Raleigh City Council At Large
Stormie Forte
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
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?
Finding the best course to balance the growth patterns. We need to create space for people moving into the area. There also has to be some consideration for our current residents. Hopefully in my next term, we will find a way to work more collaboratively with with our neighbors who have some hesitations regarding increased density in certain communities.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
The greatest challenge is creating opportunities for housing that will accommodate everyone who wants to live in Raleigh. Affordable Housing based on income is something that has to be addressed. Additionally, addressing the increase of our homeless neighbors is becoming more critical each day. We need to make sure everyone has access to secure housing and that all of our residents can afford to live, work and play in the city they love.
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?
Providing meaningful support to our small businesses is something I want to achieve. Small businesses provide the majority of employment opportunities in the city. Industries that rely heavily on service workers have been experiencing unique challenges that must be addressed. I want to see many businesses, such as restaurants, being able to return to fully functioning the way they were prior to the pandemic. Additionally, I have worked with a local bank to host a series of events to work with small minority owned businesses getting access to capital and other business solutions. I recognize the importance of having a thriving small business community.
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 support the Wake County transit plan. I recognize the importance of making the transit system in Raleigh and in the Triangle Region more efficient and reliable in order to make it more attractive for residents to use it. The City of Raleigh is implementing the Bus Rapid Transit lines. Certainly, if there is any way to develop a commuter rail system that would be vital for the Triangle Region. We have a segment of our community that relies on public transportation and we need to expand it in a way that those who need it can depend on it.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
During my current term, I have prided myself on meeting with various community groups as well as residents, either individually or collectively to discuss a variety of issues. The city has a new Community Engagement Board comprised of a diverse group on citizens that will make recommendations regarding meaningful ways for engagement going forward. I am interested in receiving their recommendations. I will commit to continue having direct conversations with residents, as well as business leaders regarding any issue for the city.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
We definitely need to keep a watchful eye on infrastructure as the city is growing. I routinely have conversations with our staff regarding stormwater, water systems, and other infrastructure issues as we have more development projects approved for rezoning. If there are problems identified by staff those will be addressed. Also, future planning for infrastructure will be one of my priorities for the next term. Certainly, the city is like most employers, competing for talent. The city will be providing bonuses for staff within the next few months. When the city has the available resources, I will support salary increases for staff.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
I will work to increase the efficiency of the public transit system as well as look for ways to expand the system to meet the needs of the city's residents. We need to determine how long the system can remain fare free for all residents and examine if there is a way to keep the system fare free indefinitely for senior citizens, disabled residents and students. Many of our residents rely heavily on pubic transportation and we need to make sure it is available when needed.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
I would explore programs that would assist our existing companies in ways that will work best for them. I have a particular interest in working with small, minority owned companies and would definitely want to expand opportunities to provide support however we can at the city level. Our small businesses, collectively, are the largest employer for the city and making sure they remain viable is the highest priority.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Addressing the issue of providing affordable housing, work force housing and homelessness is the top priority for the city. Leveraging city assets is one method to deal with the issue. Working with non profit and private entities to develop solutions to these challenges is certainly one of my plans in the next term.
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.
Finding meaningful ways for public engagement is one of my goals. During my first term, I have frequently met with residents across the city to discuss challenging issues, especially difficult rezoning cases. I do believe it is my responsibility as an elected official to be available to hear from my constituents even those who may not agree with my perspective. I am committed to continuing those meetings in my next term.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
One of the major things we must address going forward in installing sidewalks in many communities across the city. There are a lot of areas that do not have sidewalks which at times creates barriers to mobility. There are many residents that have requested sidewalks be installed and we have to work to meet those requests as soon as possible.
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
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?
Finding the best course to balance the growth patterns. We need to create space for people moving into the area. There also has to be some consideration for our current residents. Hopefully in my next term, we will find a way to work more collaboratively with with our neighbors who have some hesitations regarding increased density in certain communities.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
The greatest challenge is creating opportunities for housing that will accommodate everyone who wants to live in Raleigh. Affordable Housing based on income is something that has to be addressed. Additionally, addressing the increase of our homeless neighbors is becoming more critical each day. We need to make sure everyone has access to secure housing and that all of our residents can afford to live, work and play in the city they love.
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?
Providing meaningful support to our small businesses is something I want to achieve. Small businesses provide the majority of employment opportunities in the city. Industries that rely heavily on service workers have been experiencing unique challenges that must be addressed. I want to see many businesses, such as restaurants, being able to return to fully functioning the way they were prior to the pandemic. Additionally, I have worked with a local bank to host a series of events to work with small minority owned businesses getting access to capital and other business solutions. I recognize the importance of having a thriving small business community.
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 support the Wake County transit plan. I recognize the importance of making the transit system in Raleigh and in the Triangle Region more efficient and reliable in order to make it more attractive for residents to use it. The City of Raleigh is implementing the Bus Rapid Transit lines. Certainly, if there is any way to develop a commuter rail system that would be vital for the Triangle Region. We have a segment of our community that relies on public transportation and we need to expand it in a way that those who need it can depend on it.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
During my current term, I have prided myself on meeting with various community groups as well as residents, either individually or collectively to discuss a variety of issues. The city has a new Community Engagement Board comprised of a diverse group on citizens that will make recommendations regarding meaningful ways for engagement going forward. I am interested in receiving their recommendations. I will commit to continue having direct conversations with residents, as well as business leaders regarding any issue for the city.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
We definitely need to keep a watchful eye on infrastructure as the city is growing. I routinely have conversations with our staff regarding stormwater, water systems, and other infrastructure issues as we have more development projects approved for rezoning. If there are problems identified by staff those will be addressed. Also, future planning for infrastructure will be one of my priorities for the next term. Certainly, the city is like most employers, competing for talent. The city will be providing bonuses for staff within the next few months. When the city has the available resources, I will support salary increases for staff.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
I will work to increase the efficiency of the public transit system as well as look for ways to expand the system to meet the needs of the city's residents. We need to determine how long the system can remain fare free for all residents and examine if there is a way to keep the system fare free indefinitely for senior citizens, disabled residents and students. Many of our residents rely heavily on pubic transportation and we need to make sure it is available when needed.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
I would explore programs that would assist our existing companies in ways that will work best for them. I have a particular interest in working with small, minority owned companies and would definitely want to expand opportunities to provide support however we can at the city level. Our small businesses, collectively, are the largest employer for the city and making sure they remain viable is the highest priority.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Addressing the issue of providing affordable housing, work force housing and homelessness is the top priority for the city. Leveraging city assets is one method to deal with the issue. Working with non profit and private entities to develop solutions to these challenges is certainly one of my plans in the next term.
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.
Finding meaningful ways for public engagement is one of my goals. During my first term, I have frequently met with residents across the city to discuss challenging issues, especially difficult rezoning cases. I do believe it is my responsibility as an elected official to be available to hear from my constituents even those who may not agree with my perspective. I am committed to continuing those meetings in my next term.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
One of the major things we must address going forward in installing sidewalks in many communities across the city. There are a lot of areas that do not have sidewalks which at times creates barriers to mobility. There are many residents that have requested sidewalks be installed and we have to work to meet those requests as soon as possible.