Name: Corey Branch
Age: 48
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: www.CoreyBranch.com
Occupation & employer: Associate Director, Kyndryl
Years lived in the area: 48
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?
Raleigh is making progress in balancing growth within a complex political environment. The city is engaging residents to update the Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future growth.
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.
District C’s primary objectives encompass economic development, housing, and transportation. Residents frequently encounter difficulties due to the limited variety of services and retail options available locally, which often necessitates travel beyond district boundaries. Although affordable housing remains a principal concern, there is considerable interest within the community to maintain access to affordable market-rate housing in District C. Furthermore, ongoing enhancement of transit infrastructure is critical, as this district accounts for the largest proportion of system ridership.
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?
I have worked collaboratively with colleagues to address complex rezoning cases, including Z-11-25, which was withdrawn after I declined to support it. I maintained regular communication with staff to advance Bus Rapid Transit, and construction contracts are now in place. I also partnered with the council to secure funding for Raleigh Village East and Southeast Raleigh Promise, supporting community initiatives and senior residents. In addition, I have attended meetings of each of my five active CACs to listen to feedback and share updates about the CACs and District C.
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?
I support both the housing and transportation bonds because they will fund projects already planned and sustain existing housing programs without raising property taxes, thanks to the city’s available debt capacity. The housing bond will support housing development and preservation, homebuyer assistance, major project reserves, and homelessness response. The transportation bond will fund three road infrastructure projects, Council-adopted transportation plans and programs, and the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and related partnerships.
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?
I’ve worked with staff to solve problems and improve infrastructure in flood-prone spots like Rose Lane, and we’ve stopped allowing development in our Floodway or floodplain. I often meet with our Stormwater Director to discuss concerns such as stormwater runoff, look for creative solutions to tough areas, and take proactive measures in places that have a history of flooding, including New Bern Ave at Raleigh Boulevard, South State Street, and parts of Wake Forest Road and Atlantic Ave.
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 current council has thoroughly evaluated the factors contributing to the delay of the Six Forks project, and further dialogue—incorporating community perspectives—is scheduled for upcoming committee meetings. In addition, funds initially allocated for the Six Forks Road initiative were reallocated to other transit projects to facilitate their timely completion, including the Barwell Road widening and intersection upgrades at Barwell, Pearl, and Rock Quarry Roads. The delay in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project resulted primarily from its scope, which exceeded the capacity of the construction community. As a result, many builders opted to participate in a state-led effort in Western North Carolina focused on reopening roads after Hurricane Helene. Following the decision to divide the BRT project into manageable segments, bids were solicited and the project is now advancing in accordance with the original budget outlined by the Wake County Transit Plan.
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?
I am committed to ensuring the Raleigh Police Department upholds individual rights and follows all policies. Customs and Border Protection agents have not involve local law enforcement. I will keep working with the RPD and immigrant leaders to promote a safe, inclusive community, and maintain communication with federal and state representatives to ensure all agencies operate within our laws and prioritize community safety.
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?
Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance already regulates data centers. However, as I complete this questionnaire, a proposed moratorium is scheduled for a public hearing to allow time to identify any gaps in the current rules. Based on the information I received, the other communities listed acted sooner because they lacked a process for reviewing data centers. Raleigh also has water-use policies that apply to every municipality receiving city water. I support updating our regulations as needed to protect neighborhoods and residents. At our request, staff also created a Frequently Asked Questions page on the city’s website explaining the existing policies: https://raleighnc.gov/services/unified-development-ordinance-udo/data-centers-faq#paragraph–393146
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?
Since March 2025, our new police chief has been working to strengthen community trust in the RDP. I value the City Manager’s open-door policy, which allows Chiefs and Department Heads to address concerns directly—a resource I’ve used myself to speak with the chief. The chief also participated in my Town Hall last spring. Building trust takes time and commitment from everyone involved. The council must ensure accountability for both the chief and city manager, while also creating ongoing opportunities for open dialogue and communication.
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?
Raleigh will continue responding to homeless encampments through staff outreach that identifies each person’s circumstances and connects them with housing assistance, homelessness support services, and a coordinated community response. We will continue supporting the Bringing Neighbors Home program, managed by the Wake County Continuum of Care, to help people experiencing unsheltered homelessness move into housing. This work requires collaboration among Wake County Government, nonprofits, the City of Raleigh, and community members. I will continue working with council members and city staff to explore every option, including temporary housing such as the facility the city purchased to help people transition into permanent homes.
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?
The city must continue supporting rental assistance, homebuyer assistance, and home rehabilitation programs, which serve different community needs. We should also work with Wake County to urge the state to adjust existing programs to reflect Raleigh’s income levels, which differ from those in many rural communities. I will continue meeting with homebuilders, apartment developers, and property managers to identify ways to reduce costs. Streamlining the permitting process also remains a priority because delays increase project expenses. Staff must ensure every project is built safely and to code while preventing unnecessary city-caused delays. The city should also continue partnering with the Raleigh Housing Authority as it expands its efforts to serve more residents.
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?
I have been proactively recruiting individuals for leadership positions within inactive CACs, resulting in reactivation meetings for the South CAC. RCAC leadership has requested the management of CAC activities and activation, with technical support from the city—a request that has received council approval. I will continue to maintain regular communication with active CAC leaders to assess their needs for support. Additionally, I plan to organize district-wide meetings to engage residents and keep them informed of ongoing developments.
13. How should the city address public safety downtown, including around the central bus station and Moore Square Park and in Glenwood South?
Several changes have already improved public safety downtown, and I have received positive feedback. The city closed the bus-station tunnel where people had been loitering, moved the Central Police District office to a more visible location, and returned police headquarters downtown in the same space. We have also increased the number of ambassadors and positive activities in Moore Square Park. In Glenwood South, the Raleigh Police Department has adjusted its late-night traffic operations. Hiring non-sworn staff to handle noise complaints also frees officers to maintain a visible presence, which I have observed during visits downtown at different times during the day and night.
14. If there are other issues you want to discuss, please do so here.
Young people are integral to shaping Raleigh’s future, and the city’s vibrant community attracts families seeking an excellent environment to raise their children. I am committed to ensuring that our community centers provide engaging, safe, and affordable programs for youth and their families. For instance, last summer, the police chief reinstated the Friday night youth basketball program, and the parks and recreation department continues to offer hundreds of hours of activities annually. As a lifelong resident of Raleigh, I am dedicated to supporting the positive development of young residents through meaningful opportunities. This dedication underpins my support for local non-profit organizations such as S.A.G.E and Our Youth Matters, as well as city initiatives including Digital Connector, Youth Council, and the Raleigh Summer Youth Employment Program.
