Wake County Commissioners have approved a nearly $2.3 billion budget that includes a 2-cent property tax increase.

Jun 16, 2026 | News

📍 Key takeaways:

• Property taxes will increase by approximately $90 per year on a $450,000 home.
• The budget was approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners.
• County leaders cited inflation, population growth, tariffs, and state budget uncertainty as factors driving the increase.
• An additional $25 million will be allocated to fully fund the Wake County Public School System.
• Wake County officials noted that roughly 75% of county revenue comes from property taxes.
• The county is also facing reduced revenues due to increased property valuation appeals.
• Leaders continue to push for closing the so-called “Blue Ridge loophole,” which they say allows some apartment owners and investors to reduce property tax obligations.

📈 As Wake County continues to be one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, local governments are facing the ongoing challenge of funding schools, infrastructure, public safety, and services while maintaining affordability for residents.

The conversation around growth isn’t slowing down—and neither are the costs associated with managing it.

What are your thoughts on the tax increase? Is it a necessary investment in growth, or an added burden during an already challenging economic environment?

#WakeCounty #RaleighNC #TriangleNC #EconomicDevelopment #PropertyTaxes #GrowthManagement #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstate #WakeCountySchools #NorthCarolina #CRE

https://abc11.com/post/wake-county-approves-23-billion-budget-property-tax-hike/19216071

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.