Raleigh City Council, District B
Minu Lee
Are you an incumbent?
No
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
2. Do you support the $353.2 million Wake Tech bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
3. Do you support the $530.7 million Wake County schools bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
4. What is your long-term vision for growth in Raleigh?
My long-term vision for growth in Raleigh is reimagining Capital Boulevard. With a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route coming soon to Capital Boulevard, we will see less traffic, increases in the affordable housing stock, and a reinvigoration of the major transit corridor. My desire is to create a welcoming and friendly community environment around Capital Boulevard, with reimagined storefronts, walkable markets, and thoughtful architecture. This will be far more enjoyable and pleasant than the numerous car shops that currently line the transit route.
Ultimately, I would want Raleigh to incorporate more aspects of urban planning concepts that have proven to be beneficial to communities across the nation and around the world. Such concepts include New Urbanism, Smart Growth, Green Design, and Sustainable Development. I would like to see more dense, affordable, walkable neighborhoods on our major transit corridors (such as Capital Boulevard and Louisburg Road) to tackle the issue of a lack of affordable housing to decrease car congestion on such roads. Raleigh is growing at an unprecedented pace, and we must take proper action to accommodate it.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
We have a growing housing crisis on our doorsteps. Raleigh is growing whether we like it or not. More and more people across the nation are looking towards Raleigh as the City of Opportunities - I know my family did when we moved to this City over 14 years ago. As such, we must do what we can to accommodate growth. That is why I fully support the responsible development of walkable neighborhoods along our major transit corridors and wherever appropriate. It’s time to embrace, incorporate, and work to improve aspects of New Urbanism, Smart Growth, Complete Streets, and Green Design as our City continues to face a growing population, a deteriorating climate, a worsening housing shortage, and rising rent. We need to work towards quality architecture and design, mixed-use developments, green transportation, sustainability, and affordability. It’s time to move away from the focus on single-use zones and start promoting the planning and designing of this City in a way that is adaptable and based on outcomes. It’s time to mitigate urban sprawl, promote equality and equity, and create a distinctive, attractive City of Raleigh with a strong sense of place.
6. 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?
As an elected official, I hope to lead an attempt to increase funds in programs and grants that lift up our small business owners, and provide local potential entrepreneurs with the opportunity to set up and maintain a business in the City of Raleigh. I would also like to see the City expand resources in different languages and assistance for foreign-language speakers due to the fact that immigrants are more likely to attempt to set up a small business than any other demographic.
7. The Wake County Transit plan will expand bus service countywide, implement four bus rapid transit lines, and initiate a regional commuter rail system. What would you like to see the City of Raleigh do to complement or modify this enhanced transit service?
I would like to see the City of Raleigh start working to expand the number of bus rapid transit lines. I would also like to see the City of Raleigh work to make buses fare-free indefinitely in order to promote more people to ride the bus while also helping those who rely on the bus system keep their money to put towards other essential needs. If elected, I would also work with organizations that promote multi-modal transportation (Oaks and Spokes, Citrix, etc.) to develop a comprehensive plan to improve safety and efficiency for bike lanes across the City.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
The City of Raleigh is changing, and so should our method of engaging with residents in the local civic process. I believe that the key to a well-functioning democracy is a government that prioritizes the opinions and needs of the people. As such, I would work with City staff to develop a method of citizen engagement that does not leave out anyone at the decision-making table. In order to have true progress, all voices must be heard.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
Not a single issue is independent from the other issues our city faces. We can not discuss infrastructure needs, personnel funding needs, economic growth, affordability, quality of life, and everything else without considering every other issue at the same time. By moving towards dense, affordable, walkable neighborhoods on our major transit corridors, we can address the expansion towards multi-modal transportation, promote small business growth, while also increasing affordability throughout the City. By increasing pay and benefits for City employees (especially emergency workers) and expanding parks/green spaces, we will be working to improve the quality of life in Raleigh.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
