Raleigh City Council District D
Todd Kennedy
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 vision of this city’s future is one where all residents can find homes, raise families, feel safe, and enjoy a full life. That means more transit and mobility options, decisive action on housing affordability, addressing public safety issues, improving our environment, and fully realizing Dix Park and our other public spaces. Raleigh is resilient, we’re inclusive, and I know that we’re all ready to pursue this vision.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Housing. On housing affordability, the city has made progress on a number of fronts. Despite those efforts, the housing crisis has gotten worse. We can and must do more. In addition to the need for more market rate housing to put downward pressure on rising costs and rents (and balance supply and demand), our need for more affordable housing for low to moderate income residents is growing. We should strengthen the affordable housing partnerships with our nonprofit partners such as the Raleigh Area Land Trust, expand the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing, put more emphasis on the use of city-owned land, and better leverage density bonuses and public benefits during rezoning. For low to moderate income residents and seniors affected by rising property values and property taxes, we should accelerate efforts to pursue tax relief. Finally, Raleigh can’t solve housing alone; we must have greater collaboration with our regional and state partners in the search for solutions. As a councilor with prior experience on the DHIC affordable housing board and with Habitat I will make housing a priority.
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?
We have had considerable success in the past number of years in helping to bring new business and investment to Raleigh. I think that stems from several things that we are doing right as a city. We have invested in infrastructure and developed a long term vision for transit. Also we have a relatively safe city and we foster creativity in our people and our businesses by not being afraid to try new things. Further, our region has a great public school system, world class universities, and a wonderful climate. As a councilor, I want to continue to try new things that make our quality of life better. I’d like us to be more aggressive on planning and implementing infrastructure so we are future ready. In addition, I want the city to invest more into its network of public safety professionals so that we get beyond the current unsettling number of vacancies in our police and fire departments. Public safety is the foundation for every other endeavor including a healthy and innovative business environment.
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 development of commuter rail and better public transit including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that has robust ridership, viable mobility options at stops, and well-planned corridors for density. More options for people to get around is good for everyone, including residents who want to drive a car. The city should be a strong partner with Wake County to effective plan and implement this infrastructure. In addition, the city should continue to plan and invest in other forms of mobility to complement these efforts and a multimodal future. We need more investment in bikeped (i.e., bikelanes, greenways, sidewalks) and connectivity across the city. Further, we must continue to invest in our road network including to improve safety while we make progress on these other modes of transportation.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
Strong community engagement from residents and businesses alike is essential for a well-functioning city and democracy. I support efforts of the community engagement board and ongoing development of a comprehensive engagement program. We need robust outreach to all residents and business in Raleigh. In addition we should make sure that underserved and marginalized residents also have a voice. We need to both meet residents where they are at and provide both in-person and virtual forms of engagement, and other flexible and easily accessible forms. Regarding businesses, collaboration between groups like the Chamber and city is essential so that the council receives input on policies that may affect them and to learn where we can work together to foster an enhanced business client. I will seek out their input as a councilor.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
Our city’s ability to handle the considerable growth that Raleigh is experiencing depends on supporting infrastructure and the city’s ability to deliver services to a rapidly growing population. Much of the growth should be helping pay for itself through additional tax revenue. Leveraging financial tools at our disposal is essential along with funding from outside sources such as state and federal grants. In addition, we should continue to track our tax burden so that it remains competitive relative to our peers. Tax burden in general should be balanced with the need to create an area that’s appealing for business and keep Raleigh affordable. Finally, as a councilor I will put priority on public safety and other basic services before adding or expanding new programs.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
I will advocate for better public transit including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that has robust ridership, viable mobility options at stops, and well-planned corridors for density. More options for people to get around is good for everyone, including residents who want to drive a car. In addition, residents deserve a road network that is well maintained and is not clogged with traffic, along with sidewalks and bike lanes. Raleigh needs a comprehensive and integrated mobility plan that takes multimodel and connectivity all into account.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Our resilience as a city has multiple dimensions: environmental, social, economic, and cultural. We must give attention to all of them for any one to remain strong. For economic strength and resilience, Raleigh needs to foster an environment where businesses of all types and sizes can thrive. Support to small business is an important part of that through our current city programs. I’ll seek ways to strengthen and build on the current programs to foster a city that benefits everyone.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
On housing affordability, the city has made progress on a number of fronts. Despite those efforts, the housing crisis has gotten worse. We can and must do more. In addition to the need for more market rate housing to put downward pressure on rising costs and rents, we have a great need for more affordable housing for low to moderate income residents in our city. We should strengthen the affordable housing partnerships with our nonprofit partners such as the Raleigh Area Land Trust, expand the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing and the use of city-owned land, better leverage density bonuses and public benefits during rezoning, and consider creating a fund that developers and corporations can contribute to. For low to moderate income residents and seniors affected by rising property values and property taxes, we should accelerate efforts with the County to pursue tax relief. Finally, Raleigh can’t solve housing alone; we must have greater collaboration with our regional and state partners in the search for solutions.
