Today is Election Day. Across North Carolina, voters are deciding who will make decisions about healthcare, education, public infrastructure and essential resources and services. 

But for small rural towns, there’s a larger question that extends beyond any single election: How much influence do residents have over the decisions that shape their communities?

And what happens when local leaders know what their communities need but struggle to secure the resources to make those changes possible?

I recently spoke with Jason Elleby, the mayor of Brunswick. It’s a town of just over 900 people in Columbus County, in the southeastern part of the state. 

As mayor, Jason works directly to involve residents in decisions about their town’s future. He’s organizing conversations with people in their homes, gathering their ideas, and working toward a community-informed strategic plan.

But Brunswick also faces challenges that can’t be solved by just one person. The town needs investments in infrastructure, housing, and healthcare. And securing those resources often depends on decisions made far beyond Brunswick.

Jason and I talked about all this, as well as today's election, what residents expect from their government and what it takes for a small town to have a meaningful voice in shaping its future.

Guests:
Jason Elleby, mayor of the town of Brunswick, North Carolina

Producer: Layna Hong

Host: Layna Hong

“Send Rural Narratives a message”

Rural Narratives is a project of Narrative Arts, a nonprofit media and storytelling organization working alongside communities to share stories that deepen connection, expand understanding, and strengthen public life in rural America. Learn more at http://www.narrativearts.org.