Rich Cappola, Town Manager, Town of Clayton

In an interview with Invest:, Clayton Town Manager Rich Cappola discussed the community’s rapid growth, infrastructure investments, workforce development efforts, and the long-term vision for balancing economic expansion with quality of life. “Growth is inevitable, but planning for it intentionally is what is going to make it or break it for us,” Cappola said.

What have been the most noticeable changes in Clayton and the greater region over the past year, and how are they shaping the town’s priorities?

One of the biggest trends we are seeing is population growth. About five people move to Clayton every day, and that impacts everything from municipal service delivery to grants and representation. Population growth is something we are constantly projecting and preparing for, and it does not appear to be slowing down.

As a result, the council has made significant investments in infrastructure. One example is our new water reclamation facility, which is expected to come online by the end of the year. Projects like that are a direct response to the growth we are experiencing.

What role do you see Clayton playing in the region’s economy and projected growth over the next few years?

Clayton is directly in the path of the Triangle’s growth, and we are working to plan for that responsibly. We want to embrace the opportunities that growth brings while maintaining Clayton’s identity and long-term vision.

Historically, Clayton has been viewed as a bedroom community, but we are evolving into a more complete economic center. We want residents to have the ability to live, work, and enjoy amenities within the community rather than commuting elsewhere for everything.

We also pay close attention to how neighboring communities have managed growth. We learn from their successes and challenges while making sure the solutions we adopt fit Clayton’s character. The challenge is not growth itself. The challenge is making sure it happens thoughtfully and responsibly.

What makes Clayton attractive to residents, businesses, and investors?

Affordability remains a significant advantage. Clayton and Johnston County continue to offer more affordable options than many other parts of the Triangle.

Location is another major asset. Residents can reach downtown Raleigh in roughly 15 to 20 minutes, and the completion of the 540 expansion will further improve connectivity throughout the region.

We also have available land for development, a strong workforce pipeline, and access to major universities and educational institutions nearby. Combined with local workforce development programs, those assets create opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

How is the town preparing infrastructure and public services for future growth?

Over the last several years, Clayton has invested heavily in strategic planning across departments. Those plans help guide decisions and ensure we preserve the community’s culture as we grow.

One trend we have seen is that our average age is actually declining. More young professionals and families are choosing Clayton, which has led us to invest in parks, recreation, entertainment, and community amenities. Facilities such as The Clayton Center help provide quality-of-life assets that attract both residents and visitors.

From an infrastructure standpoint, the council has supported proactive investments designed to accommodate future growth. Rather than building only for current needs, we try to position infrastructure so it can support future development as well.

We already serve major biopharmaceutical companies, including Novo Nordisk and Grifols. Their growth requires significant utility capacity, and our goal is to ensure infrastructure never becomes a barrier to expansion.

The Sam’s Branch Water Reclamation Facility represents a major investment in that strategy. We have planned beyond our immediate needs so that we can respond quickly when opportunities arise and continue supporting both existing industries and future employers.

Which industries are priorities for future economic development?

We focus on high-value projects that bring strong wages, significant investment, and long-term growth opportunities. That naturally aligns with industries such as advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

Caterpillar is one example of a major employer that contributes to a strong manufacturing presence. The combination of advanced manufacturing and life sciences creates a diverse labor market and gives prospective employers confidence that they can find the workforce they need.

We also work to align economic development opportunities with our infrastructure and utility capabilities. We want to pursue projects that fit our community and that we can successfully support over the long term.

What workforce needs are local employers communicating, and how is Clayton helping address them?

Workforce availability remains a common topic of discussion with employers. Many companies are looking for skilled tradespeople, maintenance technicians, CNC operators, and similar positions.

We work closely with the community college system, county leaders, and workforce development organizations to address those needs. The recently opened Workforce Development Center provides an important opportunity for employers to help train future workers. We also have facilities focused on supporting the pharmaceutical industry, and demand for those programs continues to grow.

Fortunately, Johnston County continues to attract new residents, and North Carolina remains a desirable place to live and work. Much of our effort focuses on connecting people with opportunities available right in their own community.

How is Clayton approaching housing as the population continues to grow?

Housing diversity is an important priority. We add between 500 and 600 single-family homes and townhomes annually, in addition to apartments and other housing types. Our goal is to create options for residents throughout different stages of life. We want people to be able to move to Clayton, begin their careers, establish roots, and remain in the community as their housing needs change.

We have also seen strong demand for active-adult communities, particularly from families who want multiple generations living nearby. The town has also approved affordable housing projects and affordable senior housing developments that are now moving forward. Creating a variety of housing choices helps support workforce needs and strengthens the community overall.

What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing Clayton over the next few years?

The biggest opportunity is continuing to leverage growth in a way that enhances the community. Growth provides resources that allow us to invest in parks, events, public services, and amenities that improve quality of life.

Growth also presents challenges. Our goal is to stay ahead of it through planning and preparation rather than reacting after the fact. We want to ensure that infrastructure, services, and development keep pace with demand.

Another priority is preserving land for nonresidential development. Maintaining a healthy balance between residential and commercial growth is important for the long-term financial sustainability of the town.

North Carolina continues to be one of the top states for business, and Clayton is well positioned to benefit from that momentum. The challenge is making sure growth aligns with our vision and supports the type of community we want to become.

How is Clayton preparing for its continued growth?

One conversation we hear frequently is whether growth should slow down. The reality is that growth is inevitable, but planning for it intentionally is what is going to make it or break it for us.

Our focus is on being prepared. We want to make sure that when opportunities come to Clayton, we can evaluate them based on whether they align with our values, vision, and long-term goals rather than whether we have the capacity to support them.

Intentional governance is at the core of that approach. It means putting in place today what we know we will need tomorrow, and ensuring that growth strengthens the community while preserving what makes Clayton unique.