Election 2025: Meet Wilmington mayoral candidate Bill Saffo

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.

Personal & Background

1. Full name

Bill Saffo

2. Occupation / professional background

Realtor, small business owner, and current Mayor of Wilmington

3. Education

Graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington

4. How long have you lived in Wilmington?

I was born and raised in Wilmington and have lived here my entire life.

5. Have you previously held elected office or served on boards/committees in the community?

I have served as Mayor of Wilmington since 2007 and previously served on Wilmington City Council. I have also served on numerous local and regional boards focused on transportation, economic development, and community planning.

Motivation & Priorities

6. Why are you running for Wilmington Mayor?

It has been the honor of my life to serve as Mayor, and I’m running for re-election to keep Wilmington moving forward. Our city is growing, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. I want to continue leading with steady experience, working across the aisle to strengthen public safety, improve infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and preserve the quality of life that makes Wilmington special.

7. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Wilmington right now?

Our biggest challenge is managing growth responsibly. Wilmington is one of the most desirable places to live in North Carolina, and we are feeling the strain on housing,

infrastructure, and traffic. We must keep pace by investing in roads, stormwater systems, and housing while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. Growth is not something we can stop, but we can make sure it happens in a way that benefits everyone.

8. What will be your top three priorities?

Public Safety – Recruit, retain, and support our police and fire personnel while expanding community partnerships and mental health resources.

Infrastructure & Flood Mitigation – Continue investments in roads, stormwater, and water systems to keep up with growth and protect homes and businesses.

Housing & Quality of Life – Expand affordable housing opportunities, protect green space, and strengthen neighborhoods through responsible planning.

City Issues

9. How should Wilmington address growth and development while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods?

We can manage growth without losing what makes Wilmington unique by planning ahead and investing wisely. That means directing density where infrastructure already exists, preserving established neighborhoods, and improving roads and stormwater systems before new projects are approved.

Growth also supports thousands of local jobs for tradespeople, contractors, and small businesses, people who build our homes, pave our roads, and keep the local economy moving. I have always believed we can grow responsibly by protecting green spaces, supporting small businesses, and maintaining the charm and character that define our city.

10. What is your position on affordable housing and how would you approach the issue?

Housing affordability is one of Wilmington’s greatest challenges. I helped launch and continue to support the City’s Workforce Housing Advisory Committee and record investments in affordable housing programs. My approach is straightforward: preserve existing homes, build new attainable housing, and work with partners to expand housing opportunities that local families can actually afford.

We’ve added millions in local funding and leveraged state and federal resources to create more housing options for working families and seniors. Addressing this issue takes collaboration among government, nonprofits, and private partners, and it must be done in a way that fits within our city’s infrastructure and protects neighborhood character.

11. Public safety: What steps would you support to strengthen community policing, fire services, and emergency response?

Public safety is always our top priority. I support competitive pay and benefits to recruit and retain officers and firefighters, along with ongoing training, equipment upgrades, and mental health support. We must also strengthen community policing and expand partnerships with mental health and addiction professionals so officers are not the only first responders to every call. A well-supported and community-connected public safety team keeps Wilmington safe.

12. What role should the city play in addressing homelessness?

The city plays an important role through partnerships and investments. We currently invest over a million dollars a year in homeless services, working with more than two dozen local providers. We’ve supported projects like Lakeside Reserve and new permanent supportive housing on Carolina Beach Road. We’re also hiring social workers to conduct outreach and connect individuals to care and housing. Homelessness requires compassion and accountability, and we must work together to create real solutions.

13. What are your views on transportation and infrastructure needs, including traffic congestion and public transit?

Traffic is one of the biggest frustrations for residents. Wilmington owns only a small percentage of its roads, so we need the state to move faster on critical highway projects. Locally, we are improving the roads we do own, expanding bike and pedestrian routes, and supporting public transit connections that link people to jobs and schools. We must invest in infrastructure before it’s overburdened, so growth doesn’t outpace our ability to move safely and efficiently.

Leadership & Transparency

14. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in city government?

Transparency starts with open communication and accountability. I support making city information easier to find, budgets easier to understand, and decisions more accessible to the public. We will continue to livestream meetings, share data on spending and project progress, and respond directly to community questions. I believe residents deserve clear information about how their tax dollars are being used and a government that listens and reports back.

15. If elected, how will you work with council members who may not share your views?

Good leadership means listening, finding common ground, and focusing on solutions. I’ve always believed in working across the aisle to get things done, and I’m proud that Wilmington’s progress has come from collaboration, not partisanship. When we focus on what unites us we can work through our differences and deliver results for the people we serve.

Final Thoughts

16. What makes you the best candidate to serve as Mayor of Wilmington?

Experience and results. I’ve led Wilmington through hurricanes, economic challenges, and record growth while maintaining one of the strongest local economies in the state. I’ve helped expand affordable housing, improve infrastructure, and keep our community safe. I love this city and believe in its future. With steady leadership and collaboration, we can continue building a Wilmington that works for everyone.