garnernc . gov numerous special events throughout the year and also operates a performing arts center .
With the exception of a couple of outstanding projects , the Town has completed its 2013 bond program , which entailed issuance of $ 35.7 million in general obligation bonds . These bonds have enabled the Town to construct a new Town Hall and police headquarters as well as the Garner Recreation Center ; to install sidewalks in numerous parts of town ; and to make important parks and recreation enhancements .
In November 2021 , Garner voters overwhelmingly approved another bond program . Voters authorized the Town to issue up to $ 69 million in Street and Sidewalk Bonds , Parks and Recreational Bonds , Public Safety and Services Facilities Bonds and Stormwater Bonds .
The Town ’ s primary revenue source , property taxes , is projected to increase 14.2 percent in FY 2022-23 due to a 4-cent tax-rate increase ( to meet operating needs ) as well as growth in the tax base . Natural growth in the tax base comes primarily from the construction of new residential and commercial properties , which is a good indicator of the Town ’ s economic climate .
The local economy remains robust . Growth is anticipated to continue as many of the Town ’ s development-related indicators continue to trend upwards . One area where this is reflected is in the value of new construction permits issued by the Town . The FY 2021-22 value increased by 72.6 percent over the prior year and should increase even more in coming years .
Commercial development and investment have continued to flourish . Several business parks including Garner Business Park 70 and Beacon Commerce Park have been created or expanded . Another exciting project is INQ 4300 , which involves the redevelopment of a former big-box retail store into a facility for the lifesciences industry . In addition , plans have been announced by Wycliff Development for a large medical-anchored , mixed-use district on 225 acres within the town limits . ( See Milestones page for more about these projects .)
Garner ’ s largest employers include an Amazon fulfillment center that employs over 3,000 people , the Wake County Public School System , Food Lion , Walmart , Pergo , Cabela ’ s , Golden State Foods , F & D Huebner , LLC ( McDonald ’ s ), and Target .
Garner enjoys a reputation for offering an outstanding quality of life and for being a welcoming , inclusive community . The National Civic League recognized these virtues by naming Garner an All-America City in 2013 .
GARNER BY THE NUMBERS
34,500
POPULATION
34 percent growth since 2010
|
13,919
NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS
|
$ 70,007
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
|
43.6
PERCENT OF RESIDENTS WITH BACHELOR ’ S DEGREE OR HIGHER
( age 25 or older )
|
Sources : Garner Planning Department , U . S . Census Bureau
POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2022 | 7
POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2022 | 7