Terrance Ruth
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Terrance Ruth ran for election for Mayor of Raleigh in North Carolina. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Ruth completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Terrance Ruth was born in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a high school diploma from Deltona High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Oglethorpe University in 2005, a graduate degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2008, and a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida in 2014. His career experience includes working as an assistant professor at North Carolina State University, principal, and teacher.[1][2]
Ruth has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Repairers of the Breach, National VP of Program
- Community Innovation, national director
- Friday Institute, state policy evaluator
- NAACP, state executive director
- Justice Love Foundation, president
- Lucy Daniels Foundation, board member
- A Place at the Table, board member
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- Mission Triangle, board member
- American Cancer Society, board member
- United Way
- ReCity
- AMIKids
- Wake County Public Schools
- Neighbor-2-Neighbor.
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Elections
2024
See also: Mayoral election in Raleigh, North Carolina (2024)
General election
Endorsements
Ruth received the following endorsements.
2022
See also: Mayoral election in Raleigh, North Carolina (2022)
General election
Endorsements
To view Ruth's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Terrance Ruth completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ruth's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I bring a unique and comprehensive blend of experience in education, social justice, community leadership, and policy evaluation to my candidacy for Mayor of Raleigh. My background as an educator, particularly as an alternative principal with AMIkids, taught me the importance of listening to and addressing the diverse needs of community members, especially those who have faced significant challenges. This approach, grounded in empathy and inclusivity, will guide my leadership as Mayor.
Additionally, my time as the former State Executive Director of the NAACP NC State Conference provided me with a deep understanding of the systemic issues that continue to affect marginalized communities. This experience has honed my ability to identify and challenge inequities, ensuring that every resident of Raleigh has the opportunity to thrive.
My work at the Friday Institute and my PhD in Public Affairs from NC State University have further equipped me with critical skills in policy evaluation and research. These skills are essential for creating data-driven solutions to the complex issues facing Raleigh. My background in public affairs allows me to approach problems with a strategic mindset, ensuring that policies are not only effective but also equitable.
In my role as National Vice President of Programming for Repairers of the Breach and the Poor People's Campaign, I have demonstrated the ability to manage complex issues, build broad coalitions, and drive meaningful change. - I am running for Mayor of Raleigh to create a city where every resident feels a true sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive. This is more than just a campaign; it's a commitment to building a Raleigh that prioritizes equity, affordable housing, and meaningful community engagement. My platform addressees the systemic challenges that have long marginalized certain communities, and in doing so, we can foster a city that works for everyone, not just a privileged few.
Affordable housing is at the forefront of my agenda because housing stability is fundamental to ensuring that all residents can live with dignity and security. By expanding affordable housing options, we can make Raleigh a place where people from all
- To effectively support members of our unhoused community, I would advocate for the implementation of evidence-based models such as "Housing First," which prioritizes providing permanent housing as a foundational step before addressing other issues such as employment, mental health, or substance abuse. The Housing First model has been proven to reduce homelessness significantly by removing barriers to housing entry and offering supportive services tailored to individuals' needs. This approach respects the dignity of individuals by recognizing that stable housing is a basic human right and a critical component of recovery and stability.
- As a member of the Transit Authority and a strong advocate for community engagement, I believe that protecting low-income housing along the BRT corridor is essential to ensuring that Raleigh remains an inclusive and equitable city. The development of the BRT corridor presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly the risk of displacement due to rising property values and the threat of demolition. To safeguard low-income housing, I will advocate for policies that include affordable housing requirements in new developments along the corridor. This could involve leveraging tools like land acquisition, which allows the city to mandate that a percentage of new housing units be designated as affordable and equitable.
