WCDP Election Central – Candidate Information

Stormie Forte

Raleigh City Council
At Large

Stormie Forte - Raleigh City Council At Large

Candidate Statement:

I was born and raised in Raleigh. It has been a privilege to serve on the Raleigh City Council. Becoming the first Black female, as well as a member of the LGBTQ community serving on the Council, has afforded me a diverse perspective on several issues the city faces. I have spent many years serving in a variety of ways, particularly as a volunteer with outstanding organizations and working in several public service capacities. I have met so many people with unique backgrounds and experiences. All of it has prepared me to be a member of this City Council. I have a lot conversations with folks who provide a lot of valuable insight about the progress the city is achieving and often highlighting the impact of some of the decisions the council makes. Most items before the Council are not contentious. However, working through items that are disputed is where I draw on my education and experience as an attorney, a mediator, a counselor and an Ombudsperson.

Importance of this Race:

We are growing rapidly and we’re frequently listed as a top place to live. We’ve gained the attention of the MLB and several Fortune 500 corporations. It is great to be a city that attracts newcomers, but it also creates challenges we must address, in order to continue meeting the needs of those who live here now, as well as those moving to the area. We want to remain a thriving and vibrant city, but we also have to work to make sure we are addressing the growing pains some residents are experiencing. We have to make sure our infrastructure and other resources are keeping pace, so we can continue to be a safe, healthy and welcoming city.

Office Responsibilities:

Members of the City Council are the governing body for for the City of Raleigh. Their responsibilities include:

  • Appointing the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk.
  • Approval of the budget for the operations of all departments within City government.
  • Setting the vision and policy for Raleigh’s core services such as the Police Dept, Fire Dept, and 911 services, as well as the provisioning of clean water, collection of solid waste, and maintenance of our city streets.
  • Making legislative decisions regarding land use. They set both the broad vision for where development should occur and decide upon individual rezoning cases within Raleigh City limits.
  • Review and approval of grants to nonprofit organizations providing services within the city.
  • Review and approval of bonds addressing affordable housing, completing transportation projects, and enhancing parks and green spaces.

Issues:

Housing & Homelessness:

My first priority continues to be addressing the issue of the increasing population of unsheltered people in our communities. Finding ways to provide more housing options, as well as more access to services for folks experiencing homelessness is critical. I am currently working with staff to develop a plan to place mobile showers throughout the city. That’s just one example of addressing a needed resource for the unsheltered community.

Transportation:

My second priority is expanding and improving our public transportation. The City of Raleigh is rapidly growing. Historically, we have been a heavily car-dependent area. With the population becoming younger and less reliant on cars, we need to provide more efficient transportation methods. The city is currently mapping and developing plans to implement bus rapid transit routes as one example of working towards solutions for better transportation options that benefit us all.

Small Business:

My third priority is supporting small business owners. In most communities, locally-owned small businesses are the heartbeat of economic development. Raleigh is unique as we are attracting a number of large Fortune 500 companies, while many people are continuing to launch small businesses here as well. It is important to provide support to small businesses using methods such as grants, development education, and training, for example.

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