Holden Sides, Kannapolis City Council candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2025 election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Holden Sides
Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1994
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/holdenforkannapoliscc/
Occupation: Banker
Education: Bachelors in Political Science
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Yes, Kannapolis City Council in 2023
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
For the last 12 years, I have served on numerous boards, committees, campaigns, focus groups, and with other professional organizations. Recently, I served on the Kannapolis Environmental Stewardship Committee, where I helped explore ways to lessen our pollution and beautify the city. I have also served on the Kannapolis Board of Adjustments since 2021, serving as Vice Chair since 2024. On the board, we hear certain zoning cases and ensure that they follow the standards set in our ordinances.
What are the most important issues facing Kannapolis today, and how would you address them?
Affordable housing is a crisis. We should partner with local, state, and national developers to make living here less out of reach. We should advance smart and effective growth strategies that ensure all areas of Kannapolis are invested in - from major investments to sidewalks. We should continue to support our local businesses, finding ways for them to succeed while encouraging new businesses to move here. I will also advocate for larger employers to positively invest in their communities.
Development, particularly downtown, has changed Kannapolis significantly over the previous several years. What’s your opinion on how growth and development is changing what things feel like living in Kannapolis? And what’s your vision of what Kannapolis should look and feel like in the next few years?
Changes in Downtown Kannapolis has been a major improvement and has created a thriving, inviting atmosphere. A younger me experienced a very different downtown - where most businesses had closed or moved after Cannon Mills closed. Although skeptical at times, I do believe that we have dramatically improved our city and still much to do! We have a tremendous opportunity to continue honoring our town’s history while also embracing smart, strategic growth and fresh ideas.
How would you support improving parks, recreation and community spaces in Kannapolis?
Parks and recreation are essential spaces for building a thriving community. In Kannapolis, we already enjoy abundant activities, such as the various walk clubs, the concert series at the park, and our beautiful green ways. I would work to expand these community offerings and activities to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to enjoy them.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
I’ve lived around here my whole life. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the comeback of this town — from the tough years following the mill closure, and now the new energy and excitement we’re seeing today. I’m running because I love this town and I love my neighbors. I’ll work to ensure that as we grow, we’re building a Kannapolis that reflects and serves the people that live here, both current and future. Growth shouldn’t leave anyone behind, and I’m committed to making sure it doesn’t. I’m ready to take my extensive experience and serve Kannapolis on the council with dedication and transparency, while remaining accessible, engaged and a true voice of our community.
