of mind that the balance between development and preservation is really important to its residents.
-skate park /bike park
- resurface pickleball courts at Flaherty
-the police mobile communications truck thing we need that. I have had conversations with Jefferson about it.
-whatever equipment police need to have a unit in the NE community at all times.
-new fire station off wait Ave
-can we please stop using drones to retrieve bodies. It can compromise the medical examiners report per the state medical examiner. I had a meeting with him.
- paint the crosswalks near wake Forest High
-paint the bump outs yellow or something so no one hits them at night.
Along with addressing the resurfacing project of the Flaherty Tennis courts, the 4 dedicated pickleball courts need attention as well. After rainy weather (including melting snow and ice) the existing cracks seep water for days, depending on the amount of moisture. This issue causes slipping hazards across all four courts, causing dangerous slipping hazards. Please do not ignore and address this situation asap. Thank you
Incentives for more businesses specifically restaurants or cafes downtown on White St and the old Hardee’s building. When will the parking be addressed? I thought we were supposed to get a parking deck. I’ve heard there are other issues, some type lines or traps needed or updated for restaurants. What can the Town do to address the needs directly?
I would say the first priority would to be to expand Capital Blvd. to 3 lanes from the Franklin county line to 540, and extend on/off ramps on US 1 north from 98 bypass to 98 business and 98 business to 98 bypass to eliminate merge issues. (This is likely a DOT issue but the Town can advocate for it) Number 2 would be extending Royal Mill to North Main, there are far too few crossing of the train tracks and Brewer Ave. is crazy busy in the AM with people trying to get kids to WFHS.
Please add more speed humps. Especially on North College Street.
Expand bike lanes and pedestrian areas downtown.
South main street improvements.
Additional community pools (indoor and outdoor). As summers get warmer, outdoor recreation will be limited for many families, community pools will be an important resource for young families. There is also a need for water aerobic programs for adults and seniors.
Historic preservation
S-Line
Greenway expansion (more access points from south main street, near middle school)
Continued development of the downtown Wake Forest area as a priority; including green spaces/parks, parking, public art, and beautification. Addressing traffic concerns, where roads need to widened or improved as you come into the Town of Wake Forest. I would also like to see the Town improve the entrance to Wake Forest at the intersection of Capital Boulevard and 1A. A better and beautiful sign welcoming people to the Town of Wake Forest. Please continue the Go Wake Rides. This is a phenomenal service offered to Wake Forest residents and well used as more and more people learn about it and give it a try.