Jared Ollison, candidate for Raleigh City Council
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Six candidates are running for two at-large seats on the Raleigh City Council. Four candidates are running for the council’s District C seat. Here are the answers from those candidates that responded to our questionnaire.
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The News & Observer is publishing questionnaires for the Raleigh City Council District C race on the March 3, 2026, primary ballot to help voters learn where the candidates stand on important policy issue.,
Four candidates, including the incumbent, are seeking the District C District, which covers Southeast Raleigh. The two candidates with the most votes will move on to the Nov. 3 general election. City Council races are nonpartisan.
Candidates and voters must reside in the district to vote.
Here are responses from Jared Ollison.
- Name: Jared Ollison
- Age: 50
- Occupation and employer: Police Officer / State Capitol Police
- Education: Bachelor’s degree Criminal Justice: Sociology; Master’s degree Public Policy and Public Administration
- Endorsement (limited to three): Wake County Voter Education Coalition; Livable Raleigh
- Previous political or civic experience (limited to three): Martin Street Baptist Church- Interfaith Food Shuttle; Neighborhood Ecology Corps; Committee to Elect Jared S. Ollison 2024 & 2026
- Campaign website: jaredollisonforraleigh.com
- What is your favorite locally owned restaurant either in the city or within your district? Jack’s Seafood & Soul Food
- What is a piece of media (podcast, TV series, video game, book) that you recently finished and enjoyed? Gentrification in DC: The Rich in the Capitol and the Poor with No Where to Go
How do you identify your political ideology?
I believe in progressive equitable policies supported by strong governmental operations that have a positive effect on the masses. Governmental power belongs to the people.
What perspective or life experience would you bring that’s missing from the Raleigh City Council now?
I bring the perspective of the citizens of District C , and the forgotten and ignored voices of the citizens of Raleigh.
Do you think the current City Council has put Raleigh on the right path?
No. First, I have to acknowledge and thank all who sacrifice their time and talents to serve the citizens of Raleigh. However, my reason for running is to ensure that all citizens are represented at the table, when decisions are made.
Has Raleigh’s growth outpaced its infrastructure?
Yes. Raleigh’s aggressive growth strategy has created issues that have negatively impacted the citizens of Raleigh. Traffic congestion, a lack of realistic, affordable housing inventory and a strain on our emergency responders, has created a complex dilemma for the citizens’ quality of life.
Should it be possible to live in Raleigh without owning a car?
Yes. As one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, providing sustainable and reliable transit options is not only important, but a right for all citizens. Through increased service provided by GoRaleigh, city leaders should also continue to support efforts for increased regional service with continued partnerships with GoTriangle and other municipalities in the Triangle area. Quality transit is a lifeline for many citizens who need to get to the grocery store, school or go to a medical appointment.
Do you support Raleigh’s bus rapid transit efforts?
Yes. I support the project and its concept that makes it much easier for citizens to travel through the city’s corridors. However, I am concerned that current and future bus rapid transit projects in the city do not include appropriate protections for residents, property owners and businesses who currently exist in these affected communities.
Does the city need more police officers?
Yes. As a career law enforcement officer I uniquely understand the strain placed on local emergency services. Raleigh’s Police Department is currently understaffed, resulting in delayed response times that jeopardize the safety and needs of the citizens of Raleigh on a daily basis. Additionally, as a Raleigh City Councilman I will work with all first responders to ensure safe staffing levels are appropriately met, while supporting their efforts to be compensated for their service to our communities.
Would you vote to increase the salary of the city’s first responders, including police, fire and 911 call takers?
Yes. As stated in the previous question, as a career law enforcement officer, there is no greater sacrifice to the community than serving as a first responder. Their service and sacrifice should always be recognized by our city leaders. As a Raleigh City Councilman I would work diligently to ensure our local heroes are recognized and understand that we value them and their families.
Is the city doing enough to support small businesses?
