2019 Raleigh City Council Candidates
Corey Branch
1. What are you hoping to achieve as an elected official that will foster a healthy and innovative business environment in both the near and long term?
I want the city to increase opportunities for small business development and minority involvement in projects. In the short term we must develop programs to provide needed support for our small businesses. Long term we need to increase the diversity of our vendors to foster equitable development.
2. What is your long-term vision for growth in Raleigh?
Review of our area development plans to ensure they are modified to current development laws. Density development along transit corridors to manage the growth is a key and required factor.
3. Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of businesses?
Yes
4. The approved Wake County Transit plan is underway to expand bus service countywide, implement four bus rapid transit lines, and initiate regional commuter rail. What would you like to see the City of Raleigh do to accelerate and/or complement this enhanced transit service?
Updating and implementing our Transit Overlay District is the first step to accelerate and complement growth. Community involvement is critical to successful implementation.
5. How do you plan to involve the business community in the decision making process in our city?
As part of the gentrification conversation the city had, I ensured the home builders and realtors where included in the conversation. I will continue to reach out to business owners and leaders on matters which will impact them for input. Continued outreach with the business community via panel discussion, feedback, or by whatever means is required at the given time.
6. How would you grade the city's support of innovation, entrepreneurs, and small business owners over the last five to 10 years? How will you support each of them moving forward?
On a scale of 1 to 10 an 8. We have to find ways to engage our minority businesses af we move forward. This is the area we are lacking and needs more attention.
7. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Affordability of homes, goods, and service. As the city grows we have to be sure we do not price out our citizens.
8. Identify two specific areas in the city budget where you might reduce spending and two specific areas where you might increase spending.
We are currently underfunding everything based on our Capital Improvements Programs.
The two I would focus on first to increase funding would be Housing and Infrastructure.
9. How will you balance the increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
This is a balance I've been involved with over the past four years. We have to review needs each year and when we increased funding in areas each year. Each area of need may not receive an increase each year in order to have balance.
10. Please rank the following priorities, if elected to Raleigh City Council.
1
Great Government - Promote a vision of a city government that partners with all levels of government to empower, protect, and serve its citizens through a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation
2
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services
3
Affordable Housing - Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals
4
Transportation/Transit - Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth
5
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain, and grow business; diversify the economic base; and create job opportunities for all citizens
6
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities
6
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships
11. Name (as it will appear on ballot)
Corey Branch
Not sure if you are #ReadyToVote or registered to vote? Questions about your polling location or early voting? Visit the Wake County Board of Elections website to check your current status and learn more about early voting and polling location, as well as to view your sample ballot.
Important Dates:
Sept. 13, 2019: 5 p.m. – Voter Registration Deadline for October Municipal Election
Sept. 18 - Oct. 4 – Early Voting
Oct. 1, 2019: 5 p.m. – Absentee by Mail Request Deadline for October Municipal Election
Oct. 8, 2019: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Election Day
Nov. 5, 2019: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Municipal Runoff Elections (if necessary)
If you have any additional questions, please contact Syreeta Hargrove at 919.664.7017 or email shargrove@raleighchamber.org.
Important Dates:
Sept. 13, 2019: 5 p.m. – Voter Registration Deadline for October Municipal Election
Sept. 18 - Oct. 4 – Early Voting
Oct. 1, 2019: 5 p.m. – Absentee by Mail Request Deadline for October Municipal Election
Oct. 8, 2019: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Election Day
Nov. 5, 2019: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Municipal Runoff Elections (if necessary)
If you have any additional questions, please contact Syreeta Hargrove at 919.664.7017 or email shargrove@raleighchamber.org.