Catchin’up with Terrance ruth
“ Creating a Raleigh that works for everyone,” said Terrance Ruth during his chat with RB. Ruth (41) (D) is making a second bid for the Raleigh mayoral position after his defeat by Mary-Ann Baldwin in 2022. As a Social Work professor at NC State University and a dedicated community activist, he envisions Raleigh as a leading example of inclusive growth.
With a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Central Florida, Ruth has extensive experience as both a teacher and principal in Wake County, as well as a nonprofit leader. This background has given him a deep understanding of the importance of community involvement, and he is committed to ensuring that every voice in Raleigh is acknowledged. His key focus areas include housing equity, workforce development, and reforming public safety.
Even though Ruth has a busy schedule, he shared his vision for Raleigh with us. Below you’ll see some of the pertinent questions that many Raleigh residents have in regards to the current state of the community.
Describe your motivations for seeking the position of mayor in Raleigh.
As a longtime advocate for affordability in our city, I see the potential for Raleigh to become a model city for inclusive growth. The disparities in housing, economic opportunity, and public safety weigh heavily on my mind, and I believe we can do better. I’ve seen firsthand the power of community engagement, and I want to ensure that every voice in Raleigh is heard. My leadership will prioritize collaboration with residents, focusing on long-term solutions that are built from the ground up, especially in areas like housing equity, workforce development, and public safety reform.
What key issues do you believe should be prioritized in Raleigh? If elected, what challenges will you confront directly?
Housing affordability, transportation, and public safety are the most pressing issues Raleigh must address. Our city has grown rapidly, yet affordable housing has not kept pace, leaving many residents struggling with rising rent and property taxes. A recent study shows that Raleigh needs 23,000 more affordable housing units to meet demand. I will focus on expanding affordable housing options, ensuring homeownership for marginalized communities, and revisiting and reforming property tax structures to prevent displacement.
What strategies do you intend to implement to tackle the issue of affordable housing?
I intend to expand programs like Neighbor-to-Neighbor's Construction program, which focuses on affordable housing and community ownership. By investing in land trusts and encouraging public-private partnerships, we can create permanent affordable housing solutions that benefit low-income and marginalized communities. Additionally, we must work on policy changes that support housing density while maintaining neighborhood character.
In your previous campaign, you received only 41% of the votes. As you embark on this new run for office, what message do you have for those voters who remain uncertain? How will you demonstrate your capability to lead effectively?
I have learned a lot since then. My message to undecided voters is simple: I am committed to listening to your concerns and working collaboratively to make Raleigh a more equitable city. Since my last run, I’ve deepened my work in housing, community development, and public safety reform, which directly impacts the daily lives of Raleigh’s residents. My leadership is built on transparency, accountability, and fostering trust with the community. I will continue to demonstrate my capability by working with local and state leaders to implement proven strategies that address affordable housing, transportation, and safety concerns
In 2022, you expressed support for reinstating the Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs). Do you still stand by that?
I still firmly support reinstating the Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs). These councils are critical for fostering meaningful public engagement and ensuring residents have direct input on decisions affecting their neighborhoods. The CACs allow for diverse community voices to be heard, making our city government more transparent and responsive to resident needs. In fact, I believe we can improve the structure by incentivizing CACs to recruit members from all parts of the community, especially underrepresented groups. A more diverse and representative CAC system will help us tackle issues like housing, transportation, and public safety with input from those most affected.