RALEIGH, N.C. — Local elections on the city and county level can have a major and direct impact on our daily lives. Will Raleigh make room for more affordable housing? Will developers be allowed to build 40-story buildings in Midtown? Will the Triangle have access to a commuter rail and improved public transit?
Among some of the biggest concerns for Raleigh’s voters: Who will do the best job managing the rapidly rising cost of living?
Incumbent mayor: Mary-Ann Baldwin
Baldwin served five terms in Raleigh’s city council before being elected mayor in 2019.
Raleigh’s growth and development has increased during Baldwin’s term, with the mayor supporting increased residential density through rezoning efforts that allow for construction of townhomes, tiny homes and granny flats.
If elected, Baldwin hopes to expand Bus Rapid Transit during her second term – and eventually build a commuter rail as a regional transit system through the Triangle area.
Alongside all the development has come a higher cost of living that has drawn criticism from some long-time residents.
Mayoral candidate: Terrance Ruth
Ruth moved to Raleigh in 2009. A former teacher and principal, he currently works as an assistant professor in North Carolina State University’s School of Social Work.
His platforms focus heavily on community engagement and affordability.
“I believe in the approach ‘housing first,’ which is embraced by the commissioners and the council,” he said. Ruth wants to ensure local leaders are paying attention to the “most uninvested sections of our city.”
He points out that although Raleigh is currently one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, the growth means nothing if it’s not affordable to live here.
“It seems backwards to have an affordable housing solution play a part in displacing longtime residents and contributors to our environment as a city,” he wrote on his campaign site.
Ruth says he is passionate about developing leaders of the future. He works with various social justice groups, including the NAACP and Repairers of the Breach.
Mayoral candidate: DaQuanta Copeland
Copeland began serving her community as a teenager by volunteerism in her community. She currently runs a non-profit serving youth and at-risk children and serves as vice-chair of the Wake County Health and Human Services Board.
With over 20 years as a community organizer and advocate, Copeland says, if elected, she will aim to give the Raleigh community more of a voice.
With incumbent mayor Baldwin criticized for reducing time allotted for residents to speak at council meetings, Copeland says she will aim to increase community engagement.
“We see so much about the businesses and buildings, but the people … do not feel welcome,” said Copeland. “The people are being pushed out. The people who are building the city are not welcome in the city.”
Raleigh City Council elections
City Council is also up for election in 2022.
Seven candidates are vying for two at-large seats:
- James Bledsoe
- Joshua Bradley
- Stormie Forte
- Anne Franklin
- Jonathan Melton (incumbent)
- John Odom
- Portia Rochelle
District A
- Mary Black-Branch,
- Whitney Hill
- Catherine Lawson
District B
- Min Lee
- Jakob Lorberblatt
- Megan Patton
- Jeremiah-Frank Pierce
District C
- Corey Branch (incumbent)
- Frank Fields
- Wanda Hunter
District D
- Robert Baumgart
- Jane Harrison
- Joseph Kennedy
- Jennifer Truman
District E
- Christina Jones
- David Knight (incumbent)
Watch WRAL.com on Election Day for updates on the winners of local races
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, WRAL News will update this story with the winners of each race, including Raleigh’s mayor and city council.
