Raleigh Mayor
Mary-Ann Baldwin
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?
Raleigh needs to embrace a smart growth strategy that balances the needs of our residents while accommodating the nearly 2,000 people moving to our region each month. This means continuing to invest directly in affordable housing on city-owned land, allowing “missing middle” housing (such as townhomes) to be built in more areas throughout the city to expand our housing supply, and expanding efficient and reliable public transportation to every part of our city.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Building more affordable housing and adding to the housing supply to meet demand. Along with that, there are infrastructure demands that come from being a growing city. We need to ensure that we are creating walkable, affordable communities along high-use transit corridors, expanding bus rapid transit and moving forward on commuter rail to reduce traffic, and redesigning our roadways so they are more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
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?
The city has worked closely with our business community to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic, including a partnership with the Chamber that awarded over $1.6 million to Raleigh small businesses. We recently set up a $5 million fund with ARPA funding that will provide grants to small businesses. We are also looking at different ways to use the public realm to support restaurants and retail with outdoor dining, and we established a social district to encourage people to come back to downtown.
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 worked on developing the Wake County Transit plan and am committed to seeing through its implementation, particularly making commuter rail a reality. Construction will start early next year on our first bus rapid transit system along New Bern Avenue while our staff continues to work on outreach related to the three remaining BRT lines. I am also committed to zero fare bus service.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
Raleigh’s small business community is its cultural soul. I have worked hard to recruit new businesses to Raleigh throughout my career and the city has formed close partnerships with our small business community through the downtown Raleigh Alliance, Midtown Raleigh Alliance, Hillsborough Street Services Corporation, the Blue Ride Corridor Alliance and other organizations. We also maintain close ties with the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce through economic development efforts DEI initiatives, fostering a positive working relationship.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
The City budget this year does a good job of this by offering balance between competing needs. But we will also need to supplement spending with strategic bond referendums for parks and greenways, affordable housing and transportation. This year, we also used part of our reserves to pay employees, especially First Responders, retention bonuses to show our appreciation for their hard work.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
One of my top priorities is to make commuter rail a reality, connecting Raleigh to Johnston County and Durham. This will improve regional connectivity and provide new job opportunities. I am also committed to seeing through the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit along New Bern Avenue and expanding it throughout the city to include North and Western Raleigh. We also have an excellent opportunity to expand transit through the S-line, which will connect Richmond to Raleigh with high-speed passenger rail. But equally important, connect our rural communities to Raleigh.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Creating more affordable housing, an accessible and reliable public transportation system, and great parks and greenways will ensure that businesses have a strong base of customers and employees. It’s really about ensuring our quality of life. That’s what attracts talent to Raleigh – and helps us keep talent here.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
When I ran for Mayor, I established a 10-point plan for how Raleigh can promote housing affordability, with direct city funding for affordable housing as well as partnerships with non-profits and the private sector. This included an $80 million affordable housing bond that was passed with over 70% of the vote in 2020. The city is now using funding from the bond to develop new affordable housing units on city-owned land, protecting existing affordable communities through a new partnership with Wake County, providing down payment assistance for home buyers, and helping seniors stay in and rehabilitate their homes. We have also made changes in zoning laws to allow for “missing middle’ housing, helping to ensure more supply is built. The City has a goal of building 5,700 new affordable units by 2026. We are currently at 3,910 constructed or in the pipeline. For more information on my 10-point plan, please visit my website at maryannforraleigh.com.
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.
The City Council works closely with our county, state and national partners to work together on priorities such as affordable housing and transportation. I believe citizen collaboration means meeting the community where they are, and I’m excited about the work our new Office of Community Engagement and citizen-led advisory board is doing to go into communities to gather feedback and communicate. This will ensure that all voices are heard – renters, seniors, members of our diverse communities – and not just the voices of a few.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
We can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand and not plan for the growth that is already happening. We need to grow in a smart way – this means focusing on density and walkability in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Crabtree, Capital Boulevard and Brier Creek. And building more housing along transit corridors to reduce traffic and environmental impact of cars. We also need to focus on gentle density, such as accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing, to build housing supply and reduce care dependency.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
We have worked to increase community policing and build trust between law enforcement and the community – a major focus of our new Police Chief. The City Council also created a new, citizen-led Police Advisory Board to work with our police department to enhance policies. At my request, RPD also created a new ACORNS unit that consists of police officers and social workers to help people in crisis. So far this year, they have assisted more than 500 residents. We are also working closely with community organizations such as Moms Demand Action and the Raleigh-Apex NAACP on gun violence prevention, including a recent gun buyback program.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
Using funding from our Affordable Housing Bond, we have provided $7 million to CASA to build a new affordable housing community near New Bern Avenue (and our BRT line) that will feature supportive services for residents. We also provided $3 million to help with the expansion of Healing Transitions’ shelter communities for people suffering from addiction. The organization does amazing work for those in need of assistance. These are just two examples of ways we can work together to help our vulnerable communities.
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?
Raleigh needs to embrace a smart growth strategy that balances the needs of our residents while accommodating the nearly 2,000 people moving to our region each month. This means continuing to invest directly in affordable housing on city-owned land, allowing “missing middle” housing (such as townhomes) to be built in more areas throughout the city to expand our housing supply, and expanding efficient and reliable public transportation to every part of our city.
