Economy
What Happens When a City Becomes Too Popular?
Raleigh regularly tops "Best City" lists. Mayor Nancy McFarlane explains why that can be a challenge.
Nancy McFarlane, a political independent, has been mayor of Raleigh since 2011. A former City Council member and a pharmacist, McFarlane launched a company that provides medication infusions to at-home patients with chronic illnesses. She campaigned for the mayor's office on a platform of smart planning, citing Northern Virginia--where she grew up--as an example of unwise urban policy. She recently spoke with National Journal about leading one of the nation's most desirable cities. An edited transcript of that conversation follows.
Q: Every time you see one of these lists of the best places to live or best places to raise a family, Raleigh is always near the top. What's going on?