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Slow down to ensure an equitable BRT
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.
Let’s not replicate the mistakes of Glenwood South on the New Bern BRT
As we look back at the changes of Glenwood Avenue over these past twenty years, it would be wise to reflect on the decisions that created this Frankenstein monster that can no longer be controlled. The Glenwood entertainment district did not just pop up organically, it was nurtured through rezoning.
Does Mayor Baldwin give a damn about Raleigh’s reputation?
They went so far as to make an offer on a home, only to withdraw it days later. The constant news headlines reporting assaults, stabbings, and shootings downtown ultimately scared them away. A direct quote is, “while Denver has a major homelessness problem, they have services in place and the city maintains control of their drunks.” They did not feel that was the case in Raleigh.
Raleigh needs to protect its LGBTQ+ community
The City of Raleigh needs to stand by their non-discrimination ordinance and uphold their promise of opposing discrimination in all forms. Even if that form comes from state legislatures. What I’m asking you to do is to work on an official statement, from the Raleigh City Council, that condemns the passage of anti-LGBTQ and other discriminatory laws. The queer community in Raleigh needs your support. They need protection from those that sympathize with anti-gay, anti-trans, anti-queer bigotry.
Resolution on Reparative Justice for African Americans in Raleigh
The Raleigh Reparative Justice Working Group has taken the lead to keep the request for the City to establish a Reparative Justice Commission. We have letters and emails from 25 Raleigh organizations that support the establishment of a commission. There are over 500+ residents that have signed a petition. We know the budget conversations will start or have already started this fall. We want this request for staff funding to support this initiative included in the FY25 budget discussions.
The Price we pay for Glenwood South
The shirt I am wearing tonight I had made for and wore to the July meeting. It reads I went to Glenwood South and made it out Alive. Unfortunately, David Millette did not. I wear this shirt tonight in memory of David and as a reminder of the price he paid just for going out to Glenwood South one night.
Don’t let this die on your watch
Is this not worth saving? If so, leadership will have to come from the City Council. Parks has no interest in their history. Ms. Jones and Ms. Black I hope you will take the lead to preserve this historic part of the Greenway. By saving the past, we can build on the future so that generations to come can continue to enjoy this beloved, iconic, historic, part of the Raleigh Greenway. Don’t let this die on your watch.
Mayor Baldwin, the Grinch can’t get her story straight
It is now our understanding the Raleigh City Council has had no input on this decision. In addition, false statements have been made to the local media outlets about the permitting process and the requests that were made. Several Council Members have contacted us and asked us to present to you today so you all could hear and review our safety changes and how we plan to implement those for this year.
Limited equity housing cooperatives offer a solution
I would like to see the city of Raleigh aggressively pursue opportunities for limited equity housing cooperatives. Additionally, I think the city should look for more opportunities to purchase existing apartment complexes for conversion to limited equity housing cooperatives to provide more ownership opportunities to home buyers in Raleigh.
September 19, 2023 Raleigh City Council Meetings
Highlights from the September 19 City Council Work Session and Afternoon Session
Raleigh needs to have a H.E.A.R.T.
Our Coalition is asking the city council to embed a mental health professional into the 911 call center to divert calls from police to unarmed community response teams and ACORNS and we are asking the council to house these programs under a newly created department of public safety, not under RPD.
Missing Middle Policy – It’s Time for Reform
Four of you are Councilors because you campaigned on Missing Middle Reform along with Engagement and Transparency. Waiting for the resolution of the lawsuit means waiting for YEARS and that is unacceptable. Do you want the next election to be run again on Missing Middle Reform while you’ve been Missing in Action?
Raleigh Elections – What’s the right size for Council?
Livable Raleigh believes two-year terms mean council members work harder to remain close to their constituencies. However, if four-year terms are to be implemented, Livable Raleigh strongly recommends that the Mayor still be elected every two years, and that a non-partisan primary be held before the general election.
Raleigh Elections – Plurality vs Majority
So what can we do to make sure Raleigh’s elections are as democratic as possible and result in a winner who earns a majority of the votes and not just a plurality.
City Council Meetings September 12, 2023
Huge needs for public housing.
Public Comments focused on public safety, Mine Creek Greenway relocation, GoRaleigh, TOD/BRT, Missing Middle, and housing and homelessness
Raleigh Elections – When are they?
A lot of towns in Wake County are holding general elections this Fall. When is the next general election for Raleigh’s City Council?
BRT Transit that Benefits All and Displaces None
New Bern Avenue is living proof of the bigoted depredations our country and city have imposed on Black Americans. It is also living proof of Black Americans’ determination to fashion lives and communities of faith and hope in the face of overpowering forces of greed and racism. Of all projects which have the potential of restorative justice and to make good on Raleigh’s pledge to dismantle the city’s policies and systems of racial inequity and oppression with equitable transit, this is it.
Regular, Full Service, Two-Way Communication should be a priority
Monthly neighborhood meetings MUST BE YOUR PRIORITY. Where residents know they can show up to stay informed about Planning, Budgeting, Development, Parks & Rec, Police & Fire, Bond Initiatives, Transit and even hear from their council representatives.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Highlights from September 5 Council Meetings
Allow CACs the use of their preferred Community Center
I have a simple request today but I am not sure how to get my voice heard and a proposal executed in a timely manner.