Full name: Satish Garimella 

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: satishformorrisville.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 mayor?

Morrisville deserves a leader who works with the people—not above them. For too long, we’ve had leadership that talks down to council members, struggles to bring consensus at council meetings, and takes the easy way out by advocating for raising taxes instead of doing the hard work of finding real solutions.

I’m running to change that. For 22 years, I’ve been an active member of this community. I’ve seen Morrisville grow into a diverse, thriving town, but I also know we face challenges—especially in transportation. For nearly a decade, transportation has been the number one concern in every community survey. Yet, projects that were approved before our current mayor took office, still have not been completed. Why? Failed advocacy and leadership from our mayor at the regional level. As your mayor, I will be the transportation advocate Morrisville deserves, fighting to get those projects completed so we can finally relieve congestion and keep our town moving forward.
We must make sure this is a place where our kids’ teachers, firefighters, and young professionals can afford to live and raise their families. Ensure seniors can retire here with dignity. Balance growth with affordability, so we remain competitive with our neighboring cities while protecting the small-town charm we all love.

Local government should work for the people. My professional background gives me the experience to build upon existing partnerships at the county, state, and federal level to secure grants and keep your taxes balanced with our needs while maintaining the essential services that make Morrisville a wonderful place to live.

My vision is a Morrisville where my son can afford to return to after college and start his career. Where my neighbors can afford to retire. A Morrisville that remains a hub for innovation, while never losing sight of the people who make this town special.

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

My first priorities are traffic and infrastructure. Traffic is the number one issue Morrisville residents raise year after year. Projects that should already be complete—like the McCrimmon and Aviation Parkway widening—remain delayed. As mayor, I will be the strong advocate Morrisville needs at Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), NCDOT, and regional boards. I’ll fight to accelerate road projects, improve transit connections, and invest in sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways so residents have real choices to get around safely and efficiently.

Secondly, we have to address smart budgeting and fiscal responsibility. Morrisville deserves responsible leadership that funds priorities without overburdening families. In recent years, we’ve seen property tax increases while key projects remain stalled. My approach is simple: use my proven experience in technology and partnerships to secure grants, leverage regional and federal dollars, and stretch every tax dollar further. That means keeping our tax rate stable while still investing in public safety, housing, and infrastructure.

The other most essential piece of Morrisville’s identity is its premium quality of life. People choose Morrisville because of its parks, diversity, safety, and small-town charm. Growth is inevitable—but it must be managed. I’ll ensure new development balances affordability with open space, expand our parks network with projects like Marcom Park, and continue strengthening police and fire services, including regional partnerships like Cary Apex Morrisville (CAM) emergency response collaboration, to keep Morrisville one of the safest towns in the state. My vision is a Morrisville where growth doesn’t come at the cost of community, and where every resident—from young professionals to retirees—can thrive.

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

Best Decision:
The most important thing the Morrisville Town Council has done in the past year is updating the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to allow advanced manufacturing and light industrial uses in the McCrimmon Extension / Airport Overlay area. This change positions Morrisville to attract billions of dollars in investment and high-quality jobs in biotech, clean energy, and advanced industries. It’s a forward-looking step that strengthens our tax base and ensures Morrisville remains competitive. In addition, Council advanced parks and open space investments—like Marcom Park—that protect our quality of life even as we grow. Together, these moves show how smart planning can deliver both economic growth and community benefits.

Handled Differently:
One decision I believe the Town could have handled better was the lack of urgency and advocacy around regional transportation projects. For years, congestion has been Morrisville’s top concern, yet key projects like the NC-54 widening remain delayed. Instead of forceful, consistent advocacy at the regional level, leadership has been reactive. As mayor, I would take a proactive approach—building coalitions, holding agencies accountable, and ensuring Morrisville’s voice is heard so that critical infrastructure projects are delivered on time. In addition, I am concerned by the current mayor’s lack of transparency in sharing information about these decisions with the Council, which would allow us to be even stronger advocates for the town. I pledge to make council members aware of any and all decisions in order to make us all even more effective advocates.

