👨‍⚖️ The Gavel is in Business, and Back in Session

👋 Good Morning, Apex! Today is Thursday, August 6, 2026 and this is the 83rd weekly issue of The Peak Weekly.

Thank you for subscribing to The Peak Weekly. It means a lot to me. I owe quite a few of you a response to your recent emails. I’m so sorry. Crazy week. Responding to you soon!

Also real quick, if you do not enjoy this content, I certainly do not want to clutter your inbox. You can unsubscribe here.

And if you’re still here after that… Happy August! I know we’re not in the cooler weather yet but it feels good to turn the calendar. Fall weather isn’t too far away.

It’s been a hot couple of months.

And, I’m coming in a little hot today too.

It’s been a bit of a quiet summer in terms of Town of Apex news. But with the Council’s summer break coming to an end, after a 49-day break in Town Council Meetings, they’ll return this coming Tuesday, August 11.

So what have they been up to these past several weeks?! I don’t really know. But I do know their Mid-Year Campaign Finance Reports for 2026 were due at the end of July and have now all been filed.

Here’s a quick summary of your representatives from Jan 1 - June 30, 2026:

Ed Gray

Cash on hand: $8,600.13
Total Expenditures: $250.09 (P.O. Box fee)
Total Donations Received: $0
Total Donations Given: $0

Shane Reese

Cash on hand: $6,623.69
Operating Expenditures: $464.95 (consulting fee, shipping fee)
Total Donations Received: $0
Total Donations Given: $0

Terry Mahaffey

Cash on hand: $2,245.67
Operating Expenditures: $1,384.76 (Meta, GitHub, Opus Pro, SocialBu, ActBlue)
Total Donations Received: $870.00
Total Donations Given: $0

Sue Mu

Cash on hand: $4,846.81
Operating Expenditures: $550.13 (Meta, ActBlue, Postal Annex)
Total Donations Received: $5,050.00
Total Donations Given: $3,537.80 (Earls for Justice, Haseeb for NC, Winn for North Carolina, Friends of Tyler Swanson, and the NC Democratic Party)

Arno Zegerman

Cash on hand: $116.14
Operating Expenditures: $286.00 (bank fee, website fee)
Total Donations Received: $276.00 (self)
Total Donations Given: $0

Mayor Gilbert

Cash on hand: $908.45
Operating Expenditures: $10 (bank fee)
Total Donations Received: $0
Total Donations Given: $0

What’s the takeaway? Well, it’s not campaign season. So, Arno, Shane, Ed, and Jacques filed basically what you’d expect. Big expenses or donations don’t really happen in the off-season.

Unless you’re Sue.

Sue’s largest donor, about 3 and a half years before she’s up for re-election, randomly sent her a cool $5k on May 22, which she then redistributed the majority of those funds to other non-Apex related political campaigns.

Terry’s expenditures show him as the only sitting council member who basically never stops campaigning. He actually paid more out than he took in and that largely went to Meta, where he often tells people it’s his “personal page” and to GitHub which hosts his surveys where he collects your personal information and stores it on his private server, and SocialBu which is used in part to ingest RSS feeds, rewrite them as if he wrote them, and then auto-post them to his socials.

Another thing Mahaffey did with his time off was register a new business: Material Systems LLC, signed July 8 and filed with the NC Secretary of State on July 20. In that time, Material Systems LLC links to at least 15 products. All of which appear AI-generated.

Some of them are little game websites. Others are random web apps. And some seem to target government entities.

Like this one:

Which lists… “Town of Apex — ✓ Verified”

Yikes. I knew he was creating websites to track you and build data profiles on you (which I’ve warned about), but we’re getting government entities involved now I guess.

To be clear about what state law says: N.C.G.S. § 14-234 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a public officer to derive a direct benefit from a contract with the government he serves. The small-town exception stops at 15,000 residents; Apex is roughly five times that. In other words, the one government legally barred from ever becoming a Material Systems customer while Mahaffey holds his seat is the Town of Apex - the same government his platform displays as its lone "Verified" organization.

This is the same councilman whose survey app exposed resident data, whose records responses I've documented failing for months, whose "news" network I traced back to his own infrastructure that filters out stories and tracks you, who has raised your property taxes all seven years that he’s been in office, whose biggest campaign funder is the development-friendly Realtor PAC, who on multiple occasions has taken credit for stopping the data center - and who has now, over a summer break, built a fifteen-product company whose flagship displays the Town of Apex as its verified customer.

If you still defend this guy, think he’s being transparent with all of these systems that he’s built, or believe him when he (says anything) calls me a liar simply because you are protecting a shared political affiliation, let me remind you that Town Council are non-partisan positions. They do not run on, nor represent, any political party.

