Three Takeaways from Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell’s State of the City Address

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Good morning, readers.

On Tuesday night, Raleigh mayor Janet Cowell delivered her first State of the City address to a lively crowd at the Raleigh Convention Center. The tone of the evening was upbeat, made more so by a folksy rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” by a band composed of Parks and Recreation Department staffers, and by grazing tables piled high with sweet potato flautas and mushroom-plantain tostadas from Centro. 

“Cities matter now more than ever,” Cowell said, both in terms of meeting residents’ basic needs and providing “community and a sense of meaning” in “uncertain times.” 

Raleigh, she said, “​​has grown from a sleepy government town to a vibrant and economically diverse, as well as socially diverse city. We are in an incredible place to live.”

The mayor’s speech focused primarily on housing, public safety, and transportation. In each area, she touted the city council’s accomplishments during its first 100 days and set an agenda for the remainder of her term.

Cowell also took the opportunity to show off her sense of humor, re-creating archival images from Raleigh’s history. See for yourself here, and happy Friday.

—Chloe

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Durham

The Durham Association of Educators is urging Superintendent Anthony Lewis and school board members to pass a meet and confer policy that gives employees a role in district decision-making. INDY’s Chase Pellegrini de Paur reports on the legal questions at play and a contentious meeting between the groups.

Wake

INDY’s Jane Porter reports on a company whose technology can remove so-called forever chemicals from water—and destroy them. Invicta Water, which is starting a pilot program with the town of Cary, says the process is energy efficient and cost-effective.

Orange

A cannabis lobbyist and former circus actor announced his intentions to run for mayor of Chapel Hill during an open mic at Zog’s this week, WCHL reports.

North Carolina

The Trump administration may eliminate the EPA’s scientific research division, including a massive Research Triangle campus where scientists study everything from viruses to PFAS, WUNC reports.

Nearly a decade after HB 2, Senate Republicans have filed a bill that would bar transgender people from using restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters that match their gender identity in certain facilities that receive state funding, such as public schools. It would also prohibit modifying sex markers on birth certificates and driver’s licenses, NC Newsline reports.

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