Making decisions about Raleigh's future is a tough job that requires a combination of expertise in city planning, urban design, sustainable development and growth management, as well as a abiding respect for the history, people and places that make Raleigh great. Russ has the professional and personal qualifications to serve effectively on Council:

   ·  the professional expertise in urban design and sustainable development required to 

       make important decisions about Raleigh’s future 

   ·  the commitment to building consensus among diverse stakeholders, accommodating 

       individual interests without compromising citywide goals

   ·  the willingness to put in the long hours it takes to tackle complex challenges facing our city 

Russ has an unparalleled professional background in development, urban design,  sustainability and environmental protection.  In architectural practice, Russ has been responsible for producing multi-million dollar projects both in North Carolina and Georgia.  Russ has been an urban design consultant on planning projects from Virginia to Florida, including two North Carolina projects that earned statewide planning awards.

Russ is one of the few elected officials in North Carolina accredited (LEED-AP) by the leading international organization for sustainable development.  Russ’s advocacy for policies that combine quality growth with environmental protection have made him one of only a few Councilors who have consistently earned the Sierra Club's endorsement.