We are amongst the highest in destroying trees. We had the highest property tax rate increase in Wake County last year and second to only Cary this year…

And here we are, defending a guy who is advancing his political agenda and creating businesses off the data because he claims to be something he’s not.

And to those who ignore these facts because you don’t want to hear it, to the News & Observer reporters, Indy Week reporters, town staff, other council members, and so on who subscribe to this newsletter, read every issue, and remain silent… maybe today is the day?

Probably not. But hey. So many amazing people, businesses and events going on in this beautiful town. So let’s talk about that.

(Not interested in honest, unbiased, free local reporting? Please unsubscribe here!)

💜 Here’s your week in Apex:

Miscellaneous Info:

📩 Connecting with Elected Officials
The Town has created new ways to connecting with your Apex elected officials. Use new tools like Council Connector, Meeting Request Form, and Event Attendance Form. Just be careful; these are the same types of forms that have exposed the data on the public web recently.

🏘️ Neighborhood Leaders Program
The Neighborhood Leaders Program launches on August 20th and seeks community champions eager to build stronger neighborhoods. Program participants will receive the resources needed to serve as ambassadors to their community, keeping their neighbors updated on happenings around Apex, and representing their neighborhoods on key issues. 

⛈️ Stormwater Condition Assessment Dashboard
The first project funded by the Town’s Stormwater Utility Fee is now complete. The Town's assessment of Town-maintained stormwater infrastructure finished recently, and a dashboard is now available with its findings.

🏞️ Crowder County Park Expansion
Momentum is building for one of Wake County’s most popular parks, as the Wake County Board of Commissioners last week approved the schematic design for the Crowder County Park expansion. This decision paves the way for new trails, new facilities and new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.

🏫 Back to School Community & Conversation
As families start preparing for back-to-school season, the Town of Apex will be hosting an evening with Wake County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor to discuss updates on the district's priorities, including student achievement & wellness, school safety, and more. This CommUniversity workshop will take place August 27 from 6-8pm at the Wake Tech Cary Campus.

🦘 Australian Defense Company
Silentium Defence develops passive radar systems designed to detect and track objects across land, sea, air and space without emitting detectable signals, allowing operators to monitor activity while reducing the risk of revealing their positions. They have recently established their new HQ in Apex in a 10,000 square foot facility at 2030 Energy Drive.

Things to Do This Weekend in Apex:

Saturday, August 8

🧑‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market
8am - 12pm | The Depot

🏃‍♀️ Run Club Apex
Meet at 9am | Foxtail Coffee

🛍️ Mabopane Marketplace
10am - 1pm | Mabopane Foundation
(and Friday 7am-Noon)

🛍️ Apex Underground Market
11am - 3pm | Sweetwater Town Center

🐾 Paws and Sips
2pm - 4pm | South Line Brewing Apex

🪄 Back to Hogwarts Community Day
2pm - 8pm | 4408 Old US 1 Hwy, New Hill

🎸 Live Music: Maverick Rose
6:30pm - 9pm | Southern Peak Brewery

🐺 Rhythm & Reels: The Bad Guys 2
At Dusk | Nature Park Amphitheatre

𓆦 Moth Night at Crowder Park
8pm - 10pm | Crowder County Park

🎸 Live Music: Kerry Long
8pm - 10pm | Southern Peak Taproom/Pizzeria

Sunday, August 9

🧘🏻‍♀️ Free Barre Pop-Up
10:30am | Southern Peak Brewery

🍔 Burgers, Banjos and Brews: The Guilty Pleasures
1pm - 4pm | Salem Street Pub

🚶 Salem Street Hospitality Walk Downtown Apex
12pm - 4pm | Downtown Apex

From the event host, TapStation: “Join us in supporting local small businesses in Downtown Apex on August 9th. Downtown Apex businesses have been incredibly resilient over the past two years with the Saunders parking lot and Salem Street projects. We are all excited for the progress but these businesses could use some support! Join us in showing Salem St businesses some hospitality in our first Hospitality Walk on Sunday, Aug 9th from noon-4pm. Thank you for your support!”

Local Business Updates

🍑 Coming Soon: Neighborhood Barre
Neighborhood Barre is a unique workout that combines the elements of dance conditioning, pilates, and resistance training to sculpt and tone the entire body. It’s suitable for both male and female patrons and can be performed by a wide range of ages. It can be used as either a primary fitness program or as a complement to an existing program. The barre studio will be opening in Apex (Lake Pine Plaza by Harris Teeter) at the end of August/early September. This weekend, they are hosting a pop-up event at Southern Peak Brewery. Event info here. And free registration link here.

