James Shaughnessy IV
Name: James Shaughnessy IV
Which office are you seeking? Mayor
Campaign website: shaughnessy4you.com
Social media: shaughnessy4you (Facebook, X, Instagram)
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.
To address the rising costs of market-rate housing in Raleigh, I would focus on two key policies:
1. Limit Incentives for Big Companies: We need to reconsider the incentives offered to large companies moving into Raleigh. The influx of wealthier transplants from areas like California and the Northeast is driving up housing prices, making it difficult for local residents to compete. By focusing less on attracting large corporations and more on supporting local businesses, we can help stabilize the housing market and protect the affordability of our city.
2. Government-Subsidized Mixed-Use Zoning Projects: I would advocate for the development of mixed-use zoning projects, subsidized by the government, to create more affordable housing options. These projects would be designed to include essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies, reducing the need for a vehicle and supporting a more sustainable, community-centered lifestyle. Importantly, we would prioritize offering these housing opportunities to Raleighites and other locals before extending them to new residents moving into the city. This approach would not only help alleviate the housing burden but also ensure that our city's growth benefits those who have been here all along.
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 of the critical yet overlooked issues in Raleigh is the city's poor urban planning, which has set us up for failure as we continue to grow. The lack of foresight and leadership from previous councils has left us with a car-centric city, a sprawling layout that was the easier and cheaper solution during the population boom of the 1940s. While building out rather than up may have worked then, it has now created significant challenges, especially as we face rapid growth. The spread-out nature of Raleigh leads to increased traffic and limited transportation options, straining our infrastructure.
This issue isn't often discussed because it's not sensational, but it has a profound impact on our daily lives. To address it, we need to shift our focus to smart, sustainable growth. We must develop a comprehensive plan that prioritizes higher-density housing, diverse transportation options, and independent communities with a strong residential and commercial base. This ensures that Raleigh can grow in a way that benefits all residents, rather than perpetuating the mistakes of the past. This will require strategic planning, investment, and a commitment to a vision that balances our city's needs with its future potential.
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 is a fundamental responsibility of any elected official. If you cannot choose the best option for the greatest number of people and stand by that decision, then maybe government isn't for you. I fully understand that some people may be upset with the choices I make, but that’s part of the job. Leadership isn't about pleasing everyone—it's about making tough decisions that serve the greater good. We need stronger leaders in office who are willing to prioritize the well-being of the entire community over the demands of a vocal minority.
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?
Absolutely. To encourage more Missing Middle housing, we need to overhaul Raleigh's zoning regulations. This means allowing middle housing in traditional neighborhoods to distribute development more evenly. The city could rezone appropriate lots and collaborate with real estate companies by placing conditions on properties to ensure they are used for middle housing. Additionally, I’m open to the idea of the city building, operating, and managing these housing options if viable. This approach would help diversify housing options and make Raleigh more inclusive and affordable.
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?
Yes, I support continued investment in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as it's a vital step toward revitalizing our public transit system. Raleigh's growth necessitates a robust public transit option for commuters, and BRT is crucial in this effort. Additionally, by gradually, and I mean gradually, rezoning the surrounding areas to accommodate higher-density housing, we can encourage private businesses to grow naturally with the increased demand, further enhancing the success and viability of the BRT system.
In addition to this, we must focus on improving the overall experience for transit users. This includes upgrading bus stops to be more comfortable and accessible, ensuring safety, and maintaining cleanliness. By addressing these concerns, we can make bus transit a more attractive and viable option for commuters, ultimately leading to greater success for the BRT system.
What is your vision for how Raleigh’s built environment should evolve over the next 10 years?
Over the next 10 years, my vision for Raleigh's built environment includes a shift towards more high-density housing to accommodate our growing population, with a particular emphasis on increasing the availability of condos for sale to provide more homeownership opportunities. I envision an improved and expanded greenway system that enhances connectivity and offers more recreational options for residents. Our public transit system should become more robust, with more frequent, safer routes that reach more areas of the city, reducing our reliance on cars. Additionally, I see a reduction in commercial real estate, especially office spaces, as we adapt to changing work environments. This would be accompanied by significant zoning changes, transitioning certain commercial zones to residential or mixed-use developments, allowing for a more balanced and sustainable urban landscape.
How would you change the way the City's Office of Community Engagement operates?
I would revitalize the City's Office of Community Engagement by shifting its focus toward proactive engagement. This would involve working closely with the existing Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs) to strengthen their operations and actively rebuild those that have been lost. I believe in the importance of canvassing neighborhoods to get a firsthand understanding of residents' needs and concerns, ensuring that their voices are heard and addressed. Additionally, I would leverage social media to keep constituents informed and engaged, making it easier for them to stay connected with the city's initiatives and decisions.
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?
Yes, the city should make preserving affordable housing a priority to help slow the rate of resident displacement. One effective policy could be the implementation of Community Land Management (CLM). By offering residents the opportunity to join a CLM, we can alleviate the burden of property taxes, which often become the most significant cost once a home is paid off. A community-run CLM would protect long-term residents in areas at high risk of gentrification, making Raleigh more equitable. Moreover, this approach could provide resources for home repairs and remodels, ensuring that residents can maintain and improve their homes without being forced out by rising costs.
In addition to CLM, increasing the supply of middle housing is another critical strategy. Expanding the availability of duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and small apartment buildings will help spread out Raleigh's population density more naturally and offer more affordable housing options. By supporting these policies, we can better address the challenges of resident displacement and create a more inclusive and balanced community.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you or your campaign? (Optional)
I want voters to know that I am independent, with no political overlords to answer to. My loyalty lies with the people of Raleigh, not with any party. We've seen time and time again how both major parties fail to address the real concerns of the people—whether it's not codifying Roe v. Wade into law or neglecting to pass a desperately needed border bill. In short, both Democrats and Republicans often fall short. While I understand why people might lean toward one side, being a member of either party in North Carolina offers little incentive to voters. Raleigh deserves a leader who will consistently put the people first, rather than what is politically expedient. I worry that with a partisan mayor, even in a "non-partisan" race, Raleigh won't get that. Raleigh deserves better.