Full name: Bella Huang

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: www.bellaforcary.com

1) In 300 words or less, please give our readers your elevator pitch: Why are you running? Why should voters entrust you with this position? What prior experience will make you an effective member of Cary’s town council?

I am a dedicated community volunteer, PTA mom, and small business owner who has proudly called Cary home for over a decade. I believe that Cary’s challenges can be met with forward-thinking solutions and strong cooperation among residents, the business community, and local government.

I hold a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida and serve as Vice President of iPearl Inc., a Cary-based small business providing laptop protective covers to consumers and K–12 schools worldwide.

Passionate about empowering youth and amplifying community voices, I was elected in May 2025 to the board of the Triangle Chinese Language School, where I previously served as PTA Vice Chair. I am also co-founder of the Margin of Victory Empowerment (MOVE) NC Foundation, which fosters civic engagement through programs like the Emerging Youth Leaders Summit—connecting young leaders with local officials. MOVE NC further operates a nonpartisan PAC to encourage voter participation across communities. In addition, I co-founded the NC Asian Americans Alliance, where I lead cultural events that strengthen ties between Asian Americans and the broader Cary community.

While growth brings unique pressures to our economy and family life, I believe Cary’s true strength lies in its people—our neighbors, families, and small business owners—who have built this community with their hands and their hearts. With your partnership, I am committed to listening to residents, supporting families, and planning for a brighter, thriving future for Cary.

2) What would your priorities be as a member of the town council? Please identify three of the most pressing issues Cary currently faces and how you believe the town should address them. 

I’m running to focus on three priorities: supporting a sustainable future, building a strong community, and empowering a vibrant town. 

I want to live in a town of resilience and forethought; a town that protects the environment is cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant to live in than one that does not. The many conversations I’ve had with Cary voters show I’m not alone in this. As a mom of four, I think every day about the world we’ll leave to our children. This type of respect for nature and our town requires action, however. I will work to expand Cary’s clean energy infrastructure—starting with solar panels on town facilities, funded through corporate sponsorships and grants to avoid costing taxpayers. I’ve already installed solar panels on my home and office, because I believe sustainability requires everyone to participate. I will also support growing the “My Tree, Our Tree” program and expanding Cary Composts. We need to prepare for the extreme weather of the future, so I’ll work to invest in stormwater systems, streets, and traffic signals to keep Cary safe and resilient. Finally, I want to reduce the traffic burden on Cary – we can manage this issue by improving public transportation and creating safer ways to walk or bike through town. I will increase bus access in District C and continue to connect sidewalks and greenways so families can move through our neighborhoods more easily and safely.

I want to live in a town of economic prosperity, full of locally owned small businesses and families who can afford to live where they work. I’ve heard from Cary voters who feel the pressure of rising housing costs and a lack of services for older children and working parents. I support creating more affordable housing options for our teachers, first responders, young professionals, and seniors, and will advocate for partnerships with nonprofits like The Carying Place to help families gain financial stability. I will also work to expand programming in Town-owned facilities for children, teens, and seniors, especially during Track-Out, using what we already have to get the most benefit with the least burden. Finally, I will work to make Cary a place where small businesses can thrive. Owning and working in my own small business has taught me what policies we need to support local entrepreneurs, reduce red tape, and grow a workforce that lives and works right here in Cary. I know how challenging it can be to start and sustain a small business, and I know what the local government can do to help.

I want to live in a town where everyone feels included and heard—from our youngest to most senior residents, from people who were born in Cary and people who come from far away. I will work to make Cary a home for people of all ages. I support building the new Senior Center in District C with programming that promotes healthy, active living, and I’ll work to bring young voices to town boards, commissions, and committees, giving them a seat at the table. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful community events can be. Cary’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and I’ll continue to support and celebrate the cultures, stories, and people who make our town vibrant.

3) What’s the best or most important thing the Cary town council has done in the past year? Additionally, name a decision you believe the town should have handled differently. Please explain your answers.

One of the most important things the Cary Town Council has done in the past year is to prioritize essential services by allocating nearly 80% of the town’s budget to police, fire, and community programs. These investments go directly to what matters most to our residents—keeping our community safe, protecting families, and ensuring that Cary remains a wonderful place to live with vibrant parks and green spaces.

One decision I believe the town could have handled differently is the 2024 bond referendum. The $580 million bond included a wide range of projects all at once, which made it challenging for voters to prioritize. I believe the town should consider separating projects into smaller, more focused bonds, allowing residents to have a clearer choice and decide what matters most to them. This approach could improve transparency, increase community engagement, and ensure that funding goes to the projects that truly reflect the priorities of Cary citizens.

4) President Trump is working to ramp up deportations and curtail visas. At the same time, the state legislature has passed laws requiring agencies to cooperate with ICE. What do you think the town council can or should do to ensure safe, welcoming communities for immigrants in light of these policies?

As an immigrant myself, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to come to the United States and become a proud U.S. citizen. I love my country and my town of Cary, and I am committed to giving back and being an active, engaged community member.
For the town, I believe we should always follow the law while ensuring that legal immigrants are treated fairly and respectfully. It is also important to encourage our immigrant neighbors to learn their rights, so they can navigate interactions with ICE and other authorities safely. Equally important is to keep talking openly about these issues, so concerns about immigration and fairness are not ignored or swept under the rug.