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?

Morrisville is one of the most diverse towns in North Carolina, and that diversity is our strength. Families from all over the world have chosen to make Morrisville their home because it is safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. As a council, our responsibility is to preserve that character—no matter what national or state-level policies may be debated.

While the federal government controls immigration enforcement, local leaders can—and should—make clear that our priority is public safety, not politics. That means ensuring residents feel safe reporting crimes, calling 911, or seeking town services without fear that doing so will put their family at risk. When neighbors trust local government, everyone benefits: crimes are reported, families get help when they need it, and our community remains strong.

The Town Council should also continue investing in policies and programs that make Morrisville welcoming: supporting language access for town services, expanding multicultural programming, and working with schools, nonprofits, and faith organizations to build bridges across communities.

At the same time, we must speak up when state or federal policies threaten to undermine the values of inclusion and fairness that define Morrisville. Our role is to advocate for residents, and I will always be a voice for a town that says clearly: you belong here.

In short, our focus should be on keeping Morrisville a safe, welcoming community where everyone—no matter where they come from—can live, work, and raise their families with dignity.

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 isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. As we’ve seen across the Triangle this summer, heavier rainfall and inland flooding are becoming more frequent and more damaging. Morrisville must prepare, not react.

First, we need to invest in stronger stormwater infrastructure—larger culverts, upgraded drainage systems, and green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable surfaces that naturally absorb water. These investments prevent flooding before it starts.

Second, we should tie resilience to development. Every rezoning and site plan should include robust stormwater management requirements—protecting wetlands, preserving natural buffers, and ensuring developers contribute to flood mitigation rather than shifting the burden onto taxpayers later.

Third, Morrisville must collaborate regionally. Flooding doesn’t stop at town borders. By working with Wake County, neighboring towns, and Central Pines Council of Governments, we can secure federal and state resilience grants that stretch local tax dollars further.

Finally, this is also about protecting our quality of life. By expanding open space, preserving greenways, and investing in parks, we’re not just creating amenities—we’re also building natural flood buffers that save homes and businesses in the long run.
As mayor, I will make climate resilience a core part of our planning, so Morrisville is prepared for the storms ahead while staying a safe, thriving community for families and businesses.

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 made the choices for local governments harder, but they also highlight why strong leadership and smart priorities matter.

First, we must advocate aggressively for Morrisville. Many of the largest funding decisions are made at the regional level—through CAMPO and state agencies. Morrisville has historically lost out because we didn’t have a consistent, effective voice at the table. As mayor, I will ensure our town’s needs are prioritized so we secure our fair share of transportation and infrastructure dollars.

Second, we need to maximize partnerships. Local government doesn’t have to do everything alone. When I worked with Wake County to secure 44 acres at Marcom Park for just $1 a year, that was a $22 million win for taxpayers without a tax hike. Public-private partnerships, county cooperation, and regional grants can all help close funding gaps.

Third, we must require development to pay its fair share. When new projects come forward, they should contribute to roads, green space, and affordable housing. That ensures growth supports the community instead of straining it.

Finally, we need to protect residents directly by supporting affordability—whether through housing assistance, senior tax relief, or smart budgeting that avoids tax increases when possible. Every decision should be made with families and small businesses in mind.

In short: prioritize advocacy, partnerships, and smart growth so Morrisville continues to thrive—even when funding is tight.

7) Describe what sustainable growth and development mean to you in the context of Morrisville’s population growth and the plans for a new town center. Additionally, what is another municipality you believe has made smart decisions related to growth and development that could be similarly implemented in Morrisville?

Sustainable growth in Morrisville means balance. We are one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina, and growth is inevitable—but how we grow is a choice. To me, sustainable growth means ensuring that as we welcome new residents and businesses, we also preserve green space, protect existing neighborhoods, and invest in the infrastructure that keeps Morrisville livable.

