Full name: Tim Forrest
Party affiliation: Republican
Campaign website: https://timforrest4hs.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 re-election to the Holly Springs Town Council because I believe in service before self and in building a community where families, seniors, and businesses can thrive. Over the past four years, I’ve worked hard to deliver results that matter—securing the largest state infrastructure package in our town’s history ($236 million) to improve NC-55, Holly Springs Road, Avent Ferry, and signal modernization; expanding water and sewer capacity through regional partnerships; and investing in parks, greenways, and recreation that enhance our quality of life.
My focus has been and will remain smart, balanced growth—protecting the small-town character that makes Holly Springs special while ensuring development pays its fair share for infrastructure and services. Only about 20% of proposals that come before Council move forward, and I believe that shows our commitment to being selective and intentional about growth.
Voters can entrust me with this position because I bring both proven results and proven leadership. I am a retired U.S. Army Colonel who served in multiple deployments and led complex logistics, engineering, and planning efforts around the world. I now apply that same discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving ability to local government—always with transparency, accountability, and collaboration at the forefront.
In addition to my Council service, I’m deeply involved in our community as District Chair for Scouting America, mentoring youth, and supporting small businesses. I believe leadership is about listening, finding common ground, and moving forward together.
The bottom line: Holly Springs is on the right path, but there is more work to do. With your support, I’ll continue fighting for safe roads, responsible growth, strong public safety, and a vibrant community that we can all be proud to call home.
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.
Holly Springs is a thriving community, but with that growth comes real challenges. My top three priorities are infrastructure and traffic, balanced growth, and public safety.
1. Infrastructure & Traffic: Congestion is the number one concern I hear from residents. That’s why I fought for and helped secure $236 million in state funding—the largest package in town history—to improve NC-55, Holly Springs Road, Avent Ferry, and modernize our traffic signals. Going forward, we must ensure these projects stay on track, expand sidewalks and greenways for safer alternatives, and partner regionally on micro-transit and future transit connections.
2. Balanced Growth & Economic Vitality: Growth must be smart and sustainable. I’ve pushed for policies that tie development approvals to infrastructure capacity and hold developers accountable through fees and impact contributions. Only about 20% of development proposals are approved, and those are the ones that bring clear community benefit. At the same time, we must keep diversifying our tax base—supporting life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and small businesses—so the burden doesn’t fall only on homeowners.
3. Public Safety: As Holly Springs grows, keeping our community safe must remain a top priority. Our Police Department has reduced crime through data-driven strategies and strong community engagement, and our Fire Department is planning new stations to keep response times low. I support continued investment in staffing, training, and facilities to ensure Holly Springs remains one of the safest towns in North Carolina.
The bottom line is this: we cannot stop growth, but we can shape it. By focusing on infrastructure, balanced growth, and public safety, we can protect our small-town character while building a sustainable future for families and businesses.
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.
The most important thing the Town Council has done in the past year is securing historic state infrastructure funding—$236 million—to improve our roads and intersections. This package is the largest in Holly Springs’ history and will directly address congestion on NC-55, Holly Springs Road, and Avent Ferry, while also funding real-time traffic signal upgrades. Residents have been asking for real mobility solutions, and these investments will make a tangible difference in safety and travel times for years to come.
Another success has been advancing parks and recreation investments, such as moving forward with Eagles Landing Park and beginning planning for enhancements at Ting Park and Mims Park. These projects expand recreational opportunities while strengthening Holly Springs’ sense of community.
As for a decision I think we could have handled differently, I believe the town can improve the way it communicates with residents about development approvals. While only about 20% of proposals are approved, the public often feels like growth is happening unchecked. That tells me we need more transparency—not just in explaining decisions after the fact, but in engaging residents earlier in the process.
In short, the Council has delivered transformational wins in infrastructure and recreation, but we must keep working to bridge the gap between growth decisions and public understanding. Doing so will strengthen trust and ensure residents know their voices truly shape the future of Holly Springs.
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 our responsibility at the local level is to ensure that every resident feels safe, respected, and welcome—regardless of their background or where they were born. The Town Council does not set federal immigration policy, but we can shape the culture and practices of our community.
First, our police department will follow state law as always. When families feel safe reporting crimes, engaging with officers, or participating in community events, the entire town is safer.
Second, the Council can continue supporting non-discrimination policies and resolutions that affirm our values. In 2023, I proudly signed Holly Springs’ Non-Discrimination Resolution, making clear that we reject discrimination in all forms and that inclusivity is part of our town’s identity.
Finally, we must keep building a welcoming community through actions—supporting cultural events, expanding language access in town services, and making sure our parks, schools, and programs are accessible to all families. These steps don’t involve federal politics—they are about local leadership and ensuring that Holly Springs remains a place where every family can thrive.
