Full name: TJ Cawley
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: mayortj.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?
I’m running for re-election as Mayor of Morrisville to continue guiding our town’s progress with proven, trusted leadership. For the past twelve years—four on Council and the last eight as Mayor—I’ve worked full-time to ensure Morrisville grows responsibly, protects our quality of life, and remains one of the best places to live and raise a family in North Carolina.
Under my leadership, we’ve delivered on promises: opening our first dog park, expanding greenways and recreation amenities, improving transportation networks, launching the Smart Shuttle, and breaking ground on the long-awaited Town Center.
We’ve adopted sustainability and language access plans, enhanced public safety staffing, and passed a nondiscrimination ordinance that reflects our inclusive values by ensuring every resident, employee, and visitor is treated fairly—protecting people from discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or national origin. It codifies what we already believe: everyone belongs in Morrisville.
I believe effective leadership means listening, collaborating, and following through. I’ve built strong relationships with regional partners, state agencies, and local businesses—ensuring that Morrisville receives its fair share of funding and attention.
My background in finance, banking, and business helps me understand complex infrastructure and development challenges, while my community involvement keeps me grounded in what matters most to residents.
Morrisville’s next chapter requires steady hands and a clear vision. With two new council members joining soon, maintaining momentum on key projects—from intersection improvements to new parks and sustainability initiatives—will be essential.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but there’s more to do. With your support, I’ll continue serving full-time to ensure Morrisville grows smartly, safely, and sustainably—so we can all continue to Live Connected and Live Well.
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.
Morrisville’s greatest challenges are the same issues our residents talk with me about every day: managing growth responsibly, addressing traffic congestion, and ensuring our public safety departments remain among the very best in North Carolina.
First, managing growth responsibly means maintaining the balance that makes Morrisville special. We must protect our neighborhoods, natural areas, and quality of life while allowing thoughtful development that fits within our infrastructure and community goals. I’ve consistently voted to limit unnecessary up-zoning and to require developments to contribute to needed road and park improvements. I’ll continue to insist that growth pays for itself and reflects our residents’ vision.
Second, transportation and traffic are top concerns for everyone. As Morrisville’s longtime representative on the CAMPO Executive Board, I’ve successfully advanced millions of dollars in state and regional funding for road and intersection improvements, greenways, and transit options like our free Smart Shuttle—and I’ve made sure that Morrisville’s passenger rail station remains part of future plans. My priority is to keep those projects on track and secure even more investment to reduce congestion and improve connectivity.
Third, public safety must always come first. Our residents deserve to know that when they call 911, help is on the way—quickly and professionally. I’ve worked to fully fund police and fire staffing and to modernize equipment, stations, and training to meet our growing community’s needs. In fact, we recently opened a new state-of-the-art fire station.
All three of our public safety departments—Police, Fire, and Public Works—are nationally accredited, meaning we are continuously improving and implementing best practices to serve our residents efficiently and effectively. Our Parks and Recreation Department is accredited as well, reflecting our commitment to excellence in every part of town government.
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.
The most important thing our Town Council accomplished this past year was breaking ground on the Morrisville Town Center — a project years in the making that will finally give our community a true downtown gathering space. Town Center represents everything that makes Morrisville special: thoughtful planning, public-private partnership, and a vision for a connected, walkable community. When completed, it will feature shops, restaurants, housing, green space, and a central green that will host concerts and festivals — a place where our community can come together.
Another key achievement was expanding our parks and recreation system. We have new amenities at Church Street Park, our first dog park, and the southern portion that includes sand volleyball, basketball, and multipurpose courts, enhancing quality of life.
As for what I wish we had handled differently, I believe we could have communicated more proactively and clearly with residents about growth and transportation projects.
While we’ve made significant progress on intersection improvements and future road widenings, residents sometimes only see construction delays without understanding the long-term benefits. I’ve since worked to improve transparency — using our town newsletters, social media, and public meetings to help residents understand timelines, funding sources, and how these projects fit into our overall mobility strategy.
Progress takes patience, but communication builds trust. As Mayor, I’ll continue ensuring that our residents are informed, involved, and proud of how their town grows and invests for the future.
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 greatest strength. People from all over the world have chosen to make Morrisville their home — to raise families, start businesses, and contribute to our shared success. As Mayor, I’ve always believed our responsibility is first and foremost to the safety, well-being, and trust of our residents.
When national or state policies create fear and uncertainty, our local government must lead by example. We can’t control federal immigration actions, but we can ensure that our town services, public safety, and communications remain open, transparent, and welcoming to everyone. That means making sure all residents know they can safely call 911, attend community meetings, and access programs without fear of discrimination or reprisal.
We’ve already taken concrete steps toward that goal — passing a non-discrimination ordinance, implementing a language access plan, and providing consistent community outreach through police, fire, and parks programming. These actions affirm that Morrisville government serves everyone who lives here.
