Raleigh, NC – In the latest installment of our Citizen Spotlight, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Council Member Stormie Forte. Council Member Forte is a licensed attorney in the State of North Carolina and in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina Federal Court. She is also a licensed Real Estate agent.
Forte was elected as one of two at-large Raleigh City Council members in 2022. Before that, she was appointed to represent District D on the Council in 2020. Serving as Vice-Chair of the Housing and Environment Committee, she is a member of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. Currently serving her third term on the Raleigh City Council, Forte remains a steadfast advocate for the everyday issues that impact residents most. During our conversation, we delved into the essential role of the City Council, recent legislative successes, and the ongoing efforts to ensure equity and affordability in our growing city.
Forte emphasizes that the City Council is the elected body closest to the people. “We deal with all of the everyday issues,” Forte explains, “from trash pickup and solid waste services to the Raleigh Police Department, fire department, and our park system. We handle the issues directly related to your everyday life.” She also highlights the accessibility of the Council, noting that public comment sessions are held twice a month, providing a platform for any citizen to bring their concerns directly to city leadership.
Recently completing her time as Mayor Pro Tem, a position that rotates annually among Council members, Forte has served as the deputy mayor, filling in for the mayor when needed. This leadership role allowed her to further champion policies that protect and empower Raleigh’s diverse population. Reflecting on her time on the Council, Forte pointed to several key successes. First, Non-Discrimination Ordinance: A partnership with the county to ensure fair practices within the City of Raleigh. Second, The CROWN Act: Legislation designed to prevent discrimination based on hairstyles, a policy Forte notes is personally significant. And finally, Disparity Study: A critical review of contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses. “Our review was not great,” Forte admits candidly, “and so we know we’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ve put things in place to bring those opportunities to the forefront.”…