A Convo With Eugene Myrick
As the election on November 5th approaches in just 10 days, residents of Raleigh are gearing up to choose their next mayor.
As a proud alumnus of Shaw University, Eugene Myrick has witnessed the effects of overdevelopment, rising costs, and environmental neglect. With numerous residents forced out of their homes and families grappling with the increasing cost of living, Myrick has heard the voices of many who feel abandoned. He believes it’s time to initiate meaningful change.
Knowing there, Myrick is unveiling his mayoral campaign focused on responsible development, community involvement, and enhancing public safety.
Throughout his career, Myrick has built a strong record of civic engagement, serving as a community liaison and advocate. He founded the Save Our Shaw Coalition, championed recycling and environmental justice initiatives, played a key role in securing historic designation for the Biltmore Hills Neighborhood, and has mentored young people at the Garner Road YMCA.
Fortunately, Myrick shared his vision for Raleigh in a conversation with RBM!
What critical challenges do you believe Raleigh is currently facing? What strategies do you plan to implement to tackle these challenges?
This run for mayor isn’t about politics for me; it’s personal. I’ve experienced firsthand the effects of overdevelopment, rising costs, and environmental neglect. I’ve seen legacy residents being pushed out of their homes, and families struggling with the rising cost of living.
Affordable housing remains a significant concern in Raleigh, what measures will you take to address this issue?
Raleigh is facing a severe affordability crisis, driven by unchecked development that prioritizes profits over people. Legacy residents are being displaced, and city leaders have failed to use city-owned land for truly affordable housing. Instead, we see luxury projects rising while transparency and genuine community input are lacking. The voices of residents are being suppressed, leaving many behind.
To tackle this, I will push for using city-owned land exclusively for affordable housing, measured by Neighborhood Median Income, not inflated Area Median Income. I’ll work to increase transparency in development decisions and ensure community input isn’t just heard but acted upon. My focus will be on protecting our historic neighborhoods, preventing displacement, and building a city that works for everyone—not just developers.
Instead of addressing the housing crisis, they’re spending tax dollars on dog parks, private police forces downtown, millions on a new city hall, and even entertaining the idea of bringing MLB to Raleigh. Meanwhile, they’re failing to expand infrastructure, address rising crime, or curb the gentrification that’s displacing our legacy residents.
What is your perspective on the current public transit system in our city? Do you believe all residents have access to affordable transportation options? If not, what steps will you take to enhance transportation services in Raleigh?
Affordable transit is a lifeline for our elderly, students, and low-wage earners, yet Raleigh is once again disregarding our minority communities by pushing the BRT plan without considering its real impact. They upzoned 744 acres, accelerating gentrification, when all they needed to do was improve the existing bus system. We should be focusing on more frequent routes, adding security measures like cameras, Wi-Fi for convenience, and providing better incentives for bus drivers—like workforce housing tied to income. Instead of reckless expansion, we need smart, community-centered solutions that serve everyone.
Considering that Clarence Lightner was the last Black mayor of Raleigh in 1975, how does it feel to be a Black man campaigning for mayor in 2024? In what ways do you intend to promote greater inclusivity within the mayor's office as an African American leader?
Running for mayor in 2024 as a Black man—nearly 50 years after Clarence Lightner—fills me with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility. But let’s be real: there are still people who believe Black men aren’t capable or deserving of leadership positions like this. Despite proving my leadership through action my entire life and unapologetically advocating for the voiceless right here in Raleigh, my skin color can still be seen as a barrier in some eyes.
I’m here to ensure every voice is heard and that our leadership reflects the diversity of this city. Yes, I’m proud of my Black heritage, but I’m running to lead all of Raleigh. Inclusivity will be at the heart of my administration, because this city thrives when every resident, regardless of background, has a seat at the table.