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Rent vs. Own

Rent vs. Own

by | Aug 22, 2015 | Buzz, September 2015

Homeownership is often lumped into the “American dream” but not everyone’s buying in.

Here’s some quick stats that break down the trend.

 

105 million: Number of Americans who rent their homes.

20 years ago: The last time the renter population was this high.

43 percent: Number of Raleigh renters planning to eventually purchase a home
or apartment, compared to 60 percent nationwide.

Source: Apartment List’s 2015 Apartment Renter Satisfaction Survey with responses from more than 18,000 renters nationwide.

Raleigh at Work: How to Re-enter the Workforce

Raleigh at Work: How to Re-enter the Workforce

by | Aug 22, 2015 | Buzz, September 2015

Do you want back in? Katie Dunn did, and now she’s made it her business to help other women  re-enter the workforce too.

When Dunn’s twins turned 9, she was ready to go back to work.

“It was just a feeling with our family that the kids were ready, and I was ready to be back in that environment,” says Dunn. A former IBM-er and marketing specialist, Dunn tried to self-educate but it was daunting. She wasn’t alone.

“It seemed so many of my friends—smart women with degrees and good skills—were having the same conversation, saying, ‘I’d love to go back to work, but it’s just so hard to get back in.’”

So Dunn decided to make that her business—helping women rejoin the workforce. In February Dunn formed Back to Business with plans to host the first annual Back to Business Women’s Conference October 8-9 at Perimeter Studio and Conference Center in Morrisville (backtobusinessconference.com).

It didn’t take long for Dunn to land the keynote speaker, Carol Fishman Cohen, CEO and co-founder of iRelaunch, a Harvard Business graduate who was out of the workforce for 11 years. She returned in 2001, and for the past 10 years has worked with universities, corporations and individuals to help bridge the career gap. Cohen makes frequent appearances on the Today Show and CNN speaking about career re-entry. She is eager to tap into Raleigh’s diverse and highly skilled job market.

“Our interest in Raleigh began when one of our major clients, MetLife, started its Act2 reentry internship program a couple of years ago and decided to have half of the internships based in the Raleigh area,” says Cohen. “Subsequently, some of our other financial services clients and potential clients approached us with an interest in hiring relaunchers in the Research Triangle area. “We have a national footprint of over 10,000 people, concentrated primarily in the New York tri-state area, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C. and the West Coast,” Cohen continues. “We want to increase our presence in the Southeast in general and in North Carolina specifically.”

The good news: it’s getting much easier to go back to work “Reception to the message about career re-entry has evolved over the years—for the better,” says Cohen. “The increased number of academic studies, media attention and even TV characters who have returned to work after a career break, make the career path— including the career break—less unusual, and less stigma is attached to those who choose this path as a result.”

To do: Getting back to work

• Volunteer. And don’t discount it when you’re dusting off your resume. Fundraising, team-building, managing people; they’re all marketable skills.

• Refresh skills. Regardless of whether or not you know the direction you’re headed, you can’t go wrong updating your technology skills.

• Network. You need to let people know you’re looking and reach out to different groups. Think about the way you’re networking. Recruiters research potential employees using LinkedIn and other platforms. You can’t not have an Internet presence in the digital age.

—Christa Gala

 

Raleigh Teen Wins Industry Dance Award

Raleigh Teen Wins Industry Dance Award

by | Aug 22, 2015 | Buzz, September 2015

DSC_2478acmykLast month, a Raleigh teenager got to rub shoulders on the red carpet with some of Hollywood’s most famous dancers and choreographers at the Avalon Theater—including Nigel Lythgoe of “So you think you can dance?” and Carrie Ann Inaba of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Alexa Robertson, 15, was one of several dancers nationwide awarded $2,500 at the second annual Industry Dance Awards Aug. 19 for her commitment to the dance industry while fighting cancer.“If you’re someone cool in the dance world, you’re there,” says Michelle Colon, executive administrator of Dancers Against Cancer, which funds the Circle of Hope Dancers Foundation, the event sponsor.

A survivor now for 10 years, Robertson was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor when she was just 4 years old.

A sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons High School, Robertson not only made a full recovery, she’s led an impressive dance career in Raleigh, spending the past nine years dancing with CC & Co. Dance Complex. Robertson has agents in both New York and L.A. and works occasionally in television and movies.