The planned Town Center is a perfect example. With private partners providing the economic investment, the Town can leverage those dollars alongside its own to create a true community hub. Done right, the project can deliver a walkable, connected, and vibrant center—featuring housing, retail, and public spaces—while Morrisville itself remains focused on ensuring the public amenities, greenways, and transportation improvements that make it enhance quality of life rather than add congestion or costs.
Sustainability also means affordability. Growth should create opportunities for teachers, first responders, young professionals, and seniors—not push them out. That’s why I have consistently tied development approvals to public benefits like affordable housing, open space, and infrastructure contributions.

When I think about models we can learn from, Cary’s Downtown and Bond Park planning stands out. Cary combined smart investment in a revitalized downtown with long-term commitments to green space and recreation, creating a balance of economic vitality and quality of life. That’s the kind of approach Morrisville can adapt—leveraging development to fund amenities, protecting open space, and ensuring our Town Center is not just a development, but a community hub.

In short, sustainable growth means building a Morrisville that is competitive and innovative—while still preserving the small-town character and community values that brought so many of us here.

8) As with most places in the Triangle, Morrisville is grappling with issues related to affordable housing. How would you like to see the town approach affordability issues over the next few years? 

Affordable housing needs are a significant concern in Morrisville. Our town’s median household income is about $120,000, while the median home price has soared past $700,000. Financial advisors recommend that a home cost no more than three times your annual income—which means almost no one currently living in Morrisville can afford to buy here today. That’s a serious problem for teachers, firefighters, young professionals, and even seniors who helped build this community.

Over the next few years, I believe Morrisville must take a multi-pronged approach to affordability:

Expand housing options. We must move beyond the mindset that only single-family homes are “worth having.” Approving a mix of townhomes, ADUs, duplexes, and workforce apartments will create real choices for families, young professionals, and retirees.

Tie development to affordability. Every rezoning or major project should deliver affordable or workforce housing—not just luxury units. We’ve already shown this can be done: recent rezonings brought 78 affordable units at 80% AMI at no cost to the town. I supported these projects. The current mayor opposed every single one.

Protect renters and seniors. Affordability isn’t just about ownership. We need rental and deposit assistance for families struggling to stay, and targeted property tax relief so seniors on fixed incomes aren’t forced out of the homes they’ve lived in for decades.

Balance growth with infrastructure. Affordable housing works best when paired with investments in transportation, schools, and parks—ensuring new growth strengthens the community instead of straining it.

At its core, affordability is about keeping Morrisville a place where everyone belongs. I want people who work in Morrisville to be able to live here, and for those already here to be able to stay. That requires deliberate, forward-looking choices—and the courage to say yes when it matters.

9) With its proximity to Durham, Cary, Raleigh, RTP, and RDU, connectivity and transportation are big issues in Morrisville. What should the town be doing to improve transportation and transit infrastructure, from getting road projects funded to investing in public transit projects?

Connectivity is Morrisville’s biggest challenge—and biggest opportunity. With Durham, Cary, Raleigh, RTP, and RDU on our borders, our town sits at the center of the Triangle. That makes transportation the issue I hear about most from residents, whether it’s traffic on NC-54, delays on major road projects, or the lack of reliable transit options.

To fix this, Morrisville needs leadership that’s proactive, not reactive:

First, fight for road funding. Too many of our priority projects—like the NC-54 widening—have been delayed for years because of weak advocacy at the regional level. The reality is: projects get built when leaders fight for them at CAMPO and NCDOT. As mayor, I will be Morrisville’s strongest transportation advocate, ensuring our roads get funded and built on time.

Second, invest in transit connectivity. With RDU and RTP next door, Morrisville is uniquely positioned to benefit from transit investments. We need to expand GoTriangle routes, ensure our Town Center includes a transit hub, and keep pushing for commuter rail and passenger rail access so residents have real alternatives to sitting in traffic.