With over 60 people moving to Raleigh on a daily basis, there is undoubtedly a need for the expansion of public transportation and an increased access to affordable housing. When it comes to public transportation, it is important for Raleigh to emphasize and highlight the expansion of multi-modal transportation (such as commuter rails, buses, bikes, etc.). Ultimately, the goal should be to reduce the city’s dependence on personal vehicles, and strive towards increasing ridership for public transit and other sustainable means of transportation. In order for this to occur, I would advocate for the expansion of bus routes to service parts of Raleigh that desperately need the accessibility to transit routes. I would also promote the expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines on major thoroughfares, ensure buses remain fare-free indefinitely, approve a commuter rail between municipalities to promote regional connectivity, and emphasize the need to decrease headways on bus routes.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
First, I think that it is important to continue to improve Raleigh so that it remains a city people and businesses want to relocate to. In order to do so, we have to ensure that we are building enough low-income, affordable housing units as well as expanding our multi-modal transportation options. On top of that, I believe that it is vital to continue to promote the small business economy of Raleigh. It is important for the Raleigh City Council to work with business leaders of the City, organizations such as the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and community leaders to ensure that action is being taken to support small businesses (especially in the aftermath of COVID-19).
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
There is a lack of adequate, low-income housing in the City. The City of Raleigh must work towards incorporating dense, affordable, low-income housing, increasing the housing stock/options by minimizing exclusionary zoning practices, and ensuring that new housing developments incorporate affordable housing for city residents >50% AMI. As a member of the Raleigh City Council, I would work to seek new community land trusts to develop more affordable housing units as observed in other communities such as Durham. I would also advocate for the incorporation of affordable, low-income housing units in new housing development projects. In addition, it is imperative to move away from utilizing exclusionary zoning practices, such as single-family only zoning, to open up a new realm of housing options that residents are more likely to afford rather than forcing two options upon them (single-family detached house vs. apartments). Moving forward, it is imperative to bring community members, urban planners, and developers to the table to come up with comprehensive compromises that incorporate everyone’s needs and ideas to progress Raleigh towards building more affordable housing units.
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.
I look forward to working with the County Commissioners, NCGA members, and my counterparts at other levels of government to create a regional solution to the ever-evolving issues we face in Raleigh. This is especially crucial due to the fact that North Carolina is a ‘Dillon’s Rule’ State which means that sometimes municipalities are limited in their power to address certain issues. Ultimately, a partnership with counterparts in all levels of government to properly address the issues pertinent to the residents of Raleigh (affordable housing, traffic, economy, etc.) would be beneficial and should be sought.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
The City of Raleigh needs to mitigate suburban sprawl through the reduction of exclusionary zoning in our communities. Such zoning is impractical, and severely limits our housing stock/options while minimizing the number of green spaces available. Tearing down existing housing is not the solution to stopping the expansion of suburban neighborhoods - ensuring the development of dense, affordable housing is. By doing so, Raleigh can strive towards communities that are walkable, affordable, and sustainable.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
There seems to be a rising trend of crime, especially violent crime, in this City. However, we can’t mitigate crime in this city until we take a more community-oriented approach to policing while ensuring that we support those living in under-served communities. The police are a necessary part of our society, but their reform is vital. So where does this start? It starts with incentivizing people who live in Raleigh to stay and become police officers through higher pay, increased rigorous training that focuses on de-escalation rather than escalation, and increased mental health support for our emergency workers and those in need. It’s time to take a more proactive approach when it comes to policing here in Raleigh.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
As a member of the Raleigh City Council, I intend to partner with nonprofit organizations such as ONE Wake and Habitat for Humanity to set up a grant program for homeowners who are unable to pay for any increase in their property taxes. I would strenuously advocate for the development of a tax relief program for property owners who have lived at their property for a certain amount of time. This would protect homeowners who have a deep history with Raleigh. I would also prohibit tax breaks for large corporations unless they invest in our communities.
Are you an incumbent?
