Full name: Sarah Larson
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: www.larsonforgovernment.com
I1) 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 the Holly Springs town council?
I’m running for Holly Springs Town Council because I believe our community deserves leaders who listen, communicate clearly, and make thoughtful decisions that balance growth with quality of life. Holly Springs is an incredible place to raise a family, but as we grow, we need to ensure that residents remain at the center of every decision.
My background has prepared me to do exactly that. I’ve served on multiple town advisory boards, including Parks and Recreation, the Tree Advisory Committee, and the Downtown Area Planning Committee, giving me firsthand insight into how policies shape our daily lives. I am the President of my HOA, an active volunteer at the Holly Springs food cupboard, I volunteer on school boards as well as substitute teach, and I am an active Rotarian—living out “service above self.” Professionally, I’ve worked as an executive director, program manager, and small business advocate, building skills in collaboration, budgeting, and communication.
What sets me apart is my commitment to bridging people, policy, and progress. I understand that we cannot stop growth, but we can manage it responsibly by holding developers accountable, investing in infrastructure, and keeping residents informed. I believe in creating accessible opportunities for input so residents never feel left out of the process.
2) What would your priorities be as a member of the town council? Please identify three of the most pressing issues Holly Springs currently faces and how you believe the town should address them.
If elected, my top priorities will be responsible growth, infrastructure, and affordability.
1. Responsible Growth – Holly Springs is one of the fastest growing towns in the region. While we cannot tell landowners they cannot sell or develop their property, we can make sure projects align with our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the town’s long-term vision. Developers must be held accountable to deliver on promised infrastructure, green space, and community benefits. Growth should never come at the expense of residents’ quality of life.
2. Infrastructure & Connectivity – Traffic and transportation are top concerns for our community. We must work with NCDOT, Wake County, and regional partners to push forward improvements to major corridors and intersections. At the same time, we should invest in sidewalks, greenways, and bike paths that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks, and downtown. Residents deserve real alternatives to driving, and they deserve clear communication about what projects are in the pipeline.
3. Affordability & Housing – Home prices and utility costs are rising quickly, putting pressure on families and making it difficult for first-time buyers and seniors to stay here. I support working with Wake County and nonprofit partners to expand affordable housing opportunities, exploring mixed-use and missing-middle housing where appropriate, and ensuring that current residents aren’t displaced by rising costs. We must also be transparent with residents about utility rates and regional water partnerships that impact monthly bills.
At the heart of all these issues is communication. Residents should never feel left out of the process. I will prioritize transparency, accessible information, and real opportunities for feedback so that every voice has a place in shaping the future of Holly Springs.
3) What’s the best or most important thing the 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 town council has done in the past year is continue to invest in infrastructure and green space alongside growth. Projects like the expansion of greenways, the opening of Eagle’s Landing Park, and progress on road improvements demonstrate a commitment to balancing development with quality-of-life amenities that benefit residents every day. These investments strengthen community connectivity, provide healthy outlets, and show foresight in planning for our town’s future.
That said, I believe the town could improve how it handles communication around major development decisions. Too often, residents feel blindsided by projects because they don’t understand where decisions are made in the process or how they can provide input. While the Unified Development Ordinance helps set clear standards for growth, the way information is shared still leaves gaps. I would like to see more proactive outreach—clear project timelines, user-friendly updates, and expanded forums where residents can engage early and constructively.
In short, I applaud the council’s investment in infrastructure and quality of life, but I believe the town can do more to build trust and transparency around development by making residents true partners in the process.
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?
Holly Springs is a diverse and growing community, and one of our greatest strengths is the sense of belonging that residents feel here. While immigration laws are primarily set at the federal and state level, the role of town council is to ensure that all residents feel safe, respected, and welcome in their daily lives.
For me, that starts with building trust between residents and local government. Families should feel comfortable engaging with town services—whether that’s calling 911, enrolling in parks and recreation programs, or attending community events—without fear. I would support ongoing cultural awareness and language accessibility efforts in town communications so that every resident has equal access to information and resources.
