Name: Clark Rinehart

Age: 39

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: www.clarkforraleigh.com

Occupation & employer: Fractional Executive/Self-Employed; LOCAL Coworking 

Years lived in the area: 17

1. Given the direction of Raleigh’s government, would you say things are on the right course? If not, what specific changes will you advocate for if elected? 

“In my opinion, we are on the right course. Raleigh is growing, but growth alone is not a measure of success. The question is whether we are building a city where people at every income level can afford to live, work, and thrive. I believe Raleigh is headed in the right direction in many ways, but we need to be more intentional about who benefits from our growth and what kind of city we are becoming. If elected, I will advocate for three fundamental changes: more affordable and attainable housing at every price point, including a greater diversity of housing options and stronger preservation efforts; more life-giving, living-wage jobs that allow Raleigh residents to build meaningful careers and economic security; and a reliable, efficient, and economical multimodal transportation network that connects people to homes, jobs, and opportunity without requiring everyone to own a car or two.

I also believe City Hall must do a better job connecting community voices to meaningful action, making thoughtful, data-informed decisions, and delivering measurable results. Raleigh doesn’t need to stop growing. We need to get more intentional about growing together. My focus will be on making Raleigh more affordable today and more sustainable for generations to come.”

2. If you are a candidate for a district seat, please identify your priorities for your district. If you are an at-large candidate or running for mayor, please identify the three most pressing issues the city faces. 

“The three most pressing issues facing Raleigh are affordability, economic opportunity, and transportation. At their core, these issues are interconnected and determine whether Raleigh remains a city where people from all walks of life can afford to live, work, and flourish here.

First, we must address the growing cost of housing by creating more affordable and attainable homes at every price point, preserving existing affordable housing, and expanding opportunities for working families to achieve homeownership. Second, we must ensure Raleigh’s economic growth translates into meaningful, living-wage jobs that provide residents with economic security and opportunities to build fulfilling careers. And, third, we need a reliable, efficient, and economical multimodal transportation network that connects people to housing, jobs, education, and opportunity, regardless of how they choose to get around.

My campaign is centered on a simple, but important goal: making Raleigh more affordable today, improving quality of life for more neighbors, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to thrive. That means being intentional about how we grow, who benefits from that growth, and how we build a city that works for everyone.”

3. What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be effective as a member of the city council and as an advocate for the issues that you believe are important? 

“My professional and personal work has consistently focused on community engagement, community development, and economic development across Raleigh. Through my experience working with community organizations, small businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and public-sector partners, I have developed the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, identify shared priorities, and turn ideas into meaningful action. My recent experience as the Executive Director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership allowed me to work with Town Council, Town staff, merchants, the University, and neighbors to ensure that the downtown district was vibrant and inclusive.Additionally, I understand that effective leadership requires more than identifying problems or advocating for good ideas. It requires listening, building trust, navigating competing interests, developing practical solutions, and following through often. These are the skills I would bring to Raleigh City Council.

My campaign priorities — affordable and attainable housing, life-giving and living-wage jobs, and reliable, economical multimodal transportation — reflect both my professional experience and my commitment to ensuring Raleigh’s growth creates opportunities for every neighbor. As an At-Large council member, I would bring a citywide focus on the systems that build our city, a collaborative approach, and a willingness to ask thoughtful questions, challenge conventional thinking, and work across differences to deliver results for Raleigh residents each and every day.”

4. Raleigh voters will have the option to support a $101.5 million housing bond and a $101.5 million transportation bond this fall. Do you support the bonds? Why or why not?

“Yes, I support both the $101.5 million affordable housing bond and the $101.5 million transportation bond. These investments address two of Raleigh’s most pressing challenges and are fundamentally connected to making our city more affordable, accessible, and economically competitive.

The housing bond will help create and preserve affordable homes, support homeownership opportunities, and address supporting the unhoused. From my perspective, we must ensure that Raleigh has housing options for people at every income level, including the working families who make our city prosper.

The transportation bond will support critical infrastructure, including sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian safety, neighborhood improvements, and multimodal connectivity. A reliable, efficient, and economical transportation network is essential to connecting people with housing, jobs, education, and opportunity.

