Bill Harris, Mayor, Town of Fuquay-Varina

In an interview with Invest:, Bill Harris, mayor of the Town of Fuquay-Varina, discussed how the community is navigating rapid growth while making long-range investments in infrastructure and quality of life. “We focus on being a quality city with a small-town feel, and we haven’t lost that,” Harris said.

What major changes have you seen in the town’s growth, and how are those influencing the town’s priorities?

Fuquay-Varina has gone through what I call a metamorphosis. We have gone from a small, rural community to a more thriving, suburban community. Over the last 10 years, our population has literally doubled, and I believe we have successfully addressed that growth.

There are still challenges in managing growth, but we have positioned ourselves well. Strategic planning has helped us stay competitive throughout the Triangle. We collaborate with other communities, particularly around infrastructure, so we are planning for future growth instead of reacting to it. It has been exciting to see how we have prepared for what lies ahead.

Considering that growth, what sets the town apart in a competitive regional market?

One advantage, believe it or not, is our name. Fuquay-Varina is marketable. When you say it, people ask questions. That allows us to share our story and talk about our community.

Location also matters. We are far enough from major metropolitan areas, such as Raleigh, that we can sustain a unique identity. We focus on being a quality city with a small-town feel, and we haven’t lost that. We have not been absorbed into the broader suburban atmosphere of the region, and that works to our advantage.

How do you evaluate which economic development opportunities align with the town’s long-term vision, and what projects are you excited about?

A few projects are particularly important. We have a major anchor store coming with Target, along with the Gold Leaf shopping center. That will strengthen our retail base and enhance the quality of life for residents.

We evaluate opportunities through the lens of sustainability, especially utilities. We are working with other municipalities to ensure we have an adequate water supply and wastewater capacity. Utilities impact every growth decision. If we have reliable infrastructure, we can continue to attract and sustain a strong commercial base.

Are there transportation or other capital improvement projects that stand out?

Fuquay-Varina has committed more dollars to transportation and infrastructure improvements. Many of these projects address congestion and improve mobility throughout the community.

Two major areas include the intersection of Highway 401 South and Highway 55, traditionally known as Five Points, and the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Main Street. Improvements at Five Points will significantly reduce congestion. Expanding and extending Sunset Lake Road will improve traffic flow and reduce pressure on Main Street.

In addition, the large NCDOT project at Five Points, often referenced as U-5751, is a significant state-level investment. We have also invested up to $10 million in infrastructure improvements tied to Wallace Adcock Boulevard, which connects key corridors and alleviates traffic strain.

Over the last several years, we have completed roughly $45 million in transportation projects and have additional projects underway. When combined with state investments, the total transportation impact exceeds $300 million.

Beyond transportation, our capital improvement plan for public utilities is approximately $400 million. You cannot grow without water, sewer, and roadway infrastructure. We have funded projects locally while leveraging state and federal resources. These are generational investments designed to support the town for decades.

You’ve referenced a generational approach to planning. How do you define that vision?

We consistently talk about planning for future generations. We want those who come after us to know we made decisions with their future in mind.

That means being proactive instead of reactive. We update our plans in real time, whether it is economic development, land use, or parks. We cannot wait five or 10 years to adjust. Being adaptive and resilient is critical, especially given our proximity to Raleigh.

The board takes a holistic view of growth. Infrastructure, amenities, and services must be balanced. We want to remain on offense rather than playing defense, ensuring we always have the capacity and facilities residents expect.

How is the town supporting workforce development and talent retention as the industry expands?

We benefit from a strong relationship with the business community and proximity to Wake Tech. Workforce alignment is critical. Training programs that match employer needs help sustain industry growth.

The town has been strategic in forming public-private partnerships to attract and retain employers. Companies such as John Deere Turf Care, TE Connectivity, Bob Barker, Southbend, Aviator Brewing, and CCL are key contributors to our economy.

With CCL, the town prepared a 35-acre business park and helped secure a significant capital investment that brought approximately 150 high-paying jobs. We have also supported expansions, such as Berk-Tek’s 100,000-square-foot growth in advanced manufacturing, supported by a targeted grant.

John Deere’s presence is another point of pride. Workforce alignment with Wake Tech has helped ensure skilled labor is available for manufacturing and assembly. These partnerships create long-term economic stability.

Quality of life is a major growth factor. What are the town’s priorities in this area?

Fuquay-Varina has more than 20 parks, and we continue to invest in parks and recreation to keep pace with growth. One recent example is the $4.3 million Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center.

We are also looking at acquiring land for additional athletic fields to meet rising demand. Parks and recreation is one of the town’s largest budget commitments, reflecting how directly it ties to quality of life.

Growth requires thoughtful investment in amenities so residents continue to feel connected and supported.

Looking ahead three to five years, what are your top priorities?

Utilities remain the top priority. Our current water capacity is approximately 7.25 million gallons per day, and projections show we will need greater capacity in the coming years. We are positioning ourselves now to meet that demand.

We will also continue investing in public facilities and public safety. Our staff now includes roughly 400 employees, and we will need expanded facilities, additional police officers, and expanded fire services to maintain service levels as the town grows.

These investments are necessary to sustain momentum and ensure residents receive the services they expect.

What are the contributing factors to the success of Fuquay-Varina?

Planning and communication are central to our success. We gather community input, conduct surveys, and align our strategic planning with what residents identify as priorities.

We also recognize that the local government has its own language, and part of our responsibility is making sure residents clearly understand what we are doing and why. Effective communication helps residents feel heard and engaged, and it reinforces that we are planning not only for today, but for future generations.