Raleigh City Blockchain Policy for Transactions

Raleigh, North Carolina is exploring blockchain and distributed ledger technologies for municipal transactions, recordkeeping, and procurement workflows. This guide summarizes current official guidance, applicable city policies, and practical steps for departments, vendors, and residents considering blockchain solutions for payments, notarization, or auditable records. It focuses on how existing Raleigh rules on electronic records, procurement, and information security apply to blockchain implementations, what departments enforce compliance, and how to request approvals or file complaints.

Scope and Applicable Rules

There is no single Raleigh ordinance labelled "blockchain policy." Instead, blockchain projects are governed by existing city instruments on electronic records, information technology standards, and procurement rules. Departments must coordinate with Information Technology and the City Attorney for legal and security reviews. For citywide policies see the Information Technology policies and records management guidance cited below information technology policies^[1] and records management^[2].

Key Compliance Considerations

• Data governance and retention: follow the City Clerk and Records Management retention schedules and chain-of-custody rules.
• Security and privacy: meet city IT security standards and state privacy laws before deploying ledger solutions.
• Procurement and contracting: procure blockchain services through approved procurement channels and contract review.
• Payment handling: integrate with approved payment processors and accounting controls for municipal funds.

Penalties & Enforcement

Because Raleigh does not publish a standalone blockchain bylaw, enforcement relies on the existing regulatory framework for records, electronic systems, and procurement. Specific fines or statutory dollar amounts for blockchain misuse are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement follows the remedies and penalties available under the Raleigh Code and applicable contract law. For departmental oversight and complaints, the Information Technology Department and City Clerk are primary contacts IT policies^[1].

• Fines: not specified on the cited pages; penalties default to applicable City Code or contract terms.
• Escalation: first or continuing violations are handled per enforcement provisions in relevant city policies or contracts; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease use, system suspension, contract termination, record restoration, or referral to civil enforcement/court.
• Enforcer and complaint pathway: Information Technology Department and City Clerk receive technical compliance and records complaints; the City Attorney provides legal enforcement and contract remedies.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes generally follow administrative review or contract dispute resolution clauses; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
• Defences and discretion: approvals, variances, or documented business needs may be considered; departments should document risk assessments and mitigation plans.

Applications & Forms

There is no dedicated "blockchain application" form posted by the city. Departments should submit technology requests, procurement solicitations, or records-retention inquiries through existing official channels: IT project request forms, procurement solicitations, and records management requests as published by the City of Raleigh. If a formal form is required, it will appear on the cited departmental pages; otherwise no specific blockchain form is published on the cited pages.

Operational Guidance

Practical steps for a city department or vendor proposing blockchain use include:

• Initiate an IT project intake and risk assessment with the Information Technology Department.
• Prepare procurement documents in coordination with Procurement and the City Attorney.
• Map records retention obligations with the City Clerk and Records Management.
• Conduct security and privacy testing to meet city standards before production deployment.

FAQ

Can a vendor use blockchain to submit invoices to the City?

Vendors must follow city procurement and payment procedures; blockchain-based submission requires prior approval from Procurement and Information Technology, and must integrate with approved payment systems.

Are blockchain records legally valid with the City of Raleigh?

Blockchain records may be used if they satisfy the Citys records management and legal requirements; departments must confirm retention, access, and evidentiary standards with the City Clerk.

Who enforces compliance for blockchain projects?

Information Technology, the City Clerk, Procurement, and the City Attorney share enforcement and review responsibilities depending on the issue.

How-To

1. Contact the Information Technology Department to submit a project intake and security assessment.
2. Coordinate with Procurement to determine contracting requirements and solicitations.
3. Work with the City Clerk to map records retention and access requirements.
4. Obtain approvals from the City Attorney for legal and liability review before deployment.

Key Takeaways

• There is no standalone Raleigh blockchain ordinance; existing IT, procurement, and records rules apply.
• Early coordination with IT, Procurement, and the City Attorney is essential.
• Recordkeeping and retention obligations remain binding for any ledger solution.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Raleigh - Information Technology
• City of Raleigh - Records Management / City Clerk
• City of Raleigh - Procurement
• City of Raleigh - City Attorney

1. [1] City of Raleigh information technology policies and services
2. [2] City of Raleigh records management and City Clerk