Nancy McFarlane

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Nancy McFarlane

Nonpartisan

Prior offices

Raleigh City Council

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Mayor of Raleigh

Successor: Mary-Ann Baldwin

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Report an officeholder change

Education

Bachelor's

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

Personal

Profession

Pharmacist

Contact

Personal website

Nancy McFarlane is a former mayor of Raleigh in North Carolina. She served as mayor from 2011 to 2019. She did not seek re-election in 2019. Though Raleigh's elections are officially nonpartisan, McFarlane ran as an independent candidate in all four elections.

Biography

McFarlane was born in Washington, D.C. She holds a B.S. in pharmacy from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy. Her professional experience includes working as a pharmacist and owning her own small business.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of McFarlane's political career:

• 2011-2019: Mayor of Raleigh
  
• 2007-2011: Raleigh City Council
  

Elections

2019

See also: Mayoral election in Raleigh, North Carolina (2019)

Nancy McFarlane did not file to run for re-election.

2017

See also: Municipal elections in Raleigh, North Carolina (2017)

The city of Raleigh, North Carolina, held municipal elections for mayor and city council on October 10, 2017. A runoff took place on November 7, 2017, in those races where no candidate received a majority of the vote. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was July 21, 2017. All seven council seats were up for election.

Incumbent Nancy McFarlane defeated Charles Francis in the mayor of Raleigh runoff election.

Mayor of Raleigh, Runoff Election, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Nancy McFarlane Incumbent	57.79%	31,469
Charles Francis	42.21%	22,983
Total Votes		54,452
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, "11/07/2017 Unofficial Municipal Election Results - Wake," accessed November 7, 2017

Incumbent Nancy McFarlane and Charles Francis defeated Paul Fitts in the mayor of Raleigh municipal election.

Mayor of Raleigh, Municipal Election, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Nancy McFarlane Incumbent	48.45%	25,414
Charles Francis	36.67%	19,232
Paul Fitts	14.76%	7,744
Write-in votes	0.11%	59
Total Votes		52,449
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections, "10/10/2017 Unofficial Municipal Election Results - Wake​," accessed October 10, 2017

2015

See also: Raleigh, North Carolina municipal elections, 2015

The city of Raleigh, North Carolina, held elections for mayor and city council on October 6, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was July 17, 2015. In the mayoral race, incumbent Nancy McFarlane defeated Bob Weltzin in the general election on October 6, 2015.

Raleigh Mayor General Election, 2015
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Nancy McFarlane Incumbent	74.4%	26,894
Bob Weltzin	25.2%	9,129
Write-in	0.4%	149
Total Votes		36,172
Source: Wake County Elections, "Municipal Elections Unofficial Results," October 6, 2015

2013

In the 2013 general election, McFarlane defeated Venita Peyton and Robert Weltzin.

Mayor of Raleigh, 2013
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Nancy McFarlane Incumbent	73%	32,687
Venita Peyton	5.2%	2,324
Robert Weltzin	21.8%	9,781
Total Votes		44,792
Source: Wake County, NC 2013 Election Results

2011

In the 2011 general election, McFarlane defeated Billie Jean Redmond and Randall Williams.

Mayor of Raleigh, 2011
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Nancy McFarlane	61.2%	34,534
Billie Jean Redmond	29.6%	16,720
Randall Williams	9.2%	5,219
Total Votes		56,473
Source: Wake County, NC 2011 Election Results

Campaign themes

2017

McFarlane's campaign website highlighted the following issues. Click "show" on the boxes below for more information about her positions.