🍕 Coming Soon-ish: Brick and Basil
Very little info on this so far, but Brick and Basil (which I believe is a wood-fired pizza restaurant) is coming - TBD - to 1801 Chatham Flats Dr.

🍶 Coming Soon-ish: Firefly Clay and Craft Co.
Little info on this one as well, but - TBD - the pottery studio will be coming to 410 Upchurch St.

✨ Peak Perks
You can pick up a free Peak Perks card at any participating business. You’ll earn a punch with every qualifying purchase and can then redeem your punch card for rewards. Details here.

Civic News:

🏗️ Hughes Street Site Planning & Design
The Town of Apex is exploring the potential for a mixed-income, mixed-use development on 13 acres of town-owned land on South Hughes Street. This project is intended to help address Apex’s need for affordable housing. The Town is hosting community input sessions on August 15th and August 19th to present project information and collaborate with residents on ideas, priorities, and feedback for future development.

🗑️ Recycling Cart Replacement
Public Works crews will replace around 1,000 carts per month over the next two years. August replacements include: Abbington, Beaver Creek, Bella Casa (original), Greys Landing, Kelly Glen, Kelly Grove, Toad Hollow, Village at Crockett's, Winston, Walden Creek, Walden Townes, Waterford Green.

🚒 Tuesday’s Council Meeting
After a long break, Council will reconvene on Tuesday. It’ll be a big meeting I’m sure, but one thing to watch for is the budget amendment to pay for a downtown site study regarding plans for Fire Station 1.

Is the Town actually going to tear down the historic Apex Fire Station downtown?

Mahaffey says, “there are no plans to demolish it”.

Ok, phew. Thanks for clearing that up, Truth Teller Terry.

Now let’s just grab a quote from the Town of Apex’s official RFQ:

“The current building is intended to be demolished”

Ah. You almost had me.

The Save Apex Fire Station 1 Coalition will be there on Tuesday to voice their concerns about the intended demolition of the historic fire station.

Show up Tuesday to show your support and in the meantime, read more about it here.

Upcoming Meetings:

Friday, August 7
Town Council - Special Closed Session
4pm | Town Hall

Saturday, August 8
Town Council - Special Closed Session
8am | Town Hall

Monday, August 10
Planning Board Meeting
4:30pm | Town Hall

Tuesday, August 11
Town Council Meeting
6pm | Town Hall

Thursday, August 13
Town Council Work Session
3:30pm - 5pm | Town Hall

A Look Ahead:

August 13
🎟️ Family Trivia Night | Apex Senior Center

August 14
Retracing the Lewis and Clark Expedition | Bass Lake Park

August 15
Rhythm & Reels: Emma Rae | Nature Park Amphitheatre

August 20
🎟️ Murder Mystery Dinner: Death by Disco | The Halle

August 21
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census | Apex Nature Park

August 21
🎟️ On the Steps Concert Series | The Halle

August 22
Rhythm & Reels: Mario Galaxy | Nature Park Amphitheatre

August 27
Triangle Environmental Symposium: Rooted in Justice | The Halle

August 27
Back-to-School Community & Conversation | Wake Tech Cary Campus

August 28
🎟️ Neon Nights - Silent Disco | The Halle

August 29
Meadow Melody Makers | Kelly Road Park

August 29
Rhythm & Reels: Ol’ Joey Scrums | Nature Park Amphitheatre

In Case You Missed it

🏀 Open Gym Schedule
The Town’s Parks & Rec department has published its August 2026 Open Gym Schedule. See it here.

📝 Apex Youth Council Applications
The Apex Youth Council is an independent organization run by local middle and high school students to enhance the local community through leadership and service. By becoming a member you will gain experience in planning and participating in Town and community events, as well as developing organizational, social and professional skills. Applications open tomorrow, August 1.

🌳 Triangle Environmental Symposium
The Town of Apex has partnered with Trees for the Triangle to host the Triangle Environmental Symposium at the Halle Cultural Arts Center. The four-part event hosts an exciting lineup of presentations, performances, and discussions. Each event is designed to inspire thoughtful and principled civic debate on the challenges facing our air, land, water, and the effects those challenges have on life here in Apex and on earth. See the lineup and get tickets here.

A Final Note:

Thank you for taking time out of your day today to read this week’s edition of The Peak Weekly. If you love it, please forward it to a friend. If you don’t love it, please unsubscribe.

And, as always, if you have any ideas of how to make this newsletter better, want to nominate a local business or organization to be featured, or anything else, please respond to this email or email me directly at [email protected]

See you next Thursday... 😘