BY DEBBIE PAGE
Troutman native Felina Harris is making her first re-election bid in November. She was first appointed to the council in January of 2021 after Paul Bryant’s resignation and won her first elected term that fall.
Harris said she loves serving her community and was honored by the council in 2020 for her “heartfelt dedication in serving the community and distributing food to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The pop-up food pantry was open in the first three weeks of the pandemic to fill families’ nutritional gaps as the Iredell-Statesville School system was ramping up its food distribution capabilities.
In addition to caring for her husband Kenny and two sons, Harris worked for five years at Engineered Sintered Components as a quality assurance coordinator/IT assistant and 23 years in the information technology department for Mecklenburg County. She is currently Enterprise Business Relationship manager for the North Carolina Department of Information Technology.
After graduating from South Iredell High, Harris received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina with a concentration in Computer Information Systems, her Masters in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University, a Masters in Sociology from Appalachian State University, and her Certified Government Chief Information Officer credentials from UNC.
Harris is also Six-Sigma Certified and is currently pursuing Project Management Professional Certification. Additionally, Harris holds an Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITILv4) certification.
Harris cites her oral and written communication skills through public speaking, facilitation, and community engagement as an asset in her council role that contributes to her local governance and community advocacy.
She also conducts and facilitates free community workshops on career consulting, homeownership, and credit counseling to help community members find personal economic success.
Harris has held multiple leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors and as president of North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association. She was also membership director and is currently president-elect of GMIS International Information Technology Association, a government technology organization providing strategic leadership and global collaboration with agencies around the world..
She is also an active volunteer with Iredell Christian Ministries, the Circle of Giving Community service organization, and with youth-focused programs.
“I have a heart for people. I actively volunteer for various community organizations that support at-risk, food-insecure, and financially disadvantaged communities,” she said.
ISSUES FACING TROUTMAN
Touting her work as a relationship builder, Harris recognizes the value of proactive collaboration in driving meaningful economic development.
“It would behoove me and all members of our council to actively build and maintain strong relationships with the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (ICEDC), as well as with corporate site selectors and regional business leaders,” she said.
“Our prime geographic location, with direct access to Charlotte, Mooresville, Statesville, and Hickory, is a powerful marketing advantage. By cultivating these relationships and promoting Troutman’s logistical strengths, quality of life, and available land, we can position our town as an ideal destination for industrial investment and job creation,” she added.
Harris believes Troutman is in a great position to grow its small business community. “We can do that by promoting both our location and our small-town charm as key selling points. Our location alone makes us ideal for entrepreneurs looking to reach growing markets without the high costs of larger cities.”
“In addition, I support offering targeted incentives for specific types of businesses that meet identified community needs such as dry cleaners, family-friendly spaces, healthcare services, fine dining, and boutique retail,” she added.
Incentives, she said, could include assistance with start-up costs, signage, or infrastructure improvements.
“We’ve already begun the process of revitalizing our downtown area, and I believe we should keep building on that momentum. As that area continues to improve, we should be actively marketing it as a vibrant, walkable business district with growing foot traffic and community support,” she said.
With Town Hall space is very tight with a growing town and an increase in staff, Harris fully supports the current steps being taken to alleviate overcrowded conditions at Town Hall.
“We’ve already taken action by utilizing various office spaces that the town has wisely purchased in recent years, and I support continuing this approach until all currently owned properties are fully utilized.”
“At the same time, I believe we should begin working proactively to secure grant funding and explore other reasonable outside financial resources that could assist with the purchase of a centralized municipal building, new or existing, to house all staff under one roof,” she added. “This would not only improve efficiency and communication across departments but also better serve our residents.”
Roads and traffic are a growing problem in Troutman. Harris believes one key approach to improving roads and infrastructure is to strengthen the town’s relationship with agencies like the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), and other traffic-related partners.
“Troutman deserves a seat at the table, and I believe it’s time we push our name to the top of the list. Grants and programs like Safe Streets for All (SS4A) and Vision Zero can be game-changers for our town.”
“These conversations have already started, and I’ve been proud to be a part of the conversations to help move them forward. Now, we must keep up the momentum, advocate boldly, and make sure Troutman remains a top priority in regional and state planning.”
Harris supports encouraging commercial growth in areas already zoned for business, particularly near major corridors and the interstate, where infrastructure is better equipped to handle higher traffic volumes.
Harris also recognizes the challenges the town faces with continued residential developments.
“As Troutman continues to grow, we must ensure that developers play an active role in addressing infrastructure needs,” she said. “By requiring them to contribute more toward road improvements, utility upgrades, sidewalks, and other essential infrastructure, we can help ensure that growth pays for itself, instead of burdening existing residents.”
