To kick off 2026, The Line asked a few leaders in Cary, Apex, and Morrisville to share their community-wide resolutions. 

We want to convene forward-thinking conversations in this community, so we asked them a simple question: What would you like to see the community embrace to make Western Wake County a better place? Our first subject is Wendy Peele, vice president of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. 

My resolution for the Morrisville/Western Wake Community in 2026 is to formally commit to the principle of “Lead with Connection and Collaboration.”

The Town of Morrisville is experiencing not only rapid population growth but also a dramatic expansion of opportunity. We are exceptionally positioned at the intersection of innovation, education, entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, and a thriving life-science ecosystem. 

For this growth to remain inclusive, purposeful, and community-centered as we approach 2026, it is imperative that we intentionally embrace connection and collaboration. 

This resolution calls upon residents, businesses, non-profits, and civic leaders to look beyond their individual lanes and actively engage with one another. 

It means showing up locally by supporting small and minority-owned businesses, mentoring emerging leaders, participating actively in community events, and partnering across sectors to solve shared challenges. When we collaborate, we effectively circumvent silos, and when we connect, we solidify trust within the community. 

The life sciences sector plays a critical role in Morrisville’s future. This sector represents not just labs and facilities, but high-value careers, critical breakthroughs, and long-term economic opportunity. 

By intentionally connecting life science companies with educators, workforce partners, and the broader community, we can strengthen local talent pipelines, expand awareness of diverse career pathways, and create opportunities for students and job seekers right here in Western Wake. 

The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce has firsthand experience with the transformative power of collaboration. When businesses work with institutions like Wake Technical Community College RTP campus, talent pipelines are significantly strengthened. When nonprofits partner with employers, community needs are met more sustainably. When life science companies engage as active community partners through mentorship, workforce training, and local collaboration, innovation becomes rooted locally and accessible to all. 

As this community-wide resolution takes shape, Morrisville builds on what it already does so well, being not just a place people move to, but a place where they truly belong. Businesses thrive because they are supported, connected, and engaged. Innovation flourishes because all are welcomed to the table and valued as part of Morrisville’s success. 

The future within reach is one where growth does not outpace connection, but is deliberately guided by it. By choosing collaboration as our driving force in 2026, Morrisville can continue to lead as a welcoming, forward-thinking community where innovation elevates everyday life for everyone.

💬 Share your thoughts: Drop a note to line@theassemblync.com and tell what you think of this community resolution. 

🗓️ Collaborate IRL: Attend our event January 28 for an interactive community vision board! RSVP here.

A version of this story was published in the January 6 edition of The Line.