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.
Partnerships at the local, regional, state and federal level are key to leveraging ideas and resources that move Raleigh forward. It is critical to all of the important issues of this election including affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety, and the environment. As a member of council, I will actively collaborate with our partners to move these issues forward in creative and mutual beneficial ways. I’ll also lead with a style that seeks common ground and an elevated tone because we must get beyond the discord and divisiveness in our city if we are to be successful.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
During my 25 years in Raleigh, we have been through a lot of change. Today we face even greater growth pressure with 17 people deciding to call Raleigh home every day. The question is not will we change and grow but will we make better choices to grow in a more thoughtful, well-planned way. Raleigh’s way. Raleigh’s way is inclusive, making sure every member of our community has a seat at the table. It accounts for the critical need for infrastructure to support new growth. Raleigh’s way improves our quality of life while we grow. It’s what I do every day in my profession, helping communities effectively plan and implement important infrastructure solutions focused on the future.
I will advocate for better public transit including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and focusing density in our urban core, at growth nodes, and around transit will reduce long term dependence on cars and reduce emissions, while enhancing quality of life and equity. Over time that density will also help facilitate the success of the BRT and commuter rail so that more people can get from homes to jobs more easily. We need a multimodal strategy in this city that moves transit like the BRT forward but also creates additional bikeped opportunities. I propose that Raleigh develop a comprehensive mobility plan for this purpose.
My solutions for the environment include more resilient approaches such as making green stormwater infrastructure commonplace, ensuring that flood control designs take climate change into account, and preserving and expanding our tree canopy. My perspective on these issues is informed by my experience as a former member of the Environmental Advisory Board and a professional supporting communities in their effort to protect the environment and become more resilient.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
Public safety is one of the most essential services that our local government provides. Raleigh's continued economic prosperity is reliant on a strong commitment to the city's public safety network of police and other first responders. The city should have raised police and fire pay higher in the current budget. Both departments are faced with a large number of vacancies and their number of positions has not kept up with the pace of growth in Raleigh. We should address pay issues including salary compression and bring tools to bear on staff retention. In addition, I support expanding the ACORNS crisis intervention unit city-wide to assist the unhoused, those suffering from mental illness, and other vulnerable populations. Our city is fortunate to have such good leadership in these two departments so let’s give them the tools they need to perform the critical public safety function that all our residents deserve.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
We need to build equity into our city programs and funding. I am pleased that we’ve created an Office of Equity and Inclusion in the city and I look forward to supporting their work including implementation of the Raleigh Equity & Inclusion Action Plan. Further, one reason I’m a strong supporter of the Parks Bond is because it includes important equity components in terms of funding of community parks in parts of our city. Also I come to the issue as a former Chair of the Raleigh Human Relations Commission. During my time on the commission, we created the Mayor’s Unity Day and advanced a number of other important inclusion initiatives that strengthen social vitality. I’ll continue pursuing equity and inclusion as a member of council. In addition, I’ll support measures and partnerships that increase the economic vitality in parts of our city that have lagged behind in investment.
