About Social and Economic Vitality (SEV) https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/human-services/about-human-services/social-economic-vitality

In 2015, the Wake County Long-Range Planning Department conducted an analysis to determine the extent to which communities across Wake County experience various “vulnerability factors,” such as high poverty, high unemployment, low educational attainment, as well as “economic health factors” such as housing cost burden and SNAP enrollment. Through their analysis, it became clear that communities in and around Southeast Raleigh, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon experience greater vulnerability and economic stress than other areas of the county. As a result, in 2016, the Wake County Board of Commissioners determined that a targeted, geographically-focused investment called Social & Economic Vitality (SEV) would be made to improve long-term outcomes in those particular communities. SEV is led in partnership by Wake County Human Services and NC Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center, with critical support provided by community members and partners.

Team Members

Verna Best | Program Manager

Kristin Feierabend | MA, Urban Extension Agent

Amanda Salami | Program Assistant

Tyler Daniel | Program Assistant