Instead of a regular RCAC meeting, tonight we had a workshop and session away from the TV cameras. Turned out to be pretty productive.
Christine Dargas from the city’s Planning Department briefed (and I do mean briefed) us on major changes to Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Lots of questions were raised and Christine answered as many as she could in the time we allotted her. The UDO is a huge beast of a document and 90 minutes is not nearly enough time to do it justice, so I hope to have a follow-on session sometime in the near future where we can get into more detail.
After a short break, the RCAC debated changes to our bylaws and the “default” CAC bylaws that many CACs use in absence of their own. Lots of discussion ensued, making us go far beyond the time we normally wrap up. In the end, though, the new RCAC and CAC bylaws were adopted with only minor changes.
When I first became a CAC chair, I was unsure what role the RCAC should play. Now I see that the RCAC exists to serve the CAC chairs who make up its membership. It’s a support network of sorts to pool resources, swap tips, and help keep the public informed and engaged.
While tonight’s meeting wasn’t always easy, I’m proud of the group for working together to actually get things done.