The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved the transfer of more than 12 acres of county-owned land to Wake Technical Community College and WakeMed Health & Hospitals. The decision is intended to support the expansion of both institutions’ campuses and advance plans for a Health and Education District in Raleigh.
According to officials, the district will bring together health care, public health, education, and community services in one location. This collaboration aims to improve access for residents by integrating services.
“This collaboration is a model for how local government, higher education and health care systems can work together to improve community health and wellbeing,” said Susan Evans, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “By planning together, we’re creating a district that removes barriers to care and education for years to come.”
Wake Tech and WakeMed will fund construction and maintenance of a new road extension connecting their campuses. The transferred properties are designated for educational or hospital use.
“This land transfer is the catalyst for a new era of healthcare training in Wake County,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “It paves the way for a new state-of-the-art simulation hospital that will equip more healthcare professionals and allows for future opportunities to serve our growing communities.”
Planning efforts began in 2022 when Wake County, Wake Tech, and WakeMed started developing a long-range master plan. In 2023, they signed an agreement outlining their shared vision. The City of Raleigh rezoned the area as a Campus Master Plan district in October 2024.
Wake County’s new Public Health Center within the district is nearing completion; it will expand access to essential health services.
“The rewards from this forward thinking, public-private partnership positions all three organizations to maximize the available real estate to achieve the highest and best use for Wake Tech, WakeMed, the Health & Education District and our entire community,” said WakeMed President & CEO Donald Gintzig.
Under state law, public notice must be issued at least 10 days before transferring property to WakeMed. Transfers to Wake Tech are expected in early fall 2025 with those to WakeMed following soon after. Construction on new facilities is set to begin shortly thereafter.
The board stated that these actions align with its focus on improving community health by reducing barriers related to healthcare access.