I also believe in strengthening community partnerships—whether that’s through schools, nonprofits, faith groups, or civic organizations—that directly support immigrant families. These partnerships help us create safe spaces where neighbors can connect, find resources, and thrive.
Additionally, I would advocate for Holly Springs to adopt the Wake County Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO), which extends protections to residents regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status. This would send a clear message that Holly Springs is a community where diversity is valued and inclusion is the standard.
At the council level, my focus would be to ensure that Holly Springs remains a welcoming and inclusive town, where safety is rooted in trust and every resident, regardless of background, is seen as part of the fabric of our community.
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 this summer. How would you like the town council to address climate resilience, particularly flooding?
As our town continues to grow, responsible development and infrastructure investments must go hand in hand with climate resilience.
First, we need to ensure that our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and stormwater standards reflect today’s realities, not yesterday’s. That means stricter requirements for stormwater retention, green infrastructure, and permeable surfaces so that new development does not worsen downstream flooding.
Second, I support continued investment in upgrading and maintaining stormwater infrastructure—from culverts to drainage systems—to prepare for more intense rainfall events. Delayed maintenance today becomes costly damage tomorrow.
Third, we should prioritize green solutions where possible: preserving and expanding our tree canopy, protecting wetlands, and building natural buffers along waterways. These strategies not only reduce flood risk but also improve water quality and make our town more livable.
Finally, communication and transparency are key. Residents need to know where the town’s flood-prone areas are, what projects are underway, and how they can protect their own properties. I would support clearer public updates, tools, and partnerships to keep residents informed and engaged.
By planning ahead and integrating resilience into every infrastructure decision, Holly Springs can bridge people, policy, and progress—ensuring that our community remains safe, sustainable, and prepared for the future.
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 Holly Springs Town Council can prioritize competing funding needs, close funding gaps, and balance the financial burden on residents?
Federal funding cuts make it even more important for Holly Springs to be thoughtful, transparent, and forward-looking in our budgeting. As a councilmember, I would prioritize investments that directly serve residents’ quality of life and long-term sustainability, while ensuring we do not place an undue financial burden on families.
First, I believe in rigorous financial stewardship. Every dollar the town spends should be clearly tied to community benefit, whether that’s in public safety, infrastructure, housing, or parks. We need to regularly review programs and projects to ensure they are meeting their intended goals and pause or adjust those that are not.
Second, I support leveraging partnerships—with Wake County, regional municipalities, and the private sector—to share costs and bring in additional resources. Examples include our water treatment partnership with Fuquay-Varina and Sanford, which helps meet growing needs without Holly Springs bearing the entire expense.
Third, we must diversify revenue sources beyond property taxes. Economic development—particularly supporting small businesses and expanding our commercial tax base—can help balance the burden between residents and businesses, reducing over-reliance on homeowners.
Finally, I would emphasize transparent communication. When ratepayers see water bills or taxes rise, they deserve to know why and how those increases connect to tangible improvements. Clear, accessible updates build trust and allow residents to feel like true stakeholders in the process.
Balancing priorities will never be simple, but by being disciplined, collaborative, and transparent, we can bridge people, policy, and progress while keeping Holly Springs financially strong and family-focused.
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 Holly Springs?
Sustainable growth means balancing four interconnected priorities: infrastructure, housing, environment, and quality of life. Growth is inevitable, but it must happen in a way that respects property rights while also ensuring our roads, schools, utilities, and public services can support new residents without overwhelming current ones.
For Holly Springs, this means planning infrastructure alongside development, not after. It also means ensuring we have a diverse housing mix—from starter homes to senior living to affordable rentals—so people at every stage of life can call Holly Springs home. Sustainable growth also requires us to preserve and expand green space, parks, and tree canopy, which are central to our town’s identity and resilience. Finally, we must continue to build a strong economic base that reduces over-reliance on residential property taxes.
I admire how Apex has approached growth by proactively investing in transportation and affordable housing. Their efforts to expand connectivity and provide more options for residents show the kind of foresight Holly Springs should adopt. By learning from our neighbors and tailoring those lessons to our unique needs, we can grow responsibly while maintaining the character and community spirit that make Holly Springs special.
