Eugene Myrick
Name: Eugene Myrick
Which office are you seeking? Mayor
Campaign website: MyrickForMayor.com
Social media: @MyrickForMayor on all social media
The income of many households in Raleigh is too high to qualify for income-restricted/subsidized housing, yet these residents are cost-burdened by climbing prices and rents across market-rate housing. Explain at least 2 policies you will seek to implement to address the rising costs of market-rate housing in Raleigh.
I will stop turning over city owned land to private developers that are basing affordability on the Area Median Income (AMI) which is approximately $108,000. I will seek to build truly affordable housing on city owned land based off of 30% of an individuals income.
What is an issue in Raleigh that deserves critical attention, but isn't talked about much in the media or the community because it's not sensational or obviously apparent?
One critical issue in Raleigh that doesn’t receive enough attention is the intersection of homelessness and mental health. While not all people experiencing homelessness face mental health challenges, there is a clear link between the availability of mental health services and the stability of housing for many individuals. Since the closure of Dorothea Dix Hospital, we have seen a noticeable increase in Raleigh’s unhoused population, partly due to a lack of accessible mental health care. Improving mental health treatment and support services can provide a pathway to stability for those who need it, reducing homelessness and creating a more compassionate, healthier community. This is a vital issue that deserves a focused and sustained effort from both the city and the community
How will you balance the interests of individuals with those of the general public? Especially when voting on an issue that will negatively impact a small, but vocal group of residents, but which offers significant benefits to the general public?
Balancing the interests of individuals with those of the general public requires transparency, empathy, and clear communication. I understand that not everyone will be satisfied with every decision, but it’s important to explain the reasoning behind those decisions, especially when they may negatively impact a smaller, vocal group. My goal is to ensure that even when people do not receive 100% of what they want, they can understand the broader benefits to the community and feel heard in the process. It’s about fostering trust and creating a sense of shared responsibility, where everyone knows their concerns are considered, even if the final decision serves the greater good.
Should Council allow more Missing Middle housing (duplex, triplex, townhomes and small apartment buildings) to be built in the City? If yes, how would you accomplish this? If not, why not?
No, I do not believe Council should continue to prioritize Missing Middle housing in its current form. While the concept was intended to create a wider variety of housing options and improve affordability, it has not lived up to its potential. Instead of truly diverse and affordable housing, we've seen limited impact in addressing the housing needs of our residents. Moving forward, we need to rethink our approach, ensuring that new housing options genuinely serve a range of income levels and support more equitable and inclusive development across the city.
Should the City continue investing in Bus Rapid Transit? If so, what additional investments and/or land use regulatory changes should the City make to support the successful implementation of the Western and Southern corridors? If no, why?
No, the City should not continue investing in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in its current form. The people of Raleigh requested enhanced bus services, not the BRT, which has proven to be a flawed approach. Upzoning 744 acres along New Bern Avenue, the city's busiest bus route, is illogical and will only lead to increased traffic congestion. It is unrealistic to assume that residents of new condos or luxury apartments will rely on public transit. Instead, we should focus on practical, community-supported transit solutions that truly enhance mobility without creating further problems.
What is your vision for how Raleigh’s built environment should evolve over the next 10 years?
My vision for Raleigh's built environment is one of balanced and responsible development that preserves our city's character while addressing the need for truly affordable housing. Development should be spread equitably throughout the city, using more city-owned land to create housing based on Neighborhood Median Income (NMI) to ensure affordability for all residents. We can achieve growth without causing food deserts, environmental damage, gentrification, or displacing legacy residents. By prioritizing community needs and thoughtful planning, we can create a more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable Raleigh over the next decade.
How would you change the way the City's Office of Community Engagement operates?
To improve the City's Office of Community Engagement, we need to ensure that the feedback and advice it provides are actively implemented by City Council and the Mayor. We should foster better synergy between the office and the community by strengthening support for Community Advisory Councils (CACs) and finding ways to include residents who are not tech-savvy, including our seniors. Expanding the number of City Council members and providing physical offices in each district will make engagement more accessible. Additionally, we should hold bi-annual town halls to provide meaningful dialogue, moving beyond the limitations of current public comment sessions. This approach will create a more inclusive, transparent, and responsive city government.
Should the City preserve existing moderately priced housing (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing) to help slow the rate of resident displacement? If yes, please provide 2-3 specific policies that you would ask your fellow Councilors to support. If no, what other policies do you support to address resident displacement?
Absolutely. The City should preserve existing moderately priced housing (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing) to slow resident displacement and prevent homelessness. We need to focus on the Neighborhood Median Income (NMI) of current residents to ensure affordability. I would advocate for policies that:
Implement stricter protections against upzoning that displaces families from their homes.
Create incentives for property owners to maintain and upgrade existing affordable housing rather than redeveloping it into higher-cost units.
By preserving existing affordable housing, we can keep residents in their communities and prevent unnecessary displacement.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you or your campaign? (Optional)
I want voters to know that my campaign is built on the core principles of Leadership, Empathy, Accountability, and Diversity. I believe in leading with integrity, listening with compassion, and taking responsibility for the decisions that impact our community. As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh should be a city that represents all its residents, while maintaining the southern charm and character that makes it unique. I want to ensure that every voice is heard, especially those that have been overlooked or unheard. Together, we can build a Raleigh where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.