Mayor· 2024–2026 (cycle default: NC terms begin first Monday in December)
Janet Cowell
Raleigh
About
Janet Cowell's mayoral campaign for Raleigh focused heavily on key urban issues including housing, safety, and affordability. Leveraging her extensive experience, she prioritized addressing the city's housing needs and taking a measured, careful approach to urban development and infrastructure like data centers.
Contact
Campaign promises (2)
- developmentJanet Cowell wants to make a new push for affordable housing in Raleigh.Related votes
- infrastructureCowell has taken a careful approach regarding the consideration of a 6-month pause on data centers in the city.Related votes
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 21
- Total speaking time
- 3:10:13
- Avg per meeting
- 9:03
- Segments
- 4606
Want every word Cowell has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Cowell said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (17)(Development)
Downtown Mixed-Use Developments and Streetscape Variances
Staff resources and potential enforcement costs may be required.
Fair Housing Advisory Matters
The tax exemption loophole and appeals have cost millions in city tax revenue, threatening municipal services and forcing budget trade-offs.
Daycare Regulation Overhaul (TC-5-26)
Reduces legal and administrative expenses for daycare operators.
Exempt and Minor Subdivision Regulations
Saves property owners and small builders substantial time and engineering costs associated with traditional preliminary plat reviews.
Moore Square Bus Station Relocation
Rock Quarry Road Residential Development
Generates private investment and expands municipal tax base.
Parking Impacts and Neighborhood Compatibility in Roanoke Park
Unknown
Animal Shelter Expansion at Randleigh Farm (Z-15-25)
County capital investment will fund the construction and operation of the new regional animal shelter facility.
Residential Growth and Infrastructure on Ligon Mill Road (Z-35-25)
Includes a $20,000 contribution to the City Fire Department to assist with emergency service mitigation.
Redevelopment of Former DMV Headquarters Site
Subsidies ranging from millions in tax credits or city-built parking decks required for mixed-use feasibility
Acquisition of 313 East Martin Street for Downtown Redevelopment
Requires $3.4 million plus associated budget transfers to execute property acquisition.
Capital Improvement Program and Debt Affordability
Maintains the city's steady-state debt affordability cap at $203 million without immediate tax increases, though future bond deployment may require adjustments.
Wake County Continuum of Care Unsheltered Homelessness Strategy
Estimated at $22 million for Phase One through calendar year 2027, with a current $10 million funding gap.
New Bern Avenue BRT Corridor Up-Zoning & Historic Preservation
Long-term public investment in BRT infrastructure paired with private land value changes.
Western Boulevard and Hillsborough Street Affordable Housing Rezoning
Brings millions in public-private housing investment and requires developer-funded roadway improvements.
National Register Nomination for State Capitol Holiday Inn
Listing provides property owners access to historic rehabilitation tax credits for ongoing renovations.
developer fee dispute
The city has to cough up $16 million, which means less money for local roads, parks, and other everyday upgrades.
Decisions during term (7)
Recorded while Cowell was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Housing & Community Development - Adoption of Federal FY 2026-27 Annual Action Plan
Rental Development Application Funding Recommendations
Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development - FY 2026-27 Annual Action Plan
Contract – Phase 2 Stormwater Management Program Development Services – Ratification and Authorization
Duplex Village Affordable Rental Development Loan and Lease
Contract Ratification and Authorization - Economic Development Services - West Raleigh Alliance, Inc. (formerly the Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance)
Raleigh Historic Development Commission - One Regular Vacancy
Voting record (3)(Development)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.