“At the same time, embracing smart growth principles will help shape a town that’s not only functional but livable. That means encouraging development that includes green spaces, walkable design, and well-connected neighborhoods.”
Harris also supports “taking the time to thoroughly review each application, hear from our residents, and assess infrastructure, traffic, and quality-of-life impacts” as a responsible and transparent approach to managing Troutman’s growth.
Harris also wants to further increase transparency in government operation and decision-making.
She believes establishing a Citizens Academy would be a powerful tool for Troutman.
“This would give residents the opportunity to learn how local government works — from budgeting and planning to public safety and public works, to meeting town staff, touring departments, and understanding how decisions are made, to getting involved in shaping the future of our community by learning how and where their voices matter,” she said.
Harris also suggested specific ideas to engage with citizens to ensure that council members are hearing from all voices in the community, including quarterly “Coffee with Council” or “Cookies with Council” sessions.
She also favors more community surveys, both online and on paper.
“To ensure we’re hearing from people who can’t attend events, I’d help launch regular, easy-to-access community surveys. These would cover topics from development to public services to recreation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Harris promises to continue showing up where the community already gathers — community festivals, sporting events, school activities, and other public occasions.
“I have found that these are great opportunities to connect informally with residents, build relationships, and listen firsthand to their concerns and ideas,” she said.
In terms of public safety, Harris believes that one of the most pressing public safety concerns in Troutman is traffic-related behavior, particularly during school hours when a large volume of non-resident families pass through town.
“As a council member, I would support increasing police presence during peak traffic hours, especially in school zones and high-traffic corridors. A visible presence can act as a deterrent to aggressive driving and help maintain order during those critical times.”
“I have also been contacted directly by residents with safety concerns in their neighborhoods, particularly about speeding motorists. I’m proud to say that these concerns were taken seriously and immediately addressed by the Troutman Police Department.”
“In one case, residents now have speed humps installed, which have made their neighborhood safer.”
“In addition, sidewalk accessibility on main roads has been raised as a concern by several residents. This issue is also being actively addressed, with plans in motion to improve pedestrian safety and walkability, which are key components of both public safety and smart growth.”
If the town suddenly received a $5 million dollar grant with no use restrictions, Harris would suggest using it “to improve our infrastructure through partnerships with NCDOT and the CRTPO. Traffic congestion and road safety are two of the most frequent concerns I hear from residents.”
Such a windfall would be an “opportunity to take real, measurable action that is foundational to long-term quality of life and sustainable growth.”
Water and sewer cost and availability is also a growing topic in Troutman. To ensure Troutman’s long-term water and sewer capacity and control rising costs, Harris favors maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with the town’s outside water and sewer providers.
“Good communication and cooperation increase the likelihood that these providers will be willing to negotiate better, long-term agreements that secure capacity at more stable and reasonable rates.”
“At the same time, the town should actively pursue periodic reviews of these agreements to adjust terms as our community grows, ensuring that Troutman’s needs are prioritized.”
“Building these partnerships can also open doors for joint infrastructure planning and investment opportunities, which may lead to more efficient service delivery and cost savings in the long run.”
In her next term, Harris would love to see a recreational facility in the heart of downtown Troutman, “a place that truly serves as a hub for our growing and diverse community.”
“During the day, the facility could host homeschool programs and senior activities, while in the afternoon and evenings it could be used for after-school programs, recreational sports, fitness classes, and community events.”
The town has acquired several large commercial properties during Harris’s tenure. She is in full support of using these properties to house town staff and services if feasible and cost-effective.
“Repurposing existing properties could provide much-needed space, alleviate overcrowding at Town Hall, and delay or even reduce the need for new construction in the short term. However, if after thorough evaluation these buildings are determined not to be suitable or cost-effective for long-term municipal use, I would support selling the properties,” she said.
“The proceeds could then be used to offset the cost of a centralized municipal building, whether that’s a new facility or an existing structure that better meets the town’s needs. Ultimately, each property should be carefully assessed based on location, condition, and long-term value to the town.”
“Our focus should be on making the most of the assets we already have while planning wisely for future space and service needs.”
PLEDGE
Harris pledges to continue faithfully serving Troutman citizens if chosen for a second term. “Being born and raised in Troutman, I have a deep and personal connection to this town and a heart for the people who call it home.”
“I live, work, and play here every single day, so I don’t just hear about the challenges — I experience them alongside you. I never let those challenges take away from the value or potential of our town. Instead, they fuel my commitment to make Troutman an even better place for all of us.”