Name: DOB: Address: Occupation: Family: Education:

Political Affiliation:

Charlie Rivenbark
9/18/1948
4924 Pine Street, Wilmington 28403
Real Estate Broker
Two Sons (Chad, Travis); two grandchildren (Greyson, Molly)
Educated in New Hanover County Public Schools; New Hanover High School graduate; Attended UNCW and Cape Fear Community College
Democrat

What are the biggest challenges facing Wilmington and how do you plan to tackle them?

Reducing violent crime; handling a thriving region; creating a more pedestrian and bike friendly

Comparing the data from the first six months of 2021, incidents where a firearm was used during that same period in 2020 has decreased by over 13%. But that’s still too many incidents. We need to do whatever is necessary to bring gun violence to an end, ensure that our schools are safe for learning and our neighborhoods are safe for raising families. Everyone deserves protection. Like other cities in America, we have seen much unrest. Now more than ever is a time to support our law enforcement and provide them with the necessary tools and training to protect us all.

The challenges of success can be difficult. We have received many accolades including “One of the South’s best cities on the rise in 2021” and “#1 for inbound moves in the country” and even one of “The Best Places to Retire”, and it is apparent that many are moving to our area. Except for 2016, the city of Wilmington has grown at a rate of less than 2% while our neighboring communities are bursting. Leland has grown by over 67% since 2010 and Belville over 20%. As the regional hub, the city of Wilmington struggles with this influx and needs to be consistently looking towards the future to provide our growing community. Our infrastructure must continually be improved to handle our growing community and provide a high quality of life to all in our community.

Within the city limits, I have supported the requirement of the installation of sidewalks and multi-use paths in all improvement projects. This leads to connectivity by filling in the gaps with those that have existing sidewalks. I also support enhancements to the Gary Shell Cross City Trail with additions into neighborhoods as well as pedestrian lanes especially near our schools. As a member of the MPO, I am actively working with NCDOT at the possibility of adding a pedestrian bridge over our heavily traveled College Road.

What steps would you take to make affordable housing more accessible to Wilmington residents?

One of our other biggest challenges is regarding affordable and workforce housing. The city recently completed a re-write of the Land Development Code (LDC), the ordinance that all development must adhere to. I supported the inclusion that will allow for greater density in return for creating a percentage of units at or below the prevailing market rate for a specified time frame. In the past two years, the budget that I supported, included over $5 million on housing expenditures including homeless

sheltering, multi-family, our Housing Opportunity Program, and rehab programs for low-to-moderate income homeowners.

What approach do you think Wilmington should take when evaluating new development and zoning changes?

I am very pleased with the staff that the City Manager has employed especially in our community development personnel. We can be assured that our planners along with advice from our City Attorney provide City Council with their expert opinions and closely follow the Future Land Use Plan, various neighborhood plans and our new Land Development Code all of which included much input from the public. A resurgence in mixed use projects provide many benefits to our residents. Found in Wilmington years ago, it was common for mom-and-pop shops to be located within neighborhoods. With the current desire for sustainability and walkability, these projects create cohesive and diverse neighborhoods, reduce transportation costs, and helps to reduce traffic on our already busy roads.

How would you work with elected officials who have a different vision for Wilmington’s future than you?

I have made it my goal to work across party lines to get things done whether it’s with fellow elected leaders, our congressional delegation in Raleigh or Washington, the county commissioners or the many advocacy groups that exist. My goal has always been to build relationships based on respect, professionalism, and integrity. Everyone brings their own life experiences to the table and together our differences create an environment that affords all residents the ability to achieve their greatest potential.

What makes you the best candidate to serve on the Wilmington City Council?

Being a Wilmington native, I have seen our great city go through many changes and much growth. I possess the history of our region; I know neighborhoods when they were just farmland; I know many families and the struggles and successes they have experienced. My experience as a small business owner provides me with the insight that many of our local business owners face. Knowing community members as well as I do gives me the ability to connect people to help support non-profits and various causes. My volunteering has taught me that every one of us can help our neighbors if we just get involved. I believe that my experience, desire to serve and my deep love for the city of Wilmington, my hometown, puts me in a position to continue the success of our city.