WCDP Election Central – Candidate Information

Janet Cowell

Raleigh City Mayor

Janet Cowell - Raleigh City Mayor

Candidate Statement:

Former Treasurer Janet Cowell has spent her career pushing for progress and using government to positively impact the lives of everyday North Carolinians. As Raleigh City Councilor, State Senator, and State Treasurer, Janet fought for Democratic values – promoting equality, increasing safety, and protecting our environment. Now she’s ready to be Raleigh’s Mayor and get to work on the issues facing this city.

Importance of this Race:

Raleigh should be a city that works for everyone. As the population has grown, some residents have reaped new opportunities and wealth while others have been burdened and displaced. Raleigh needs a leader who can restore trust and fix issues beginning on day one. Janet is the only candidate for Mayor with a proven track record of getting things done and delivering results for the community. As Mayor, she’ll lead Raleigh into a future of prosperity that’s shared by all.

Office Responsibilities:

  • Preside over Raleigh City Council meetings and serve as head of the city government
  • Vote on matters put before the Raleigh City Council
  • Serve as chief communicator to the public, gathering and listening to public input and reporting on progress and challenges to residents
  • Focus Raleigh City Council’s efforts on the issues that are most important to our city’s residents

Issues:

Affordable Housing:

Raleigh residents are feeling the squeeze from rising costs of living, and the cost of housing is a major factor. Homebuyers and renters need an increase in the housing supply and a greater diversity of options. Raleigh must build more affordable units, protect residents from displacement, and slow housing cost increases. As Mayor, Janet Cowell will work to create options that fit the housing needs of all households.

Safety:

Every Raleigh resident deserves a clean, safe, and welcoming community. Janet will fight to secure competitive wages for the Raleigh Police and Fire Departments, providing them the resources needed to keep everyone safe while remaining fully accountable to the communities they serve. She’ll invest in health and social services to help our neighbors in need and tackle systemic problems that worsen crime. Janet will always prioritize the safety of all Raleigh residents.

Environment:

Raleigh’s parks, trees, and waterways are part of the city’s identity and enhance our quality of life. As outgoing CEO of the Dix Park Conservancy, Janet knows how to invest in parks and green spaces that encourage connections to nature and community. She’ll help ensure future residents can enjoy the city’s greenery by encouraging emission reductions, protecting against flooding, and strengthening our climate resilience. Janet will help Raleigh keep its reputation for natural beauty and its well-deserved nickname as the City of Oaks.

External Candidate Links:

Janet Cowell's Website
Back to Candidate Listing
Back to Election Central