Field Notes on Democracy / Raleigh, NC
A lab for civic participation.
Democracy isn't something you watch. It's something you do.
Right now in RaleighData Centers · 176 days leftdemocracy is a participation sport →
Featured experiment / 01Active nowRaleigh / October 2026
Raleigh approved a six-month pause on major data center applications. Now the City is reviewing regulations that could shape future development. Residents have opportunities to participate before the scheduled April 6, 2027 decision.
176days left in the pause
Oct 6, 2026
Six-month pause approved
Apr 6, 2027
Scheduled final Council action
Organizers had called for a 32-month pause instead. That proposal came from community organizers, not the City. Read the 32-month proposal →
Take part
There's always a way to participate. Here's what's coming up.
On the City's meeting calendar
Tue, Oct 20 · 1 p.m.
Raleigh Municipal Building, 222 W. Hargett St., Council Chamber
Sign up by
Fri, Oct 16 · 3 p.m.
in 4 days
Calculated from the City's standing rule (3 p.m. the Friday before). The City's page has the sign-up form. Sign-up closes if the 50-speaker cap is reached.
Current Experiments
Experiment 01 · Active
Following the decisions that shape Raleigh's energy, water, land, and neighborhoods — and making public participation easier.
Follow the campaignExperiment 02 · Recent milestone
Invest in youth. Not curfews.
Building ways for young people to shape the decisions affecting their lives.
Explore the initiativeHow YAP! Works
01
What's happening?
02
What does it actually mean?
03
What can we do?
04
Who else cares?
05
What can we change together?
Take the next step
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