Apex · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Apex public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Christmas Parade planning
The parade returns downtown this year with a sponsor boosting nonprofit giving and WRAL coverage; construction may narrow the route to one lane, requiring up to four floats to divert.
Haddon Hall Greenway feasibility and greenway prioritization
The Haddon Hall greenway feasibility study found a tough alignment — five stream crossings, switchbacks, retaining walls — costing $4.5–6 million, and it scores poorly in the town's prioritization matrix. Despite ~80% neighborhood support, staff say it won't get construction funding anytime soon.
Smoke-free community ordinance referral
Mayor Pro Tem Mahaffey asked to sponsor an updated model smoke-free ordinance covering e-cigarettes, referring it to the Vibrant Community committee for review this fall.
Naming practices
How should Apex honor people — naming buildings, benches, or retirement recognitions? Council members differed on honoring people while they're living versus posthumously, and staff will research existing policies and bring back recommendations, possibly via council committees.
Fire department ISO Class 1 rating
Apex Fire Department earned the highest possible ISO rating — top 1% nationwide — which could lower homeowners' insurance premiums and confirms top-tier fire protection.
Public forum standards
Rules for resident comments at council meetings — in-person only, 12 speakers or 36 minutes — were reviewed, with ideas floated to spread time evenly when more people sign up.
Social media and press release guidelines for officials
New best practices aim to keep personal opinions separate from official town positions — disclaimers on accounts, no tagging town staff, and routing official statements through town channels.
Recycling cart upgrade to 95 gallons
Starting March 30, the town is swapping 65-gallon recycling carts for 95-gallon ones, about 50 carts a day, because residents keep filling the smaller bins.
UDO temporary turnaround amendments
New UDO rules keep temporary cul-de-sac turnarounds and their easements out of buffer areas entirely. A local engineer warned this pushes turnarounds deeper into subdivisions and affects more lots, but the council approved the changes.
Electric meter replacement program
About 20% of Apex electric meters — over 6,100 — have been swapped with a 99.39% reading success rate; full replacement is expected by fall 2026.
Parks and Recreation tennis awards
Apex Parks and Recreation won two USTA Outstanding Parks and Recreation Department awards — regional and state — for making tennis accessible to all, including wheelchair and adaptive players.