Raleigh Voters Approve $203 Million Housing and Transportation Bond Referendum
Raleigh voters approved two general obligation bond measures totaling $203 million in the November 3, 2026, election, allowing the city to borrow money for housing and transportation projects. The City of Raleigh says the bonds can be issued without requiring an additional property tax increase specifically to repay them.
The city's bond information page describes the election outcome as based on unofficial results. The measures include a $101.5 million housing bond and a separate $101.5 million transportation bond.
Source: City of Raleigh – 2026 Bond Referendum
Housing Bond to Support Affordable Housing and Homelessness Programs
The housing bond is planned to support affordable housing development and preservation, homebuyer assistance, major project development and homelessness response efforts.
The city lists the following allocations:
$57.6 million for housing development and preservation.
$10.4 million for homebuyer assistance and preservation goals.
$21.5 million for major project development reserves.
$12 million for homelessness response.
These investments are intended to support housing opportunities and address housing-related needs across Raleigh.
Transportation Bond Targets Roads and Infrastructure
The transportation bond includes funding for road infrastructure, transportation plans and programs adopted by City Council, and neighborhood traffic management.
The city identifies projects involving Marsh Creek Road and Trawick Road-West, Ebenezer Church Road and general-purpose lanes along the Southern Bus Rapid Transit corridor.
The funding is intended to support transportation improvements and address infrastructure and neighborhood traffic needs.
City Expects to Repay Bonds Without Additional Property Tax Increase
Raleigh says it began setting aside money in a dedicated debt fund to help pay for major capital projects.
Based on its current financial estimates, the city expects to borrow the bond amount without increasing property taxes specifically to repay the 2026 bonds. The city also notes that future revenue changes could affect the amount of debt it can support.
Project Allocations Could Change
The projects listed on the city's website are planned uses of the bond proceeds and may change, provided any revised uses remain consistent with the authorized purposes of the bond measures.
Residents can review the city's bond breakdown, project descriptions and updates through the official 2026 bond referendum page.
Source: City of Raleigh – 2026 Bond Referendum and Project Allocations
