MEET STEVE
Leadership That Listens. Results That Matter.
Steve Rao has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for innovation, equity, and progress in North Carolina. As the son of immigrants, Steve has seen firsthand the power of hard work, education, and opportunity. His dedication to public service is inspired by his parents’ journey and his desire to leave a better future for his wife, Komal and their two children, Sonia, a graduate of the UNC School Hussman School of Journalism, and Rayan, a sophomore at NC State in Biomedical Engineering.
As a respected Councilmember in Morrisville and a long-time public servant, Steve brings years of experience, vision, and results-driven leadership to the table. Now, he is ready to take his commitment to our communities to the next level as your next Wake County Commissioner.
“I will offer leadership that is accessible and engaged. I will return phone calls and respond to your emails. That’s part of the job. Too often, I hear from voters who say they think county government is difficult when it comes to engagement and input. I will be that leader who listens and then acts to make sure we tackle the public policy issues facing Wake County.”
--- Steve Rao
VISION
INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES
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Expanding Affordable Housing: Ensuring sustainable growth while addressing housing affordability across the county. In the meantime, work with our nonprofit organizations to offer housing solutions to assist our unhoused population.
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Investing in Transportation: Reducing congestion and improving connectivity through smart infrastructure investment - smart transportation grids. Deliver a reliable, coordinated transit system that can meet the needs of our county.
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Parks & Rec: Champion our parks, libraries, community centers and quality of life. Expand our Parks + Recreation Programs to improve services for our seniors and after school programs for teenagers.
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Infrastructure: Strengthen our infrastructure, repair aging water lines, sewer lines, expand high-speed internet + broadband to all regions of the county
PUBLIC SAFETY & PUBLIC HEALTH
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Faster Response Times: Improving EMS Service and supporting our First Responders and Sheriff to reduce 9-1-1 response times and support public safety.
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Support our Sheriff: Increasing community patrols for safer neighborhoods, put more deputies on patrol to better our communities
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Fortify our Fire Departments and First Responders: Supporting competitive pay, training and top of the line equipment
PROMOTING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
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Celebrating the rich cultural fabric of Wake County while ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.
DRIVING A DYNAMIC ECONOMY
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Expand Economic Sector: Work to expand our information, technology and life sciences economic sector bringing high-tech, high-wage jobs to our area.
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Job Training Programs: Coordinate with our public schools and Wake Tech to help build a strong workforce
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Small Business Support: Assist small business upstarts, development + success.
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Strengthening Public Education: Partnering with state and local leaders to improve teacher pay, enhance resources for students, and prepare our workforce for the future.
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Expand Economic Sector: Work to expand our information, technology and life sciences economic sector bringing high-tech, high-wage jobs to our area.
KEY ISSUES
CHAMPIONING ECONOMIC GROWTH
Steve has worked to attract new businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and support local startups, helping to create jobs and strengthen the regional economy.
PRIORITIZING EDUCATION
Steve has been a vocal advocate for increased funding for public schools and STEM education, understanding that strong schools are key to our county’s success.
INVESTING IN PARKS
Steve has worked with his colleagues to invest over $15 million in Morrisville Parks and Greenways, and has led the efforts to grow Major League Cricket at Church Street Park!
PROMOTING SMART TECHNOLOGY
As a tech advocate, Steve has spearheaded initiatives to bring smart city solutions and digital innovation to local government, making Morrisville a leader in tech-forward governance and looks to expand this across Wake County.
ADVOCATING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
He has pushed for smart zoning initiatives, including affordable housing options, ensuring that families of all income levels can call Wake County home.