Affordable Housing

"Good planning is a major reason that Raleigh is the prosperous and beautiful city that we all enjoy. It is critically important that we continue to plan carefully for future growth, providing opportunities and choices in how we live, work and play. Good planning, strong neighborhoods, housing affordability, and collective creativity are what make Raleigh consistently rank amongst the best place to live in America! Sustainable development is key to successfully navigating growth, we cannot sacrifice our area’s future for short-term gains. Investment in infrastructure should be based on a clear vision, managing our resources for the long-term vitality of Raleigh. Mayor McFarlane understand how important it is to protect and grow open space, including Dix Park downtown and expanded greenways and trails. All of this work is making Raleigh a top-ranked sustainable city. Maintaining housing affordability is one of Mayor McFarlane’s top priorities. She led City Council to approve a permanent $6 million increase in annual funding that grows with the city, contributing hundreds of millions over the coming decades, and tripling affordable housing production. Quality growth is essential for the long-term vitality of Raleigh and the surrounding region. While servings as Chair of the Council’s Comprehensive Planning Committee, Nancy played a pivotal role in developing Raleigh’s widely praised Comprehensive Plan which was approved by the Council in October 2009. That plan took 18 months, and was the result of a careful evaluation of citizen, municipal and business interests. Mayor McFarlane has also been instrumental in developing the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which guides the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Nancy is committed to a UDO that protects neighborhoods, while providing direction, flexibility and certainty to zoning. She is working with citizens across Raleigh to update the ordinance, and make sure the plan meets those goals."

Encouraging Economic Development

"Raleigh benefits from being a business-friendly city. A balance of low taxes, stable government, a AAA bond rating and great amenities are essential to attracting good people, great companies and 21st century jobs. Nancy’s experience as Mayor, City Councilor and small business owner make her the best leader to continue growing Raleigh’s economy. Under her watch, Raleigh has become one of the the [sic] fastest-growing cities in the nation. Mayor McFarlane understands that diligence in spending taxpayer resources is crucial and we must remain judicious in utilizing the city’s financing authority. As a City Councilor, Nancy established a Small Business Office within City Government with unanimous support from fellow council members. The office serves as a single point of contact where existing businesses and entrepreneurs can go to learn all they need to do to start a business, find mentorship, coordinate inspections, and streamline the permitting process necessary to open and expand small business in Raleigh. The community has many great resources to help businesses succeed, and the Small Business Office brings those resources together for easy access."

Improving Quality of Life

"Our future depends on protecting and enhancing the benefits that living in Raleigh offers. Safe neighborhoods, clear air and water, vibrant parks, great schools, energy sustainability, arts & culture, a range of transportation options, and a strong business climate will always be priorities for Mayor McFarlane. Businesses are attracted to well-rounded communities that offer a high quality of life for their employees and their families. During her years on City Council, Nancy has supported new recreation and senior centers, expansion of parks and over 75 miles of new greenways, additional police and fire stations, stepped up acquisition of water supply land buffers, and other measures that led the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to name Raleigh the Most Sustainable Mid-Sized City in the Nation. As Mayor, Nancy was instrumental in securing an agreement with the state to turn the Dorothea Dix property into a world-class destination park for generations to come."

Strengthening all Neighborhoods

"Raleigh is made up of hundreds of small neighborhoods, each with their own character and needs. Mayor McFarlane works with police, schools, local nonprofits, neighborhood leaders, places of worship, parks and recreation and community centers to ensure the vitality and stability of our diverse Raleigh neighborhoods. Mayor McFarlane has advocated for more citizen involvement in the zoning process, and has been a consistent voice for neighborhood concerns. One vital component to this are our many Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs). Nancy also strongly supports the role Raleigh’s 18 Citizens Advisory Councils (CACs) play in helping our city determine the future, keep our Neighborhoods strong and are “a connecting point between a municipal government and its residents.” The CACs provide a way for the City to share information about government activities and to receive feedback from the community. Through CACs, residents and neighborhood groups participate in decisions directly affecting them."

Expanding Transportation

"Raleigh has grown from 270,000 people in 2000 to almost 450,000 people today. That 50% growth rate is a reflection of Raleigh’s economic vitality and quality of life. Conservative projections have Raleigh growing by another 100,000 people by 2020. Over next several years, we have to address the fact that an effective and accessible transportation infrastructure is vital to our continued success. We need more transportation options – including walkable and bike-friendly communities, improved traffic calming designs, and more public transportation options. Raleigh is a diverse set of communities, each with their own unique transportation challenges – from Wakefield to Wake Med, from Walnut Creek to Brier Creek, from Pullen Park to Renaissance Park, from Lake Wheeler to Westlake, from Durant Road to South Saunders Street. Addressing each will require developing transportation options such as expanded bus service and moving forward with regional rail. In 2015 the City broke ground on the new Union Station which will serve Raleigh as a transportation hub for decades to come. Nancy has consistently advocated for more funds dedicated specifically for bus stop shelters and benches. Under Mayor McFarlane’s leadership, the City has incorporated complete street models, recognizing that streets need to function for more than just cars. Sidewalks, pedestrian, bikes, and alternate forms of transit all need to be considered when developing a transportation plan."

