Whitney Hill
Name: Whitney Hill
Which office are you seeking? City Council District A
Campaign website: whitneyforraleigh.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.
Raleigh hasn't faced such an affordable housing crisis in the decades I've lived here. The core issue is supply. I aim to improve the efficiency of zoning change approvals, building permits, and inspections while closely monitoring our progress toward meeting public demand in council meetings to ensure established goals are met. We must build across all market levels to prevent mid and high-end demand from pushing into affordable units. Additionally, I propose a moratorium on demolishing affordable housing without a relocation plan for the residents.
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?
I feel like most issues that deserve critical attention do get covered, however I feel like sometimes only a part of the story is highlighted. For example, there's been a great deal of coverage about a lawsuit concerning missing middle housing but very little coverage about the successes of zoning reform in Raleigh, the increase in housing supply and decrease in costs (rents are dropping). Another issue regarding transit, our bus rapid transit (BRT) has received a lot of attention, but the bike/ped improvements being constructed with BRT are often overlooked.
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?
I will listen. It's essential to consider the concerns and benefits from both sides.
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?
I am against Missing Middle with out the consent of the local residents). Missing middle is not fair to the local residents because it devalues their properties. The city is making zoning change with no hearings. I suspect to that there are going to be long term problems with infrastructure and parking resulting from these changes. I believe that we need to focus on building high rise apartments and condos downtown while developing bus corridors.
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?
I am against implementing Missing Middle housing without the consent of local residents. It is unfair to them, as it can devalue their properties. The city is making zoning changes without holding hearings. I suspect these changes will lead to long-term issues with infrastructure and parking. Instead, I believe we should focus on building high-rise apartments and condos downtown while developing bus corridors.
What is your vision for how Raleigh’s built environment should evolve over the next 10 years?
1. Develop within the beltline while preserving our historic neighborhoods. 2. Create BRT corridors with affordable housing. 3. Establish satellite communities featuring homes, offices, stores, and restaurants within walking distance. 4. Expand the greenway system to connect neighborhoods and communities.
How would you change the way the City's Office of Community Engagement operates?
City Council and Administration participation in CAC's.
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...Until we get caught up, we need to stop tearing down affortables or at least have a replacement plan.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you or your campaign? (Optional)
I am running a volunteer campaign that is not beholden to special interests.