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 vision of this city’s future is one where all residents can find homes, raise families, feel safe, and enjoy a full life. That means more transit and mobility options, decisive action on housing affordability, addressing public safety issues, improving our environment, and fully realizing Dix Park and our other public spaces. Raleigh is resilient, we’re inclusive, and I know that we’re all ready to pursue this vision.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Housing. On housing affordability, the city has made progress on a number of fronts. Despite those efforts, the housing crisis has gotten worse. We can and must do more. In addition to the need for more market rate housing to put downward pressure on rising costs and rents (and balance supply and demand), our need for more affordable housing for low to moderate income residents is growing. We should strengthen the affordable housing partnerships with our nonprofit partners such as the Raleigh Area Land Trust, expand the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing, put more emphasis on the use of city-owned land, and better leverage density bonuses and public benefits during rezoning. For low to moderate income residents and seniors affected by rising property values and property taxes, we should accelerate efforts to pursue tax relief. Finally, Raleigh can’t solve housing alone; we must have greater collaboration with our regional and state partners in the search for solutions. As a councilor with prior experience on the DHIC affordable housing board and with Habitat I will make housing a priority.
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?
We have had considerable success in the past number of years in helping to bring new business and investment to Raleigh. I think that stems from several things that we are doing right as a city. We have invested in infrastructure and developed a long term vision for transit. Also we have a relatively safe city and we foster creativity in our people and our businesses by not being afraid to try new things. Further, our region has a great public school system, world class universities, and a wonderful climate. As a councilor, I want to continue to try new things that make our quality of life better. I’d like us to be more aggressive on planning and implementing infrastructure so we are future ready. In addition, I want the city to invest more into its network of public safety professionals so that we get beyond the current unsettling number of vacancies in our police and fire departments. Public safety is the foundation for every other endeavor including a healthy and innovative business environment.
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 development of commuter rail and better public transit including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that has robust ridership, viable mobility options at stops, and well-planned corridors for density. More options for people to get around is good for everyone, including residents who want to drive a car. The city should be a strong partner with Wake County to effective plan and implement this infrastructure. In addition, the city should continue to plan and invest in other forms of mobility to complement these efforts and a multimodal future. We need more investment in bikeped (i.e., bikelanes, greenways, sidewalks) and connectivity across the city. Further, we must continue to invest in our road network including to improve safety while we make progress on these other modes of transportation.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
Strong community engagement from residents and businesses alike is essential for a well-functioning city and democracy. I support efforts of the community engagement board and ongoing development of a comprehensive engagement program. We need robust outreach to all residents and business in Raleigh. In addition we should make sure that underserved and marginalized residents also have a voice. We need to both meet residents where they are at and provide both in-person and virtual forms of engagement, and other flexible and easily accessible forms. Regarding businesses, collaboration between groups like the Chamber and city is essential so that the council receives input on policies that may affect them and to learn where we can work together to foster an enhanced business client. I will seek out their input as a councilor.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
Our city’s ability to handle the considerable growth that Raleigh is experiencing depends on supporting infrastructure and the city’s ability to deliver services to a rapidly growing population. Much of the growth should be helping pay for itself through additional tax revenue. Leveraging financial tools at our disposal is essential along with funding from outside sources such as state and federal grants. In addition, we should continue to track our tax burden so that it remains competitive relative to our peers. Tax burden in general should be balanced with the need to create an area that’s appealing for business and keep Raleigh affordable. Finally, as a councilor I will put priority on public safety and other basic services before adding or expanding new programs.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
I will advocate for better public transit including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that has robust ridership, viable mobility options at stops, and well-planned corridors for density. More options for people to get around is good for everyone, including residents who want to drive a car. In addition, residents deserve a road network that is well maintained and is not clogged with traffic, along with sidewalks and bike lanes. Raleigh needs a comprehensive and integrated mobility plan that takes multimodel and connectivity all into account.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Our resilience as a city has multiple dimensions: environmental, social, economic, and cultural. We must give attention to all of them for any one to remain strong. For economic strength and resilience, Raleigh needs to foster an environment where businesses of all types and sizes can thrive. Support to small business is an important part of that through our current city programs. I’ll seek ways to strengthen and build on the current programs to foster a city that benefits everyone.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
On housing affordability, the city has made progress on a number of fronts. Despite those efforts, the housing crisis has gotten worse. We can and must do more. In addition to the need for more market rate housing to put downward pressure on rising costs and rents, we have a great need for more affordable housing for low to moderate income residents in our city. We should strengthen the affordable housing partnerships with our nonprofit partners such as the Raleigh Area Land Trust, expand the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing and the use of city-owned land, better leverage density bonuses and public benefits during rezoning, and consider creating a fund that developers and corporations can contribute to. For low to moderate income residents and seniors affected by rising property values and property taxes, we should accelerate efforts with the County to pursue tax relief. Finally, Raleigh can’t solve housing alone; we must have greater collaboration with our regional and state partners in the search for solutions.
