Name: Corey Branch
Age: 48
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: www.CoreyBranch.com
Occupation and employer: Associate Director, Kyndryl
1. Given the direction of Raleigh government, would you say things are on the right course? If not, what specific changes will you advocate for if elected?
The Raleigh government is making progress by effectively balancing growth within a complex political environment.
2. If you are a candidate for a district seat, please identify your priorities for your district. If you are an at-large candidate, 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I worked collaboratively with colleagues to resolve complex rezoning matters, including Z-11-25, which was ultimately withdrawn after I withheld support for the application. I maintained ongoing communication with staff to facilitate progress on Bus Rapid Transit; contracts have now been established for construction. Additionally, I partnered with the council to secure funding for Raleigh Village East and Southeast Raleigh Promise, thereby advancing community initiatives and providing support for senior residents.
4. Many Raleigh leaders publicly committed to supporting a future affordable housing bond before the 2024 city council election and again this summer. Do you agree that a future affordable housing bond referendum should go before voters? Please explain your position. If you support a future affordable housing bond, when should it appear on ballots and in what (estimated) amount? What else can the city do to make sure Raleigh housing is affordable for current and future residents?
I am in favor of implementing a bond for affordable housing, given that previous bond allocations have been fully utilized and ongoing efforts to promote housing affordability remain necessary. It is advisable for the city to consider proposing a bond measure in 2026, which could be accomplished without raising property taxes. Although such a tax-neutral bond may result in a smaller funding amount than some stakeholders anticipate, it would help manage expenses effectively, and issuing bonds periodically could achieve a substantial cumulative outcome. My engagement continues with OneWake, an organization committed to improving housing affordability. In addition, my colleagues and I have requested that staff evaluate our permitting procedures to enhance their efficiency; this will support cost control for projects and ensure our Unified Development Plan remains current.
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. 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 development community. As a result, many developers 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. Recently, 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. GoRaleigh’s bus operators, who are officially employed by international transit system operator RATPDev USA, have brought complaints about difficult and unsafe working conditions to the city council on numerous occasions in the past year. Besides working with the Raleigh Police Department on more patrolling and safety at bus terminals, what could the city be doing to make the bus operators’ jobs safer and more manageable?
I met with union members who spoke at the city council meeting that evening and provided information regarding the scope of issues the city council can address under the collective bargaining agreement. I also indicated my intention to discuss patrol operations with both the Chief of Police and the Director of Transportation. Following these discussions, it is clear that steps have already been taken to improve patrols and safety at the bus terminal and on buses, with additional enhancements planned. I remain committed to addressing the concerns of operators while fully adhering to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with RATPDev USA.
9. This year, the Raleigh Police Department has come under scrutiny for its handling of the investigation into the crash that killed Tyrone Mason. Additionally, a former senior officer was fired in May; 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. Over the last year, Raleigh rolled out a crisis call diversion line and a care navigation team under the CARES umbrella. Those programs join the preexisting ACORNS unit within the police department as part of the city’s tool kit for responding to mental health, substance use, or homelessness concerns. Are you satisfied with the rollout of Raleigh CARES? Where do you want to see more investment or additional services? Should Raleigh consider creating a mobile crisis response team separate from the police department?
Although I wish the Raleigh CARES program (Raleigh Crisis Alternative Response for Empathy and Support) had started sooner, I understand the difficulties that delayed its launch. The main reason for the delay was the need to coordinate with external medical experts to form essential partnerships. Still, the City managed to work closely with Alliance Behavioral Healthcare to set up our Crisis Call Center, recruit qualified staff for transportation support, and meet other important needs—especially since Wake County Government partners are currently unable to help. Raleigh CARES will run separately from the police department. To learn more about Raleigh CARES, visit https://raleighnc.gov/raleigh-cares.
11. Raleigh’s Citizen Advisory Councils 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.
12. 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.