Strategic Goals & Priorities | Town of Knightdale, NC

Focal Areas

The Town Council will endeavor to successfully implement the Knightdale Strategic Plan. The Council will use the plan to guide its decision-making to ensure that their decisions are aligned with the objectives laid out in the plan. A key component of the plan is the identification and adoption of strategic priorities.

These priorities represent all projects/programs/initiatives necessary to fully realize the Focus Areas of the Knightdale Strategic Plan. The Town Manager will work, in conjunction with the Department Directors, to recommend priorities that advance the Town’s strategic vision. These departmental recommendations will be formalized in a Strategic Goals & Priority calendar that identifies each item along with a target fiscal year for completion. These strategic goals will be adopted by the Council annually.

The Town Manager has the overall responsibility for implementing the plan and will work in conjunction with the town staff to achieve the results envisioned by Council and the community. The Manager will facilitate an annual planning retreat for the Council, to ensure that the Knightdale Strategic Plan is a living document, which continually evolves to fulfill the mission and vision of our organization.

SAFE

Safe

Knightdale is a safe community, where residents feel secure throughout the Town, the crime rate is low, and public safety personnel have a positive relationship with the community.

Implementation Items	Administration Project Manager	CIP Approval Required	Funding Committed	Target Date
Convert Public Safety Center to Law Enforcement Center New 36,000 square foot facility to include Fire Administration	Tripp	Yes	Yes	FY2026
Maintain Insurance Service Office Public Protection Classification (ISO) of 2 Town’s commitment to protect fire insurance premiums for residents and commercial stakeholders	Yeatts	No	Yes	FY2026*
Meet all CALEA, NCLEA, and NCLM Risk Review Compliance Requirements Town commitment to voluntarily professional standards to ensure organizational commitment to best practices in law enforcement administration	Tripp	No	Yes	FY2026*
Complete a Pedestrian Lighting Pilot Project Explore amending lighting specifications, if applicable	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2026
Acquire Land for the Relocation of Fire Station #2 Relocation of Hester Street facility toward western portion of jurisdiction	Yeatts	Yes	Yes	FY2026
Support NC Vision Zero Initiative Global strategy and ethical approach aimed at eliminating all traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all road users	Tripp	No	Yes	FY2026*
Explore Feasibility of Adding Social / Mental Health Professional with Police Department Explore potential benefits to enhance public safety and officer wellness through crisis co-response, on-scene de-escalation, and mental health support	Tripp	No	No	FY2027
Deploy New Fire Apparatus in Service Tiller ladder truck and fire engine	Yeatts	Yes	Yes	FY2027
Determine Location for Fire Station #5 Future location in the northern portion of jurisdiction to support future growth projections	Yeatts	Yes	No	FY2029

*Represents annual operational priority.

CONNECTED & INCLUSIVE

Knightdale actively pursues balanced growth with exceptional design to maintain its small town feel and appearance. Through the creation of unique community spaces and a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses, we are creating a connected and inclusive town.

