The projects will strengthen Wake County’s position as a premier destination for visitors and events.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved $23.5 million in Hospitality Tax funding for 12 projects across nine municipalities that will expand sports, arts and cultural facilities.
The funding is part of the fiscal year 2026 Hospitality Tax Competitive Project Process, a joint initiative between Wake County and the City of Raleigh designed to invest in capital projects that drive overnight visitation, tourism-related spending and long-term economic impact. The Raleigh City Council voted to approve their portion of the funding earlier today.
“These investments transform visitor spending into strategic opportunities to enhance quality of life across Wake County communities,” said Vice Chair Safiyah Jackson of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “These projects will help attract tournaments, performances and cultural experiences that also generate real economic return.”
Funding Overview
Under the interlocal agreement, a total of $23.5 million was available for this year's competitive process:
- $15.5 million in joint funding approved by both the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the Raleigh City Council
- $8 million in county-only funding approved by the Board of Commissioners
After a competitive, multi-month evaluation process that included public outreach, panel scoring and applicant presentations, 12 projects were selected for funding.
Jointly Funded Projects ($15.5 million)
The following nine projects received joint City–County approval:
- Triangle Aquatic Center – Hospitality Suite Renovations – $59,000
- Town of Morrisville – Church Street Park Cricket Field Improvements – $2,000,000
- Town of Rolesville – The Farm Athletic Complex Fields Construction – $3,800,000
- NCFC Youth – Administrative and Event HQ at WRAL Soccer Park – $2,000,000
- Town of Wake Forest – Skate Park and Pump Track Construction – $3,891,000
- Town of Wake Forest – JB Flaherty Park Improvements – $750,000
- Friends of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences – Welcome Hall Improvements – $954,000
- Town of Holly Springs – North Main Athletic Complex (formerly Ting Park) Improvements (Joint Portion) – $546,000*
*This project funding is split between Joint and County-only funds. Total committed funds are $1,789,000. - Carolina Ballet – Starline at South Hills Conversion – $1,500,000
County-Only Funded Projects ($8 million)
The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the following four projects:
- Town of Zebulon – Community Park Fields Phase I Construction – $2,159,000
- Town of Fuquay-Varina – Fleming Loop Park Turf Conversion – $4,250,000
- Town of Apex – Performance and Event Stage Construction – $348,000
- Town of Holly Springs – North Main Athletic Complex (formerly Ting Park) Improvements (County Portion) – $1,243,000*
Together, the 12 funded projects represent investments in sports, arts and cultural facilities that are expected to generate significant tourism activity and economic impact throughout Wake County.
A full overview of the projects can be found here.
About the Process
State legislation approved in 1991 enables Wake County to levy taxes of 6% on overnight stays at hotels and motels and 1% on food and beverages purchased at restaurants and bars countywide. The revenues may only be used to support arts, culture, sports or convention facilities.
For fiscal year 2026, Wake County and the City of Raleigh received a record 22 applications requesting more than $75 million for nearly $300 million in total project costs. Projects were evaluated based on return on investment, facility demand, project feasibility and readiness, long-term viability and alignment with stakeholder principles.
Projects had to meet the following requirements for consideration:
- Be fully located in Wake County.
- Construct or improve facilities for sports, arts, culture or conventions.
- Have a minimum value of at least $100,000.
- Rely on other funding sources to comprise more than half of the total project cost.
- Have a commitment for 50% of the other funding secured.
- Be willing to accept hospitality tax funds on a reimbursement basis.
Funding agreements with awardees will be finalized in summer 2026 and include performance requirements, reporting standards and reimbursement conditions.
For more information about the evaluation process, visit our website.