Importantly, the City has identified a financing strategy that allows these bonds to move forward without increasing property taxes. I believe we should make thoughtful, responsible investments in the infrastructure and opportunities our growing city needs. These bonds are an opportunity to invest in Raleigh’s future while addressing the affordability challenges residents are experiencing today.”

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 2025. How would you like Raleigh to address climate resilience, particularly flooding? 

“Climate resilience must be a fundamental part of how Raleigh plans, grows, and invests in its future. The historic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal was a reminder that flooding is not just an environmental issue—it is a housing, infrastructure, public safety, and economic affordability issue that disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities.

If elected, I will advocate for a proactive, data-informed approach to flood resilience that prioritizes identifying and addressing flood-prone areas before the next major storm. That means investing in modern stormwater infrastructure, improving drainage systems, restoring and protecting natural floodplains and green spaces, and incorporating green infrastructure into new development. We must also ensure that our land-use and development decisions account for increasing flood risks rather than creating greater exposure for residents and businesses.

Equally important, we must prioritize neighborhoods and residents most vulnerable to flooding, strengthen emergency preparedness, and coordinate with Wake County, neighboring municipalities, and state partners on regional solutions. Climate resilience should not be an afterthought or an unfunded mandate for future generations. It is an essential investment in protecting Raleigh’s people, property, infrastructure, and long-term affordability.”

6. After a decade of planning, Raleigh scrapped a proposal for the Six Forks Road widening project for bike and pedestrian lanes that would have been financed by transportation bonds that voters had already approved. In southeast Raleigh, construction on Phase 1 of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit system was delayed two years after the city initially failed to attract a bidder. How can city leaders ensure Raleigh keeps its commitments to voters and taxpayers and keeps projects on track from planning through construction, as well as within their budgets?   

“The central responsibility of city government is not simply to make promises, but to deliver results. Raleigh residents deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of their tax dollars — particularly when they have approved investments through bond referendums. As an At-Large councilor, I would advocate for stronger project oversight from planning through construction, including realistic timelines and budgets, regular public progress reports, and clear accountability when projects encounter delays/cost overruns. City leaders should identify potential challenges early, strengthen coordination between departments, and engage contractors and community stakeholders throughout the process to ensure projects are feasible before commitments are made.

When projects do need to change (for good reason), neighbors deserve an honest explanation of why, what alternatives were considered, and how the City will honor the original intent of voters’ investments. Whether it’s sidewalks, bike lanes, or Bus Rapid Transit, we must move beyond simply announcing plans and remain laser-focused on execution on behalf of the public. Good governance means managing projects diligently, communicating openly, and delivering what we promised.”

7. Last fall, Customs and Border Protection agents carried out immigration enforcement operations in Raleigh with no official warning to elected officials or the public. At the same time the Trump administration is working to ramp up deportations and curtail visas, while the legislature has passed laws requiring cooperation with ICE. What do you think Raleigh officials can or should do to ensure safe, welcoming communities for immigrants in light of these policies? 

Raleigh should be a city where everyone feels safe, welcome, and valued, regardless of where they were born or their immigration status. Immigrants are an essential part of our community, workforce, economy, and cultural identity, and public safety depends on building trust between residents and local government. As a Council Member, I would advocate for clear, consistent policies that protect residents’ constitutional rights, ensure transparency around federal immigration enforcement activities, and provide meaningful communication between the city and affected communities. 

Raleigh should comply with applicable state and federal law while being equally clear about the limits of local government authority and the importance of protecting civil liberties. I would also support strengthening partnerships with trusted community organizations, expanding access to reliable information about legal resources and available services, and ensuring residents can report crimes along with seek emergency assistance without fear that doing so will unnecessarily expose them/their families to immigration enforcement.

Ultimately, keeping Raleigh safe means making sure every resident feels comfortable engaging with their local government, accessing essential services, and contributing to our community without caveats. I believe we can uphold the law while treating people with dignity, compassion, and respect. Those values should never be mutually exclusive.

