Candidate Info - Jane Harrison - Wake County Democratic Party

Jane Harrison

Raleigh City Council
District D

Jane Harrison - Raleigh City Council District D

Candidate Statement:

Raleigh City Councilor Jane Harrison represents District D (southwest Raleigh) which includes half of downtown and neighborhoods as far west as Umstead State Park. Dr. Harrison holds a Ph.D. in natural resource management and works as an environmental economist at NC State University. Her motto is “all voices at the table.” Harrison is committed to sustainable and inclusive development for Raleigh. We have a duty to share our abundance with the next generation.

Importance of this Race:

Local government provides critical services from water sewage treatment to solid waste collection to safety and fire protection. City Council members are responsible for regulating land use and development, while balancing the needs of all residents. Leaders like Harrison are needed to prudently manage City operations and ensure public tax dollars are wisely spent and with an eye towards the future. Harrison has worked in local, state and federal government throughout her career and brings a deep well of experience to
Raleigh City Council. She has been able to find consensus on complex issues and has the persistence needed to get things done.

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:

Community Engagement:

City decisions should be community centered. Harrison recognizes the importance of including voices of the most affected groups, including historically-marginalized communities and impacted neighbors and businesses. Prior to her election on Raleigh City Council, she served as co-chair of the West Raleigh CAC (Community Advocacy Council), bringing attention to proposed rezonings, possible land use changes, and neighbor needs. Harrison prioritizes and attends community forums across the city, sharing information and gathering input to bring the best ideas forward.

Affordable Housing:

As the city grows, we can’t leave people behind. Harrison supports initiatives to help residents stay in their homes, as well as new developments that provide affordable housing. At EVERY Raleigh City Council meeting, she approves funds and policy to increase the availability of affordable housing and preserve affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents. The City of Raleigh is purchasing property like the DMV site on New Bern Avenue to convert into income restricted housing. The City also provides funds to subsidize affordable housing projects and reduce rents in partnership with non-profit housing developers. Under Harrison’s leadership, the City is now providing direct rental assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Environmental Stewardship:

We need to take the long view to care for our environment. Harrison knows we all benefit from clean air and water, parks for recreation, and beautiful places to take a pause. She is committed to protecting our waterways and greenspaces. Harrison advocates for investments in our natural amenities and improvements to transit infrastructure to reduce fossil fuel dependence. She is a strong voice for climate adaptation. We must act to reduce flooding and heat waves, and protect our tree canopy. Harrison is Chair of Raleigh’s Growth and Natural Resources Committee and Vice Chair for the Upper Neuse River Basin Association, which manages the City’s water supply. She helps to set the City’s environmental agenda.

External Candidate Links:

Jane Harrison's Website