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.
Partnerships at the local, regional, state and federal level are key to leveraging ideas and resources that move Raleigh forward. It is critical to all of the important issues of this election including affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety, and the environment. As a member of council, I will actively collaborate with our partners to move these issues forward in creative and mutual beneficial ways. I’ll also lead with a style that seeks common ground and an elevated tone because we must get beyond the discord and divisiveness in our city if we are to be successful.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
During my 25 years in Raleigh, we have been through a lot of change. Today we face even greater growth pressure with 17 people deciding to call Raleigh home every day. The question is not will we change and grow but will we make better choices to grow in a more thoughtful, well-planned way. Raleigh’s way. Raleigh’s way is inclusive, making sure every member of our community has a seat at the table. It accounts for the critical need for infrastructure to support new growth. Raleigh’s way improves our quality of life while we grow. It’s what I do every day in my profession, helping communities effectively plan and implement important infrastructure solutions focused on the future.
I will advocate for better public transit including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and focusing density in our urban core, at growth nodes, and around transit will reduce long term dependence on cars and reduce emissions, while enhancing quality of life and equity. Over time that density will also help facilitate the success of the BRT and commuter rail so that more people can get from homes to jobs more easily. We need a multimodal strategy in this city that moves transit like the BRT forward but also creates additional bikeped opportunities. I propose that Raleigh develop a comprehensive mobility plan for this purpose.
My solutions for the environment include more resilient approaches such as making green stormwater infrastructure commonplace, ensuring that flood control designs take climate change into account, and preserving and expanding our tree canopy. My perspective on these issues is informed by my experience as a former member of the Environmental Advisory Board and a professional supporting communities in their effort to protect the environment and become more resilient.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
Public safety is one of the most essential services that our local government provides. Raleigh's continued economic prosperity is reliant on a strong commitment to the city's public safety network of police and other first responders. The city should have raised police and fire pay higher in the current budget. Both departments are faced with a large number of vacancies and their number of positions has not kept up with the pace of growth in Raleigh. We should address pay issues including salary compression and bring tools to bear on staff retention. In addition, I support expanding the ACORNS crisis intervention unit city-wide to assist the unhoused, those suffering from mental illness, and other vulnerable populations. Our city is fortunate to have such good leadership in these two departments so let’s give them the tools they need to perform the critical public safety function that all our residents deserve.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
We need to build equity into our city programs and funding. I am pleased that we’ve created an Office of Equity and Inclusion in the city and I look forward to supporting their work including implementation of the Raleigh Equity & Inclusion Action Plan. Further, one reason I’m a strong supporter of the Parks Bond is because it includes important equity components in terms of funding of community parks in parts of our city. Also I come to the issue as a former Chair of the Raleigh Human Relations Commission. During my time on the commission, we created the Mayor’s Unity Day and advanced a number of other important inclusion initiatives that strengthen social vitality. I’ll continue pursuing equity and inclusion as a member of council. In addition, I’ll support measures and partnerships that increase the economic vitality in parts of our city that have lagged behind in investment.