Looking Back: Initiatives & Accomplishments
In 2019, when I first ran for City Council, none of us could have anticipated what the next few years would bring. The COVID-19 pandemic tested our community, and the people of Raleigh rose to the challenge. Individuals and families found ways to support each other, and first responders and healthcare workers were rightfully heralded as heroes.
The pandemic also tested our city organization. Raleigh city staff continued to work around the clock in service to our community. I remain grateful to our city staff for their ongoing dedication and professionalism.
As a City Council Member, my focus was on ensuring that our city government was responsive to the needs of our community. I voted to authorize directing Raleigh’s federal recovery funds - $73.2 million - to five key areas: Economic Recovery, Housing/Homelessness, Community Health, Transit, and Infrastructure. I was also proud to support funding the House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program, a joint partnership between the City of Raleigh and Wake County which helped more than 3,800 local households avoid eviction. Raleigh Water held an extended moratorium for customers who could not afford to pay their water bills; when the moratorium was lifted, we increased funding for our customer assistance program to help customers still facing financial difficulties. GoRaleigh became fare free during the pandemic, an initiative that I am proud has continued into the current budget year. Fare free transit makes our bus system easier to use and more efficient to operate, and it helps ease financial burdens for those who rely on transit to reach jobs and healthcare services.
While these critical needs took priority during the pandemic, there were many other city initiatives that I was proud to champion during my first term. As an example, the Five Points Streetscape and Safety Study is an initiative that I conceptualized along with local stakeholders and city staff. I was pleased to secure funding for this project, which will result in a plan for improved safety and connectivity in Five Points.
Several other city initiatives that I have been engaged in during my first term align with my key priorities:
PUBLIC SAFETY
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Collaborating with Campbell Law School to create the Housing Justice Project
Building New Affordable Housing Units, including East College Park, recognized as a model of affordable homeownership development in North Carolina
ENVIRONMENT
*Serves as Member of the City Council’s Growth & Natural Resources Committee and as the Council’s Liaison to the City’s Stormwater Management Advisory Commission and the Environmental Advisory Board
Solarize the Triangle - a new regional effort to help more people take advantage of solar energy
Raleigh’s first ever Heat Mapping Campaign
Expanding the Use of Green Stormwater Infrastructure, like this project on Glenwood Avenue
TRANSPORTATION
Implementation of Raleigh’s Complete Streets Program, including new safety improvements for Lake Boone Trail
Improved Infrastructure for Cyclists & Pedestrians, such as the Blue Ridge Road Bike & Ped Improvement Project
Created New Rules to Establish Screening & Lighting Requirements on Parking Decks Citywide
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
*Serves as Vice-Chair of the City Council’s Economic Development & Innovation Committee
New program providing more than $4 million to small businesses
Strengthening the City’s partnerships with business groups, including Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance and the Five Points Business Association
Launched new guide to help Raleigh residents start or operate a small business