Third, we need smarter local infrastructure. Within town, we must continue improving sidewalks, greenways, and bike lanes so people can safely get to schools, parks, and jobs without a car. Projects like the Louis Stephens sidewalk gap show how small investments make a big difference.

Fourth, we need a smart shuttle for residents. Morrisville’s free on-demand Smart Shuttle is a model of innovation—giving residents an easy, cost-free way to get to shops, schools, and transit connections without driving. Expanding and strengthening this program should be a priority, because it reduces congestion, helps families save money, and keeps Morrisville connected.

Fifth, we must tie growth to transportation. Every rezoning deal should include infrastructure contributions—whether it’s new turn lanes, traffic signals, or greenway connections—so development helps fix traffic instead of making it worse.

The bottom line: Morrisville can’t wait any longer. We need roads, transit, shuttles, and connectivity that match our growth. With the right advocacy and partnerships, we can deliver a transportation system that keeps Morrisville moving forward.

10) What kinds of amenities would you like to see in Morrisville’s new 25-acre town center project?

The new 25-acre Town Center is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Done right, it can become the beating heart of Morrisville—a place where families gather, businesses thrive, and our diversity is celebrated.

Here’s what I’d like to see:

Number one, a town green. A central park-style green with open lawns, shade trees, and water features—surrounded by cottage boutiques, cafés, and local shops. Families need a place to gather, stroll, and celebrate. Think of it as Morrisville’s “front porch.”

Number two, cultural, community, and senior spaces. An amphitheater for concerts and festivals, indoor community space for events, and a dedicated Senior Center where older residents can socialize, access programs, and stay active. These amenities reflect Morrisville’s diversity and inclusiveness—serving every generation.

Number three, dining, retail, and local businesses. Restaurants, cafés, and shops that showcase local entrepreneurs—not just chains. This makes Town Center a true destination.

Number four, walkability and connectivity. Wide sidewalks, bike lanes, greenway connections, and safe crossings that tie Town Center into neighborhoods and transit options like the Smart Shuttle.

Number five, affordable and workforce housing. Housing in Town Center must be accessible to teachers, young professionals, and seniors—not just luxury units. If we want a thriving center, the people who work here should be able to live here.

Number six, innovation and sustainability. EV charging, solar-powered lighting, and green design that shows Morrisville is serious about its future.

The vision isn’t just buildings—it’s about creating a true community hub with a welcoming Town Green and cottage boutiques at its heart. If we get it right, Town Center will be the place that defines Morrisville for decades to come.

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

Beyond transportation, affordability, and growth, there are three additional issues I believe are critical for Morrisville’s future:

First is public safety. Morrisville is one of the safest communities in the state, thanks to our outstanding police, fire, and EMS teams. But we cannot take that for granted. I strongly support the CAM (Cary–Apex–Morrisville) Fire partnership that ensures coverage across overlapping jurisdictions, and I am proud that our Fire Department is ISO 9001 certified—a rare distinction. I also worked to move our 911 dispatch from Raleigh to Cary, cutting 1–2 minutes off emergency response times. Those minutes save lives.

Secondly, parks and open space. I’ve worked tirelessly to expand green space in Morrisville—helping secure nearly 94 acres valued at $47 million for less than $9 million in town spending. That includes bringing back Church Street Park, securing Marcom Park’s 20 plus acre lake for $1/year, and creating the Dog Park. My vision is for Marcom Park to become Morrisville’s version of Bond Park in Cary, with paddle boating, trails, and recreation that serves families for generations.

Third is economic development. Last year, we updated our UDO to allow advanced manufacturing and light industrial in the Airport Overlay/McCrimmon extension area. This positions Morrisville to attract billions in investment and thousands of jobs in biotech and technology. But we must also protect our small businesses, ensuring Town Center includes cottage boutiques, local dining, and cultural spaces so entrepreneurs thrive.

These issues—public safety, parks, and economic growth—connect back to one principle: a high quality of life for everyone. I believe leadership isn’t about slogans, but about delivering results, building partnerships, and always putting residents first.

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