No
1. Do you support the City of Raleigh’s $275 million parks bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
2. Do you support the $353.2 million Wake Tech bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
3. Do you support the $530.7 million Wake County schools bond on the ballot this November?
Yes
4. What is your long-term vision for growth in Raleigh?
My long-term vision for growth in Raleigh is reimagining Capital Boulevard. With a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route coming soon to Capital Boulevard, we will see less traffic, increases in the affordable housing stock, and a reinvigoration of the major transit corridor. My desire is to create a welcoming and friendly community environment around Capital Boulevard, with reimagined storefronts, walkable markets, and thoughtful architecture. This will be far more enjoyable and pleasant than the numerous car shops that currently line the transit route.
Ultimately, I would want Raleigh to incorporate more aspects of urban planning concepts that have proven to be beneficial to communities across the nation and around the world. Such concepts include New Urbanism, Smart Growth, Green Design, and Sustainable Development. I would like to see more dense, affordable, walkable neighborhoods on our major transit corridors (such as Capital Boulevard and Louisburg Road) to tackle the issue of a lack of affordable housing to decrease car congestion on such roads. Raleigh is growing at an unprecedented pace, and we must take proper action to accommodate it.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
We have a growing housing crisis on our doorsteps. Raleigh is growing whether we like it or not. More and more people across the nation are looking towards Raleigh as the City of Opportunities - I know my family did when we moved to this City over 14 years ago. As such, we must do what we can to accommodate growth. That is why I fully support the responsible development of walkable neighborhoods along our major transit corridors and wherever appropriate. It’s time to embrace, incorporate, and work to improve aspects of New Urbanism, Smart Growth, Complete Streets, and Green Design as our City continues to face a growing population, a deteriorating climate, a worsening housing shortage, and rising rent. We need to work towards quality architecture and design, mixed-use developments, green transportation, sustainability, and affordability. It’s time to move away from the focus on single-use zones and start promoting the planning and designing of this City in a way that is adaptable and based on outcomes. It’s time to mitigate urban sprawl, promote equality and equity, and create a distinctive, attractive City of Raleigh with a strong sense of place.
6. 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?
As an elected official, I hope to lead an attempt to increase funds in programs and grants that lift up our small business owners, and provide local potential entrepreneurs with the opportunity to set up and maintain a business in the City of Raleigh. I would also like to see the City expand resources in different languages and assistance for foreign-language speakers due to the fact that immigrants are more likely to attempt to set up a small business than any other demographic.
7. The Wake County Transit plan will expand bus service countywide, implement four bus rapid transit lines, and initiate a regional commuter rail system. What would you like to see the City of Raleigh do to complement or modify this enhanced transit service?
I would like to see the City of Raleigh start working to expand the number of bus rapid transit lines. I would also like to see the City of Raleigh work to make buses fare-free indefinitely in order to promote more people to ride the bus while also helping those who rely on the bus system keep their money to put towards other essential needs. If elected, I would also work with organizations that promote multi-modal transportation (Oaks and Spokes, Citrix, etc.) to develop a comprehensive plan to improve safety and efficiency for bike lanes across the City.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
The City of Raleigh is changing, and so should our method of engaging with residents in the local civic process. I believe that the key to a well-functioning democracy is a government that prioritizes the opinions and needs of the people. As such, I would work with City staff to develop a method of citizen engagement that does not leave out anyone at the decision-making table. In order to have true progress, all voices must be heard.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
Not a single issue is independent from the other issues our city faces. We can not discuss infrastructure needs, personnel funding needs, economic growth, affordability, quality of life, and everything else without considering every other issue at the same time. By moving towards dense, affordable, walkable neighborhoods on our major transit corridors, we can address the expansion towards multi-modal transportation, promote small business growth, while also increasing affordability throughout the City. By increasing pay and benefits for City employees (especially emergency workers) and expanding parks/green spaces, we will be working to improve the quality of life in Raleigh.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
