Corey Branch, 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 seat, 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 incumbent Corey Branch.
- Name: Corey Branch
- Age: 48
- Occupation and employer: Associate Director, Kyndryl
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Endorsement (limited to three): RWCA, NC AFL-CIO, Raleigh Police Teamsters 391
- Previous political or civic experience (limited to three): Incumbent Raleigh City Council member; Former Vice-Chair Raleigh Transit Authority; volunteer with several organizations and boards currently and past
- Campaign website: CoreyBranch.com
- What is your favorite locally owned restaurant either in the city or within your district? Flavor Hills and Jack’s Seafood
- What is a piece of media (podcast, TV series, video game, book) that you recently finished and enjoyed? Mark Cuban - Top 15 Secrets to Success in Life and Business by David Dagen
How do you identify your political ideology?
Democrat
What perspective or life experience would you bring that’s missing from the Raleigh City Council now?
I’m currently the only council member working in STEM field and actively a manager of other individuals within my daily job.
Do you think the current City Council has put Raleigh on the right path?
Yes. The current council has focused on managing growth, strategically determining its location, planning infrastructure and supporting city staff. Raleigh has consistently ranked among the top three cities for growth over the past five years, requiring thoughtful decisions in response to these changes. We have adapted by revising outdated policies and remain committed to continual improvements in quality of life.
Has Raleigh’s growth outpaced its infrastructure?
No. Our water and sewer infrastructure planning has effectively aligned with ongoing growth, while also ensuring the replacement of outdated equipment. Strategic initiatives are underway to enhance street and sidewalk infrastructure, and the city remains committed to forward-thinking planning for future expansion and sustainable financial coverage.
Should it be possible to live in Raleigh without owning a car?
Yes. Several residents have chosen to live car-free and have done so successfully. Additionally, I have engaged with individuals in District C who reduced their household to a single vehicle, primarily using it for trips beyond Raleigh. Investments in transit improvements by both Raleigh and Wake County are expected to further facilitate car-free living in the future.
Do you support Raleigh’s bus rapid transit efforts?
Yes. The introduction of the bus rapid transit plan will benefit travel within the city and surrounding regions. The city has also made deliberate efforts to acquire land for affordable housing along the transit corridor.
Does the city need more police officers?
Yes. It has become clear that additional police officers are required. Following consultation with an expert, we now have a specific staffing target for planning purposes. I will collaborate with the city manager and police chief to create a strategic plan for increasing personnel.
Would you vote to increase the salary of the city’s first responders, including police, fire and 911 call takers?
Yes. During the past two budget cycles, I have supported measures to raise compensation for first responders.
Is the city doing enough to support small businesses?
No. We need to find additional ways to support small businesses, and I will keep talking with current small business leaders while also forming new connections to explore how the city can assist.
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 endorse missing middle policies that permit townhomes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), backyard cottages, and duplexes in communities with a historical presence of these housing types. These options generally offer greater affordability compared to single-family residences.
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?
Yes. I voted for the North Hills project because the allocation of residential units, office space, and retail space remained consistent with the 20-story design, although these elements were reorganized into a taller configuration.
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?
Yes. I voted for the Peace and West Street project.
Are there specific policies you would enact or change to protect the city’s tree canopy?
No. We developed our current policies by collaborating with our staff, consulting General Assembly lobbyists, and considering input from the community to ensure compliance with State government requirements.
Are there specific policies you would enact or change to protect the city’s water supply?
No. Raleigh Water has efficiently managed and developed a regional system that effectively supports Raleigh and its merged towns. The organization proactively anticipates future growth requirements, while also implementing plans to replace aging infrastructure.
Has Raleigh become too expensive for too many?
Yes. Many seniors and underemployed residents continue to face challenges with housing costs. To address this, the city has concentrated on creating affordable housing near transit corridors and promoting developments that enhance walkability, such as the planned completion of Olde Towne retail areas.
Are there specific new strategies you would like the city to implement to increase affordable housing?
Yes. I propose that we formalize our anti-displacement program, as we are currently implementing initiatives comparable to those in Louisville, Kentucky.
City leaders are considering an affordable housing bond on the ballot this November. Would you vote in favor of an affordable housing bond?
Yes. We are seeking to establish a housing bond that will significantly benefit our community without increasing property taxes.
Would you support expanding the city’s Bringing Neighbors Home pilot program?
Yes. Bringing Neighbors Home is an effective initiative designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in securing housing and receiving necessary support. I endorse the program’s expansion as it transitions to the Wake County CoC, with the city maintaining its commitment to ongoing support.
Are there specific strategies you would like the city to implement to increase market-rate housing?
No. Market-rate housing is currently self-sustaining, and I would like to see mixed-income affordable housing integrated alongside additional market-rate housing.
What issue personally motivated you to run for office, and what would you do about it if elected?
I am eager to see the bus rapid transit system completed, affordable housing developed along transit corridors and additional grocery stores and retail outlets established within the district. I also want to enhance access to nonprofits at our community centers. There are two locations in the district where I hope new grocery stores will be built. Adding these stores will increase walkability and help address affordability issues. Additionally, I am collaborating with the Raleigh Parks system to find ways for small non-profits to lead programs that make a positive impact.
Are there specific programs or services the city should add? If yes, please provide examples.
We need to focus on our current programs and maximize their positive impact.
Are there specific programs or services that should be cut? If yes, please provide examples.
It is essential to effectively manage current programs and services and maintain their efficiency, as they continue to be necessary.
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?
Enhancing police patrols on our buses is essential to maintain public safety. Given that there are over 1,400 bus stops throughout the city, it is necessary to explore technological solutions for monitoring high-traffic stops, and the council is actively discussing strategies to improve the transit center. Strengthening safety at the transit center will also require collaboration with nearby property and business owners.
