Raleigh City Council District D
Jane Harrison
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?
Sustainable growth that prioritizes quality of life, secures living wage jobs for all residents, and maintains our reputation for a wonderful place to live, work and play
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Community engagement
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?
I will stay engaged with local business needs to understand how local government can work with them in partnership. I lead development of the NC Oyster Trail, which promotes local, sustainable seafood businesses throughout the state. I understand the risks entrepreneurs take to create jobs and will advocate for their needs.
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?
Raleigh should be an active partner in developing these public transit services, providing frequent communication with residents about progress made and opportunities to use the new bus lines and commuter rail.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
I re-established the West Raleigh CAC (Community Advocacy Council) to be in communication with my neighbors. Better decisions are made when we have ample conversation and residents shape our city as it grows. Similarly, I will be accessible to area business to understand their needs and leverage city resources for their benefit.
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 staff are key to Raleigh's essential services. I will prioritize competitive wages to retain and recruit the best personnel to manage our infrastructure and operations. To achieve sustainable growth, affordability, and quality of life, we must make sizable investments in infrastructure – stormwater, roads, parks, greenways, transportation, and first responder capacity.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
I bicycle commute and see first-hand the need for safe streets and reliable alternative transportation options. I will advocate for investments in more frequent bus service, commuter rail, sidewalks, and a road network that serve the needs of our growing city.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Workforce development is a priority for me so that all Raleigh residents benefit from our city’s prosperity. We need to create living wage, meaningful employment opportunities for all our neighbors.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Raleigh needs a bold, comprehensive housing affordability plan in which quality housing for residents
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 have a career in public service, working with local, state and federal partners on environmental management and sustainable economic growth. I can navigate complex bureaucracies, and I rely on my scientific training to stay curious and open to different points of view. I work to build consensus and coalitions.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
All voices should be at the table as we develop a plan for sustainable growth. City leaders must recognize the voices of groups directly impacted by new policy, and take the time to mitigate negative impacts and broaden who benefits. We need neighborhood-led community forums to convene across the city to share information and empower residents to contribute to Raleigh. We need to go beyond informing residents of what’s coming but rather build a vision of the future together.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
When our community has healthcare, education, housing, and meaningful employment, desperation doesn’t come into play. I am encouraged by RPDs development of the ACORNS program to provide mental health and social services to those in need. Our first responders – 911 operators, fire department, police – deserve the tools, respect, and pay to be successful. I will advocate for additional training opportunities on mental health, de-escalation, and innovative approaches to reduce violence.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
As the city grows, we can’t leave people behind. I am an active member of ONE Wake, a coalition of 40+ faith based organizations that advocates for affordable housing, living wage jobs, and quality education throughout Wake County. I will listen to and elevate the voices of vulnerable communities who best know their needs.
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?
Sustainable growth that prioritizes quality of life, secures living wage jobs for all residents, and maintains our reputation for a wonderful place to live, work and play
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Community engagement
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?
I will stay engaged with local business needs to understand how local government can work with them in partnership. I lead development of the NC Oyster Trail, which promotes local, sustainable seafood businesses throughout the state. I understand the risks entrepreneurs take to create jobs and will advocate for their needs.
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?
Raleigh should be an active partner in developing these public transit services, providing frequent communication with residents about progress made and opportunities to use the new bus lines and commuter rail.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
I re-established the West Raleigh CAC (Community Advocacy Council) to be in communication with my neighbors. Better decisions are made when we have ample conversation and residents shape our city as it grows. Similarly, I will be accessible to area business to understand their needs and leverage city resources for their benefit.
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 staff are key to Raleigh's essential services. I will prioritize competitive wages to retain and recruit the best personnel to manage our infrastructure and operations. To achieve sustainable growth, affordability, and quality of life, we must make sizable investments in infrastructure – stormwater, roads, parks, greenways, transportation, and first responder capacity.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
I bicycle commute and see first-hand the need for safe streets and reliable alternative transportation options. I will advocate for investments in more frequent bus service, commuter rail, sidewalks, and a road network that serve the needs of our growing city.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Workforce development is a priority for me so that all Raleigh residents benefit from our city’s prosperity. We need to create living wage, meaningful employment opportunities for all our neighbors.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
Raleigh needs a bold, comprehensive housing affordability plan in which quality housing for residents
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 have a career in public service, working with local, state and federal partners on environmental management and sustainable economic growth. I can navigate complex bureaucracies, and I rely on my scientific training to stay curious and open to different points of view. I work to build consensus and coalitions.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
All voices should be at the table as we develop a plan for sustainable growth. City leaders must recognize the voices of groups directly impacted by new policy, and take the time to mitigate negative impacts and broaden who benefits. We need neighborhood-led community forums to convene across the city to share information and empower residents to contribute to Raleigh. We need to go beyond informing residents of what’s coming but rather build a vision of the future together.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
When our community has healthcare, education, housing, and meaningful employment, desperation doesn’t come into play. I am encouraged by RPDs development of the ACORNS program to provide mental health and social services to those in need. Our first responders – 911 operators, fire department, police – deserve the tools, respect, and pay to be successful. I will advocate for additional training opportunities on mental health, de-escalation, and innovative approaches to reduce violence.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
As the city grows, we can’t leave people behind. I am an active member of ONE Wake, a coalition of 40+ faith based organizations that advocates for affordable housing, living wage jobs, and quality education throughout Wake County. I will listen to and elevate the voices of vulnerable communities who best know their needs.