The bottom line is this: national immigration policy may be outside our control, but here in Holly Springs we can control how we treat one another. I believe in fostering a community rooted in respect, welcoming all, and fairness, so that every resident knows they belong.
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?
Climate resilience is not an abstract issue for Holly Springs—it’s a practical one. With heavier rains and rapid growth, managing stormwater and preventing flooding must remain a top priority.
First, we need to keep investing in stormwater infrastructure. Holly Springs has already developed long-range master plans for water, sewer, reclaimed, and stormwater systems, and we must follow through with upgrades, expansions, and maintenance that keep our systems resilient as growth continues.
Second, development must be tied to responsible land use and design standards. That means requiring developers to use modern stormwater controls, protect natural buffers, and design with downstream impacts in mind. Growth cannot come at the expense of flooding risk for existing neighborhoods.
Third, we should take advantage of regional partnerships and state/federal grants to strengthen resilience. Flooding and stormwater don’t stop at town borders, so collaboration with Wake County, Triangle J Council of Governments, and NCDOT is essential.
Finally, resilience means sustainability. As a town, we are already pursuing initiatives like reducing facility energy consumption, and expanding our greenway network, which also serves as natural stormwater management. These steps help us meet immediate needs while preparing for long-term climate impacts.
The bottom line: flooding is preventable if we plan ahead. By investing in infrastructure, holding developers accountable, and strengthening regional partnerships, Holly Springs can protect families, businesses, and neighborhoods from the growing risks of climate change.
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?
iscal responsibility has been a cornerstone of my work on Town Council. When outside funding is reduced, the key is to prioritize, diversify, and protect residents from unnecessary tax burdens.
First, we must prioritize core services: public safety, infrastructure, and utilities. These are essential to maintaining quality of life and protecting residents. Other projects—while valuable—must be phased or delayed if funding isn’t secure.
Second, Holly Springs must continue strengthening a balanced tax base. Right now, too much of our revenue comes from homeowners. By recruiting life sciences, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and small businesses, we shift toward a healthier mix of commercial and residential revenue, which reduces pressure on property taxes.
Third, growth must pay for growth. Through development fees and impact contributions, new projects should cover their share of water, sewer, parks, and transportation needs, so existing taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill.
Fourth, we need to aggressively pursue state, regional, and private funding partnerships. Even as federal dollars shrink, there are still competitive grants and cooperative projects available—we must remain proactive and creative in securing them.
Finally, transparency and accountability are critical. Residents deserve to know how dollars are being spent and why certain projects are prioritized. Open, data-driven budgeting builds trust, even in tough years.
The bottom line: Holly Springs can weather funding challenges by focusing on essentials, diversifying revenue, holding developers accountable, and pursuing partnerships. That approach keeps taxes low, services strong, and our town financially stable.
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?
To me, sustainable growth and development mean shaping Holly Springs in a way that protects our small-town character, ensures infrastructure keeps pace, and creates long-term stability for families and businesses. Sustainable growth is not about stopping development—it’s about making it responsible, balanced, and community-focused.
That means requiring new projects to contribute to the cost of roads, water, sewer, and parks so existing taxpayers aren’t overburdened. It means protecting green space, expanding our tree canopy, and using thoughtful design standards to make new neighborhoods and commercial areas feel connected, safe, and walkable. It also means diversifying housing options so that seniors, young professionals, and families at different stages of life can all find a place in Holly Springs.
Another part of sustainability is building a strong tax base. By attracting life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and supporting small businesses, we reduce reliance on homeowners and create a healthier financial foundation.
As for an example, I often look to Cary. Over decades, Cary has set high standards for development—tying growth to infrastructure, investing in greenways and parks, and creating walkable mixed-use destinations like Fenton. Not every decision they’ve made fits Holly Springs, but their commitment to planning ahead, requiring quality design, and protecting natural assets is something we can emulate as we shape our own future.
The bottom line: sustainable growth in Holly Springs means being selective and intentional—choosing projects that enhance our community, strengthen our economy, and ensure we’re building a town our children will be proud to call home.
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.
I strongly support the principle of non-discrimination—every resident of Holly Springs deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. That’s why, in 2023, I proudly voted for and signed the Holly Springs Non-Discrimination Resolution, which affirms our commitment to inclusion and fairness.
That resolution reflects our community’s values without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. The county ordinance has generated over 100 complaints across Wake County, but the majority were dismissed for being outside its jurisdiction or not fitting its scope—and none have come from Holly Springs. To me, that shows our town is already fostering a culture of fairness and respect without relying on a duplicative complaint-driven process.
