On May 7th of this year City Council voted to switch to 4-year staggered terms without putting the issue on the ballot for voters to decide, effectively buffering city council from the corrective action of Raleigh residents’ voting power. While I have heard and respect the arguments in favor of 4-year terms, it should be voted on by residents.
No one wants to be told their street is going to transform in the next five years, and there’s no way for them to even voice their thoughts and concerns. This pattern of transformation is going to take place, how we guide it is what’s most important. By adapting the zoning code to ensure that everyone comes together, working for the MUTUAL benefit of our city and its housing supply is not some far fetched ambition, but should be the baseline; the bare minimum respect shown to Raleigh’s amazing people. Transparency and working together is what is needed for beneficial growth. It is what the people of our city want.
In the race for the top developer donations, Raleigh City Council candidates Jonathan Melton, Mitchell Silver or Corey Branch, are the clear developer favorites. Livable Raleigh’s analysis of NC Campaign Finance Reports show that more than 50% of these candidates’ donations – over $88,000 for Melton and $72,000 for Silver – came from development industry donors alone, with many individuals giving the maximum $6,400. One thing is certain: developers don’t hand out thousands of dollars in donations unless they expect serious payback. And sadly, it shows.
Livable Raleigh’s new 2024 citywide poll of registered Raleigh voters conducted by nationally recognized professional polling firm Public Policy Polling was published Tuesday, July 23. You can read our press release here: Voter confidence falls
There are some disturbing trends highlighted in the results in 2024 as compared to 2022. Here we compare 5 questions that were asked in 2022 and asked again in 2024:
True leadership is demonstrated in how you engage with others, how you advocate for the voiceless, and how you stand up for what is right, regardless of whether or not you hold a formal title. As citizens, we deserve leaders who have built these qualities before ever stepping into public office. Leadership is not granted by a vote, it is earned by a lifetime of service.
When you go to the polls to vote this year, you may notice something missing from your ballot. You were supposed to be able to vote on whether Raleigh City Council terms should be changed from two-year to four-year terms. But, Council Members Melton and Forte took that choice away from you.