Historic Town Hall Meeting A Success Mayors Set Stage for Progress

Community Economic Development leaders in North Carolina made political history in the November elections. Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Roper Mayor Bunny Sanders, Terri Bellamy, the first black female mayor of Asheville, and Frank Deese, the first African American mayor in Monroe county, all garnered wins in their respective mayoral races.

These champions for change were in the spotlight at a special town meeting hosted by the Initiative as part of its Grantee Winter Retreat. In a forum packed with CDC  and community leaders, the new mayors discussed the economic development issues their cities and towns face. As Bill, Terry Bellamy, Frank Deese, and Bunny Sanders have made history in North Carolina's political arena, the same applies to their commitment to the issues facing community economic development.

Roper Mayor Bunny Sanders and Marshville Mayor Frank Deese both spoke of the challenges small towns face in accessing the resources necessary to build their local economies, but suggested that solutions come in the form of powerful numbers. Sanders says CDCs must join together and approach lawmakers who can influence how funds are allocated. She says combining forces will turn heads and get the attention CDCs needs.

Meanwhile, Mayors Bill Bell of Durham and Terry Bellamy of Asheville talked about how growth in their respective cities may threaten resources available to CDCs. In order for CDCs to keep with the pace of progress, Bellamy stressed the importance of forming relationships with local and state leaders.