Dr. Terrance Ruth’s commitment to housing equity in Raleigh is driven by the need to address the city’s affordable housing crisis, particularly for low-income families and communities of color. With rising housing costs and increasing displacement, particularly in historically Black and Brown neighborhoods, Dr. Ruth advocates for policies that expand homeownership opportunities. One of his priorities is creating sustainable pathways to homeownership, specifically tailored for communities that have traditionally been left out of the housing market. This involves not only increasing access to affordable homes but also reducing barriers such as credit limitations, high down payments, increase taxes and restrictive zoning regulations.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is my beacon of inspiration. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality shapes my own path.
Terrance Ruth often recommends books that emphasize smart growth, density, and improving quality of life while preventing displacement and fostering innovation within communities. A key book in this area is "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs, which critiques urban planning that prioritizes sprawling developments at the expense of vibrant, dense neighborhoods. Jacobs advocates for people-centered growth, arguing that density, diversity, and mixed-use spaces create safer, more dynamic communities. Dr. Ruth sees this book as a blueprint for how Raleigh can grow while maintaining its character and ensuring that its residents are the core beneficiaries of development, not displaced by it.
Additionally, "The Power Broker" by Robert Caro is another influential book that offers insights into the destructive effects of top-down urban planning. This book emphasizes the need for city development to be inclusive and equitable, highlighting the consequences of neglecting community input in favor of large-scale development projects that often lead to displacement. Dr. Ruth sees parallels between this and some of the challenges Raleigh faces, particularly in neighborhoods where market pressures threaten to push out long-time residents.
On the housing equity front, "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond provides a critical examination of the housing crisis and how evictions disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. This book speaks to Dr. Ruth’s advocacy for policies that prioritize affordable housing and prevent displacement in rapidly developing cities. It aligns with his vision of preserving community ties while ensuring that development benefits all residents.
Lastly, "Creative Class" by Richard Florida is a book that resonates with Dr. Ruth's belief in fostering communities of innovation. Florida argues that cities thrive when they cultivate environments that attract creative individuals. For Dr. Terrance Ruth, the most important characteristics for an elected official are humility, a deep sense of responsibility to the people, and an unwavering commitment to transparency and equity. He believes that elected leaders must approach their role with a servant-leadership mindset, acknowledging that their power is derived from the community they serve. Terrance views residents as the most valuable assets in the city and emphasizes that policies must always prioritize their well-being. His leadership philosophy centers on ensuring that every decision is made in collaboration with the people, making inclusivity and accessibility non-negotiable principles.
In line with his philosophy of a strong community-centered approach and weak mayoral structure, Dr. Ruth emphasizes the importance of fostering partnerships between the local government and community organizations. He argues that elected officials should not see themselves as the sole problem-solvers but as facilitators who empower communities to develop and advocate for their own solutions. This belief shapes his view that government must be transparent and create space for community voices in decision-making, particularly those of marginalized groups that are too often overlooked.
Dr. Ruth also emphasizes the need for integrity and trust in leadership. He believes that an official’s actions should align with their values and that they must be accountable to the public. For him, this means being honest about the limitations of government but also being relentless in finding creative solutions to overcome these challenges. It's about building trust through action and communication. Leadership, empathy, and a relentless drive for community improvement are at my core. I believe in active listening and taking decisive, informed action.
For Terrance Ruth, the core responsibilities of any elected official are to ensure that they represent all residents of the city, foster inclusivity, and build trust between the government and the community. In his vision for a community-centered government, one of the most important responsibilities is ensuring that public policy reflects the needs and priorities of the people. This means creating structures for active citizen engagement, such as revitalizing a strong Citizens Advisory Councils (CACs) in Raleigh and incentivizing diverse and representative participation.
Dr. Ruth also views advocacy as a critical responsibility. An elected official must not only listen to their constituents but also use their platform to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized. His extensive work in education, housing, and social justice equips him with a unique perspective to address systemic inequities through evidence-based policymaking. He believes that elected officials should serve as bridges between the community and higher levels of government, advocating for policies that directly impact the lives of residents.
