Neighbors Win Historic Property Tax Justice in Southeast Raleigh

In June, Wake County took an unprecedented step: reducing the tax values of 600 longtime neighbor properties across six historically Black neighborhoods—just one year after a countywide revaluation.

This outcome did not happen on its own. It was the direct result of community organizing through the Wake County Property Tax Justice working group, led by Men of Southeast Raleigh and Southeast Raleigh Promise, alongside committed residents and partners like the North Carolina Housing Coalition. At a mass meeting hosted in Southeast Raleigh, more than 75 longtime neighbors came together to share their stories and review the data. The head of Wake County’s tax office was present that day, and after seeing the evidence and hearing the collective voice of the community, he stood up and pledged to make it right. And with continued accountability from the organizers, he did.

These adjustments nearly double the impact of the appeals process achieved last year. More importantly, they represent a powerful example of what can happen when neighbors, leaders, and partners stand together to protect homeownership, preserve generational wealth, and keep families rooted in the communities they built.

At Southeast Raleigh Promise, this is what building our community together looks like.