“I hope that my story inspires others who are fighting similar battles,” says Robertson. “I’m planning on donating the $2,500 to the Make A Wish Foundation. Although only 5 years old when I benefited from Make A Wish, my trip to Disney World with my family is still one of my fondest memories of my life. I want to help other children battling life threatening illnesses to have an experience of a lifetime like I did.”

City Council Candidates — Why They Run

City Council Candidates — Why They Run

by | Aug 22, 2015 | City Council, September 2015

The pay is low, the criticism deep and the race long—especially when it comes to city and town races. Being a city magazine, and with the City Council election Oct. 6, we asked Raleigh’s incumbents and new candidates: why are you running—really?

But wait. You don’t care, do you? After all, you live in one of the best places in the nation, one of the best places to work, one of the best places to start a business. Things are going swimmingly, right?

For now. But the city’s on the cusp of big change, and there are eight folks—of 18 candidates—who will decide whether or not Raleigh keeps getting accolades.

All of these people are passionate. Some are mad. Others frustrated. All have specific opinions about how—and whether—Raleigh should grow and change. A few of the issues:

UDO

An acronym for Unified Development Ordinance—construction and zoning rules. In other

Nancy_McFarlane

Mayor Nancy McFarlane (I)

words, what can you build behind a neighborhood? Next to a school?

“This is the first major change in our zoning code in 50 years that impacts people’s most important investment, their homes,” says Mayor Nancy McFarlane.

The first UDO community meeting in July was crowded and many didn’t get to a chance to weigh in.

“We should have been better prepared for the overflow crowd at the recent public hearing on UDO remapping,” says McFarlane. “All deserve to be heard, which is why we extended the hearing and moved it to a larger venue for the second date.

Edie_Jeffreys

Edie Jeffreys

That initial meeting prompted newcomer Edie Jeffreys to run for District E.

“I have spent many nights and weekends for the last 15 years involved in trying to protect my neighborhood and helping others protect their neighborhoods from incompatible development, said Jeffreys.

“The UDO zoning code will have an impact on the city for decades to come. I want to help wring out negative impacts in the UDO so that neighborhoods and citizens have predictability about what is being built within and on the peripheries of their neighborhoods. I want the UDO to protect the value of their properties.”

Craig_Ralph

Craig Ralph

It also inspired Craig Ralph (At Large) to file. “It was 18 months ago when I watched the city council vote in favor for specific developments within my neighborhood that were against the wishes of the majority of those residing in that area,” says Ralph. “It was at that moment I decided to look into the behaviors of the council and compare them to the needs and wants of our citizens.” Ralph is also concerned with budgetary issues. “The number one issue facing our city is its budget,” he says. “The city is over $1 billion in debt. One-third of our budget goes to serving the interest on our debt. If we continue to move in this direction, we will never be able to afford the next big thing for Raleigh or be able to offer the quality of life our citizens deserve.”

Determined to fight

David_Cox

David Cox

Candidate David Cox (District B) has cut his teeth on the UDO. In 2013, when Publix lobbied for a location on a vacant lot at the corner of Dunn and Falls of Neuse Roads, Cox noticed the land wasn’t zoned for it. He led a fight against rezoning, and Publix eventually backed out.

The City Council and planning department have gone back and forth over rezoning that parcel. On May 12, the council agreed it should remain as is, but the planning department recently proposed it again for rezoning.

“Clearly, I believe that the rezoning and subsequent remapping of properties at Dunn and Falls of Neuse have not been handled appropriately for numerous reasons,” says Cox. “More importantly, having learned a great deal about the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the UDO, I am very concerned about the shortcomings in the UDO that will lead to expansive developments that will harm neighborhoods.

How we’re communicating

Ashton_Smith

Ashton Mae Smith

Newcomer Ashton Mae Smith (District D) says Raleigh’s Millennials need a voice.

“The average age of Raleigh residents is 32, and it’s important for the Millennial generation to have an active role in how we’re building our city.” As for the UDO, Smith says the communication surrounding it is poor. “Rezoning 30 percent of the city is quite an undertaking, and education is a key component,” she says. “While the city websites offer a substantial amount of information, it’s overwhelming for most and especially for those unfamiliar with planning and zoning. “What if, instead, we provided citizens with a Google Earth-like experience for learning about the proposed changes?,” continues Smith. “In order to engage citizens, we need to find meaningful ways to show them how government decisions affect them.”