8) Holly Springs is one of the only towns that has not adopted Wake County’s non-discrimination ordinance, which protects residents from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, and more. Would you support the adoption of the ordinance? Please explain your position.
Yes, I would support the adoption of the Wake County Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO), and I would advocate for Holly Springs to implement it.
Every person who lives, works, or visits Holly Springs should feel safe, welcomed, and respected. Unfortunately, Holly Springs is one of the few municipalities in Wake County that has not yet adopted this ordinance. That sends the wrong message about who belongs in our community. By passing the NDO, we make it clear that discrimination of any kind has no place here.
This isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. As a councilmember, I would ensure that Holly Springs affirms the rights and dignity of all residents, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, people of color, women, and people with disabilities. I also see this as an extension of my campaign’s core values: bridging people, policy, and progress. Policies like the NDO are part of how we build a community where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.
Adopting the NDO would align Holly Springs with neighboring towns, help attract and retain businesses that value inclusivity, and most importantly, strengthen the trust residents have in their local government.
9) In what ways should Holly Springs work to promote economic development? What are your goals for Holly Springs’ downtown and what does the town need to do to achieve those goals?
Holly Springs’ economic development should prioritize creating a vibrant, connected, and inclusive community. This means attracting and supporting businesses that contribute to our local character, while also building spaces where residents can gather, collaborate, and enjoy their town.
I had the privilege of serving on the Downtown Area Planning Committee, where we laid the groundwork for a more engaging and accessible downtown. The plan includes a festival street, a permanent farmers market pavilion, and identifying a partner to develop Mims Park. These initiatives are designed to create “third places” where people can meet, linger, and connect, strengthening the community and encouraging local economic activity.
At the same time, it’s essential to preserve our tree canopy and integrate green spaces, ensuring that downtown remains beautiful, sustainable, and welcoming.
To support these goals, the town should:
Actively collaborate with and support small business owners, particularly in the Village District, through mentorship, grants, and streamlined permitting.
Ensure public and green spaces are central to downtown projects, fostering gathering areas and environmental stewardship.
Promote placemaking initiatives, including art installations and events, to draw residents and visitors downtown.
By combining economic growth with intentional design and community-focused projects, Holly Springs can create a downtown that is both a destination and a reflection of our town’s values—where people, policy, and progress meet.
10) With major companies expanding and investing in Holly Springs, including Genentech, Fujifilm and Amgen, the town will need more housing to support its workforce. What should the town do in order to provide this needed housing, especially for lower income families who will be working in service jobs in these facilities?
Holly Springs’ growing business sector—including companies like Genentech, Fujifilm, and Amgen—brings exciting economic opportunities, but also a clear need for affordable and workforce housing. To support employees in service and essential jobs, the town must take a proactive, collaborative approach.
First, we need to assess our housing inventory to identify gaps in affordability, unit type, and location. Understanding the specific needs of our workforce allows us to plan effectively for both short- and long-term housing demands.
Second, the town should partner with Wake County, regional municipalities, developers, and nonprofit organizations to create housing options that are both attainable and integrated into the community. This could include incentives for developers to provide affordable units, mixed-use projects that combine residential and commercial space, or programs to support first-time homebuyers.
Finally, all housing initiatives must balance growth with sustainability. This means considering infrastructure capacity, environmental impact, and access to schools, parks, and transit options. By planning strategically, Holly Springs can ensure that our workforce can live here, our businesses can thrive, and the quality of life for all residents is preserved.
Providing workforce housing is not just about roofs over heads—it’s about supporting families, sustaining our economy, and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
11) If there are other issues you want to discuss, please do so here.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak directly with voters. This is a critical moment for our community, and I encourage everyone to engage, stay informed, and get out the vote.
I am proud to run a campaign for the people and by the people. I have not accepted donations from Super PACs, developer political action committees, or any special interest groups. My focus is on serving residents first, ensuring that decisions on growth, infrastructure, and community priorities are guided by the needs of Holly Springs families—not outside interests.
I believe that bridging people, policy, and progress is how we create a town that works for everyone. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration, we can continue to grow responsibly, support our residents, and strengthen the quality of life that makes Holly Springs special.
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