Protecting the Environment

"Mayor McFarlane has long been recognized as a leader in environmental stewardship for Raleigh and North Carolina. As President of the Greystone Homeowners Association, she was active protecting and cleaning up Greystone Lake from stormwater runoff. As a City Councilor, she successfully advocated for stricter stormwater standards that protect our local waterways from runoff pollution. She has also been active in establishing the Falls Lake Rules to protect the quality of our drinking water. Nancy is invested in upholding the City Council’s mission statement to “conserve and protect our environmental resources through best practices and cutting edge conservation and stewardship, land use, infrastructure and building technologies.” Nancy has served as Council liaison to many environmental advocacy groups including the Upper Neuse River Basin Association, Storm Management Advisory Commission, and the Environmental Advisory Board. Mayor McFarlane believes that we can maintain integrity of our environment and accommodate our current needs. Some of Raleigh’s environmental initiatives during Mayor McFarlane’s time in office include: Raleigh is a certified 4-Star community and the first community in North Carolina to achieve certification through the national STAR Community Rating System LEED Platinum standards for the city’s new solid waste services facility LEED Silver standards for the city’s new water treatment plant Designated parking spaces for electric plug-in vehicles Solar-powered trash compactors downtown Expansions to the city’s reusable water system Water quality and wildlife habitat improvements such as the Longview Lake Project Plans for a hydroelectric facility at Falls Lake Dam Construction of a solar farm at the city’s Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint purchase of 640 acres along the Seven Mile Creek, Falls Lake and Swift Creek watersheds for conservation City streetlights replaced by energy-efficient LED fixtures One of the cleanest cities in America according to Forbes PTI honored Raleigh with six awards City of Raleigh Police Vehicle Propane-Hybrid Conversion to reduce carbon emissions and saved the City $80,000 in the first year of implementation. Preserving 325 acres of green space in downtown Raleigh to serve as a destination park for our city, county & state"

2015

McFarlane's website highlighted the following campaign themes:

Quality growth

• Excerpt: "Investment in infrastructure should be based on a clear vision, and managing water usage and supply have to be another top priority. Only good growth planning will assure that we have adequate drinking water supply to meet the demands of our projected growth rate over the next 30 years."

Economy

• Excerpt: "A balance of low taxes, a stable government, a AAA bond rating and great amenities are essential to attracting good people, great companies and 21st century jobs."
• Excerpt: "Nancy established a Small Business Office within City Government with unanimous support from fellow council members. The office serves as a single point of contact where existing businesses and entrepreneurs can go to learn all they need to do to start a business, find mentorship help, coordinate inspections, and streamline the permitting process necessary to open and expand small business in Raleigh."

Neighborhood strength

• Excerpt: "The vitality and stability of our diverse Raleigh neighborhoods are so important to maintaining Raleigh’s character for families and residents. That’s why Mayor McFarlane has supported additional inspectors to monitor development sites, and supported the landlord registry and PROP ordinance to handle nuisance rental properties."

Transportation

• Excerpt: "We need more transportation options – including walkable and bike-friendly communities, improved traffic calming designs, and more public transportation options."
• Excerpt: "Raleigh is a diverse set of communities, each with their own unique transportation challenges. Solving them will require providing transportation options including expanded bus service and moving forward with regional rail."

Environment

• Excerpt: "As President of the Greystone Homeowners Association, she was active protecting and cleaning up Greystone Lake from stormwater runoff. As a City Councilor, she successfully advocated for stricter stormwater standards that protect our local waterways from runoff pollution. She has also been active in establishing the Falls Lake Rules to protect the quality of our drinking water."

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Nancy has a husband, Ron, and three children.

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Nancy McFarlane Raleigh Mayor. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Nancy McFarlane - Google News

See also

Raleigh, North Carolina	North Carolina	Municipal government	Other local coverage

External links

Suggest a link

• City of Raleigh
• City of Raleigh City Council
• Office of the Mayor website
• Campaign website
• Nancy McFarlane on Facebook

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Charles Meeker	Mayor of Raleigh 2011–2019	Succeeded by Mary-Ann Baldwin