8. Many local municipalities, including Cary, Durham, and Apex, have introduced moratoriums on new data centers in order to study their impacts and develop regulatory policies. Should Raleigh consider a data center moratorium like its neighbors or should it continue to evaluate proposals for data center projects that require the city’s approval on a case by case basis?

“I believe a moratorium on data centers in the City of Raleigh, regardless of size or scale, is appropriate and needed right now to allow for the necessary time to study their impacts and enhance regulatory policies. That is to say, I support an extended pause on approving new data center projects requiring city approval while Raleigh conducts a thorough, transparent assessment of these impacts and develops clear, consistent standards for future development. That assessment should examine who bears the costs of increased infrastructure demand, how projects affect our climate and sustainability goals, and whether the promised economic benefits justify the public resources required.

In my opinion, Raleigh should take a proactive, precautionary approach to data center development rather than simply evaluating proposals one at a time without a comprehensive understanding of their cumulative impacts. Data centers can bring significant economic investment to a community, but they also raise important questions about electricity demand, water consumption, infrastructure costs, environmental impacts, and the long-term affordability of living and doing business in Raleigh.

Raleigh should welcome responsible economic development, but not at the expense of our residents, taxpayers, or natural resources. We need to make informed decisions that balance economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and long-term affordability. Growth should work for all of Raleigh, not simply happen to Raleigh.”

9. Last year, the Raleigh Police Department came under scrutiny for its handling of the investigation into the crash that killed Tyrone Mason. Additionally, a former senior officer was fired in May 2025; it was later revealed that the officer conducted illegal searches. How do you think the city should work to build trust between residents and RPD and what role do you think the council should have in overseeing the culture of the police department?

Public safety and security depend on public trust. And, I believe that trust must be earned daily through transparency, accountability, and consistent community engagement. Raleigh residents deserve a police department that protects their rights, treats every person with dignity, and is accountable when mistakes or misconduct occur. As a Council Member, I believe our role is to provide meaningful oversight, establish clear expectations for departmental leadership, and ensure the systems are in place to identify and directly address misconduct. For me, this includes supporting independent and thorough investigations when warranted, reviewing policies and training, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. The City Council should also regularly evaluate departmental performance and culture, not just respond when a crisis occurs.

Equally important, we must invest in relationships between RPD and the communities it serves through consistent neighborhood engagement, transparency, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue. Officers deserve the robust training and support necessary to do their jobs effectively. Residents deserve to know that their rights and safety come first. My approach to addressing these difficult issues around community safety is rooted in a simple principle: accountability and public safety are not competing priorities. 

10. How should the city of Raleigh address homelessness encampments? Have city initiatives such as the Bringing Neighbors Home pilot program been successful in your view? What more should the city do to address unsheltered homelessness?

In my opinion, homelessness is fundamentally a housing (affordability) issue. Raleigh must address it with compassion, accountability, and a focus on lasting solutions. We need to ensure that we’re not just moving neighbors from one encampment to another around the City. I believe we have a responsibility to balance the safety and well-being of people experiencing homelessness with the legitimate concerns of surrounding neighborhoods and the broader community. The City’s “Bringing Neighbors Home” pilot is a promising example of what is possible when we prioritize housing over displacement. Its success in helping residents of the Dix Park encampment transition into housing demonstrates the value of combining direct rental assistance, case management, and community partnerships. We should build on this model while continuing to evaluate long-term housing stability and outcomes for hardworking neighbors, especially those who live close to the margins. 

If elected, I would advocate for expanding proven housing-first approaches, increasing access to affordable and supportive housing, strengthening partnerships with nonprofits/service providers, and investing in homelessness prevention before people lose their homes. Raleigh also needs more flexible shelter options and coordinated outreach that meets people where they are, including individuals who may not be comfortable in traditional shelters. When encampments present immediate health or safety concerns, the City should respond with dignity, meaningful outreach, and clear pathways to housing and services rather than relying on displacement alone. To be clear, our goal should be to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. The measure of success should not be how many encampments are cleared, but how many people we help find a safe, stable place to call home in the City of Raleigh.