Cary is at its best when we embrace diversity, which makes our town vibrant, innovative, and welcoming. A great example of this is Cary Councilman Jack Smith, a German immigrant, veteran, and public servant who has dedicated 36 years of service to our town. His leadership demonstrates the positive impact immigrants can have when they are supported and included.

I will continue to work to ensure that all residents—regardless of background—feel safe, supported, and included in our community, and that diversity continues to strengthen Cary for generations to come.

5) As climate change leads to more intense rainfall, communities are at greater risk of inland flooding, such as the historic floods in parts of the Triangle caused by Tropical Storm Chantal in July. How would you like the town council to address climate resilience, particularly flooding? 

I support improving Cary’s infrastructure aimed at responding to extreme weather events, such as the construction and maintenance of our stormwater drain system. I also support making it easy for everyone to travel throughout our town by walking and public transit by linking sidewalks and greenways and expanding bus services.

6) Federal funding cuts this year have hit the Triangle particularly hard, from cancelled grants to layoffs, and local government officials are having to make difficult decisions about what to fund and how. What are your ideas for how the town council can prioritize competing funding needs, close funding gaps, and support impacted residents?

Federal funding cuts have created real challenges for communities across the Triangle, and Cary is no exception. In times like these, the town council must prioritize essential services—including public safety, parks, and critical infrastructure—while seeking innovative ways to close funding gaps.

I believe the council can:

  • Engage residents in budgeting decisions to understand community priorities and make transparent choices.
  • Pursue alternative funding sources, such as state grants, public-private partnerships, and community programs that leverage volunteer support.
  • Support impacted residents by maintaining programs that help families, youth, and small businesses, particularly through nonprofit partnerships.
  • Monitor long-term impacts and adjust priorities as the community’s needs evolve, ensuring that growth and essential services remain balanced.

7) Describe what sustainable growth and development mean to you. Additionally, what is another municipality you believe has made smart decisions related to growth and development that could be similarly implemented in Cary?

To me, sustainable growth and development means accepting that growth and development will occur using prudent decisionmaking and planning to guide this growth for the good of everyone. Cary is one of the best places to live, and we can keep it that way. Keeping our town services funded, expanding our infrastructure and green spaces, and supporting policies that help keep small businesses and the people who work in them in Cary. 

8) Last year, Cary voters rejected a $560 million parks bond referendum. Do you think this was the right move? Under what circumstances would you support a new parks bond? More broadly, what level and types of investments should Cary be making in its parks in the coming years?

Last year’s $560 million parks bond referendum was ambitious, and its rejection reflects the community’s need for clarity and choice. I believe the town could have approached it differently by separating projects into smaller, more focused bonds, allowing voters to prioritize what matters most to them.

I would support a new parks bond if it clearly outlines specific projects, costs, and benefits, and if the community has had ample opportunity to provide input. Transparency and public engagement are key to building trust and ensuring that investments reflect residents’ priorities.

Looking ahead, Cary should continue to invest in maintaining and improving existing parks, expanding green spaces, and enhancing accessibility and recreational programming. Parks are not only vital for physical and mental well-being but also strengthen community connections. Strategic, sustainable investments in parks ensure Cary remains a vibrant, livable town for families, seniors, and all residents.

9) Cary voters also rejected a $30 million affordable housing bond referendum last election cycle. Do you think this was the right choice? Under what circumstances would you support a new affordable housing bond?  How would you like to see the town approach affordability issues over the next few years?

Last election, Cary voters rejected the $30 million affordable housing bond, which I believe reflected understandable concerns. The proposed property tax increase came at a time when many residents are already facing financial pressures, and voters often react emotionally in such situations.

I would support a new affordable housing bond if it is thoughtfully structured, clearly communicates the specific projects and benefits, and demonstrates collaboration between public and private sectors. Engaging the community in the planning process will help build trust and ensure that the bond addresses the needs that matter most to residents.

Looking ahead, Cary should approach affordability with a combination of strategies: supporting a diverse mix of housing options, leveraging partnerships with developers and nonprofits, and implementing policies that help retain and attract both residents and workers. By balancing growth, community input, and fiscal responsibility, Cary can make meaningful progress on housing affordability while maintaining the town’s high quality of life.

10) How can Cary improve its pedestrian infrastructure? With regional commuter rail effectively off the table, how should it look to improve public transit options for residents?

I will support expanding bus service to more locations in Cary so that more residents can take advantage of this environmentally friendly, traffic-reducing transportation option. At the same time, we should increase accessibility and safety for biking and walking by building more sidewalks, crosswalks, and connected greenways. Connecting neighborhoods through a comprehensive network of pedestrian and bike paths not only improves safety but also encourages active transportation and reduces congestion. By investing in both public transit and pedestrian infrastructure, Cary can become a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected community for all residents.

11) If there are other issues you want to discuss, please do so here. 

In addition to the issues already discussed, I want to highlight the importance of senior programs and recreational opportunities for all ages. Our seniors deserve programs and services that keep them active, engaged, and connected to the community.
I also recognize that pickleball courts and other recreational facilities are in high demand and need expansion to meet the growing interest. Investing in these amenities promotes healthy lifestyles, encourages social interaction, and strengthens community bonds. Supporting these programs and facilities ensures that Cary continues to be a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly town for residents of all ages.

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