Lifelong
Wake Forest Resident
100% Read
The Unified Development Ordinances and Town Charter
Engaged
Urban Forestry Advisory Board Co-chair, Constitution Coach, and North Carolina Coach Mentor
Community Oriented
Graduate of Citizens Academy and Planning 101
Balanced
Under Constitutional Principles
Knowledgeable
Formally trained in policy and lawmaking
Where Do Our Public Servants Stand on Policy and Issues Important to Residents?
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Voting Record
CANDIDATE
ABBY BLACK
Commissioner Faith Cross
2023 – 2027
Commissioner Daniel Hupp
2026 – 2029
Commissioner R. Keith Shackleford
2021 – 2029
Commissioner Nick Sliwinski
2021 – 2027
Commissioner Adam Wright
2019 – 2027
Mayor Benjamin Clapsaddle
2025-2029
Commissioner
2023 – 2025
Oct. 21, 2025
Public Comment Restrictions
N
Y
N/A
Y
Y
Y
Y
June 3, 2025
Resolution Opposing US1 Toll Road
Y
Y
N/A
Y
Y
Y
Y
Mar 18, 2025
Implement the Social District Without Open Houses/Surveys
N
N
N/A
Y
Y
Y
Y
Nov 19, 2024
Adopt Downtown Plan Allowing High Rises Against Community Input
N
N
N/A
Y
Y
Y
Y
June 18, 2024
Establish a Curfew for Unattended Minors during FNOW
Y
N
N/A
N
N
N
N
Feb 21, 2023
Allow Alcohol Sales at FUNGO
N
N/A
N/A
Y
Y
Y
N/A
Previous Board of Commissioner Vacancy Statements of Interest Excerpts
Abby Black
Feb 2026 Candidate
“I am a qualified and prepared candidate ready for the responsibility. I have been a resident of Wake Forest all my life. I want to see my neighbors and Town continue to flourish and prosper. I have read the current/draft UDOs and Town Charter in their entirety.
As Commissioner, I will labor for all current and future generations to find Wake Forest a welcoming place to live, grow, and achieve great things. I will stand for and defend my neighbors’ Constitutional Rights, I will advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and I will compassionately weigh the voices and concerns of the residents of Wake Forest. I will pursue affordability, transparency, traffic relief, responsible fiscal and budget management, public safety, and foster a culture of trust.”
Abby Black
June 2026 Candidate
“Since the last Commissioner vacancy, I have not been idle. I have intentionally invested my time further analyzing budgeting, town data, and state laws that govern municipalities. I have taken additional academic coursework in civics, economics, and public policy. I have been a regular presence at Board meetings, attending every regular session since January, in addition to all of the meetings I have attended prior. If the Urban Forestry Board was still together, I would be finishing my term and continuing my service there, as well.
Civic duty is not something I take lightly. I am passionate about giving back to the community, and educating others on the value of being an equipped and involved citizen. I pay attention to local, state, and federal issues and legislation, and share this information on my original weekly radio podcast, LIFTing North Carolina, in addition to contributing engaging articles of Wake Forest interest in Wake Forest Matters. As a Constitution Coach, I have hosted numerous civics classes on America’s founding documents and principles of freedom and liberty for all people. I love empowering others with the knowledge of the proper functions and jurisdictions of government, how we can respectfully and honorably defend our rights, and how to properly and effectively engage our elected representatives with questions, concerns, and encouragement.”
About Abby Black
As a lifelong involved, knowledgeable, and hardworking resident of Wake Forest, Abby Black has experienced the first hand, long-term growth and guidance challenges of a region in transition. She strongly believes in the power and necessity of an informed and active We The People to elect representatives who understand their jurisdictional authority and restraints as public servants, while also functioning as healthy, enthusiastic, and ethical examples of a governing body who is responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing local government operations, as it represents the interests of their whole community.
Abby’s purposeful and interdisciplinary background and leadership in civic engagement, account management, public policy, investigative research, human relations, historical documentation, and Constitutional education have prepared her to execute this responsibility in excellence. A commitment to listen to the heartbeat of the community, be an effective problem solver, and remain encouraging and respectful is fundamental to Abby’s character, and essential for the success and longevity of a prosperous, distinct, and vibrant society.
Wake Forest deserves trustworthy, transparent, and qualified town governance. Abby cares about the residents of Wake Forest regardless of age, religion, or demographic. She will work diligently to represent everyone’s voice with care and compassion. She would be both honored and very grateful if you exercised one of the most important duties we all have as Americans, and cast your vote for her for Town of Wake Forest Commissioner in the 2027 municipal elections. Thank you for your consideration.
