Raleigh Non-Partisan Candidates Forum Recap: Community Dialogue at Shaw University

Estimated Read Time: 3–4 minutes

Raleigh Residents Engage Candidates at Civic Forum

Community members gathered at Shaw University on February 7, 2026 for PowerUp NC’s the Raleigh Non-Partisan Candidates’ Forum, an event designed to connect voters directly with mayoral, at-large, and district candidates ahead of upcoming local elections. The forum provided an open setting for questions, discussion, and civic engagement focused on Raleigh’s future. 

Free admission and a welcoming environment helped encourage broad participation from residents interested in learning more about city leadership priorities and policy discussions.

Key Highlights From the Forum

Direct Candidate Engagement

Attendees had opportunities to hear candidate perspectives firsthand and ask questions about pressing local issues affecting Raleigh neighborhoods, business growth, infrastructure, and community development. The forum emphasized respectful dialogue and informed decision-making. 

Structured Candidate Sessions

The event featured dedicated sessions for different races:

Mayoral & At-Large Candidates: Morning session District Representative Candidates: Afternoon session

This structure allowed focused discussion around specific leadership roles and policy priorities.

Civic Education & Community Connection

Events like this help residents better understand how local government decisions impact everyday life — from housing and transportation to economic development and public safety.

Why Civic Forums Matter in Raleigh

Local candidate forums continue to play an important role in strengthening civic participation across the Triangle. They help:

Encourage informed voting decisions Increase transparency around policy priorities Promote community dialogue Build stronger connections between residents and city leadership

As Raleigh continues to grow, opportunities for direct engagement with elected officials remain essential for shaping inclusive, responsive local governance.

DoRaleigh Community Perspective

At DoRaleigh, we believe civic awareness is just as important as arts, culture, and entertainment coverage. Forums like this highlight the value of staying informed, participating in local conversations, and supporting community dialogue that shapes Raleigh’s future.

Expect continued coverage of:

Local elections and candidate forums City council and committee updates Community engagement opportunities Triangle civic events and public meetings.

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Broken Budget Townhall in Raleigh: Stand Up for Working Families

Why This Townhall Matters

Washington politicians have passed what many are calling a broken budget—a harmful spending plan that raises costs for everyday people while stripping away essential resources. This bill threatens health care access for working families, takes funding away from our public schools, and hands out massive tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations.

For families already facing difficult choices, this budget could mean the difference between putting food on the table or paying skyrocketing energy bills. That’s why our community is coming together to make our voices heard.

The Broken Budget Townhall Tour

The Broken Budget Townhall Tour is a grassroots movement to hold politicians accountable for policies that harm our communities. This event in Raleigh is part of a statewide effort to stand up against cuts that put working families, students, and communities at risk.

You’ll hear directly from community leaders, educators, and advocates about the real-life impact of this budget—and what we can do to fight back.

Featured Speaker: Ernestine Ledbetter

We’re proud to feature Ernestine Ledbetter, an Organizing Committee member who has been a strong voice for justice and equity in our state. Alongside Ernestine, other community voices from across North Carolina will share their experiences and solutions for building a fairer future.

Event Details

📅 When: Wednesday, August 27 · 5:30 – 7:30 PM

📍 Where: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh

🗣️ Speakers: Ernestine Ledbetter & community leaders

Take Action – Register Today

This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action. Together, we can demand better priorities and ensure that budgets work for families, not billionaires.

Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Raleigh at DoRaleigh.com

👉 Register to Attend the Broken Budget Townhall

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PowerUp Raleigh: August 2025 Community Meeting – Securing Your Legacy

This month’s PowerUp Raleigh Community Meeting focuses on wills, trusts, and estate planning—tools that are vital for protecting family assets, preventing disputes, and building generational wealth.

Attorney Shannon Wright, a licensed attorney in North and South Carolina, will lead a practical conversation breaking down complex legal concepts into clear, actionable steps. The session is designed especially for individuals and families historically left out of wealth-building conversations.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the meeting, participants will:

Understand the difference between a will and a trust—and why both matter. Learn the first steps to start their own estate planning journey. Discover how estate planning supports resilience and equity in underserved communities. Gain confidence in asking legal questions and knowing when to consult a professional. Leave with resources, referrals, and next steps to formalize their own plan.

Takeaway

If you’ve ever wondered how to secure your family’s future or want to demystify estate planning, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll walk away with practical knowledge, local resources, and the confidence to begin protecting your legacy.

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