11. As the city adds to its housing stock, how should it continue to address affordability? Do you have ideas on ways the city can work with housing developers or property owners to keep housing affordable for residents? 

“Raleigh cannot solve its affordability challenges by simply building more housing, especially by primarily delivering market-rate housing. We need more homes at every price point along with a greater diversity of housing options and a commitment to preserving as much naturally occurring affordable housing as possible. From my perspective, that means continuing to making it easier to build apartments, townhomes, condos, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and other forms of middle housing throughout our city while ensuring that affordable housing for hardworking neighbors is part of Raleigh’s growth — not an afterthought.

The City should also be a stronger partner to responsible housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and property owners by streamlining permitting approvals, leveraging public land, and using affordable housing bond dollars along with other incentives to make affordable projects financially feasible. I especially want to expand development partnerships with organizations like faith-based nonprofits that own significant land and have a stated mission to serve their communities (this is a part of my “”Yes In God’s Backyard”” work). I also believe we need to prioritize preserving and rehabilitating naturally occurring affordable housing before it disappears from the market. Ultimately, affordability requires more than subsidies or zoning changes alone. It requires a comprehensive approach that increases housing supply, preserves existing affordability, expands homeownership opportunities, and protects marginalized residents from displacement. My top campaign goal is to focus on making Raleigh a city where teachers, nurses, service workers, first responders, young professionals, seniors, and working families can all afford to call home.”

12. Raleigh’s CACs have been fully restored, and the city has introduced civic assemblies for paid community outreach, among other measures. What more could or should the city do to engage and inform residents?  

“Meaningful community engagement requires more than inviting residents to an evening meeting, largely without childcare options or accommodations. I believe Raleigh should continue strengthening its CACs and expanding innovative approaches like paid civic assemblies, while making community engagement more accessible, inclusive, and connected to actual decision-making. We need to meet people where they are — in their neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and community spaces — and recognize that not everyone has the time, resources, or flexibility to participate in traditional public meetings.

I would advocate for more proactive, multilingual, and accessible communication; expanded opportunities for residents to participate virtually and in-person; and stronger partnerships with neighborhood organizations, nonprofits, faith communities, and other trusted local institutions. Most importantly, the City must close the feedback loop. Residents deserve to know how their input was considered, what decisions were made, and why. Community engagement should not be a checkbox or a public relations exercise. It should be an ongoing partnership that builds trust, informs better public policy, and ensures Raleigh’s growth reflects the voices and aspirations of neighbors.”

13. How should the city address public safety downtown, including around the central bus station and Moore Square Park and in Glenwood South?

“In my opinion, public safety downtown requires a thoughtful, coordinated approach that balances accountability, prevention, and compassion. Whether around the central bus station, Moore Square, or Glenwood South, residents, visitors, business owners, and workers should feel safe and welcome in Raleigh’s urban core. That means addressing crime and disorder while also recognizing the underlying challenges that contribute to them — including homelessness, mental health issues, substance use, and a lack of accessible services. I believe the City should strengthen proactive, community-oriented policing. In particular, I believe this involves improving coordination between RPD, transit officials, downtown businesses, and social service providers. We should also continue to invest in well-maintained public spaces, lighting, sanitation, and pedestrian infrastructure because a clean, welcoming, and vibrant downtown contributes to a stronger sense of safety.

We must connect individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises with appropriate outreach, treatment, and supportive services rather than relying solely on law enforcement. Different areas of the City have different needs, and our approach should reflect those differences through data-informed strategies and ongoing engagement with the people who live, work, and spend time in those neighborhoods.

In the end, public safety and security is about more than responding to incidents. It is about creating a downtown, and City, where people feel comfortable gathering, businesses can thrive, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

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

Another one of my campaign goals has been to engage with the next generation (young people, particularly middle and high school students) and hear from them concerning what they want Raleigh to look like in the future. On Council, I will be responsible for putting public policy in place that will directly affect them and how they experience Raleigh, so I have worked hard to hear from them along with help them understand what local government has control of in order to ensure they have a world-class quality of life in Raleigh when they’re deciding where to live, work, and invest.