5. What do you see as the city's number one challenge?
Building more affordable housing and adding to the housing supply to meet demand. Along with that, there are infrastructure demands that come from being a growing city. We need to ensure that we are creating walkable, affordable communities along high-use transit corridors, expanding bus rapid transit and moving forward on commuter rail to reduce traffic, and redesigning our roadways so they are more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
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?
The city has worked closely with our business community to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic, including a partnership with the Chamber that awarded over $1.6 million to Raleigh small businesses. We recently set up a $5 million fund with ARPA funding that will provide grants to small businesses. We are also looking at different ways to use the public realm to support restaurants and retail with outdoor dining, and we established a social district to encourage people to come back to downtown.
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 worked on developing the Wake County Transit plan and am committed to seeing through its implementation, particularly making commuter rail a reality. Construction will start early next year on our first bus rapid transit system along New Bern Avenue while our staff continues to work on outreach related to the three remaining BRT lines. I am also committed to zero fare bus service.
8. How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process in our city, especially area businesses?
Raleigh’s small business community is its cultural soul. I have worked hard to recruit new businesses to Raleigh throughout my career and the city has formed close partnerships with our small business community through the downtown Raleigh Alliance, Midtown Raleigh Alliance, Hillsborough Street Services Corporation, the Blue Ride Corridor Alliance and other organizations. We also maintain close ties with the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce through economic development efforts DEI initiatives, fostering a positive working relationship.
9. How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
The City budget this year does a good job of this by offering balance between competing needs. But we will also need to supplement spending with strategic bond referendums for parks and greenways, affordable housing and transportation. This year, we also used part of our reserves to pay employees, especially First Responders, retention bonuses to show our appreciation for their hard work.
Transportation/Transit – Continue to promote and implement an effective transit plan to optimize service delivery and position the city for ongoing growth.
One of my top priorities is to make commuter rail a reality, connecting Raleigh to Johnston County and Durham. This will improve regional connectivity and provide new job opportunities. I am also committed to seeing through the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit along New Bern Avenue and expanding it throughout the city to include North and Western Raleigh. We also have an excellent opportunity to expand transit through the S-line, which will connect Richmond to Raleigh with high-speed passenger rail. But equally important, connect our rural communities to Raleigh.
Economic Strength - Create a business-friendly environment to attract, retain and grow business, diversify the economic base, and create job opportunities for all citizens.
Creating more affordable housing, an accessible and reliable public transportation system, and great parks and greenways will ensure that businesses have a strong base of customers and employees. It’s really about ensuring our quality of life. That’s what attracts talent to Raleigh – and helps us keep talent here.
Affordable Housing – Develop an effective affordable housing plan through collaboration with the government, the private sector, the community, and individuals.
When I ran for Mayor, I established a 10-point plan for how Raleigh can promote housing affordability, with direct city funding for affordable housing as well as partnerships with non-profits and the private sector. This included an $80 million affordable housing bond that was passed with over 70% of the vote in 2020. The city is now using funding from the bond to develop new affordable housing units on city-owned land, protecting existing affordable communities through a new partnership with Wake County, providing down payment assistance for home buyers, and helping seniors stay in and rehabilitate their homes. We have also made changes in zoning laws to allow for “missing middle’ housing, helping to ensure more supply is built. The City has a goal of building 5,700 new affordable units by 2026. We are currently at 3,910 constructed or in the pipeline. For more information on my 10-point plan, please visit my website at maryannforraleigh.com.
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.
The City Council works closely with our county, state and national partners to work together on priorities such as affordable housing and transportation. I believe citizen collaboration means meeting the community where they are, and I’m excited about the work our new Office of Community Engagement and citizen-led advisory board is doing to go into communities to gather feedback and communicate. This will ensure that all voices are heard – renters, seniors, members of our diverse communities – and not just the voices of a few.
Growth and Sustainability - Establish a deliberate and realistic approach to address growth and mobility while preserving our environment and healthy communities.
We can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand and not plan for the growth that is already happening. We need to grow in a smart way – this means focusing on density and walkability in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Crabtree, Capital Boulevard and Brier Creek. And building more housing along transit corridors to reduce traffic and environmental impact of cars. We also need to focus on gentle density, such as accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing, to build housing supply and reduce care dependency.
Public Safety - Provide a safe, secure, and healthy community through coordinated, efficient, and effective public safety services.
We have worked to increase community policing and build trust between law enforcement and the community – a major focus of our new Police Chief. The City Council also created a new, citizen-led Police Advisory Board to work with our police department to enhance policies. At my request, RPD also created a new ACORNS unit that consists of police officers and social workers to help people in crisis. So far this year, they have assisted more than 500 residents. We are also working closely with community organizations such as Moms Demand Action and the Raleigh-Apex NAACP on gun violence prevention, including a recent gun buyback program.
Social and Economic Vitality - Improve economic and social opportunities in vulnerable communities through strategic partnerships.
Using funding from our Affordable Housing Bond, we have provided $7 million to CASA to build a new affordable housing community near New Bern Avenue (and our BRT line) that will feature supportive services for residents. We also provided $3 million to help with the expansion of Healing Transitions’ shelter communities for people suffering from addiction. The organization does amazing work for those in need of assistance. These are just two examples of ways we can work together to help our vulnerable communities.