RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh, N.C., leaders gathered public input Monday on a youth curfew and juvenile crime prevention measures, and the question is now hanging over a city election that is only weeks away.
The debate began after thousands of young people filled the Brier Creek and Glenwood South areas on July Fourth, resulting in six separate shootings during what police described as teen takeovers. Those events led to City Council discussion over the summer about a curfew for minors.
The idea appeared to stall in September, when several council members signaled they would not back it. But the city has said council members still plan to vote on a curfew at some point after the forum, which was held at the Five Points Center for Active Adults on Noble Road.
Candidates are split. Mayor Janet Cowell, who seemed supportive after July Fourth, has said she is still listening and learning, and that the city should work more closely with the school system and Wake Tech on youth programs and job pathways. Council member Stormie Forte has said she wants to make sure Black and brown children are not unfairly targeted under any curfew measure. Several first-time candidates oppose a curfew, citing enforcement and fairness concerns, while some others back a limited version with safeguards.
Raleigh operates under a council-manager form of government, with the mayor and an eight-member City Council setting policy. Cowell was elected mayor in November 2024, succeeding Mary-Ann Baldwin, and is seeking a second term.
There are 15 candidates for City Council and mayor on the Nov. 3 ballot. In-person early voting runs from Oct. 15 through Oct. 31.
