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City Growth Playbook

City Growth Playbook

by | Jul 1, 2025 | Buzz, July/August 2025

Each year, the Triangle’s top leaders explore a rising city, gathering inspo and intel via the Raleigh Chamber’s Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference. With sights set on sparking Raleigh’s own evolution, the 2025 crew touched down in Kansas City—home to 2.2M+ and a ~1.2M-strong workforce, with average single- family home values hovering just under $300K. More than a conference, it was a deep dive into KC life— from hot spots to development insights to sports as a major economic driver. Here’s what stood out.

“The benefits of having headquarters locations in the city, including bold leadership and significant community investments.” —Katherine Thomas, VP of Business Development & Marketing, Alfred Williams & Company

“Touring the new Kansas City women’s soccer stadium was a standout moment—a powerful example of how thoughtfully designed sports venues can serve as anchors for broader economic development and placemaking. It reinforced how intentional investment in community-centered spaces can drive vibrancy and growth.” —Shelley R. Curran, Cary Assistant Town Manager

“Regional cooperation is critical for residents to prosper. It was obvious that siting a city in two different states creates issues. We need to work as a region! Also, I was blown away by the beautiful and significant public spaces that enhanced the function and vibe of the city.” —Matt Smith, VP of Development & Strategic Partnerships, Wake Tech Foundation

“Kansas City was determined to build a streetcar system—and accomplished their goal, funded with a combination of federal funds, special obligation bonds, a Transportation Development District, a utility contribution and local advertising revenue.” —Mitchell Silver, Raleigh City Councilor District A

“I was most impressed to see the women’s soccer stadium in Kansas City—very relevant given the NC Courage stadium needs an upgrade.” —Mayor Janet Cowell

“Biggest takeaway: Raleigh needs to build a stadium for our women’s soccer team, NC Courage, in Downtown Raleigh with views of our skyline.” —Nicole Stewart, Director of Engagement, A.J. Fletcher Foundation

“The need for a children’s hospital in our region. Mercy Children’s Hospital showed us the difference this can make in providing care with empathy.” —Mary-Ann Baldwin, Executive Director, Cooper Charitable Foundation

“We learned so much from our friends in KC, especially about the power of sports to drive local economic growth, as seen in the transformational CPKC Stadium—the first built specifically for professional women’s sports. And, no, the BBQ wasn’t better than NC!”—Mary Heath, Chief Administrative Officer, McAdams

Learn About Raleigh’s District D Candidates

Learn About Raleigh’s District D Candidates

by | Jul 7, 2020 | Buzz, City Council, July/August 2020, Web Exclusive

WEB EXCLUSIVE The District D seat on Raleigh’s City Council has been open since June 26, when first-term Councilor Saige Martin resigned following a report detailing several alleged incidents of sexual misconduct against him.

Now, the council is tasked with selecting someone to replace Martin who will represent the district, which encompasses southwest Raleigh, including NC State University, and parts of downtown, for the next year and a half.

Starting July 1, District D residents interested in filling the vacancy, who are at least 21 years old and registered to vote in Wake County, have been submitting applications outlining their qualifications and interest in serving on the council. The city is collecting their resumes and publishing them on its website and applicants have until this Friday (July 9) at 4 p.m. to submit an application for consideration.

On Sunday (July 12) at 3 p.m., the council will select five applicants to participate in a virtual candidates forum. Members of the public may submit questions for the candidates to answer during the forum before 4 p.m. Friday.

A petition is circulating for Kay Crowder, who represented District D since 2014 before losing reelection to Martin last year, to fill the vacant seat. Crowder said she is interested in serving out the remainder of Martin’s term and her supporters argue the council is in need of a member with past experience in governing the city.

But it is unlikely the council will appoint Crowder. Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and Councilors Jonathan Martin and Nicole Stewart said they would like to see more diversity on the council and that they want underrepresented voices to have a place at the table.

Council will likely appoint a candidate to represent District D next week. To apply as a candidate for District D online, click here. To submit a question for the candidate forum this Sunday, click here. To learn about the candidates who have applied so far, click here.