As Raleigh prepares to elect a new mayor for the first time since 2019, the city faces critical challenges, including rapid growth and affordable housing. While both frontrunners Janet Cowell and Terrance Ruth bring valuable perspectives to the race, Cowell’s extensive background in public service and pragmatic approach to policymaking make her the superior choice to lead North Carolina’s capital city.
It’s no secret that experienced leadership is essential to navigate these complex issues effectively amid an election that could turn the city’s government on its head.
Cowell’s resume speaks for itself. She previously served on the Raleigh City Council, represented the city in the North Carolina Senate and completed two terms as State Treasurer. This wealth of experience at multiple levels of government gives her unparalleled insight into the intricacies of municipal governance and state-level policymaking. As the former president and CEO of the Dix Park Conservancy, she also brings a deep understanding of one of Raleigh’s most ambitious urban development projects.
In contrast, Ruth, while a respected professor at NC State, lacks direct experience in city government. Though he launched an impressive challenge to unseat incumbent Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin in 2022, his platform remains more aspirational than practical.
Cowell’s pragmatic approach to Raleigh’s challenges is evident in her stance on affordable housing. She acknowledges the need for denser development but combines this with a commitment to environmental preservation. Her proposal to explore tax increment financing demonstrates innovative thinking about funding mechanisms for affordable housing initiatives.
Ruth’s housing platform, while well-intentioned, lacks the same level of specificity. And though he has valid critiques of the city’s communication around zoning reforms does not offer concrete solutions to the underlying affordability crisis.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, climate resiliency has become a pressing concern for all of North Carolina. Cowell’s experience as State Treasurer gives her a unique perspective on the financial implications of climate change for municipal governments. Her emphasis on preserving Raleigh’s tree canopy and investing in the city’s creek and greenway system shows her dedication to using green infrastructure to mitigate flood risks and improve urban climate resilience.
Cowell’s vision for downtown Raleigh demonstrates her ability to leverage her extensive network and convening power. She proposes bringing together leaders from downtown museums, universities, churches and state government to create cooperatives that will revitalize the “dead zone” and attract more visitors and business. This collaborative approach could breathe new life into downtown, addressing concerns about downtown vitality post-pandemic.
Ruth’s platform, while emphasizing community engagement, lacks a concrete plan when it comes to plans for downtown revitalization.
Both candidates recognize the challenges facing Raleigh’s police force, particularly around recruitment and retention. Cowell’s approach, however, is more comprehensive. She acknowledges the recent pay increases for public safety officers but also recognizes the need for ongoing adjustments based on forthcoming studies. Her support for programs that divert non-criminal calls away from police demonstrates a nuanced understanding of modern public safety needs.
As a former State Treasurer, Cowell brings unparalleled expertise in fiscal management to the mayor’s office. Her understanding of municipal finance will be crucial as Raleigh navigates the complex funding challenges associated with rapid growth and increased demand for city services.
While Ruth has made community engagement a centerpiece of his campaign, Cowell’s approach is more realistic and technologically forward-thinking. She proposes leveraging technology to create an accessible, more two-way communication between city government and citizens, acknowledging the limitations of traditional public meetings. This approach could lead to more inclusive and representative community input.
On top of all of these points, Cowell’s is backed by a strong roster of endorsements. She has garnered support from major local publications like the News & Observer and Indy Week, as well as influential organizations such as the Wake County Democratic Party, Equality NC and Capital City Fire Fighters. These endorsements lend credibility to her vision and demonstrate broad-based support across various sectors of the community.
In contrast, Ruth’s campaign website lacks information on his policy priorities and does not list any endorsements, potentially indicating a less robust campaign infrastructure or weaker community backing, along with a general lack of care for communicating his policy in exchange for simple, brooding web design.
Cowell’s combination of extensive government experience, pragmatic policy approaches and innovative thinking make her the ideal candidate to lead Raleigh through its next chapter. While Ruth offers a fresh perspective and admirable commitment to community engagement, Raleigh’s complex challenges require a leader with proven experience in navigating government bureaucracies and implementing effective policies.
As Raleigh continues to grow and evolve, it needs a mayor who can hit the ground running. Janet Cowell’s track record and comprehensive platform demonstrate that she is best equipped to lead Raleigh into a prosperous and sustainable future.
