Jared Ollison
Name: Jared Ollison
Which office are you seeking? City Council District C
Campaign website: jaredollisonforraleigh.com
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 would like to see Raleigh enter agreements with developers who have a reputation of focusing on building developments that are affordable for families who may not otherwise be able to buy homes. I am also in favor of long-term rent controls in exchange for some tax breaks.
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?
Raleigh's homeless population is largely underreported. We need to develop some sustainable policies to get these persons and families some help.
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?
There is always room for compromise. In such situations, it is always best to bring all parties to the table and work out the best outcome for those parties. There is room for everyone to have some buy in and to be on amicable terms.
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?
Yes. I would encourage this type of development through tax breaks for developers who are willing to take on these developments.
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. But not in its current state. The city should have guaranteed limited redevelopment of these corridors to protect the existing residents in those communities. The failure to protect these residents will haunt the City Council for years to come.
What is your vision for how Raleigh’s built environment should evolve over the next 10 years?
I envision a new sustainable growth plan that involves buy in from all areas of the city not just the affluent areas.
How would you change the way the City's Office of Community Engagement operates?
I would revamp the entire office. I would require the city employees to go out and conduct surveys in the community particularly in the communities where the city has fewer noted responses. The office would actually engage the community!
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. 1) Take steps to prevent the modifying or redevelopment of those areas. 2) Consider rent control measures in those areas.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you or your campaign? (Optional)
I am the only candidate with the education and experience needed to fill this seat. I am the only candidate that has pledged to listen to the voices in District C. I am the only candidate who has publicly pledged a minimum of 30% of the net compensation provided to me for serving on the City Council to youth programs in the district. I am the only candidate with generational ties to the community. I am the only candidate who has pledged to refuse contributions from developers and real estate professionals. I am the only candidate whose vote is Not For Sale.