No. As we traverse the city, one can’t help but notice that small businesses are closing at an alarming rate. This indicates to us that the cost of operating small businesses in the city has become unsustainable. The city should invest more resources designed to provide small businesses with either tax breaks or economical rental space to ensure that they are successful in our local economy.
Do you support Raleigh’s missing middle policies that make it easier to build townhomes, backyard cottages and duplexes? If not, what changes would you make?
Yes. I support the spirit of the policies. However, I continue to be concerned that the policies are inequitable in nature, and they often fail to preserve the character and tranquility in the communities where many of the projects are constructed. These policies should be revised to include concerns of all residents.
On Jan. 20, 2026, the Raleigh City Council approved a rezoning to allow buildings up to 37 stories in parts of North Hills. Would you have voted in favor of this rezoning case?
No. I would have not voted in favor of this rezoning case.
On Oct. 7, 2025, the Raleigh City Council approved a rezoning to allow buildings up to 27 stories at the intersection of Peace and West streets. Would you have voted in favor of this rezoning case?
No. I would have not voted in favor of this rezoning case.
Are there specific policies you would enact or change to protect the city’s tree canopy?
Yes. I would work diligently to be sure that the current policies are enforced. Additionally, I would work with civic and non-profit organizations to adopt tree planting initiatives throughout the city. The beautification of our city neighborhoods and corridors should be a priority.
Are there specific policies you would enact or change to protect the city’s water supply?
Yes. The protection of our water resources is crucial for a healthy and thriving city. By not protecting our natural resources, we would expose our citizens to public health and safety issues. It’s important to continue to develop policies, in cooperation with our state and local agencies for the good of the greater community.
Has Raleigh become too expensive for too many?
Yes. It’s apparent that due to the lack of effective policies, many families have been priced out of our local economy resulting in tax burdens, gentrification and homelessness.
Are there specific new strategies you would like the city to implement to increase affordable housing?
Yes. Whereas affordable housing has become an unrealized dream for many in our communities, I think it’s time that we also place emphasis on providing affordable home ownership opportunities for average families so that they may create generational wealth for their families instead of affordable rental opportunities that make developers wealthy.
City leaders are considering an affordable housing bond on the ballot this November. Would you vote in favor of an affordable housing bond?
Yes. There is an affordable housing crisis, and one of the many responsible ways that we can address this issue is through public bonds.
Would you support expanding the city’s Bringing Neighbors Home pilot program?
Yes. This program is critical in providing safe shelter to citizens who have not been able to find sustainable, affordable housing.
Are there specific strategies you would like the city to implement to increase market-rate housing?
Yes. The first strategy would be for city officials to work with community-focused developers who are interested in accomplishing the goal of providing housing that is attainable at a reasonable market rate.
What issue personally motivated you to run for office, and what would you do about it if elected?
As a long-time resident of District C, I like many citizens have felt that my voice has not been heard while I witness families in my community lose their homes, resulting in various hardships. When elected, I will dedicate my time and energy to foster relationships with average citizens and community leaders to be sure that every feel that they have a seat at the table and their voices are heard.
Are there specific programs or services the city should add? If yes, please provide examples.
Yes. The city should invest additional resources in youth program that provide safe environments for children who need additional structure and resources as a result of being members of hardworking families. This is why I will donate my entire first year salary as a councilman to youth programs located in District C. Each year, thereafter, I would donate 30 percent of my salary to youth programs.
Are there specific programs or services that should be cut? If yes, please provide examples.
Without further research and community input, I’m not aware of any services that should be cut at this time.
What specific changes would you make to ensure the safety of bus riders, drivers and community members on buses, at bus stops and at the downtown transit center?
Bus Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of the buses, while providing safe and reliable access for the riders. That’s why it’s incumbent upon city officials to create a transit police unit that provides officers that ride random bus routes, patrol bus terminals and stops to ensure that passengers and drivers are able to utilize public transit without fear of becoming victimized.