With over 60 people moving to Raleigh on a daily basis, there is undoubtedly a need for the expansion of public transportation and an increased access to affordable housing. When it comes to public transportation, it is important for Raleigh to emphasize and highlight the expansion of multi-modal transportation (such as commuter rails, buses, bikes, etc.). Ultimately, the goal should be to reduce the city’s dependence on personal vehicles, and strive towards increasing ridership for public transit and other sustainable means of transportation. In order for this to occur, I would advocate for the expansion of bus routes to service parts of Raleigh that desperately need the accessibility to transit routes. I would also promote the expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines on major thoroughfares, ensure buses remain fare-free indefinitely, approve a commuter rail between municipalities to promote regional connectivity, and emphasize the need to decrease headways on bus routes.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
First, I think that it is important to continue to improve Raleigh so that it remains a city people and businesses want to relocate to. In order to do so, we have to ensure that we are building enough low-income, affordable housing units as well as expanding our multi-modal transportation options. On top of that, I believe that it is vital to continue to promote the small business economy of Raleigh. It is important for the Raleigh City Council to work with business leaders of the City, organizations such as the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and community leaders to ensure that action is being taken to support small businesses (especially in the aftermath of COVID-19).
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
There is a lack of adequate, low-income housing in the City. The City of Raleigh must work towards incorporating dense, affordable, low-income housing, increasing the housing stock/options by minimizing exclusionary zoning practices, and ensuring that new housing developments incorporate affordable housing for city residents >50% AMI. As a member of the Raleigh City Council, I would work to seek new community land trusts to develop more affordable housing units as observed in other communities such as Durham. I would also advocate for the incorporation of affordable, low-income housing units in new housing development projects. In addition, it is imperative to move away from utilizing exclusionary zoning practices, such as single-family only zoning, to open up a new realm of housing options that residents are more likely to afford rather than forcing two options upon them (single-family detached house vs. apartments). Moving forward, it is imperative to bring community members, urban planners, and developers to the table to come up with comprehensive compromises that incorporate everyone’s needs and ideas to progress Raleigh towards building more affordable housing units.
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.
I look forward to working with the County Commissioners, NCGA members, and my counterparts at other levels of government to create a regional solution to the ever-evolving issues we face in Raleigh. This is especially crucial due to the fact that North Carolina is a ‘Dillon’s Rule’ State which means that sometimes municipalities are limited in their power to address certain issues. Ultimately, a partnership with counterparts in all levels of government to properly address the issues pertinent to the residents of Raleigh (affordable housing, traffic, economy, etc.) would be beneficial and should be sought.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
The City of Raleigh needs to mitigate suburban sprawl through the reduction of exclusionary zoning in our communities. Such zoning is impractical, and severely limits our housing stock/options while minimizing the number of green spaces available. Tearing down existing housing is not the solution to stopping the expansion of suburban neighborhoods - ensuring the development of dense, affordable housing is. By doing so, Raleigh can strive towards communities that are walkable, affordable, and sustainable.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
There seems to be a rising trend of crime, especially violent crime, in this City. However, we can’t mitigate crime in this city until we take a more community-oriented approach to policing while ensuring that we support those living in under-served communities. The police are a necessary part of our society, but their reform is vital. So where does this start? It starts with incentivizing people who live in Raleigh to stay and become police officers through higher pay, increased rigorous training that focuses on de-escalation rather than escalation, and increased mental health support for our emergency workers and those in need. It’s time to take a more proactive approach when it comes to policing here in Raleigh.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
As a member of the Raleigh City Council, I intend to partner with nonprofit organizations such as ONE Wake and Habitat for Humanity to set up a grant program for homeowners who are unable to pay for any increase in their property taxes. I would strenuously advocate for the development of a tax relief program for property owners who have lived at their property for a certain amount of time. This would protect homeowners who have a deep history with Raleigh. I would also prohibit tax breaks for large corporations unless they invest in our communities.