Finally, financial responsibility and transparency are key. Dr. Ruth believes that managing the city's resources must be done with care, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively to benefit all residents. He sees accountability in financial matters as central to maintaining the public’s trust and to delivering services that promote equity, such as affordable housing and transportation. I aim to foster a more equitable society where everyone feels valued and empowered. I hope to inspire future generations to continue the work toward a just society.
I remember the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. I was 6 years old.
Dr. Terrance Ruth's first job was at a dollar store when he was in high school. He held that job for a few years until he became old enough to drive and work at a grocery store.
"Barbarian Virtues: The United States Encounters Foreign Peoples at Home and Abroad, 1876-1917" by Matthew Frye Jacobson is a must-have for several reasons. The book offers a deep dive into America's complex relationship with foreignness during a pivotal period of immigration and expansion. It provides a nuanced understanding of how American identity was shaped by interactions with foreign cultures and the impact of industrialization.
I’d be Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird”—an embodiment of integrity and justice.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"—a powerful anthem for resilience.
Overcoming systemic barriers and ensuring my voice—and the voices of the marginalized—are heard.
For Dr. Terrance Ruth, being a mayor means acting as a convener and a connector who brings people together to address the city's most pressing challenges. In Raleigh’s weak mayoral system, he believes the mayor's most important role is facilitating a collaborative relationship between the city council, residents, and various stakeholders to achieve common goals. Leadership, in this sense, is less about wielding individual power and more about fostering collective problem-solving that draws on the strengths of the community.
He views the mayor as someone who must deeply understand the needs and desires of residents, particularly those who feel left behind by the city’s rapid growth. To Dr. Ruth, leadership also means amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and ensuring their priorities are reflected in city policy. As a mayor who believes in the power of community-centered governance, he would prioritize creating more inclusive decision-making processes where residents play an active role.
In his perspective, leadership is about providing a vision for the future while empowering others to take ownership of their neighborhoods, their schools, and their local economy. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels they can contribute to the city's development and that their voices will be heard and respected. In Raleigh’s weak mayoral structure, where the city manager oversees daily operations, Dr. Ruth believes the mayor’s top priority should be to unify the city council around a shared vision that prioritizes equity and inclusivity. He sees the mayor’s role as pivotal in setting the agenda for council meetings, ensuring that the council stays focused on addressing core issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and equitable economic development.
Dr. Ruth would also prioritize fostering strong communication between the city manager, city council, and the public. Since the city manager handles day-to-day administration, it is critical that the mayor ensures transparency in how decisions are made and that there is accountability at all levels. This means pushing for data-driven policies and clear performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of city services.
Furthermore, as the face of the city, the mayor should work to build strong relationships with community organizations, business leaders, and state and federal officials. This collaboration is essential to securing funding and resources for key projects, whether they involve housing, transportation, or workforce development. What I love most about Raleigh is its people. Our city is rich in diversity, history, and community spirit. I see Raleigh’s residents as its greatest asset—people from all walks of life who care deeply about their neighborhoods, schools, and the future of this city. Whether it’s through civic engagement, arts, or local business, the passion of Raleigh’s people to shape their communities and lift each other up is something I deeply admire.
Another aspect I love is Raleigh’s balance of growth and tradition. We are one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, yet we continue to celebrate our historic roots. From SE Raleigh’s strong legacy of Black culture and civil rights activism to the broader Triangle’s history of academic excellence and innovation, there’s a sense of continuity that keeps us grounded even as we evolve. This dynamic between honoring the past and embracing the future is something that makes Raleigh unique.