Communicating with constituents was a common concern among all candidates.

Dickie_Thompson

Dickie Thompson

“When I attended the public hearing on the UDO, it became clear to me that the city needs to do a better job explaining to people what these changes mean and how the changes will impact them,” says Dickie Thompson, running for District A. “These are complicated issues, and I’d like to see the city make it easier for people to understand them.”

DeAntony_Collins

DeAntony Collins

DeAntony Collins, running for District E, says poor communication
with constituents often leads to disengagement. “Governing can be difficult, but that level of difficulty is often exacerbated when our leaders don’t effectively educate and communicate their intentions with citizens and small business owners,” says Collins. “Concerned residents and business owners, in my view, aren’t looking for government to fix all their problems; they want to be heard and consulted—to have their phone calls returned, to feel understood. This concept affects every form and function of our government—from the future of Dix Park to the highly debated UDO rezoning issue.”

Mary-Ann_Baldwin

Mary-Ann Baldwin (I)

Communication issues prompted Mary-Ann Baldwin to run for an At Large seat in 2007.

“The city issues that first prompted my interest—the Plensa art debacle and the sanitation worker’s strike—were impacted by poor communication, which is my area of expertise. Because of that, several people encouraged me to run for City Council. I thought they were crazy.”

Baldwin had never even considered running for office despite her previous campaign work. Overcoming her own hesitation about putting her name on the ballot took some time.

“After some serious conversations with many people (50 to be exact), I had a game plan,” says Baldwin. “I pulled together a platform of things I Mary-Ann Baldwin (I) wanted to accomplish. I knew how much money I could raise, I knew I had support, and I knew who would work polls for me, walk neighborhoods with me or throw an event for me. But I didn’t pull the trigger until I got over my fear of failure. When I realized that even if I didn’t win, I would go on a true journey, that was the moment. It really came down to being comfortable with losing.”

Bonner_Gaylord

Bonner Gaylord (I)

 Technology

“CityCamp led to a new email subscription service that people can use to stay up to date on city government news . . . the Downtown Raleigh app will be rolling out later this year to help people find new restaurants and avoid road closures,” says Gaylord.

Blight

Corey_Branch

Corey Branch

Corey Branch was leading a discussion with high schoolers about giving back when he decided to make his first run for office in 2011 for District C.

“I realized the message I was giving the kids was actually resonating with me,” he says.

Branch didn’t win in 2011 but instead filled a vacant seat on the Raleigh Transit Authority to gain experience about his hometown.

“The blight of Tower Shopping center . . . as well as the disproportionate economic growth that District C experiences are constantly on my mind,” Branch says.

Eugene_Weeks

Eugene Weeks (I)

Blight affects safe and affordable housing in Raleigh, too, says District C incumbent Eugene Weeks.

“There’s not enough affordable housing to accommodate the growth in Raleigh,” Weeks says. “I want to see homelessness for veterans and our citizens eliminated in our city. “

Teens

Newcomer J.B. Buxton (District A) says Raleigh is giving its teens short shrift.

J.B. Buxton

J.B. Buxton

“The number of teenagers in our work community with job experience has dropped almost in half since 2000—45 percent to 25 percent,” says Buxton. “One approach is a stronger commitment to summer youth employment. Similar programs in Louisville and Baltimore involve 2,500 and 5,000 youth respectively. Raleigh’s program? 165.”

Branch said he would like to see more evening and nighttime activities available at community centers for teens in District C.

Too much government

Kay_Crowder

Kay Crowder (I)

Although Kay Crowder (District D) in an incumbent, this is her first run for City Council.

“When my late husband Thomas Crowder was ill with cancer, he asked me to take over his seat if he didn’t beat the disease,” Crowder says. “Together we had been living and breathing city politics every day for 15 years, fully half our married life.”

Crowder says the legislature’s hand is too heavy in city politics.

“The primary city issue that has been handled terribly is our capability to self-govern,” she says. “The NC General Assembly recently took away the Business Privilege License, which was an important revenue stream. The legislature is also working to do away with Statutory Protest Petition, an important zoning tool that ensures citizens are heard.”

Eddie_Woodhouse

Eddie Woodhouse

Eddie Woodhouse (District A) decided to file in light of a recent city government issue he disagrees with.

