My name is Zach Erwin, and I'm running for Kannapolis City Council.

I was born and raised in Kannapolis and am a product of the Kannapolis City Schools system. After graduating from UNC with a degree in Political Science, I chose to return home to serve as a church Youth Director before taking on my current career as a public High School Civics teacher.

Over the last few years, I have grown to be more involved and informed about my City in an effort to better teach my students about local government. I've learned so much about the inner workings of the Council through research and countless conversations, and I've seen many changes around the City that have resulted from its work. What started as a professional desire quickly became personal when I developed a passion for finding ways to make Kannapolis as great as it can be.

Here are a few of my platform goals for City Council:

Responsible growth - Kannapolis is experiencing quite an influx of new residents and businesses. Growth is a good thing, especially if done moderately and responsibly. The type of growth that is currently happening is not such, in my opinion. The loss of single-family homes to numerous townhome neighborhoods is concerning due to the strain it puts on infrastructure and utilities. Plus, it artificially drives up the value of single-family homes that remain due to their increasing scarcity. Kannapolis can and should be more selective about the type of development that occurs here.

Fairness - The City must be mindful of the investments it makes in local businesses. Public investment in local businesses and ventures can be a great thing! Where the City must be careful is determining who gets what and how much. The downtown area has received an immense amount of support in recent years, while other areas of town have felt left out or cut out completely. It’s important that the City shows support for all of its local businesses and districts.

Transparency and Approachability - far too many citizens have complained about the lack of two-way communication between themselves and Council members / City officials. My objective is to maintain an open line of dialogue with residents and to make regular appointments to meet with as many citizens as possible regularly. Their ideas are just as valuable as mine.

Teaching our History - I was part of the Historical Preservation focus group that the City created to investigate ways to honor our unique past as we move into a new era of Kannapolis history. I have put forth multiple ideas that are aimed at educating the public about our City (both past and present), which I am happy to share upon request.

Something for Everyone - much of downtown Kannapolis is catered toward young adult and middle-aged consumers. Many other groups are not able to experience the full benefits of the City. Kannapolis should be a place where business activity, social / cultural events, and public service offerings should be reflective and accommodating of people from all walks of life.

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That's where you all come in. I cannot do this work alone -- it takes a village! I want to be a representative and a sounding board of the public will in Kannapolis.

Running for election and messaging is not free in the modern world, so I'm asking for your help. I know money is precious, so I'm asking that if you would like to donate to my campaign, please consider a donation of $20 or less.

If enough of us can band together, we can send the City of Kannapolis a clear message: it's time for a new generation of voices to take our place and guide Kannapolis into the future.

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Thank you so much for all of your support! Whether through your donation or your encouraging words, you are helping to make a difference in our City! I promise to do my part -- to listen, to respond, and to take action on your behalf.

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DISCLAIMER: All campaign contributions must be made in compliance with NC General Statutes, Chapter 163, Article 22A. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

To any “Anonymous” donors — Thank you! I am so grateful for your donation! To be in compliance with election regulations, I need to collect some information from you. Please message me directly. Thanks again!