Slow down to ensure an equitable BRT

Lisa hughet has lived in Raleigh for nearly 30 years and says “my activism really kicked into high gear during the pandemic. Ironically, coinciding with a new City Council who appears not to have the residents of Raleigh as their highest priority. I’m also active in affordable housing matters and animal rescue.”

Lisa Hughet delivered the following comments to Raleigh City Council at the September 12, 2023 meeting:

Tonight I’m going to talk about my current concerns regarding the New Bern BRT (Bus Rapid Transit).

First, we must slow down the process. While the city has been engaged in this project for several years, it’s only now that many affected community members are actively involved and asking questions. We cannot underestimate the importance of their input. It’s only fair that we grant them the opportunity to fully understand the project’s implications and provide valuable feedback. Rushing forward risks alienating those who should benefit the most from this development.

Cities who’ve implemented BRT have had a range of results. However, most agree those experiencing benefit are more likely to be white and wealthier than corridor residents as a whole. In recognizing this, CP-7-23 includes guidance to bring more equity.

Policies that prioritize affordable housing, mitigate displacement due to rising housing costs, and inject more support for community and small businesses. However, those tools need to be in place now. They need to be planned out, funded, piloted and measured to see if they’re making a difference. They need to be in place long before any BRT construction starts. If we wait for BRT development we will not be able to get ahead of the displacement curve.

Lastly, we need a comprehensive metrics plan. To assess the true impact of the New Bern BRT project, we must establish metrics that go beyond the surface. I would like to ask Council to authorize staff to pursue a metrics plan that includes NOAH destruction, evictions and their cause, and keep a close eye to rental prices and those who leave due to cost. These are in addition to what is already proposed. This corridor has a unique  demographic, with a higher percentage of low-wealth and non-white renters. Monitoring this data is vital to ensure equitable progress.

We are at a crossroad. Let’s slow down, hear more from the affected community members, implement tools and policies that prioritize affordability and displacement mitigation, and establish a robust metrics plan. In doing so, we can ensure that the New Bern BRT upzoning project becomes a model of equitable development that truly serves all residents.

New Bern Ave has the most at risk with these zoning changes. Let’s slow down, first implement dislocation tools, and establish metrics of success we all agree on.

BRT is Bus Rapid Tansit. You can read more here:  What is BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)?

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