Implementation Items	Administration Project Manager	CIP Approval Required	Funding Committed	Target Date
Support Local Entrepreneurs and Businesses Facilitate 8th Launch Knightdale cohort Deliver Host Business Workshop Series Facilitate networking events in partnership with Rotary Club Implement small business consulting and permitting support program	Morrison	N/A	Yes	FY2026*
Deliver Comprehensive Specials Events Programming for Citizenry  37 events planned for 2026	Morrison	Yes	Yes	FY2026*
Develop “Welcome to Knightdale” Program Postcard based program welcome for new residents with information in key services and programs	Morrison	Yes	Yes	FY2026
Complete Sidewalks Infrastructure Along: First Avenue and Old Knight Road First Avenue and Smithfield Road	Tripp	Yes	Yes	FY2026
Explore Missing Infrastructure Connections (Roadways, Sidewalks, Greenways, Utilities) Create a comprehensive infrastructure inventory and explore strategies to eliminate gaps	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2026
Facilitate Citizen Engagement Commitments  Facilitate 4th Cohort of Mayors Academy Facilitate Community Planning and Citizens Police Academies	Yeatts	No	Yes	FY2026*
Complete Citizens’ Financial Report (PAFR)   A concise, easy-to-read, and often graphical document designed to provide residents and taxpayers with an overview of a government entity's financial health.	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026*
Expand Program Offerings for 13-18 Year Ages  Develop programming targeting transitional teenage demographic	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026
Support Annual Veteran Programs Commitments Facilitate Memorial and Veterans Day events Facilitate Veterans Memorial Recognition Program Facilitate Hometown Heros Banner Program	Yeatts	No	Yes	FY2026*
Facilitate Camp P.R.I.D.E.  Designed to create lasting memories, foster personal growth, and build positive relationships between campers and the police.	Tripp	No	Yes	FY2026*
Install Street Clock in Downtown  Traditional investment to honor Town’s centennial anniversary	Tripp	Yes	Yes	FY2027
Explore Feasibility of Winter Décor as Local Economic Boost  Ice rink, lights, decorations, etc.	Tripp	TBD	No	FY2027
Adopt an Economic Investment Plan for Downtown  Consult with the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at the UNC School of Government to prepare a plan to attract private investment  Explore feasibility of retail recruitment viability	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2027
Develop Annual Community Beautification Program Implement program for projects as a portion of annual budget	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2027*
Deliver Annual Marketing Campaign(s) Including a “Support our Schools” program for FY2027	Morrison	Yes	No	FY2027
Implement Knightdale Ambassadors Program Citizen volunteer program designed to create greater awareness and appreciation of Town services/programs	Morrison	No	No	FY2027
Explore Feasibility of Installing Branded Road Name Signs To create greater visibility and sense of place for cross-streets along Knightdale Blvd.	Tripp	No	No	FY2027
Explore the Feasibility of a Knightdale Grants and Aid Program To aid local nonprofit and community organizations in providing services statutorily compliant services to residents.	Morrison	No	No	FY2027
Develop Mass Transit Strategy  Explore options to expand Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2029

*Represents annual operational priority.

SUSTAINABLE

Knightdale promotes the stewardship of its environment, the resiliency of its resources, and the maintenance of a financially sustainable government.

Implementation Items	Administration Project Manager	CIP Approval Required	Funding Committed	Target Date
Adopt Knightdale Sustainability Plan  Creation of a local plan to encapsulate Town’s current efforts to minimize future environmental impacts, promote social responsibility, and ensure long-term economic viability.	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2026
Partner with Wake County Housing Affordability & Community Revitalization  Explore interlocal partnership to augment the Affordable Knightdale Plan	Tripp	No	Yes	FY2026
Receive an Unqualified Financial Audit Opinion Ensure Town’s financial position is accurate and compliant in accordance with NCGS 159-34	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026*
Prioritize CAMPO Transportation Studies  Explore funding strategies and leverage opportunities for Eastern Wake County	Tripp	N/A	No	FY2027*
Develop Agritourism Strategy  Promote & support farms in eastern Wake County	Morrison	No	N/A	FY2026
Create Plan for Knightdale Commerce Alliance (KCA) Space at The Lofts Town program that focuses on community-centered economic growth	Morrison	Yes	No	FY2027
Explore the Feasibility of Adopting a Redevelopment Prioritization Plan Identify underutilized properties in key geographic areas of town.	Tripp	No	No	FY2027
Prepare Spatial Needs Assessment for Town Facilities	All	Yes	No	FY2027
Extend Widewaters Parkway over Railroad  Major transportation goal of the Shift Knightdale Comprehensive Plan (CTP)	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2029

*Represents annual operational priority.

ACTIVE & HEALTHY

Knightdale brings people together and boasts happy residents by promoting and sustaining a high quality of life and providing recreation and leisure activities to meet diverse interests.

