Growth should pay for growth!

Whitney Hill is a Raleigh resident via NC State, small business owner, and community advocate running for Raleigh City Council District A. As a long time resident of Raleigh, he supports responsible growth while
protecting what has made Raleigh one of the most desired communities in the country. He is focused on public safety, responsible growth, housing affordability, and protecting neighborhood voices and values. Whitney is
committed to building a safer, stronger, and more affordable Raleigh for families, businesses, and future generations.

Whitney spoke to City Council June 9, 2026:

Mayor and Council, thank you for the opportunity to speak.

My name is Whitney Hill, and I am here tonight to speak about affordable housing in Raleigh.

I believe Raleigh needs more housing. We need housing that working families, seniors, young professionals, teachers, police officers, firefighters, and service workers can actually afford.

But affordability cannot just be a slogan. It has to be real. It has to be measurable. And it has to reach the people who are being priced out of this city.

But we also need to be honest. Not every project that adds density creates true affordability. Affordable housing should not just mean slightly less expensive market-rate housing. We need housing that reaches people at below median income.

We also need to preserve the affordable homes we already have.

Older apartments, starter homes, and naturally affordable housing are disappearing and are being replaced by expensive homes and rentals.

The most affordable home is often the one we already have.

That is why I believe Raleigh needs a preservation-first mindset, especially in areas facing pressure from redevelopment.

At the same time, growth should help pay for growth.

When rezonings create significant new value, the public should receive real public benefit in return. That may include affordable housing commitments, sidewalks, stormwater improvements and other public infrastructure improvements.

Growth should not become a blank check for developers or a tax burden for existing residents.

And finally, we must respect neighborhood voices. Public input should not be treated as an obstacle. It should be part of better planning. We can build more homes and still respect the people who already live here.

So my message tonight is simple: Build Homes, Not Excuses.

Respect Neighborhood Voices.

Our local residents should not be burdened with paying for the growing local economy with tax increases.

Growth should pay for growth!

Thank you.

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