September 2026 Midtown CAC Candidate Forum for City Council Districts A and E

Our September meeting opened with Officer Shay Martin from the North Community Engagement Division introducing himself and sharing information about vehicle larceny crimes in Raleigh, recommending residents lock their cars and hide valuables. The main focus of the meeting this month was a Candidate Forum for Raleigh City Council Districts A and E, both of which cover sections of Midtown. Candidates Mitchell Silver and Whitney Hill represented District A. Christina Jones, District E, was absent due to illness but was represented by Jordan Chester. Marc Scruggs, also a candidate for District E, did not attend. Initial questions for the Forum were presented by the MCAC chair, followed by audience questions to cover area residents’ comments and concerns. The primary topics for each candidate involved discussions of the top priorities of the City, notably affordability, density, infrastructure, and public safety. They debated how to improve resident engagement, the role of CACs, and communication gaps with city staff. Affordable housing was a major topic, including incentives, payments in lieu, preserving existing units, and the $40,000 per unit contribution. They addressed infrastructure shortfalls, the need to balance density with roads, water, and sewer, and concerns about recent rezoning decisions like North Hills. Public safety focused on police and fire staffing pay, retention, and the recent impact of youth-related incidents. Transportation issues included bike lanes, sidewalk gaps, the Quail Hollow cycle track project, and the cancelled Six Forks road project. Water supply challenges and drought response were also discussed. In closing, the candidates briefly shared their platforms, with Mitchell focusing on housing affordability, transportation choices, and public safety. Jordan emphasized continuing Christina Jones' work on affordable housing, public safety, and sustainable growth. Whitney stated that growth should pay for growth, that there should be more accountability before taxation, and that public safety staffing is paramount and should keep pace with community population increases.