The Raleigh City Council held its Annual Retreat on January 25, 2025, focusing on community engagement and strategic planning for the upcoming year. The second day of the retreat featured a lively interactive session titled "Raleigh Family Feud," where council members participated in a game designed to gather insights on community priorities and preferences.

The session began with a brief introduction by the host, Stevina Harvey, who emphasized the importance of understanding community values through the game format. Council members were divided into two teams: the Acorn Avengers and the Raleigh Rainbows. They answered questions based on surveys conducted with Raleigh residents, covering topics such as how residents receive information about city government and transportation priorities.

Key findings from the game included that the city website was the most popular source of information, followed by social media and local television. Additionally, transportation concerns highlighted the need for improved bike lanes, bus rapid transit, and sidewalk availability.

As the game progressed, council members discussed pressing issues facing Raleigh, such as affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure growth. The Acorn Avengers ultimately won the game, earning prizes and bragging rights.

Following the game, the retreat transitioned into a more formal discussion. Mayor Janet Cowell reflected on the city's accomplishments over the past year, including progress on housing affordability initiatives and the construction of a new city hall. She praised the city staff for their dedication and highlighted the importance of maintaining a competitive labor market through employee benefits and recognition programs.

The council members expressed appreciation for the collaborative atmosphere of the retreat, noting the value of open dialogue and diverse perspectives in addressing community challenges. They acknowledged the need for continued efforts in public safety, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

In conclusion, the retreat served as a platform for the Raleigh City Council to strengthen teamwork, celebrate achievements, and outline priorities for the year ahead, reinforcing their commitment to serving the community effectively.