East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)
September 15, 2025
7:00-8:00 pm
Taproom
Streaming online
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary
14 in attendance
Guests
Luis Oliveri-Robert, Community Relations Analyst from the City of Raleigh Community Engagement Department, Community Partnership Division
Focus Areas
1. Public Safety
a) Officer Hinton was not available for this meeting.
2. Community Building
a) Luis Oliveri-Robert offered a presentation on the Raleigh Neighborhood College. See also <https://raleighnc.gov/community/services/raleigh-neighborhood-college>.
▪ Since 2002, the Raleigh Neighborhood College has supported community engagement and partnerships by helping selected residents to learn about local government functions and opportunities for participation. More than 900 residents have completed the program.
▪ It is an 11-week program offered 2 times per year (in the spring and in the fall).
▪ It is offered in-person and virtually.
▪ Cohorts are offered for English- and Spanish-speakers.
▪ The college meets 1 time per month from 5:30-8:00 pm and class meetings follow a regular format.
▪ Graduation requirements include attendance at monthly meetings and completion of a project related to boards or commissions.
▪ The benefits for participants include:
• Dinner
• Connection with classmates
• Connection with City of Raleigh staff
• Opportunities to share with neighbors
• Introduction to boards, commissions, and nonprofits and opportunities for involvement
▪ Anyone interested can contact the Community Engagement Department. It is possible to audit a current meeting to get a better understanding of how it works.
3. Public Works
a) The East CAC will include a presentation about City of Raleigh waterworks at an upcoming meeting.
b) Other items raised by attendees:
▪ The drainage project at Dennis and Timber currently has standing water. When the project is completed, there will be no standing water.
▪ The automated gate at the Timber Drive entrance of Lions Park has been installed and is functioning.
4. Representation
a) Vice Chair Mark Turner requested 3 volunteers for a nominating committee to assist in the election of a new East CAC Chair. Bryan Ryan, Lizzie Gonzales Bender, and Gwen Belcredi volunteered.
b) Mark gave an update on the reconstitution of Raleigh CAC, the overall organization of ~19 neighborhood CACs, including the status of City of Raleigh commission and staff support, virtual meeting, website, and newsletter options.
Next Meeting—Scheduled for October 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center.