“I fear a city government that is overreaching and too controlling,” says Woodhouse, citing the recent curfew on downtown restaurant patios after 1 a.m. on weekends. “Raleigh has become less neighborhood- and business-friendly.”

Robert_Weltzin

Robert Weltzin

Mayoral Candidate Robert Weltzin, challenging Nancy McFarlane, maintains the issue was based on the opinions of a few.

“Raleigh has gone to great lengths to ensure that our nightlife and evening entertainment offerings continue to drive traffic, revenue and business to areas like Glenwood South, but has more recently pushed to limit the hours during which businesses can operate on their patios, not as a result of receiving pressure from citizens, but rather because of a few influential individuals complaining about things inherent to living in a downtown area. While these sorts of restrictions might make sense in a smaller town, they have no place in a city of Raleigh’s stature and status.

Walkable and (Ride-able) city

Matt_Tomasulo

Matt Tomasulo

Newcomer Matt Tomasulo, running for an At Large seat, is the creator of WalkRaleigh (the movement behind the downtown signs indicating how far it is to walk to certain destinations—a concept he’s bringing to other cities as well). And he’s just as passionate about cycling, particularly about a potential city program, Bike Share, that would provide corrals of sharable bikes to encourage bike travel for short distances.

“Raleigh Bike Share was the tipping point for my decision to run,” he says. “As a bike rider and downtown resident, I had no idea that there was any threat to funding the Bike Share program—especially after the city won a sizable capital improvement grant and the consultant’s feasibility report came beck favorably.”

John_Odom

John Odom (I)

Riding of a different kind—on city roads—is a concern for incumbent John Odom (District B):

“As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, keeping up with infrastructure is very important. We passed a highway bond recently for $75 million. I should have voted for $150 million. When re-elected, I will push for another road bond.”

Editor’s note: We contacted all 18 candidates multiple times for this story; seventeen responded.

—Christa Gala

Father and Son will Share the Role of Scrooge

Father and Son will Share the Role of Scrooge

by | Aug 22, 2015 | Buzz, September 2015

Both Ira David Woods are handsome. Both could have had Hollywood careers. Both chose to stay in Raleigh. And this year, both will don the musty wig, hooked nose and half-inch of pancake to play Scrooge for the 41st annual run of A Christmas Carol.

Father “David” will take the evenings and son “Ira” the matinees.

“It’s a nice feeling to be able to relax a little and watch him go up,” says David. “I think it’s time now. I’ll be 68 this  November, and I know I’m not going to be able to do this forever. Both my kids, Ira and Evan (Evan Rachel Wood), have said, ‘Dad, we’re going to take it; it’s going to keep going.'”

 A role revisited

This isn’t the first time Ira, 30, has played Scrooge. It was just two weeks before opening night in 2010 when Ira was summoned to his dad’s house.

The situation was dire. David needed immediate heart surgery. ‘Hello Mr. Scrooge,’ Ira remembers his dad’s greeting when he arrived.

“It’s like Yoda says, ‘Do or do not, there is no try,’” laughs Ira. “After the first few performances, I really started having fun. If you’re a son and you watch your father, you learn the same technique and the way they do things.”

Dad David wasn’t worried then and he’s not worried now.

Choosing Raleigh

Ira grew up at Theatre in the Park in Raleigh, playing in the prop room and acting in a variety of “Carol” roles over the years, including Tiny Tim, the lamplighter and the Ghost of Christmas Future. From there, he went on to have roles in the TV show “One Tree Hill” and movies “Pretty Persuasion” and “Down in the Valley.”

“I went to L.A. for ten years and I was moving up in the ranks, and before dad had his heart surgery and I came back to do Scrooge, I had just had a one-on-one meeting with Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds,” says Ira. “And before that I’d done Old Tom at the Lost Colony. It was such good training to do that outdoor drama and then jump into Scrooge; it felt like everything was clicking into place in this direction.”

That’s when Ira decided to come home.

“I had to make a choice, and I really think I made the best one because success really can be subjective. There was a void in L.A. I went back to visit just for a week recently, and it was good to see old friends and my sister and family, but there’s no pull there. There used to be a pull; I think it was because I felt like I needed to prove something.”

Casting for “A Christmas Carol” starts this month, just in time for Ira to perfect his Christopher Walken impersonation and consider what other ad libs he might add this year.

“It’ll be a joy and a treat to continue the legacy and the tradition.”