We’ve been able to accomplish a lot of great things over the last 3.5 years.
Here’s a glimpse at efforts we led and collaborated on:
One of our biggest achievements that established the vision and goals of our town for years to come was completed in 2020. The first ever Town of Apex Strategic Plan was completed in 2020 and connected to all departments in 2021. Special thanks to the collaboration of residents, community stakeholders, staff and council colleagues for their contribution.
Economic Vitality
- Led the efforts to secure $16.7 million ARPA funds through legislators bi-partisan support.
- Secured $1.8 million grant to support Pleasant Park construction plans.
- Apex Gateway – 1.2 MM SF Master Planned Industrial and Life Science Park featuring Durham Coca-Cola Bottling Company relocating to Apex, NC bringing- $310 million investment.
- Opening of the Apex Commerce Center (formerly Cash Corporate Center)
- Welcomed Enviroflight to Apex – $9M investment with research and development jobs
- Welcomed Korber Pharma US Headquarters to Apex. A global technology company focusing on pharma and biotech.
- Groundbreaking Sweetwater Towncenter – 45 acre neo traditional mixed-use community development. 65,000 SF retail and 50,000 SF office space
- Re-engaged Veridea plan to move forward ($3B investment, 12M square feet of commercial space including life sciences, industrial and warehouse, 3.5M square feet of retail, hospitality, and civic uses )
- Joint Council meetings with Town of Cary and Town of Holly Springs to enhance regional collaboration in problem solving for opportunities in growth demands.
- High Line building opened in Downtown Apex.
- Wake Tech College campus groundbreaking — 34 acre site campus with focus on business development.
- Approved the Economic Development Strategic Plan as Economic Development Committee Chair.
- Parking to Dining initiative to increase traffic to Downtown businesses.
- 100+ Ribbon Cutting events in collaboration with Apex Chamber of Commerce.
- Established the Affordable Housing Planning Steering Committee. – 2020
- Affordable Housing Plan adopted – 2021
- COVID Relief Business Loans – $1 million.
Traffic Solutions
- Tingen Road stoplight.
- Jenks at Green Level Rd. stoplight.
- Beaver Creek Dr. stoplight.
- GoApex Bus established.
- Vision Zero adopted.
- Apex Peakway Southwest Connector (bridge) — Led efforts to re-engage project completion with approved budget for funding gap.
- $42 million Streets & Sidewalks Bond (includes Safe Routes to School Sidewalk project and Apex Peakway Southwest Connector)
- Olive Chapel at Richardson Rd. stoplight
- Speed limit reduction Richardson Road – Sweetwater and Smith Farm
Community Enrichment
- Created and launched the Apex Mayor’s Internship Program (MIP) to engage more youth in local government.
- Led the efforts to bring the first ever fireworks to Apex for 4th of July celebrations.
- Co-founder of the Mayor’s Substance Misuse Task Force.
- Implemented water tower lighting to increase community engagement, celebrations, and observations.
- Implemented lighting the town’s basketball courts to ensure youth and other community members can enjoy the courts after daylight hours.
- Established first ever Groundhog Day celebration in Apex with Sylvia the Apex Armadillo
- $1.69 million from Wake County Government to fund portions of the Apex West Greenway and Middle Creek Greenway
- Established Environmental Advisory Board.
- Led initiative to increase budget for additional SRO’s.
- Implemented resident committee members stipends.
- Established Juneteenth as an official paid holiday for town staff (2020)
- Inaugural Juneteenth Festival in Downtown Apex (2021)
- Participated in Dewali Regional Event for the first time (2022)
- Serves as Apex Hispanic Community Liaison.
- Renamed Lynch Street to Justice Heights Street.
- Historical markers for Rossenwald Schools.
- Implemented Stormwater Fund through Stormwater Utility Fee – 2022.
- Established Apex as having the highest number of Pickleball courts per capita than any municipality in Wake County as of 2023.
- Opening of Apex Senior Center.
- Led Town of Apex in response to social unrest and COVID-19 pandemic.
- Downtown Prom for AHS and AFHS as a COVID friendly solution.
Taking Care of our Town Staff
- Led Peak Lifestyle incentive to give town staff $1200 per year for wellness expense.
- Led initiative to give 1 hour of wellness time for all staff.
- Added 80 hours of additional vacation time for all staff. – “Peak Time”
- Implemented merit and cost of living increases for all staff year upon year.
- Enhanced Town Clerk office – addition of Deputy Town Clerk and Government Affairs staff.
- Established DEI Department
Communication
- Established “The Mayor Meeting You Where You Are” weekly door knocks to residents to ensure concerns were heard.
- Increased communication and connections via mayor social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Tiktok)
- Established Developer + Council roundtable.
- Implemented signage to increase awareness of traffic light updates (“stop light coming soon” signs).
- Enhanced Mayor’s proclamation recognition process and celebrations.