Why I’m Running for Wilmington City Council

Infrastructure

Infrastructure: Building a Stronger Wilmington

Wilmington’s infrastructure should meet the needs of today—and tomorrow. As a civil engineer, I know how to identify problems and design long-term solutions that work in the real world. From cleaner water to better roads and sustainable transportation, I’ll bring hands-on experience to help Wilmington grow stronger, smarter, and more connected.

Clean Water: Every family deserves clean, safe water. I’ll work to upgrade aging systems and protect this vital resource.
Easing Traffic: I’ll apply practical, data-driven solutions to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
Modern, Reliable Infrastructure: I’ll focus on practical upgrades to the systems we rely on every day — roads, stormwater, utilities, and more.
Alternative Transportation: I’ll champion trail expansion and safer bike and pedestrian routes to make commuting easier and more sustainable.

Preparing for the Future

Preparing for the Future: Long-Term Thinking, Smart Decisions

The decisions we make today shape Wilmington’s future. As an engineer, I’ve spent my career thinking ahead—solving problems before they happen and designing systems that last. I’ll bring that same long-term mindset to city leadership, so we’re building a Wilmington that works not just now, but for decades to come.

Future-Proofing Wilmington: Whether it’s stormwater, traffic, or zoning, I’ll make sure we plan with the next generation in mind—not the next election.

Public Safety

Public Safety: A Community Where Everyone Feels Safe

Creating a safe city takes more than just enforcement—it requires planning, resources, and community trust. My background in building reliable systems helps me see how each piece fits together. I’ll bring that same mindset to strengthening public safety in Wilmington.

Backing First Responders: Police, firefighters, and EMTs need the right tools and fair pay. I’ll fight to make sure they have both.
Engaging the Community: I’ll support public safety programs that involve neighbors working together to keep our communities safe.
Youth Programs: I’ll invest in after-school and youth programs that prevent crime before it starts.
Keeping Essential Workers Local: When teachers, nurses, and first responders can afford to live in Wilmington, our community is safer and stronger. I’ll support workforce housing options that help these vital workers stay close to the people they serve.

Environment

Environment: Protecting What Makes Wilmington Beautiful

Our natural beauty is what makes Wilmington special. I’ll bring a careful, common-sense approach to environmental protection—one that respects both our natural surroundings and the need for thoughtful planning. I’ve seen how smart design and planning can preserve what matters most.

Conservation First: Protecting wetlands and floodplains isn’t optional—it’s essential. I’ve worked on projects that put these critical resources first, and I’ll do the same as your City Councilman.
Smart Development: I’ll support policies that reduce environmental impact while helping Wilmington grow in ways that respect our city’s character.
Saving Our Trees: Our iconic tree canopy and green spaces deserve more than lip service. I’ll advocate for strong protections that preserve what makes our neighborhoods feel like home.

About Richard

I’m Richard Collier, and I’ve spent my life building things that last—from roads and bridges to strong communities.

I was born and raised just outside Fayetteville, on a farm in Eastern North Carolina. That’s where I learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and the importance of looking out for your neighbors. Those early lessons led me into a career in civil engineering, where I’ve spent decades solving problems and helping communities grow the right way.

In 1988, I married my high school sweetheart, Wendy. We moved to Wilmington in 1997, raised our two children here, and today we’re proud grandparents to two amazing grandkids.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked on infrastructure projects all across North Carolina—everything from flood management and sustainable development to road improvements and community design. Here in Wilmington, you can see my work in places like Mayfaire and RiverLights—projects that have helped shape the city we know and love.

I’m running for Wilmington City Council because I believe our city is at a crossroads. Growth is happening fast, and we need leaders who know how to manage it wisely. I bring a practical, problem-solving mindset grounded in real-world experience. I don’t just see challenges—I see opportunities to make Wilmington stronger, safer, and more sustainable.

Whether it’s easing traffic, upgrading our infrastructure, protecting our water, or planning for smart development, I know how to get things done—and I’m ready to get to work.