Town Leaders A Message from the Town Manager We strive to make sure we retain that sense of character that continues to make Wake Forest the ultimate location to live, work and play.
The Town of Wake Forest is proud to present its Citizens Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending 2020. As you can imagine, most of this year has been consumed by responding to the implications and restrictions placed on us by COVID-19. It has caused most of our popular events including Friday Night on White and our Concerts in the Park series to be cancelled. We have had to embrace a virtual environment to continue offering many of our popular classes and programs at the Renaissance Centre and through our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. Outside of our response to COVID-19, Wake Forest Fire became a department of the Town on July 1, 2020. This was an eighteen-plus month process, but the transition was seamless. Additionally, the Town was able to complete the Stadium Drive street project, the Wait Avenue pedestrian project and the Northern Wake Senior Center renovation project was finalized. Construction is progressing at Ligon Mill Road and S. Main Street to bring relief to this congested intersection. Residential and commercial development continues to thrive with the construction of the Forbes 98 project which will include a Wegmans Food Market. This development and related improvements will make a substantial change along this popular gateway into Wake Forest.
As we move into Fiscal Year 2021, the Town’s Community Plan is in the process of being updated. This update will establish policies to guide the Town’s growth over the next twenty years. Although public gatherings are limited, staff has been reaching out through social media, direct mailings and our website to engage and receive feedback on the vision our residents have for Wake Forest. I would encourage you to take part in this process and reach out to our Planning Department should you have any questions. Our financial position remains strong. For the 30th year in a row, the Town has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting. Additionally, our auditors have finished their year-end review and reported no issues or irregularities and therefore issued a clean opinion of our finances. On behalf of our elected officials and staff, I want to thank you for your support of our continued efforts in Wake Forest. We strive to make sure we retain that sense of character that continues to make “our Wake Forest” the ultimate location to live, work, and play. — Kip Padgett, Town Manager
2020 Wake Forest Mayor & Board of Commissioners
Mayor Vivian Jones
Commissioner Jim Dyer
Commissioner Chad Sary
Commissioner Liz Simpers
Commissioner Bridget Wall-Lennon
Commissioner Adam Wright 3
