At the time of writing this post, I will have completed just over 90 days as the Executive Director of WakeUp. This period has been filled with both significant rewards and challenges. Some of my board members have likened my initiation into this role to “drinking water from a fire hose,” a sentiment with which I wholeheartedly agree. Since assuming this position, I have made a concerted effort to establish connections with leadership across all municipalities in Wake County.
Our recent focus has centered on the Transit Overlay District, particularly in the areas of New Bern and now shifting towards the Western and Southern regions. Our belief is grounded in the principle that everyone should have access to economic opportunities, irrespective of car ownership. I have been purposeful in my endeavors to comprehend the intricate challenges at the crossroads of housing, transportation, local governance, and intelligent growth strategies.
There are a lot of groups who fear monger and clamor for worrisome times from all socio-economic groups, but it is possible to balance density with transportation and the enviroment. We have the tools to do this. I guess call me a dreamer, but since moving here from another Metro City namely Miami that didn’t get ahead of the dreaded Urban Sprawl and Restrictive Zoning, I saw whole communities that I grew up in become a haven for vulture developers furthering displacement. When the amenities such as new parks, sidewalks, and bus rapid transit came, the community that fought for it was already gone. This is the reason why we at WakeUp choose to educate about “missing middle housing” and its effects.
I’ve been advised on the importance of active listening, understanding before responding, and the necessity of basing decisions on factual data, especially considering their impact on the lives of those we advocate for. This ethos has led me to participate in events such as Yimbytown in Austin, CAMPO Transportation & Planning meetings, and Smart Growth America’s Equity Conference in Washington, D.C.
Smart Growth America’s Equity Summit
During my attendance at the Smart Growth America’s Equity Summit at the Martin Luther King Library in Washington, D.C., I had the enriching opportunity to engage with advocates and thought leaders from across the nation. One of the most impactful sessions I attended was the panel discussion titled “Building momentum: Lessons from frontline advocates & government leaders.”
In particular, I was deeply moved by the insights shared by one of the speakers, April De Simone. As a socio-spatial practitioner, Ms. De Simone delves into the complex interplay between individuals and their built environment, exploring how spatial design can either perpetuate or mitigate social inequities. What struck me most was her personal narrative of navigating the effects of redlining in her own home purchase, highlighting the pervasive structural issues embedded within housing systems.
Furthermore, during my time in the D.C. area, I had the privilege of meeting with local advocates for the Vietnamese community. Through these conversations, I learned about community-led initiatives, such as the efforts of the Viet Place Collective, which advocates for culturally specific anti-displacement initiatives and preservation of vital community hubs like the Eden Center in Falls Church, Virginia.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with Calvin Gladney, the CEO of Smart Growth America. We discussed better ways to partner and share best practices within our collective networks. Mr. Gladney extended the CEO roundtable for all those engaged in this important work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing equity in urban planning and development.
Moreover, the Equity Summit featured a forum addressing the significant structural setbacks facing efforts to advance equity in today’s environment. Panelists from diverse fields, including transportation, housing, and the civic sector, reflected on strategies to center equity despite challenges such as the recent Supreme Court decision overturning affirmative action and diminished corporate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Overall, my experience at the Equity Summit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to advance equity in urban planning and development. It reaffirmed my commitment to listening, learning, and actively participating in initiatives that promote inclusive, just, and equitable communities.
Timely Transit
I recently attended the Midtown Raleigh Alliance event entitled “Timely Transit,” where I had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and leaders in the community. One highlight of the event was meeting with the new Executive Director, Emile Hartman, whose insights and vision for the future of transit in our region were inspiring.
During the forum, presentations from representatives of Raleigh Transit, the CEO of RDU Airport Authority, and the NCDOT underscored the growing and changing tide of growth coming to our city and county. Each speaker emphasized the importance of timely and strategic transit planning to accommodate the increasing demands of our evolving community.
The discussions at the event highlighted the interconnectedness of transportation, economic development, and urban planning. As our region experiences unprecedented growth, it is essential to prioritize transit solutions that are both efficient and sustainable. Collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and community organizations will be key to shaping the future of transportation in our area.
Overall, the “Timely Transit” event served as a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders invested in the future of transit in Raleigh. It reinforced the importance of proactive planning and investment in transit infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing community.
This month’s highlights
- In my ongoing efforts to connect with municipal leaders and engage with various community organizations, I recently had the privilege of meeting with Mayor Buddy Gupton of Garner. Our discussion centered on collaborative opportunities to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development in our respective communities.
- Additionally, I was invited to speak to the collective groups of the Rotary Club and Kiwanis International at the Cary Theatre. The focus of my presentation was on understanding why the current generation may be hesitant to join such service-oriented organizations. It was an enlightening exchange of ideas and perspectives, and I left with valuable insights to ponder.
- Later in the week, I had the opportunity to sit down for lunch with Heather H. Whelehan, the Director of Housing and Community Partnerships in Cary. Our conversation delved into the commendable work being done in Cary around housing initiatives and strategies to address housing needs in our region. It was a fruitful discussion, and I am eager to explore ways in which WakeUp can support and contribute to these efforts.
- These meetings and engagements reinforce the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing our communities. By working together and leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can make meaningful progress towards creating inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant neighborhoods for all residents.
WakeUP Board Retreat
Our recent Board Retreat at Flowers Cottage at Dix Park was a pivotal moment for us to reflect on our purpose, refine our mission and vision, and strategize our future direction. Throughout our discussions, several key themes emerged, shaping our understanding of why we exist and how we can best serve our community.
First and foremost, we reaffirmed our commitment to promoting sustainable communities, equitable planning, and smart growth through our work. To better articulate our stance on growth, we proposed an edit to our mission statement, emphasizing our proactive approach.
Moreover, we recognized the need to refine our vision and values.Speaking of values, we identified several core principles that guide our organization: expertise, empathy, informed decision-making, and a sense of community. As a convener, we aim to bridge gaps in conversations between Wake County’s municipalities, embracing nuance and fostering collaboration to address complex challenges.
Understanding the current context is crucial for effective planning and action. We acknowledged significant shifts in Wake County since our last strategic plan, including changes in the schools landscape, sustained growth, shifts in transportation priorities, and evolving models of economic development. Our Board Retreat provided a valuable opportunity for reflection, refinement, and strategic planning. As we move forward, we are committed to uplifting the initiatives of our partners, advocating for sustainable and equitable growth, and making a meaningful impact in our community. Lastly, I challenged our board to provide me reasons why they are proud of WakeUp along with why they serve.
Virtual MeetUP
Virtual MeetUP: We held an interactive virtual Meetup to celebrate National Volunteer Day. We were overjoyed to have over 22 individuals sign up, all eager to explore the various ways they could connect and collaborate with us on our initiatives. It’s incredibly heartening to witness the growing enthusiasm for volunteerism within our community. We warmly encourage you to think about how you can get involved and make a meaningful impact alongside us. Your participation is invaluable, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard!