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Grady Bussey (Knightdale Town Council, North Carolina, candidate 2025)
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Grady Bussey is running for election to the Knightdale Town Council in North Carolina. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Bussey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Grady Bussey provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on August 4, 2025:
- Birth place: West Hempstead, New York
- High school: West Hempstead High School
- Bachelor's: St. Augustine University, 1996
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Christian
- Profession: Community Organizer
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Vison Tomorrow Action Today
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign Twitter
- Campaign YouTube video
Elections
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
General election for Knightdale Town Council (3 seats)
Grady Bussey, Steve Evans, Shannon Russell Hardy, Latatious Morris, and Mark Swan are running in the general election for Knightdale Town Council on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Grady Bussey (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Steve Evans (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Shannon Russell Hardy (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Latatious Morris (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Mark Swan (Nonpartisan) | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Grady Bussey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bussey's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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His journey began as a standout track star at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh. After graduating, Grady entered the real estate industry, working as a realtor and mortgage company owner. In 2008, he began public service with the City of Raleigh’s Parks and Recreation Department, where he led inclusive programming, outreach, and equity initiatives.
Grady helped launch programs and events at key hubs like John Chavis Memorial Park and Top Greene Center. He supported community policing efforts and worked in Raleigh’s Housing Department to address homelessness. He created Neighborhood Navigators, a video series honoring Raleigh’s neighborhoods.
Today, Grady leads the Citizens Leadership Academy in Raleigh’s Community Engagement Department and champions voter registration. He is Chair of the Knightdale Citizens Advisory Board, Vice Chair of the City of Raleigh Museum, and Chair Emeritus of the African American Cultural Festival. Grady continues to serve and inspire through action, advocacy, and a deep love for his community.- Grady Bussey believes voting is the most powerful tool Knightdale residents have to shape their future. He has registered hundreds of voters and led Early Voter Marches to boost local turnout. With less than 5% of Knightdale voting in the last municipal election, Grady sees an urgent need for change. He’s committed to building a culture of civic engagement where every resident knows their voice matters. As a candidate for Town Council, Grady is focused on increasing voter participation, educating the community about the impact of local elections, and ensuring every eligible voter is informed, empowered, and heard. It starts with voting, and Grady is leading the way.
- Grady Bussey believes every Knightdale resident deserves access to quality recreation opportunities. With decades of experience in parks and community programs, he understands how youth sports, senior fitness, and family events strengthen neighborhoods. Grady is committed to expanding recreational activities for all ages and is a strong advocate for building a new community center in Knightdale. This space would serve as a hub for enrichment, wellness, and connection. As a candidate for Town Council, Grady’s vision is clear: invest in places that bring people together and improve quality of life. Let’s build it—together.
- Grady Bussey is committed to making Knightdale a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive. With over 25 years in real estate and experience in Raleigh’s Housing Department, he understands the challenges families face. As a candidate for Town Council, Grady supports smart growth, mixed-income housing, and programs like Bridge Builder and Place Saver loans to help first-time buyers and working families. He believes in protecting long-time residents from being priced out and ensuring housing options meet the needs of seniors, veterans, and young professionals. Housing is a right, and Grady is ready to act.
Grady Bussey believes the Town Council plays a critical role in bridging the gap between residents and larger levels of government. It is the front line of public service, where decisions are made quickly and locally, and where officials must be highly responsive, transparent, and accountable. Local ordinances, zoning decisions, and funding priorities may not always make headlines, but they shape the way communities grow, how families thrive, and how neighborhoods are preserved or transformed.
This office also holds a unique legal and ethical responsibility to uphold both state law and the public trust. Council members must understand the legal framework of municipal government, while also bringing the values, voices, and concerns of their constituents into every decision.
My father had a deep belief in second chances. He regularly hired people that society had given up on. He offered jobs to veterans returning from Vietnam who were battling addiction. He opened doors for orphaned teens by teaching them carpentry skills and even paying their way to get certified in trades. He didn’t just employ people, he invested in their futures.
What I admired most was that he never sought praise for it. He believed that if someone had the will to work and the courage to try again, they deserved an opportunity. His actions taught me that true leadership isn’t about titles or recognition, it’s about lifting others up when they’re at their lowest and believing in their potential when no one else will.
In the story of George Bailey, we see a man who continually puts the needs of others before his own. He invests in people, fights for fairness, and believes that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. George doesn’t seek power or recognition—he simply wants his neighbors to thrive, and he works every day to make sure his community is strong, inclusive, and supported. That same philosophy is at the heart of Grady’s approach to public service.
Grady believes that local government should reflect the same spirit seen in It’s a Wonderful Life: a deep commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means standing up for people who don’t always have a voice, making decisions that put community well-being first, and remembering that our greatest strength lies in how we care for each other.
Whether it’s supporting affordable housing, expanding recreation, or encouraging civic engagement, Grady’s belief is simple—when we invest in people, we build stronger, safer, and more connected communities. Like George Bailey, he believes that one person can make a difference, and that every life holds value.
Integrity means doing what’s right—even when it’s hard or unpopular. It’s about making decisions based on values, not personal gain or political pressure. For Grady, integrity is non-negotiable. It means being honest with residents, transparent about processes, and always acting in the best interest of the community.
Engagement is equally essential. Elected officials shouldn’t just show up for meetings—they should show up for people. Grady has built his career on being present in the community, listening to concerns, and involving residents in shaping local solutions. He believes that the best policies come from conversations with the people who are impacted by them. Whether it's hosting town halls, attending neighborhood events, or meeting one-on-one with residents, Grady is committed to staying connected and accessible.
Trustworthiness is the result of consistently showing up with integrity and engagement. It’s earned through action. Grady understands that trust is fragile and must be protected through consistency, transparency, and follow-through. People deserve leaders they can rely on leaders who keep their promises and communicate openly.
One of Grady’s greatest strengths is his ability to listen first. He understands that effective leadership begins with hearing the concerns of residents, understanding their lived experiences, and then taking thoughtful action. Whether mentoring youth, working with underserved communities, or organizing civic events, he brings people together and leads with empathy and purpose.
Grady also brings experience and expertise. With nearly two decades working in local government, particularly in parks, housing, and community engagement, he knows how municipalities operate and how to turn ideas into action. He understands budgets, planning, policy, and, most importantly, the importance of public trust.
Equally important is Grady’s consistency and follow-through. When he makes a commitment, he keeps it. Whether it’s organizing voter marches, advocating for affordable housing, or volunteering his time, he shows up and puts in the work. His reliability and accessibility have earned the trust of colleagues, neighbors, and community leaders.
Trustworthiness means being dependable and transparent. Elected officials must be honest with the public, keep their promises, and communicate openly even when the answers are tough or unpopular. The community deserves leaders who are consistent in their words and actions, who prioritize the public good over personal gain, and who show up when it matters most.
Integrity means making decisions rooted in fairness, ethics, and community values. It’s about doing what’s right not what’s easy or politically convenient. For Grady, integrity also means advocating for all residents, not just the loudest voices or the most influential groups. It requires an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equity, and listening to the concerns of every neighborhood.
Grady’s goal isn’t just to pass policies, it’s to plant seeds. Seeds of opportunity for young people, support for working families, and a sense of pride for seniors who’ve helped build the town. He wants to be remembered as someone who expanded civic engagement, created spaces for community connection, and championed equity in housing, recreation, and local government.
He hopes his legacy reflects his deep belief in second chances and lifting up those who are often left out of the conversation. Like his father, who gave jobs and mentorship to people society overlooked, Grady wants to be known as a leader who invested in people—who saw potential where others saw problems.
Grady also wants to be remembered for strengthening the culture of voting and civic participation in Knightdale. He envisions a town where voter turnout is strong, residents are informed and involved, and local government is transparent and accountable to the people it serves.
Snow fell relentlessly for days, and the entire region came to a standstill. I remember looking out the window and seeing streets completely buried, cars trapped, and neighbors working together to shovel paths just to check on one another. School was closed, power was out in some areas, and families had to rely on each other and their communities to get through the worst of it.
As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the historical significance of the storm, but I absolutely understood the impact it had on daily life, and the sense of unity it inspired. That blizzard wasn’t just about snow; it was about resilience, resourcefulness, and community support. It taught me at a young age how important it is for people to come together during challenging times.
That job taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and commitment. I wasn’t just chasing footballs, I was learning how every role, no matter how small, contributes to a bigger mission. Those lessons stuck with me and have helped guide how I work with people and serve my community to this day.
What makes this book so impactful to me is how it underscores the importance of community support, guidance, and second chances. One small difference in a person’s life, a helping hand, a caring adult, or a new path, can be the turning point between success and struggle. In my work in community engagement and youth development, I’ve seen this firsthand. I’ve seen what happens when young people are believed in, when doors are opened for them, and when they’re given the tools to change their story.
The Other Wes Moore reminds me why I do what I do. It’s not just about policy or politics, it’s about people. It’s about making sure that every child, every family, and every neighbor in Knightdale has a real chance to thrive. The book is a call to action, to invest in our communities, to uplift the unheard, and to never underestimate the power of purpose and compassion.
Isaiah Bradley was a hero who served his country with honor, yet his contributions were hidden, and he was unjustly imprisoned and erased from history. Despite the injustice he faced, he stood firm in his principles and never stopped fighting for what was right. To me, Isaiah represents resilience, sacrifice, and the untold stories of Black excellence that have too often been overlooked.
I see parallels between his legacy and the work I try to do every day in my community, uplifting voices that have been silenced, fighting for justice, and ensuring that every person is seen and valued. He reminds us that heroism isn’t always celebrated, and leadership sometimes means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Isaiah Bradley's character also speaks to the importance of representation and truth in history. His presence in the Captain America legacy challenges us to acknowledge the past while striving to build a more inclusive future. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be one who carries the weight of history, serves with purpose, and paves the way for others.
Every time I hear that chorus, I’m reminded why I’m running for Town Council. I’m not doing this for a title or recognition, I’m doing it because I’ve spent my life working in neighborhoods, building relationships, and helping people be heard. Now, I want to bring that same energy into local government. Just like the song says, people want safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, better recreation, strong schools, and leaders who actually listen. That’s what I’m committed to delivering.
There have been moments in my personal and professional life where a project, idea, or event didn’t go the way I envisioned. Instead of walking away, I’d push harder, carry the weight on my shoulders, and feel like I let others down if I didn’t see it through to the end. Over time, I’ve come to understand that persistence and purpose must be balanced with perspective and patience. Sometimes, stepping back is not a sign of failure, but it’s a sign of growth.
This struggle has taught me the importance of teamwork, delegation, and knowing when to adapt. I’ve learned that it’s okay to shift directions, re-evaluate a plan, or even let go of something that no longer serves the mission, as long as I stay committed to the larger vision.
Grady Bussey believes residents should know just how much influence their local council has on long-term planning—including where parks are built, what types of businesses are encouraged, and how neighborhoods are protected or changed. These decisions can support economic growth, preserve history, improve walkability, and ensure communities remain inclusive for all income levels.
Another important but often overlooked responsibility is the power to appoint citizen advisory boards and commissions. These groups help guide decisions on public safety, transportation, housing, youth programs, and more. Town Council members help shape who gets a seat at those tables—and whose voices are heard in the process.
Finally, Town Council members serve as liaisons between residents and higher levels of government. They advocate for their community’s needs at the county and state level, ensuring Knightdale has access to grants, infrastructure funding, and policy support that might otherwise be missed.
In Grady’s case, he brings both experience and heart. With nearly two decades working in local government—serving in Raleigh’s Parks, Housing, and Community Engagement departments, he understands how public systems operate and how to get things done for residents. He’s chaired advisory boards, led public programs, and worked directly with everyday people to solve real problems. That hands-on experience helps him see not just how government works—but how it should work better.
At the same time, Grady believes leadership isn’t limited to a résumé. Some of the most effective public servants are those who have spent time listening to their neighbors, volunteering, mentoring youth, advocating for change, and showing up even when there’s no title behind their name. What matters most is trust, integrity, and a track record of putting people first.
Another key skill is problem-solving. Local government deals with real-world issues—traffic, housing, safety, recreation, and development. Council members must analyze complex situations, ask the right questions, and work collaboratively to find solutions that reflect the community’s values and needs.
Grady also believes that budget literacy is critical. Council members help decide how public funds are allocated, so understanding how to read a budget, evaluate spending, and prioritize resources responsibly is non-negotiable. Being a good steward of taxpayer dollars requires both financial knowledge and a deep respect for the public’s trust.
Leadership and teamwork are equally important. No one can lead a town alone. Council members must know how to work across differences, build consensus, and stay focused on long-term goals even when facing short-term challenges.
Lastly, community engagement is at the heart of the role. Grady believes that council members should be visible, approachable, and consistently involved in the life of the town. The most effective leaders are those who never forget who they serve and who are willing to show up, listen, and act with integrity.
Grady Bussey believes the strength of this office lies in its ability to shape the everyday experiences of residents. From setting policies on zoning, development, and public safety to allocating resources for parks, roads, and community programs, the Town Council helps determine how the town grows and functions. These decisions influence the character of neighborhoods, the quality of life for families, and the opportunities available to future generations.
Another unique quality of this office is its ability to foster civic engagement and bring people into the process. Council members can create a culture of transparency, inclusion, and accountability by encouraging residents to speak up, serve on advisory boards, and take part in shaping solutions. The Town Council helps build trust in government by showing that public service is not about politics, it’s about people.
For Grady, financial transparency isn’t optional, it’s essential. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, where resources are going, and how decisions are made. That means clear communication, open budgets, and regular public reporting that’s easy to access and understand. Whether it's investing in infrastructure, parks, public safety, or affordable housing, every dollar should be accounted for and aligned with the community’s priorities.
Grady also believes in government accountability at every level. That means being honest about mistakes, open to feedback, and willing to make changes when something isn’t working. It means listening to residents, responding with clarity, and ensuring that no one is left in the dark when it comes to decisions that impact their lives.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
