Dear Wake County Citizens,

The Wake County Annual Report provides residents an opportunity to join us in taking pride in the accomplishments of our County throughout the past fiscal year (July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011). As the Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, I’m honored and privileged to share these highlights with you.

We are quite aware that these times, the past three years, have been difficult for many citizens and families. Just as families and individuals have had to reassess spending and priorities, the County has had to as well. This is the third year in a row that we have had to adjust spending to match revenues – without raising the property tax rate.

As we near one million residents, our County staff is working harder than ever to provide the services, support and information our citizens need. Some of the highlights you’ll read about in this report include action that the Board of Commissioners has taken toward meeting its priority goals:

• The opening of the WakeBrook behavioral health campus,
• A consolidated team approach to Emergency Medical Services,
• Working with the Wake County Public School System and Wake Technical Community College to provide a quality education system,
• Attracting new jobs, retaining jobs and providing training to individuals in transition, and
• Taking a leadership role among the largest urbanizing counties.

You will also read about other activities of County government, including:

• The County’s response and services offered to those impacted by the April 2011 tornado, and
• new ways to access popular program information, including Facebook and Twitter accounts for some of our parks and libraries.

Glimpses of progress will still be marked with obstacles. Wake County will continue to meet those challenges head-on with positive, realistic solutions.