
By Hannah Madison Smith
Leadership Raleigh 35
Portfolio Management Analyst
Branch Banking & Trust Co.
After my first day of Leadership Raleigh, which focused on the area's quality of life, I felt totally content and confident about my decision to live and work here. There are a couple of main highlights from the day that I will elaborate on in this post.
First, our Leadership Raleigh group had the opportunity to listen to a panel discussion with Smedes York and John Kane. It was interesting to hear about the development opportunities currently underway downtown and planned for the future. In addition, our group got great insight on affordable housing and transportation issues in Raleigh and the Triangle area.
We also heard from Steve Malik from NCFC on Raleigh’s Major League Soccer expansion opportunity and MLS bid. He spoke about the plans to build a stadium right outside downtown Raleigh near Peace Street and Seaboard Station. Soccer is a sport that brings the community together and creates a fun atmosphere, so I am excited for Raleigh to potentially acquire a major league professional sports franchise! It would be beneficial from both an economic and quality of life perspective.
Another favorite part of the day was a presentation about the future of Dorothea Dix Park, which is composed of over 300 acres of undeveloped land! I was truly impressed after hearing about the extensive planning process the Executive Board and Advisory Committee are undertaking in order to ensure that the park is a community asset and provides value to all. I am hopeful I can volunteer in some way as this effort is completed.