Holly Springs Council Finalizes Legislative Action Priorities
Priorities address local, county, state, and federal issues, reflecting the town’s commitment to education, infrastructure, safety, and cultural development.
Holly Springs, NC, Jan. 15, 2025—During its workshop on January 14, 2025, the Holly Springs Town Council reviewed the proposed priorities from the Legislative Action Committee. These priorities address local, county, state, and federal issues and reflect the town’s commitment to education, infrastructure, safety, and cultural development. The finalized agenda will guide advocacy efforts in 2025.
Local and Wake County Priorities
The council emphasized ensuring accessible, walkable schools and minimizing disruptions from student reassignment within the Wake County Public School System. School resource officer partnerships were also highlighted as a key component of campus safety.
Expanding workforce housing remains a critical focus. As Holly Springs expands, collaborating with Wake County to develop affordable options for the local workforce will address a growing need.
Regional greenways were identified as another priority. Linking Holly Springs with neighboring towns, like Apex, through new greenway projects would improve connectivity and recreational opportunities, building on the success of existing initiatives like the Pequay Marina greenway.
Discussions also included the need for a cultural center to house a library, performing arts venue, and additional community gathering spaces. These facilities are essential for meeting the cultural needs of Holly Springs’ growing population.
State-Level Priorities
State-level priorities include funding for infrastructure and safety projects. An elevated water storage tank for northwest Holly Springs and replacing outdated firefighter breathing apparatus were identified as urgent needs. These projects will enhance safety and support the town’s growth.
The council aims to address challenges posed by Senate Bill 382, which limits local government’s ability to manage zoning and long-term planning. Advocacy will focus on restoring local authority to support better growth management.
To streamline project delivery and evaluate cost efficiency, the council proposed exempting projects like the Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility and the Utley Creek Greenway (Phase 2) from state bidding requirements. It also highlighted improvements to transportation infrastructure, including planning for a U.S. 1 interchange near Friendship. The council seeks faster review times and increased state investment to address safety and capacity concerns.
Federal-Level Priorities
Public safety enhancements are central to the federal agenda. Funding for a heavy rescue fire truck to serve U.S. 1 and I-540 is a top priority, addressing increased demand due to traffic growth. The council is also considering deprioritizing a new fire training tower request, depending on the availability of Wake County’s planned facility.
The town plans to seek federal funding for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to modernize traffic control through smart cameras. This initiative responds to residents’ concerns about traffic and aims to improve daily commutes.
Facility improvements for the Holly Springs Post Office are another federal priority. The current facility struggles to keep pace with the town’s population growth.
Collaboration and Advocacy
The Legislative Action Committee emphasized collaboration with local representatives and state officials to advance these priorities. Holly Springs’ proactive approach to adopting a formal legislative agenda positions the town for success in securing funding and support.
These priorities reflect a strategic balance between addressing immediate needs and planning for future challenges. The council will finalize the agenda during its January 21 meeting, setting the stage for a focused advocacy effort in 2025.
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