CommunityLink

Raleigh, NC

Government

Ready To Serve

Government is the largest single employer in Wake County and helps drive the growing economy of the area. As North Carolina’s state capital, Raleigh’s downtown area is largely dedicated to the workings of the state, as well as the City of Raleigh and Wake County. Local government’s customer-friendly staff will help you register to vote, get a new driver’s license, check on water or recycling services, or find libraries, parks and recreational opportunities.

City of Raleigh
222 W. Hargett St., 27601
General Information (919) 890-3000
Mayor and City Council (919) 890-3050
City Manager (919) 890-3070
www.raleigh-nc.org

The City Council has eight members, including the mayor as its leader. Five members are elected from specific geographical districts, and two members are elected at-large along with the mayor. The City Council sets policy, enacts laws and adopts the budget. The city manager is hired by the City Council and serves as Raleigh’s chief executive officer, responsible for appointing department heads, preparing the budget and managing all city departments. The city clerk records all official actions, holds legal documents and prepares ordinances. The city attorney is the chief legal officer.

Wake County
336 Fayetteville St. Mall, 27601
County Commissioners/Manager (919) 856-6160
www.wakegov.com

Wake County’s seven-member Board of Commissioners is elected by the citizens to set policies and the tax rate, approve the budget, and allocate services. Commissioners are responsible for funding public schools, and education is the largest part of the county’s budget. The county also provides services ranging from animal control, restaurant inspections, public health and emergency medical services to parks, libraries, voting and zoning. The board hires the county manager, who oversees the day-to-day affairs of county government.

Wake County Human Services
(919) 212-7000
www.wakegov.com

Wake County Human Services, the county’s largest department, offers social, mental and public health services along with child support, housing, transportation and employment services. The department’s mission includes moving families toward economic self-sufficiency; providing quality health services, including immunizations and prenatal care; and working with the community on problems such as communicable diseases, substance abuse and sufficient foster care. A specific list of departments and services is located in the Quick Reference Phone Numbers section of this guide, beginning on page 69.

Wake County Sheriff’s Office
330 S. Salisbury St., 27602
(919) 856-6900
www.rtpnet.org/wcso

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency charged with investigating crimes, apprehending criminals, operating the county detention centers, serving civil and criminal court documents, and furnishing courtroom security. The sheriff, who is elected by citizens for four-year terms, has primary jurisdiction for patrol and crime prevention and investigation in unincorporated areas of the county. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has five divisions: Administration, Criminal Investigations, Detention, Judicial Services and Patrol. The office also provides school resource officers to all middle schools in the City of Raleigh and in the unincorporated areas.

Wake County Municipalities
Wake County has 11 municipalities in addition to Raleigh. You can reach their town halls at:

Apex (919) 249-3400
Cary (919) 469-4001
Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-3178
Garner (919) 772-4688
Holly Springs (919) 552-6221
Knightdale (919) 217-2200
Morrisville (919) 463-6200
Rolesville (919) 556-3506
Wake Forest (919) 554-6100
Wendell (919) 365-4444
Zebulon (919) 269-7455

North Carolina State Government
Operator assistance (919) 733-1110
www.ncgov.com

All state government departments have offices in Raleigh, most of which are in the complex of state office buildings downtown. Administrative functions are handled from the State Capitol Building. The North Carolina General Assembly meets in the Legislative Building, and the North Carolina Supreme Court convenes in the Justice Building. The state provides driver’s licenses for newcomers and also offers online services for car tag renewals.