Lastly, I love how Raleigh’s innovation and creativity intersect with community building. Whether it's through tech startups, local artists, or social impact initiatives, this city fosters creativity in ways that not only drive economic growth but also build stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods. From the creative minds at our universities to the entrepreneurs launching new ventures, Raleigh’s future is being built by those who believe in innovation with a purpose—ensuring that progress benefits everyone, not just a few. That’s a future I’m excited to be a part of. One of Raleigh’s greatest challenges over the next decade is addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. As our city grows rapidly, the demand for affordable housing continues to outpace supply, leading to rising rents, increasing home prices, and, ultimately, more people facing housing insecurity or homelessness. Currently, there is a shortage of over 23,000 affordable housing units in Raleigh, and without decisive action, that gap will only widen. We need policies that not only build more affordable units but also protect current residents from displacement—especially in historically marginalized communities, like SE Raleigh, where the pressures of gentrification are the highest.
The issue of homelessness is directly tied to our housing crisis, and it’s one that will require comprehensive and compassionate solutions. As more people are priced out of the market, we’ve seen a rise in individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Addressing this challenge will require increased investment in affordable housing initiatives, but also a broader strategy that includes expanding mental health services, job training programs, and permanent supportive housing for those who need it most. We must treat housing as a human right, not a commodity.
Raleigh must also focus on smart growth strategies that prioritize both density and livability. While growth is inevitable, it must be managed in a way that prevents displacement and creates more equitable opportunities for homeownership, particularly for Black, brown, and low-income residents. Building a future where all Raleigh residents—regardless of income or background—can find a place to live and thrive is the greatest challenge we face, and it’s one I’m committed to tackling head-on. In a weak mayoral structure like Raleigh’s, the ideal relationship between the city and the state government should be rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and advocacy for local priorities. As mayor, the role is to serve as a bridge between the city council and state legislators to ensure that Raleigh's interests are effectively communicated at the state level, while recognizing that authority is shared, and policy decisions involve many stakeholders.
Given the challenges we face, particularly in areas like affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, and public safety, it’s crucial that Raleigh has strong advocacy in the state legislature to secure funding and policy support. For example, housing equity and homelessness are issues where state and local governments must work together, particularly when it comes to providing affordable housing and protecting vulnerable residents. By leveraging relationships with state lawmakers, the mayor and city council can push for legislation that addresses the unique needs of Raleigh’s residents while also ensuring that statewide policies don’t inadvertently harm our communities.
Additionally, the relationship between Raleigh and the state government must be proactive in addressing shared concerns such as environmental sustainability, economic development, and transportation. The mayor must work closely with the state to ensure that our Bus Rapid Transit and commuter rail projects receive adequate support, and that statewide growth policies don’t exacerbate inequalities at the local level. In a weak mayor system, where the mayor’s formal powers are limited, these kinds of intergovernmental partnerships and advocacy are essential to ensuring that Raleigh can thrive within the broader context of North Carolina’s policies. The ideal relationship between Raleigh and the federal government should be one of partnership and shared responsibility, with the city advocating for resources and policies that align with local needs. In a weak mayoral structure, where formal authority is shared with the city council and city manager, the mayor serves as an important voice in bringing Raleigh’s challenges and opportunities to the attention of federal lawmakers. This partnership is especially critical when addressing complex issues like housing affordability, infrastructure development, and public safety, where federal resources and policy frameworks are essential.
For example, federal housing programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and HUD's affordable housing grants are vital for Raleigh to address its affordable housing crisis. The city needs to work closely with federal agencies to secure funding for affordable housing projects and ensure that federal regulations support local initiatives aimed at preventing displacement and promoting equitable development. Federal collaboration is also crucial for securing funds to address homelessness, with programs like the Continuum of Care (CoC) offering support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Similarly, transportation infrastructure, such as Raleigh's push for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and regional rail projects, requires federal funding and policy support. The federal government’s role in providing matching funds for major transit projects through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) can accelerate local efforts to expand mobility options and reduce congestion. In this relationship, the city needs to proactively advocate for these priorities while ensuring that federal regulations and guidelines allow for innovation and local autonomy in solving Raleigh's unique challenges. Laughter, itself, is my favorite joke
The ideal relationship between the mayor’s office and law enforcement in Raleigh should be one of collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, especially within the framework of a weak mayoral structure. While the city council and city manager handle much of the administrative decision-making, the mayor plays a critical role in setting the tone for public safety policies and advocating for reforms that reflect the needs of the community. The mayor should work closely with law enforcement to ensure that policing strategies are community-centered, emphasizing trust-building, accountability, and fairness.
