Wake County Strong!

Hello Knightdale. Our community has recently experience a tremendous tragedy, but one thing I know: we are a resilient. We care for each other. We help each other in times of need. And we will come through this stronger that before. Read on to hear Knightdale's formal statement, as well as other community happenings you may be interested in.

Knightdale Stands with the Hedingham and Raleigh Communities in the Wake of Violence

The following is the statement from the Town regarding the violence that occurred in Wake County on October 13:

Knightdale is a special place. We love our residents and the quality of life that we collectively enjoy. Our community has flourished over the last decade. We have also experienced the challenges associated with our growth. As to be expected, our crime rates show some corresponding activity to the rapidly growing Raleigh-metro area. Though, violent crime numbers continue to remain stagnant during this timeframe. Simply put, Knightdale is a happy and safe community until last week’s violence changed our perception in an instant. It has now been several days since our Raleigh and Wake County neighbors endured the unimaginable tragedy that occurred on October 13. The lives of our neighbors in the Hedingham community and those who regularly utilized the Neuse River Greenway were irreparably shattered forever, and in an instant.

As a town government, we watched this terror unfold on our front doorstep. As our public safety professionals rushed to provide assistance, it became apparent that Eastern Wake County was enduring an incident that we have never witnessed before. No community should ever have to navigate the horrors of a mass shooting. Perhaps our nation has sadly become accustomed to the senseless violence that plagues our communities. But to us, this wasn’t just “another mass shooting.” The juvenile offender and one of the victims were students at our high school. This act of terror directly touched our students, their families, and the surrounding community. The greater Eastern Wake community has been directly impacted by this tragedy, and it is our responsibility (and privilege) to extend every effort and resource to aid in healing. Please know that the sense of loss is shared deeply by our elected body and town staff.

To the families who have been impacted, Knightdale grieves with you. We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and to anyone who has been personally affected by this incident. We pledge our full, unwavering support to the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Police Department, Wake County Public Schools, and the surrounding communities. To our citizens, this heartbreaking violence does not define us. We are—and will always be—undaunted, caring, steadfast, and strong. In unity and with a resolve to protect and serve our community, we will navigate this tragedy. As your town government, we pledge our further commitment to the services needed to protect and improve your lives. Always remember that Knightdale is our community and together we will persevere.

Fire Department Breaks Ground

on Station #4!

The Knightdale Fire Department broke ground on Station #4 on October 6. The Town Council and administration was joined by Representative James Roberson and Wake County commissioners Sig Hutchinson and Matt Calabria. Congratulations to Chief Cone and his amazing staff! We're excited to provide excellent resources to you, as you always provide excellent service to our town!

Mayor Day Celebrates Hum Sub Diwali

in Cary, NC

I got a chance to celebrate Diwali with the Hum Sub organization of Cary, NC, on October 8. It was such a fun and amazing event!

Hum Sub is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with residents of the North Carolina Triangle area and beyond. Membership and participation is open to all people who are interested in promoting and/or appreciating Indian culture and history.

I appreciated being a part of this event because it helped me expand my knowledge of other cultures. I believe the more we learn, the more we can embrace and grow, and the better we are as a community and society.

Thank you so much to Vijay Jagannath, President of Hum Sub, Inc., for inviting me to this wonderful event. Thanks also to his wife, Sri, who helped create my GORGEOUS dress for the evening! I absolutely loved it!

Mayor Day Attends the CBC Annual

Legislative Conference

This September I got a chance to attend the Annual Legislative Conference, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. The conference gave me an opportunity to meet and network with senators and mayors from across the nation to discuss today's most critical issues. It was such a pleasure meeting leaders like San Francisco's mayor, London Breed (above), and Atlanta's mayor, Andre Dickens (below).

For several days I got a chance to hear speakers from all over the United State discuss challenges they're facing, and how they are working through them. I received some great advice and information to bring back to our Council and local community. For me, it was inspiring and encouraging to see what others are able to do and connect with people with similar goals.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to speak to so many great thinkers, and professionals, including (above, L-R) Attorney Lamar Brown, of Chicago; Dr. Everett Ward, past President of St. Augustine's University; Congressman Bobby Scott; and Allen Thomas, Chairman of the Hoke County Board of Commissioners.

A Friendly NC Face in DC!

While in DC at the Annual Legislative Conference, I met with Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who represents North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District (middle). We also met with Annette Taylor, the Director of the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy for the NC Department of Information Technology (right). We all shared some ideas and topics that we can work together on in the near future. It was a wonderful visit!

I'm very grateful for the time Congresswoman Ross took to speak with me, and I'm always appreciative of her continued interest in and support of Knightdale and the Eastern Wake community. 

Upcoming Events

I hope you can join me at the following Town events!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about anything going on in our amazing town of Knightdale!

Mayor Jessica Day