Parks & Transportation Impact Fee Studies

The high growth community of Wake Forest has seen its population almost double since 2010. To address growth related needs, the Town retained Benesch to update the technical study for their parks and recreation impact fees in 2018 and then again in 2023. In addition, Benesch was retained in 2024 to develop a transportation impact fee and continues to provide support in the administration of the fees.

By thoroughly reviewing the requirements outlined in the 1989 Enabling Act, which allows the Town to implement impact fees for 10 services areas, Benesch gained a comprehensive understanding of the Town’s legal framework. The team evaluated a range of impact fee methodologies available to the Town, drawing on best practices from other North Carolina jurisdictions to ensure the approach was both legally sound and regionally relevant.

Benesch conducted a detailed review of park land and facility costs over time, ensuring that the full cost of providing parks infrastructure was accurately captured. The study included an updated inventory of parks, reflecting the current assets and associated costs. Additionally, the team developed a multi-modal transportation impact fee, offering the Town greater flexibility in the use of revenues to address evolving transportation needs.

Throughout the process, Benesch produced technical reports that documented the analysis and findings. The results of the study were presented to both the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Board, providing clear, actionable insights. Multiple adoption options were outlined, allowing the Town to select the most appropriate path forward. Ultimately, all studies were successfully adopted, supporting the Town’s goals for sustainable growth and infrastructure funding.