I will continue to ensure our communications clearly convey that we put our residents and their well-being first. We work for them — not for Washington or Raleigh politics. Our officers and staff are here to protect and support, not to intimidate.
By continuing to engage directly with residents, faith leaders, and cultural organizations, we can strengthen trust and ensure that every person in Morrisville — regardless of where they were born — feels valued, respected, and safe.
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 one of the defining challenges of our time, and it’s something I’ve made a top priority as Mayor. Morrisville already has a robust Hazard Mitigation Plan that guides our response and preparedness for flooding, storms, and other emergencies. I’ve personally served for over a decade as a member of our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), helping train and prepare residents so our entire community can respond quickly and safely when disaster strikes.
Under my leadership, the Town Council added a seventh pillar to our Strategic Plan—Resilience—to ensure we are not only reacting to emergencies but planning and investing to prevent them. That means strengthening stormwater infrastructure, protecting natural buffers and tree canopy, and ensuring that new development meets modern floodplain and sustainability standards.
I’m proud to have earned the Sierra Club’s endorsement for my commitment to environmental leadership and science-based decision-making. I will continue to advocate for more staff dedicated sustainability to help reduce our carbon footprint and support residents and businesses in doing the sam—through green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and public education programs.
As rainfall events become more intense, our focus must be on smart, data driven investments: upgrading culverts and drainage systems, restoring stream corridors, and expanding permeable surfaces to manage stormwater naturally.
By combining sound engineering, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, we can make Morrisville stronger, safer, and more sustainable. Climate resilience is not just about managing risk—it’s about protecting the health, homes, and future of every resident.
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?
As Mayor, I stay in constant communication with our professional staff about how federal funding changes and shutdowns affect Morrisville’s operations and residents.
When the recent federal shutdown began, staff promptly reported to Council that there were no immediate financial impacts to the Town, we are closely monitoring programs like E-Verify, which temporarily slowed our hiring process, and grants from Governor’s Highway Safety Program and COPS Office, which support traffic safety and our domestic violence detective. This proactive communication helps us respond quickly and effectively.
Our approach to any funding instability is rooted in responsible planning and resilience.
We maintain healthy fund balances, conservative budgeting practices, and a strong focus on essential services — especially public safety, infrastructure, and community well-being. If federal or state resources are disrupted, we assess needs based on core priorities: protecting residents, maintaining daily operations, and continuing long-term capital projects that have already been promised.
To close potential funding gaps, we pursue regional partnerships and competitive grants at the state and federal levels, leveraging our three AAA bond ratings to manage capital financing responsibly. I’ve also visited our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. on multiple occasions, advocating alongside fellow National League of Cities members and building relationships that have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to Morrisville.
Our current governor, Josh Stein, who swore me in as a council member in 2013, is among the many leaders I’ve worked with at every level of government.
For residents directly affected by federal or economic disruptions, our Community Resources Portal connects families with housing, food, employment, and utility assistance. Through clear communication, responsible budgeting, and collaboration, we’ll keep Morrisville financially strong, resilient, and compassionate — no matter what happens in Washington.
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?
To me, sustainable growth means balancing progress with preservation—ensuring that as Morrisville continues to grow, we protect the quality of life that makes our town special. Sustainable development must be intentional, data-driven, and aligned with the capacity of our infrastructure, schools, and public safety services.
We worked hard as a council to adopt a comprehensive Land Use Plan that charts a sustainable future for our residents. It included many compromises and more density than I personally felt was ideal, but we reached consensus to move the town forward.
Since then, I’ve consistently opposed additional apartment projects beyond what that plan allows, because each one adds strain to our infrastructure and impacts traffic, parks, and public services.
My focus as Mayor is on economic balance and revitalization—encouraging new businesses, repurposing older commercial areas, and strengthening our tax base. Over the past eight years, we’ve seen major redevelopment and reinvestment that have expanded our commercial tax base, helping to keep residential property taxes low while supporting local jobs and services.
Our new Town Center will further this vision by attracting investment, supporting small businesses, and creating a true downtown for our residents to gather, shop, and connect. I’ll continue working closely with the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club to help businesses thrive.
I admire Cary’s success in redeveloping older commercial corridors and incorporating green infrastructure, but unlike Cary, I do not believe Morrisville needs to approve additional apartments to make that model work. Our focus should remain on revitalizing what we already have—creating sustainable, connected growth without sacrificing the character or livability of our community.
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 is one of the most important and complex challenges facing our region. Morrisville is a highly desirable place to live, but that success has brought rising costs that can price out working families, young professionals, and even long-term residents.
Wake County developed a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan several years ago to help all twelve municipalities—including Morrisville—address these challenges. As a Town Council, we have engaged the same consultant twice more to guide us toward actionable solutions, and while we came close to approving meaningful policies, some members, including my opponent, failed to support the necessary investments to implement those recommendations.