The ordinance, as written, has proven confusing and burdensome without delivering meaningful results. I believe the better path for Holly Springs is to continue building on our resolution—through community engagement, accessible services, and a culture that rejects discrimination in all forms. This keeps our focus on values and accountability while avoiding layers of regulation that don’t actually solve the problem.
I do not believe adopting it is the best fit for Holly Springs. Our resolution, coupled with local leadership and community values, is a stronger, more effective way to ensure every resident knows they are welcome here.
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 strategy should focus on balance—continuing to grow our life sciences and advanced manufacturing base while also investing in small businesses and a vibrant downtown.
On the large-scale side, our investments in the life sciences and biotech corridor have paid off with major employers like Fujifilm and Seqirus. These companies bring high-paying jobs and strengthen our tax base, reducing the burden on homeowners. My goal is to keep building that ecosystem by recruiting complementary industries, improving infrastructure, and ensuring workforce readiness through partnerships with schools and regional organizations.
At the same time, we must continue supporting small businesses, which give Holly Springs its character and keep more dollars circulating locally. That means streamlining permitting, reducing red tape, and expanding town programs that help entrepreneurs grow and connect with larger employers.
Downtown is where these priorities come together. My vision is for a vibrant, walkable destination—with local restaurants, shops, cultural events, and public gathering spaces that bring residents and visitors together. Projects like the festival street on Avent Ferry Road, a permanent farmers market, and Mims Park improvements are critical to creating that sense of place. Streetscapes, signage, and creative parking solutions will also be needed to support growth while maintaining accessibility.
To achieve these goals, Holly Springs must continue leveraging public-private partnerships and grants to fund improvements, hold developers accountable for high design standards, and curate businesses that fit our community’s identity.
The bottom line: strong economic development means diversifying our tax base, creating good jobs, and building a downtown that is the cultural and social heart of Holly Springs.
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?
As the only Councilmember to grow up in “affordable housing”, this is a personal topic for me. The issue is not a campaign issue, I have lived it.
The growth of life science employers in Holly Springs is a tremendous opportunity—but it also creates pressure on our housing market. We must plan carefully to provide housing that meets the needs of workers across all income levels, while protecting taxpayers and the character of our town.
First, Holly Springs needs a balanced mix of housing types. That includes single-family homes, townhomes, and carefully located multi-family units—particularly near transportation corridors and job centers. This diversity ensures that young professionals, families, and seniors can all find a place here.
Second, we must be realistic about what the town can and cannot afford. Large-scale subsidized housing projects would require significant local funding, which today would either raise taxes or reduce essential services. That’s why I believe the best path is partnerships—working with Wake County, state agencies, nonprofits, and private developers who specialize in affordable housing – Holly Springs cannot afford it. Together, we can pursue projects that meet workforce needs without putting the burden solely on Holly Springs taxpayers. We approved a project in 2022 that is still not built due to regulatory issues and funding.
Third, we should continue developing clear standards for workforce housing tied to Area Median Income (AMI), as outlined in our strategic plan. Having this framework in place means that when opportunities arise, we can act responsibly and consistently.
Finally, housing must be tied to infrastructure capacity. Roads, schools, water, and sewer must be able to support new growth before projects move forward.
In short, Holly Springs should pursue a thoughtful, partnership-driven approach to workforce housing—one that balances the needs of our growing economy with the responsibility we have to residents today.
11) If there are other issues you want to discuss, please do so here.
addition to traffic, growth management, public safety, and economic development, there are several other priorities I believe are essential for Holly Springs over the next four years.
First is parks and recreation. We are completing Eagles Landing Park, our first major park west of NC-55, and planning future enhancements at Ting Park and Mims Park. These investments expand opportunities for families while strengthening our sense of community. Expanding our greenway network to better connect neighborhoods, schools, and downtown will also remain a priority.
Second is fiscal responsibility. As federal and state funding sources shift, Holly Springs must continue careful financial stewardship. That means holding developers accountable for their fair share of infrastructure, diversifying our tax base through business recruitment, and keeping property taxes low while maintaining high-quality services.
Third is environmental resilience. With more intense storms and heavier rainfall, we must continue investing in stormwater infrastructure, responsible land-use planning, and sustainability efforts that protect both residents and natural resources.
Finally, I want to emphasize civic unity and inclusivity. In 2023, I proudly signed Holly Springs’ Non-Discrimination Resolution because I believe every resident should feel welcome here. My approach to leadership is about overcoming division, keeping national politics out of local government, and ensuring that Town Council works together with transparency and respect.
The bottom line is this: Holly Springs is growing, but growth should never come at the expense of our character, our quality of life, or our fiscal stability. With thoughtful planning and a continued commitment to service, I believe our best days as a community are still ahead.
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