Election 2025: Meet Wilmington City Council candidate Clifford Barnett

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 2025 municipal election is underway, and Wilmington voters will soon decide who will serve as the city’s next mayor and council members.

To help voters learn more about where each candidate stands on key local issues, WWAY sent a questionnaire to all Wilmington City Council and mayoral candidates. The questions cover topics such as growth and development, public safety, housing, transportation, and transparency in government.

Not every candidate responded to our request. For those who did, we are publishing their responses in their entirety, to give voters a direct look at their priorities and perspectives before heading to the polls.

1. Name
Clifford D. Barnett, Sr.

2. Occupation / Professional Background
Pastor of Warner Temple AME Zion Church; Wilmington City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem; community advocate and coalition builder with decades of experience in ministry,
education, and public service.

3. Education
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology; extensive leadership training in community engagement, public policy, and nonprofit management.

4. How long have you lived in Wilmington?
Over 25 years.

5. Have you previously held elected office or served on boards/committees in the
community?
Yes. I currently serve on the Wilmington City Council and as Mayor Pro Tem. I’ve also served on numerous boards, including the NHC Resiliency Task Force (co-chair), Smart Start Board, SE Region FCA Board Member, the Cape Fear Continuum of Care, and the Wilmington Housing Coalition, among others.

Motivation & Priorities

6. Why are you running for Wilmington City Council?
I’m running to continue the work of building a fair, safe, and prepared Wilmington. My focus has always been on people—making sure growth benefits residents, not just developers. I believe in honest government that works for everyone and ensures that Wilmington remains a place where families, seniors, and young people can afford to live and thrive.

7. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Wilmington right now?
Wilmington’s biggest challenge is balancing rapid growth with affordability and quality of life. Rising housing costs, infrastructure strain, and traffic congestion are all symptoms of growth that must be managed responsibly. The key is ensuring development benefits residents and that no community or resident is left behind as our city continues to expand.

8. What will be your top three priorities?
1. Affordable Housing & Responsible Growth – Expand diverse housing options while protecting neighborhood character, heir properties, and balancing growth and density
concerns.
2. Public Safety & Preparedness – Strengthen our first responders and invest in non-emergency units that address homelessness and mental health.
3. Smart Infrastructure – Secure funding through regional and governmental partnerships for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and continue to modernize the city’s systems to
support sustainable growth.

City Issues

9. How should Wilmington address growth and development while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods?
We must plan growth where infrastructure can support it, near major roads, employment centers, and transit routes, while preserving established neighborhoods. Collaboration with
residents, developers, and local organizations is key to maintaining Wilmington’s charm and livability as we grow responsibly.

10. What is your position on affordable housing, and how would you approach the issue?
Affordable housing is essential to Wilmington’s stability. I support expanding gap-financing programs, such as the City’s $4 million workforce housing model, which created 100%
affordable units. I’ll continue to champion zoning flexibility, partnerships with nonprofits, and incentives for developers who prioritize affordability without compromising quality or community standards.

11. Public safety: What steps would you support to strengthen community policing, fire services, and emergency response?
I’ll continue investing in training, equipment, and staffing for our police and fire departments while expanding community-based response teams to handle non-emergency and mental
health calls. Public safety also means preparedness, ensuring we have the infrastructure and coordination to respond effectively to hurricanes, flooding, and other natural or man-made
emergencies.

12. What role should the city play in addressing homelessness?
The City must be a coordinating partner, working with the County, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to address both the immediate and root causes of homelessness. That includes
supporting transitional housing, expanding outreach teams, and connecting people to mental health and workforce programs that lead to long-term stability.

13. What are your views on transportation and infrastructure needs, including traffic congestion and public transit?
We need a regional approach to infrastructure. Investing in roads, bridges, and stormwater systems while expanding public transit to reduce congestion. The replacement of the Cape Fear
Memorial Bridge remains a top priority. I also support multimodal solutions, safe sidewalks, bike routes, and transit options that connect people to work and services.

Leadership & Transparency

14. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
Transparency begins with communication. I’ll continue to support open access at City Hall, encourage listening sessions, and continue to work to make city processes more accessible and
understandable. Every decision should be grounded in fairness, data, and open dialogue so residents know their voices matter in local government.

15. If re-elected, how will you work with other council members who may not share your views?
I’ve always led by listening and finding common ground. As both a minister and public servant, I believe in respectful collaboration. Even when we disagree, I focus on shared values making
Wilmington safer, stronger, and fairer for all. Progress comes from partnership, not partisanship.

Final Thoughts

16. What makes you the best candidate to serve on Wilmington City Council?
Experience, integrity, and a proven record of results. As a sitting Council member and Mayor Pro Tem, I’ve already helped deliver affordable housing, strengthen public safety, and advance
regional infrastructure projects. I’ve built trust across diverse communities and always lead with faith, fairness, and collaboration, because Wilmington’s future depends on working together