Implementation Items	Administration Project Manager	CIP Approval Required	Funding Committed	Target Date
Launch Cultural Arts Programming Partnership with the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County  Partnership designed to expand cultural and arts programming opportunities for residents	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026
Develop Passive Park Facility on NCDOT Mitigation Property at I-87 Interchange  Obtain authorization from NCDOT and the US Army Corps of Engineers Design facility in accordance with permitted uses	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2026
Coordinate 100-Year Anniversary Celebration	Yeatts	No	No	FY2026
Purchase Hodge Road Properties Adjacent to NCDOT Mitigation Land Acquire properties for potential future recreation use.	Yeatts	Yes	No	FY2027
Adopt Small Area Plan for Croom Property Program 33-acre site for recreational amenities Explore feasibility of bike/skate park on-site	Morrison	Yes	Yes	FY2027
Construct Knightdale Community Center  Prepare Croom property site plan and construction plans (FY2027)  Explore feasibility of capital fundraising campaign (FY2027)  Explore partnership(s) for the creation of a Teen Center in new  facility (FY2028)	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2028
Prioritize Greenway Connections over Railroad Right-of-Way	Tripp	Yes	No	FY2029

*Represents annual operational priority.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Knightdale’s government is operated efficiently and transparently by outstanding employees who focus on excellent customer service and open communication.

Implementation Items	Administration Project Manager	CIP Approval Required	Funding Committed	Target Date
Relocate Human Resources and Finance Departments to The Lofts at Knightdale Station	Yeatts	No	Yes	FY2026
Prepare 2026 Bond Referendum Referendum seeking voter approval for public safety and recreation projects. Coordinate comprehensive marketing campaign	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026
Prepare Annual Comprehensive Budget Document Serves as a vital policy, operational, and communication tool that aligns financial resources with strategic community goals, enhances transparency, and ensures long-term fiscal stability. Obtain the National GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2027*
Facilitate State of the Town Event Annual program celebrating past year’s accomplishments  Recognize local business community  Recognize Community Appearance Award recipients	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026*
Maintain Commitment to Area Colleges/Universities  Provide instructional support for the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)  Provide instructional support and internship opportunities for NC State MPA program  Explore a partnership with NCCU for MPA students  Explore Feasibility of Developing Cooperative Program with Wake Tech Evaluate potential for local government certificates/degrees and continuing education opportunities	Yeatts	No	Yes	FY2026*
Support Succession Programming Commitments for Staff  Facilitate Supervisory Training Program  Facilitate Conflict Resolution Certificate Program cohort with the University of Alabama  Support ECU MPA commitment with other Wake County governments	Yeatts	Yes	Yes	FY2026*
Expand Annual Employee Engagement Activities Program	Yeatts	No	No	FY2026
Facilitate Elected Officials Enrollment in the Commitment to Civility Program Program offered through the NCLM.	Yeatts	No	No	FY2026
Transition Strategic Planning and Performance Management Programs to a Comprehensive Digital Platform  Offer quarterly updates to improve organizational transparency  Develop user-friendly dashboard approach to access key information	Yeatts	No	Yes	FY2026
Launch Centralized Webpage for Knightdale Regulatory Requirements  Create singular location for all development regulations to assist development community  Developers’ “Toolkit”	Tripp	No	Yes	FY2026
Receive National GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) Program Award that recognizes state and local governments that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that excel in the spirit of transparency and full disclosure	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026*
Receive National GFOA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting   Award that recognizes state and local governments that go beyond the minimum to produce high-quality, easily understandable annual financial reports for the general public	Morrison	No	Yes	FY2026*
Obtain Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Recognition  National accreditation program for recreation facilities and programming quality	Morrison	No	N/A	FY2027
Develop a Strategic IT Transition Plan Transition from VOA to MOA operating environment	Morrison	No	No	FY2027

*Represents annual operational priority.