My Weekly Update: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/352961786203574/?t=34

In response to increasing COVID-19 cases and concerns with the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, on Thursday, July 29 Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 244 strongly encouraging local governments to adopt additional safety measures. The Governor also announced Vaccine Mandates for all Cabinet Agencies under him (50,000 employees). They have until Sept. 1 to verify they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or face weekly COVID-19 tests and mask-wearing mandates

Effective on Monday, August 2, all visitors, including staff, will be required to wear masks in Town of Morrisville Facilities. Durham, Garner, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Orange County and many other municipalities are following similar procedures. 

Wake County Votes to mandate masks in all Wake County Buildings.

President Biden announces Covid Vaccine Mandate for Federal Employees and asks Pentagon to look into Mandates for Military. 

https://news.yahoo.com/biden-announces-covid-19-vaccine-203435678.html. 

Biden wants Federally funded $100.00 Rewards for those who get vaccinated. 

Federal Moratorium on Rent ends on Aug. 1.

For rent assistance in NC, visit the HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467) 

Senate agrees to move on $1.3 Trillion Infrastructure Bill.   

https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/senate-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill/index.html

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/361341182098468/?t=17

I look forward to FOUR MORE years of leading an All-America City and one of the most diverse, inclusive, and innovative Towns in the nation.  Our Town is a perfect example of how well Democracy works when you bring people together from every nation in the world, and leverage innovation and citizen engagement.  We can Live the World in an All-America City!

I continue to be amazed at the all of the progress we have made since I was elected, and I am honored to serve on a winning team, that is making the Live Connected/Live Well brand ring true for every citizen and business who calls Morrisville home.

This year, the Town of Morrisville was named as the tenth most livable city in America by Money Magazine and most recently, we were recognized by the National Civic League as an All-America City.  Number One is just around the corner. Nothing is impossible, when our Council works with engaged citizens and staff, to execute on major projects and do great work, even during this Pandemic.

A renovated Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center, Wake County Library, a completed McCrimmon Parkway Extension, Wake Competition Ice Rink, a Professional Cricket Team, the commencement of the Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, the Educational Advisory Committee, Smart Shuttle Program, and our Smart City Initiative are just a few examples of the great work being done by our world class Staff and Council.  (I will talk more about the Smart Shuttle in my next newsletter)

Parkside Elementary, a proposed Middle School/High School in the 7-year strategic CIP plan, and a future early Career High School at Wake Tech RTP also demonstrate the tremendous progress we are making with schools in Morrisville.

Thanks to each of you, we continue to fly to the greatest heights, as the Miracle of Morrisville continues. Prepare the Cabin for Lift Off!

I appreciate the opportunity you have provided me to serve and would be humbled with your support for another term.

Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/828255377876533

Thanks to Senator Nickel, and all of the special guests for attending my well attended Kick Off Event.  More Receptions are being planned!  

My Message: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/4293600470694198/?t=19 

As my friend John Chambers reminded us at our last Start Up Summit, any organization needs a playbook, a set of plays, that can help them get through tough times, invest in their future, and then break away to excellence and top performance in their markets.

As we continue to navigate through a Pandemic, it is time for us to develop our own set of Break Away Plays so we can be the best place in American to live, work and play in.

Please visit www.steverao.com to view the first set of Plays, which are:

Finally, I also will be developing an entire playbook which focuses on how we can reduce the frequency of multi-family rezonings, to address school capacity and road infrastructure issues.  In addition, we need to accelerate funding for NC 54, continue to have more transit options for our residents (Smart Shuttle is a great start!), and lobby for more commuter and light rail for Morrisville and the Triangle Region.

Send me your ideas for our Playbook!  Let’s put some points on the Board!

In December 2021, I will begin my 10th year on the Council.  I was sworn in to my first term in December 2011.

This week, I ran ten miles across the Town and enjoyed seeing many of the projects which I saw take place during the decade.  What amazes me most is that none of these landmarks or projects existed when I was sworn in.

In the midst of a global pandemic, Council, Staff, and engaged citizens worked continued to execute on major projects and milestones, so our Town can remain one of the most diverse, inclusive, and small Towns in North Carolina!

In 2021, we look a Bond Referendum Vote in November, complete the Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, continuing work on Airport Boulevard and Louis Stephens Road, Sustainability and Smart City Initiatives, Pedestrian Connectivity and the Smart Shuttle Launch!

Please go to www.steverao.com to read my past newsletters (in Media Section) to catch up on my Morrisville Plays.  I will in my next newsletter, highlights some of my goals for the next term.

HOWEVER, thanks to our great Wake County partners there are multiple opportunities this weekend to get those ages 12 and older vaccinated. Wake County has capacity and had added staff to accommodate volumes.

