Your City, Answered

In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, to explore the history and future of this once‑buzzing part of downtown. Kerry shares how the convention center, performing arts center, and amphitheater all stand on land that was originally part of Raleigh’s Fourth Ward—a place that was, and will continue to be, the destination for entertainment and community life.

In this episode, we chat with Michelle Bradley from the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and Caitlyn Parker from City of Raleigh Parking Services about convenient parking options for the busy holiday show season. With five garages within a quick .3‑mile walk (5,600 spaces), nearby on‑street parking, and a new drop‑off lane opening 90 minutes before showtime, they share everything visitors need for a smooth arrival.

Community Engagement Analyst Lance Shinholser joins us to preview the Engage Raleigh Expo, featuring 90 exhibitors, the Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange, and three workshops exploring “Community in a Digital Age."

Raleigh’s yard waste collection is getting a refresh—and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, Solid Waste Services Director Shikha Gupta and Sr. Communications Analyst Ellen Mathis join us to explain the City’s new weekly pickup program launching September 8. They walk us through the shift from loose, curbside leaf piles to a system where leaves must be bagged or placed in bins, and why this change matters for safety, accessibility, and stormwater health.

In this episode, we dive into what’s next for the Chavis–Dix Strollway and why community perspectives are at the heart of the project. City of Raleigh team members Ken Bowers and Dhanya Sandeep share how the cultural trail is being shaped by the stories, memories, and lived experiences of residents. They discuss the big‑picture vision behind the concept plan—and why this moment is critical for gathering input that will guide the trail’s elements for generations to come.