The city of Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina with a population of 469,000. The city is a strong educational hub with a dynamic business community.  You might be surprised to learn that the city of Raleigh only has 100 billboards and that all of them are static.

Yahoo News reports that the city is considering making 2,000 parcels eligible for billboards, including along NC-50, Wilmington Street, Glenwood Avenue, Hillsborough Street and Atlantic Avenue. They would have to be at least a mile apart and 200 feet from residential zoning on the same side of the street.

Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Melton wants to hear more from the public but said he sees a possible public benefit in the signs displaying emergency communications or public service messages.

Raleigh leaders sent the proposal to the city’s Planning Commission for review. Once the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on the change, it will go back before city leaders and a public hearing will be scheduled.

Insider’s Take:  Lots of reasons for a major city to consider adding digitals into the mix.  A public benefit through emergency and community messaging.  A potential initial reduction of signs through a cap and trade program.  A method of generating revenue for the city by establishing an entertainment corridor like other major cities are considering or have done.

We’ll keep an eye on this and report back as there are developments.

To receive a free morning newsletter with each day’s Billboard insider articles email info@billboardinsider.com with the word “Subscribe” in the title.  Our newsletter is free and we don’t sell our subscriber list.

Paid Advertisement