When Mayor McFarlane was sworn in late December, she promised to work on making Raleigh the number one place to live and work in the nation. As she works to fulfill that promise, some students say they haven’t paid attention.
Though N.C. State draws a large number of students from Raleigh high schools, the University’s diversity is one of its charms. While students have made our campus a home, some have yet to do the same for Raleigh.
“I don’t keep up with politics much; however, I especially don’t keep up with Raleigh politics, since I am still registered to vote in my hometown,” said Bethany Starnes, who graduated this fall with a degree in Chemistry.
For those students who have been active in Raleigh politics, however, McFarlane has some big commitments to carry out. Her promise to work on Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance is at the top of that list.
According to the mayor’s office, “The City is preparing a UDO that addresses contemporary development and zoning practices, and is easily understood by administrators, the public and the development community.”
This UDO works in conjunction with The City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and was finalized on January 10th, where it now waits for approval by the city council.
This plan seeks to address the specific issues laid out in the Comprehensive Plan, which is a long-term checklist for Raleigh’s growth and development.
“The Plan contains six strategic visions themes, which are referenced in every element, or chapter, of the document. The Plan is also divided into four major sections: the Introduction and Framework, The Plan Elements, the Area Plans and Implementation,” according to the mayor’s office.
While these ordinances have the potential to largely impact the City of Raleigh, students have recently been more concerned with N.C. State politics to notice. One student, however, says that he paid attention.
Emerson Barker, senior in political science, says that he remembers when McFarlane spoke on campus as part of her campaign.
“I thought it was great that she came to campus and reached out to N.C. State students,” Barker said. “College students are notorious for not voting, so we can get pretty easily lost in the shuffle. It was really great that McFarlane didn’t ignore us.”
Though Barker notes that the mayor hasn’t had much time to work on policies yet, he is aware of her efforts thus far with student events.
“I know there have been some issues with the Krispy Kreme Challenge race routes. She’s been very involved in working on that to make sure the event can go off smoothly, so that’s nice for students because that’s a pretty big event for us,” Barker said.
Though McFarlane has shown interest in working with students, education has not been her focus. Rather, the mayor is interested in small businesses and the local economy.
Her biography, updated on the Raleighnc.gov website just five days ago, touts her personal experience in small businesses.
“In 2002, she launched MedPro Rx, Inc…. [it] consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in the Triangle and recently ranked as the #1 small business in the Triangle, and # 2 in the South,” according to the website.
In addition to her experience in small businesses, McFarlane was previously a member of Raleigh’s City Council for four years.
Whether her experience can be turned into action, it remains to be seen.
