Jane Lindsay Harrison

Jane Lindsay Harrison is a member of the Raleigh City Council representing District D and is seeking re‑election in the November 3, 2026 general election. She began her first term on December 5, 2022 and was appointed Mayor Pro Tem in December 2025. In her council role she chairs the Growth and Natural Resources Committee and serves on the Economic Development and Innovation Committee, with her term set to end in 2026【1】.

Harrison earned a B.A. in International Studies and an M.S. in Environmental Economics from The Ohio State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management from Oregon State University【5】. The APNEP profile confirms her doctoral work in Forest Engineering, Resources & Management (2013) and her earlier graduate work in Agricultural, Developmental, and Environmental Economics (2008)【7】.

Professionally, she is a coastal economics specialist with the North Carolina Sea Grant program, a NOAA‑affiliated initiative at NC State University, and holds a faculty appointment in the College of Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at NC State【5】【7】. Prior to her academic and research positions, Harrison worked for Wisconsin Sea Grant as a social‑science outreach specialist and has served on the Natural Resource Policy & Economics team for the state’s APNEP program【7】.

Before entering elected office, Harrison co‑chaired the West Raleigh Community Advocacy Council (CAC), advocating on rezoning, land‑use, and public‑safety issues for District D residents【5】【9】. Her community‑engagement focus continues on the council through monthly District D Neighborhood Alliance meetings, restored city support for CACs, and initiatives that have contributed to year‑over‑year declines in violent crime in hotspot areas【8】.

Housing affordability is a central priority. Harrison supports community‑benefit agreements for new developments, participates in the ONE Wake coalition, and has helped advance an $80 million bond that funds income‑restricted housing. Since 2021, the city has added roughly 3,000 “missing‑middle” units, pursued land acquisitions such as the former DMV site on New Bern Avenue for affordable housing, and expanded eviction‑prevention and rental‑assistance programs【8】【12】.

Environmental stewardship also defines her agenda. She promotes protection of waterways, expansion of the city’s tree canopy, and investment in transit infrastructure to reduce fossil‑fuel dependence. As chair of the Growth and Natural Resources Committee, she advocates for climate‑adaptation measures and natural‑amenity investments across Raleigh【5】【8】【12】.

Harrison’s campaign platform emphasizes “all voices at the table,” seeking inclusive development, stronger community engagement, expanded affordable housing, and sustainable environmental policies. She has received endorsements from local groups such as Run for Something and the Next Gen Slate, as well as community‑focused voter guides【1】.

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