The Community Development and Neighborhood Connections (CDNC) department was established in 2023, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the town’s engagement and outreach efforts.
The department sees their role as a catalyst in creating and preserving Apex homes and neighborhoods that are welcoming to all, providing an environment where everyone can thrive, and honoring the cultural richness and vibrancy of our diverse residents.
Marla Newman was selected as the department’s first director. Scan the QR code to get to know Marla in her “Five Questions With” interview.
The CDNC Department has four divisions with four distinct areas of focus. Learn a little more from each division manager here, and stay tuned to the exciting work ahead for this team at www.apexnc.org/CDNC.
Community Engagement
Staff Contact: Brianne Gill, Community Engagement Manager
brianne.gill@apexnc.org or (919) 249-1122
What’s the division’s focus? Community Engagement was created to build effective and impactful relationships with community members, to increase participation in town activities, and to empower and engage community members by providing services that support quality and healthy neighborhoods.
What’s the division’s first big project? The Community Engagement division will soon kick off a community needs assessment to look at current programs and services offered by the Town, identify the availability of other community resources, and explore any existing gaps we may have in services.
How does this division serve the community? Community Engagement seeks to foster more robust and inclusive resident participation and community leadership. This leads to increased involvement in town decision-making processes, and community capacity to care for town neighborhoods.
Housing Division
Staff Contact: Lamont Taylor, Housing Program Manager
lamont.taylor@apexnc.org or (919) 249-1171
What’s the division’s focus? We work to increase the availability of homes, both for ownership and rental, to be affordable for anyone who wants to call Apex home. Another priority is preserving homes in older Apex neighborhoods, many of which provide affordable living opportunities.
What’s the division’s first big project? Updating the incentive zoning policy that was adopted by the town council in June 2023. The policy aims to provide clear incentive pathways to offset potential lost revenue, so that future developments can create affordable homes or buildable lots and assist in developing homes to address workforce housing needs.
How does this division serve the community? The Housing division works to carry out the Apex Town Council’s housing development and preservation goals.
Community Connections Center
Staff Contact: Darla Bryant, Community Connections Center Manager
Darla.Bryant@apexnc.org or (919) 249-1121
What’s the division’s focus? Once formed, the Community Connections Center will serve as the first point of contact for those seeking information or requesting a service.
What’s the division’s first big project? The Center staff will be creating training and activities to develop an even more robust level of customer service.
How does this division serve the community? The Community Connections Center will serve the community by offering clear, consistent, and timely information and help to resolve service requests.
Neighborhood Improvement (coming in 2025)
What’s the division’s focus? Neighborhood Improvement will work with property owners to follow local ordinances to remove blight and environmental hazards, and will support creating vibrant neighborhoods of opportunity throughout Apex.
What’s the division’s first big project? Introduce the Neighborhood Improvement Program to community members and neighborhood associations in Apex.
How does this division serve the community? This division will provide information resources to residents to keep their neighborhoods well-maintained and welcoming.
Meet the Team at the Housing Fair!
The Town of Apex is hosting a Housing Fair on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Town Hall Campus Courtyard (73 Hunter Street).
If you are interested in buying a home, repairing an existing home, learning about affordable living options, or understanding your rights as a tenant, the Housing Fair is for you!
The Housing Fair provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about creating a home.
Attendees can interact with workshops and informational booths covering topics like:
preparing for homeownership
resources for first-time homebuyers
new apartments and other affordable living options
rehabilitation and minor home repair programs for homeowners
Workshops:
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Preparing for homeownership and resources available for first-time homebuyers (presented by Truist Bank)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Fair housing and tenants’ rights (presented by the North Carolina Human Relations Commission)