In particular, a key priority should be to maximize the potential of the ACORN unit (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Response, and Navigation) in Raleigh. By increasing investment in ACORN, the city can expand its capacity to respond to non-violent behavioral health and quality-of-life issues with specialized, non-police crisis responders. This approach allows law enforcement officers to focus on more serious crimes while ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health crises, homelessness, or substance abuse are met with care and expertise. The expansion of ACORN can significantly improve public safety outcomes, reduce unnecessary arrests, and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.
The mayor’s office should also advocate for data-driven policing reforms, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are transparent in their operations and outcomes. By fostering open communication between the mayor, city officials, law enforcement, and residents, Raleigh can develop a policing culture that prioritizes de-escalation, racial equity, and community engagement. This partnership, underpinned by investments in community programs like ACORN, would create a more holistic approach to public safety that serves all residents. Dr. Ruth places a high priority on financial transparency and government accountability as essential components of a healthy democracy. He believes that residents must have clear insight into how public funds are being allocated, especially for critical issues like housing, public safety, and education. Transparency fosters trust, and without it, the gap between local government and residents grows wider. In his view, this is especially important in a city experiencing rapid growth and transformation, where resources must be distributed equitably to avoid displacement and gentrification.
His approach to accountability is rooted in continuous dialogue with the community. Dr. Ruth believes that regular town halls, open data portals, and clear reporting mechanisms should be in place to ensure residents are kept informed about the city's financial decisions. He also advocates for participatory budgeting, a process in which residents can directly influence how a portion of the city’s budget is spent, especially in underserved communities.
To ensure that local government truly serves the people, he believes in strong oversight mechanisms and independent audits that hold elected officials accountable. In his experience with state and national organizations, Dr. Ruth has worked to create systems of accountability that track outcomes and ensure transparency in the use of public funds. 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.
2022
Terrance Ruth completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ruth's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Some friends have told me that I am a stranger to the concept of idle hands. I think it’s more so that I follow the school of thought that “many hands make light work.” So I like to stay busy and contribute in other areas with my spare time. I have a few hobbies too.
I always intended to put my doctorate of public affairs to use, I just didn’t know that it would be in addition to my work in county and state educational policy. After gaining practical experience in social work, K-12 administration, and alternative education, I began to focus on human-centric design innovation. My new hobby became finding a way to solve the disconnect between residents with valuable insight, and those with the authority to change policy. It turns out, the disconnect shouldn’t be solved, it should be bypassed. Philanthropic strategy that centers community leaders as change agents through design thinking methodologies has been my passion ever since.
- Housing affordability
- Restoring community trust
- Improving civic engagement
Affordability
Raleigh is currently one of the fastest-growing cities in our nation, but all of the growth in the world means nothing if it means making it less affordable to live here. We’ve watched as changes presented as solutions to unaffordable housing resulted in rising rents in low-income areas. It seems backward to have an affordable housing solution play a part in displacing longtime residents and contributors to our environment as a city. With inflation becoming a stark reality for many people’s pockets, it is time to reconsider how to ensure that Raleigh is affordable at all.
Government
It’s no secret large groups of constituents feel excluded from processes and decisions affecting Raleigh’s cost of living. Remaining informed about one’s neighborhood and the future security of a family’s current home should not be a major time commitment. Residents are working multiple jobs when working within or for their city used to yield a living wage. There are fewer waking hours at home due to increasing workloads, and yet it takes longer to find information about changes affecting residents or find ways to make one’s voice heard to an unavailable city council. 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
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 5, 2022