Despite that, we have made important progress. This year, Council reached consensus to launch a rental assistance program to help residents facing housing instability. It’s a good first step, but we must do more. I believe that with a more forward-thinking Council after this election, we can build stronger partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Wake County’s Department of Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization (HACR), and regional advocates such as the North Carolina Housing Coalition. Together, we can expand home ownership opportunities and preserve attainable housing options.
I have also been a consistent supporter of down payment assistance programs, which help residents move from renting to owning — a key to long-term stability and generational wealth. Unfortunately, my opponent has not supported those initiatives.
Affordable housing solutions must be practical, data-driven, and rooted in local values. With the right leadership and partnerships, Morrisville can ensure that those who make our community thrive can also afford to call it home.
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?
Transportation and connectivity are at the heart of Morrisville’s success and quality of life. Our residents experience daily the impact of regional growth, and addressing mobility challenges requires strong leadership, collaboration, and persistence.
Our professional town staff does outstanding foundational work — developing, vetting, and coordinating transportation plans in partnership with neighboring municipalities and regional agencies. These plans are brought forward to the Executive Board of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), where I have proudly served as Morrisville’s appointed representative for the past eight years, reappointed unanimously by our Council every two years.
Through this collaboration, Morrisville has secured millions of dollars in external funding for intersection improvements, roadway expansions, sidewalks, and greenway connections. These investments make our community safer, more accessible, and better connected to the region.
When federal funding uncertainty threatened the commuter rail project, I worked closely with staff and council colleagues to ensure that Morrisville’s passenger rail station remained in the long-term plans. Our collective advocacy succeeded — the Morrisville station is included in current planning, preserving this vital opportunity for the future.
Looking ahead, I will continue to champion investments in passenger rail, expanded transit options, and innovative mobility programs. Our free Smart Shuttle is already improving local access and reducing congestion, and I support expanding that service as our population grows.
By combining data-driven planning, regional partnerships, and responsible funding strategies, we can keep Morrisville moving forward so all our residents can truly Live Connected and Live Well.
10) What kinds of amenities would you like to see in Morrisville’s new 25-acre town center project?
Our new Town Center is one of the most exciting projects in Morrisville’s history — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the true heart of our community. Phase 1 and 1A include our Town Green with an amphitheater, cottage retail, and the return of our Farmers Market, all surrounded by walkable, tree-lined streets. This space will host many of our annual community events, from cultural festivals to movies on the green, and I want to see programming every single day — even if it’s just a pop-up playground or local music during the week, and headliner concerts or outdoor films on Fridays and Saturdays.
I hope to attract locally owned, non-chain retailers that reflect our town’s diverse spirit and entrepreneurial energy — a sandwich shop, an ice cream or dessert café, a board game or toy store, a coffee roastery, or an artisan bakery. These kinds of unique, community-focused businesses will help our Town Center feel authentic, vibrant, and connected.
Just last week, I spoke with the CEO of Marbles Kids Museum about expanding into Morrisville, and I’m excited to continue those discussions as we explore partnerships that bring family-friendly learning and play to our downtown.
Future phases will include a tree-lined main street with retail on both sides and apartments above, as well as a community center with indoor basketball courts, flexible rooms for education, teen and senior programming, and multipurpose meeting spaces.
A successful Town Center blends commerce, culture, and connection. With art installations, shaded plazas, bike and pedestrian access, and year-round programming, we can create a lively, inclusive gathering space that reflects Morrisville’s values.
11) If there are other issues you want to discuss, please do so here.
I am deeply enmeshed in the fabric of our community. As a full-time mayor, I spend my days and evenings engaging directly with the people of Morrisville — at Chamber of Commerce events, Rotary meetings, CERT trainings, Wake County Community Advocacy Committee meetings, town events, on our greenways, at ribbon cuttings, and lately, at residents’ front doors. My favorite question is: “What is most important to you and your family for the future here in Morrisville?” And my four favorite words are always: “How can I help?”
It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your mayor for the past eight years, and I’m asking for your support to continue that service for another four. Together, we’ll open Morrisville’s first middle school and second high school, complete the McCrimmon Parkway bridge over NC 54 and the railroad, and bring to life our new Town Center—a vibrant downtown for all.
Our accomplishments over the past eight years have outpaced the prior two decades, made possible by collaboration, commitment, and steady leadership—qualities my opponents simply do not possess. With two new council members joining our seven-member team this December, we can’t risk instability or inexperience at the top. Elevating a part-time, untested candidate to mayor would create unnecessary disruption, gridlock, and inefficiency at a critical time for our town’s future.
When COVID struck, I stepped forward as President of the Wake County Mayors Association, guiding all twelve municipalities through an unprecedented crisis — coordinating public health messaging, sharing resources, and ensuring our communities stayed safe and connected. That experience proved that leadership matters most when times are hardest.
The choice is clear: Vote for proven, trusted, full-time leadership. Vote to re-elect Mayor TJ Cawley — to protect the progress we’ve made and preserve the quality of life we’ve built together.
Comment on this story at [email protected].