Carrboro mayor won’t seek second term this fall, excited to see who will replace him
Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils said Wednesday he won’t seek a second term when his seat comes up for re-election in November.
Serving on the council and as mayor “has been a great honor, a humbling responsibility, and just plain fun,” Seils said in a statement provided to The News & Observer. But after 10 years on the council — first as a council member, then as mayor — he said it’s time to focus on his personal and professional life, as well as explore new opportunities. He did not elaborate on what those opportunities might be.
“This decision may come as a surprise after a single term as mayor, but 10 years of combined leadership feels like the right time for a transition,” Seils said in the statement. “There are many skilled leaders in our community, and I am excited to see who all steps up next.”
The announcement was first reported Wednesday by Chapelboro.com.
Seils was first elected in 2013 in a special election to replace former Alderman Dan Coleman on the Carrboro Town Council (formerly the Board of Aldermen). Seils was subsequently elected to two four-year terms, and in 2021, he cut his second term short after winning a bid to replace outgoing Mayor Lydia Lavelle.
As Carrboro’s third LGBTQ+ mayor, Seils, a gay man, is leaving at a time when LGBTQ+ issues are at the forefront of social and political conversations.
Among other issues, he spent his time as mayor leading the town through the post-pandemic economic recovery, working with Chapel Hill and UNC to launch a new transit plan with daily bus service to both towns, and advancing the town’s goals around racial equity and community policing.
The town also adopted its first townwide comprehensive plan after a lengthy community input process. It will be up to a new mayor to lead the implementation of that plan, Seils said.
“As many of you know, Carrboro Connects is setting the course for our town’s future. It articulates a vision of expanded housing opportunities, more sustainable and equitable transportation alternatives, and greater connectivity and accessibility to our downtown, our neighborhoods and schools, and our parks and natural areas,” he said.
His seat will be on the Nov. 7 ballot.
This story was originally published April 19, 2023 at 4:09 PM.
