Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
By providing a planned schedule of public improvements, the CIP outlines present and future public needs and priorities. A capital improvement is defined as any expenditure for equipment, buildings, infrastructure, land acquisition, plan or project in which the cost exceeds $25,000 and the estimated useful life is greater than one year.
CIP Process
Capital project planning is an ongoing process. Each year the CIP document is updated. The need or idea for capital improvements can originate from the mayor, board of commissioners, citizens, or town staff. These items are compiled into this document and presented annually to the board of commissioners. Through a series of work sessions, the board focuses on prioritizing the first year's expenditures. Once approved, the CIP outlines the town's official commitment to funding these expenditures in the upcoming budget. During the annual budget process in the spring, the first-year projects are refined and a financing plan is put into place within the budget to fund those expenditures.
Functions of the CIP
A CIP must be updated each year. Adopting a CIP does not end with the first year. Changing needs and priorities, emergencies, cost changes, mandates and changes in technology all require the CIP to be updated annually. The town's public facilities, streets, parks, water lines, equipment, etc., are constantly in need of repair, replacement or expansion. A growing population will require additional or new facilities. These reasons require that the CIP be updated to maintain the financial solidity of the town. Town of Wake Forest's staff has updated the CIP each year since adopting the first document in 1985.
The CIP achieves the following objectives as a component of the town's budget and financial planning process:
- Reduces the need for "crash programs" to finance the construction of Town facilities.
- Focuses attention on community goals, needs and capabilities.
- Achieves optimum use of taxpayer dollars.
- Guides future community growth and development.
- Advance planning ensures that projects are well thought out in advance of construction.
- Provides for the orderly replacement of capital expenditures.
- Encourages a more efficient governmental administration as well as maintains a sound and stable financial program.
CIP Update
The CIP Update is the latest update to the Capital Improvement Plan and covers the five fiscal years 2026-2031. This document contains capital expenditure requests from each department/division for items over $25,000 and generally have a useful life of five years or more.
The Town transitioned to a new software platform this year and made significant changes to the CIP document. The presentation and layout for the document are new and several summary reports are included. "Navigating Through the CIP Document" is a tool in the CIP Update that can be reviewed for guidance.
The Town hosted a Public Hearing during the Board of Commissioners meeting on December 16, 2025. Staff provided additional details during the BOC Work Session on January 6, 2026. The Board of Commissioners approved the 2026-2031 CIP Update during the Regular Meeting on January 20, 2026.
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Click on the CIP Update to add your comments and collaborate with others in real time. You don't need to download Acrobat or sign up to access the file.
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