Pfizer is available for ages 12 and older Saturday at:

Thanks to Atlantic Tire and the Town of Cary for hosting the Summer Series Mens’ Pro Challenger Event last week.   It was an honor to cheer all the players on and Congrats to Ram Ramanathan from Chennai, who got to the finals, and to Mitch Kruger, who won the title!   Next one will be in September!    

My Remarks At Trophy Presentation: 

It was great to attend the State of Wake County and Raleigh Event last week at the Sheraton in Raleigh.  Great presentations from Mayor Baldwin, Wake County Chair Matt Calabria, and Wake County School Board Chair, Keith Sutton. 

Great to be at National Parents Day in Morrisville Last Saturday at the Cedar Fork Community Center.  Thanks to Sharon Pace and Beverly Yekesson for hosting this event!    

On Thursday, we kicked off the Morrisville Cardinal Season with Jersey Presentations, inspiring words from Cricket Legend and Cardinal Coach Alvin Kalacharen!  Congratulations to Owner Praveen Chakkaraj and all of the Sponsors!  Season Kicks off today in Atlanta!    

Congratulations to my dear friend, Anthony Blackman, who received the Highest Civilian Award for Community Service, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, from Governor Cooper.  I thank him for his friendship, and all of the service he provides the community.  

I also congratulate Former Knightdale Mayor, Rep. James Roberson, who also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine upon his retirement from Wake Tech. 

August 3 - 6:00 p.m. Public Safety Advisory Committee

August 3 - 6:30 p.m. Morrisville Public Education Advisory Committee

August 4 - 6:30 p.m. Morrisville Environment & Stormwater Committee

Stream Live at www.townofmorrisville.org    

Submit Public Comments to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org. 

Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project update as of July 29:

For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1

In alignment with new guidance from the Wake County government issued today, July 30, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will begin requiring face coverings for all patrons inside the building, regardless of vaccination status, on Monday, August 2.

Though approximately 70 percent of the Wake County population is vaccinated at this time, surges in coronavirus cases stimulated by the Delta variant have led Wake leaders to operate out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our members has been and continues to be paramount, and we believe that encouraging face coverings and social distancing is the best way to protect our community at this time.

Morrisville residents are invited to take part in the celebration of National S’mores Day in “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, August 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park! The Town changes its name to S’Morrisville in celebration of National S’mores Day once a year as we honor and enjoy the delicious snacks made famous at campfires everywhere. For event details as they are published, visit the Town’s S’Morrisville event page or follow us on the Town’s social media pages!

Registration for Teen Morrisville 101 is now open. Teen Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for teens interested in local government, specifically in Morrisville. This is a free program for youth in grades 9-12. The program begins October 6 and will be held from 4-6 p.m. once a week for four weeks. Sessions will take place at Morrisville Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive. While the program is open to all high school students, preference will be given to those who live in Morrisville. Registration ends on September 24, 2021. For more information and to reserve your spot visit the Teen Morrisville 101 webpage by clicking here.

Morrisville's next "pop-up" dog park is Sunday, August 1, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park. Waivers are due Friday for Sunday reservations. Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating. Sunday, September 12, is the next scheduled date.

Click here to visit the Town’s webpage for additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms.

Morrisville’s Temporary Disc Golf Course at Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, will open to the public on Monday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. and will be available through September 6. The course is designed for all levels of play. View the website for more information, including hours.

To complete Morrisville’s street and parking lot paving and repairs, the Town’s contractor will be employing Slurry Seal, a new technology added on top of the existing pavement to “seal” the pavement’s surface. Wet slurry typically has a brownish coloration, while dry slurry is black. Never drive on wet slurry. Follow road signage and traffic control. For must-know information and a video for residents on what to know, expect, and do when your neighborhood and streets are receiving Slurry Seal treatment click here.

The Blood Connection has partnered with the Town and the Western Wake Farmers’ Market to host a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 31. All donors will receive a $10 e-gift card and a $10 charitable donation made in their name! To sign up for an appointment click here and search for the sponsor code 6700.

The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday! Note this Saturday, July 31, due to paving in the Town of Morrisville Public Safety parking lot No. 2, parking will be in the front of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce and Town of Morrisville Public Safety parking lot No. 1. 

Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!

Morrisville residents are invited to take part in the celebration of National S’mores Day in “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, August 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park! The Town changes its name to S’Morrisville in celebration of National S’mores Day once a year as we honor and enjoy the delicious snacks made famous at campfires everywhere. For event details as they are published, visit the Town’s S’Morrisville event page or follow us on the Town’s social media pages!

Soccer Night is a free program, run completely by volunteers, for kids promoting athletic skill, leadership development, and citywide unity. On August 11th, 2021 Morrisville will hold Soccer Night and S’Morrisville together at Morrisville Community Park—open to all residents— join us for a night of Soccer and S’mores fun!! Early registration is open now, scan the QR Code!!

Save the Date Start Up Summit! Sept. 22

Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.