What's Up Washington

Host Ellen Brabo welcomes City Council candidate Zach Settewongse to the show for a vital conversation about the future of Washington, NC.

Zach, an unaffiliated candidate, dives straight into the city's pressing financial challenges, including the $22 million municipal debt and the recent impact of property tax changes on residents. We discuss the key takeaways from the recent Mayoral and City Council forums, and why a commitment to open governance and transparency is Zach's primary focus as he campaigns. 

Learn more about Zach at www.settewongse.com. 

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In this episode of What’s Up Washington, host Ellen Brabo sits down with Johnny Jones of Sozo Radio for his Candidate Corner series, where he talks with local candidates running for office here in Washington, NC. They cover a lot of ground—from property taxes and Brabo's military background to the City’s debt and why she is running for Mayor.

Learn more about Brabo's campaign at www.ellenbrabo.com
Support the campaign: text BRABO to (888) 444-8774
Follow along on Facebook. 

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With Right of Way acquisition for the 15th Street widening project (U-5860) beginning as early as August, many Washington, NC residents are wondering what their rights are and what steps they should be taking now.

In this episode of What’s Up Washington, host Ellen Brabo sits down with local attorney Alexandra Boney to break down the process of eminent domain in clear, accessible terms. They discuss the origin of eminent domain law, how “just compensation” is determined, and what to do before you are approached by a Right of Way agent.

This conversation is part of the 15th Street Coalition’s ongoing efforts to both inform and advocate—empowering residents to act before decisions are made for them.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Listening does not create an attorney-client relationship.

To speak with Alexandra directly, visit alexandracboney.com or call 252-495-4475.

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In this myth-busting episode, host Ellen Brabo dives into the real traffic data surrounding 15th Street and tackles head-on the claim that a road diet can’t work here.

Backed by local traffic studies, NCDOT counts and federal guidelines from the FHWA, Ellen explains why the Stantec plan is not only viable, but tailored to the exact volume of traffic we have today (and even projected in the future).

She also addresses the common comparison to 5th Street: Why it feels congested, what signal timing has to do with it and why design alone isn’t the issue. You’ll come away with clear answers, real data and the confidence to push back against misleading narratives.

📍 Learn more, view the Stantec plan and sign the petition at 15thStreetCoalition.com

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In this in-depth episode of Wake Up Washington, host Ellen Brabo takes listeners inside the Stantec design—the community-driven alternative to the NCDOT widening proposal for 15th Street.

You’ll learn how the City of Washington partnered with internationally respected design firm Stantec to develop a safer, more accessible, and people-focused plan for the 15th Street corridor—one that reflects local values and keeps property impacts to a minimum. With input from over 600 residents, the Stantec plan features:

• A center turn lane to reduce crashes
• Sidewalks and a 10-foot multi-use path
• Landscaped medians, crosswalks, and traffic calming
• All built within the existing 60-foot right-of-way

This episode breaks down the plan’s history, its collaborative public engagement process, and why it remains a viable—and better—option today.

View the full plan here.

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In this episode of Wake Up Washington, host Ellen Brabo walks listeners through the full timeline of the 15th Street project, from its origin as a simple safety improvement to its current status as a $38.6 million widening proposal by NCDOT.

You'll learn how a locally-supported plan to add a center turn lane was gradually transformed into a four-lane divided highway, and how Washington’s City Council, residents, and business owners responded along the way. Ellen explains the key decisions, turning points, and funding changes that shaped the proposal now facing our community—and why the 15th Street Coalition believes it's not too late to demand something better.

Whether you’re new to the issue or have been following it for years, this episode connects the dots and makes the history clear.

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In this kickoff episode of Wake Up Washington, host Ellen Brabo, Coordinator of the 15th Street Coalition, breaks down the basics of NCDOT Project U-5860, the proposed widening of 15th Street in Washington, North Carolina.

What is a “superstreet”? Why is NCDOT planning to expand 15th Street to a 4 lane divided highway with a raised concrete median? And why are more than 500 residents speaking out in opposition?

Backed by hundreds of hours of research and conversations with engineers, city leaders, and planning officials, this episode sets the stage for understanding what’s happening, and what’s at stake.

Whether you’re just tuning in or have followed the project from the beginning, this episode will give you a clear, accessible foundation for everything to come.

Learn more or sign the petition at 15thStreetCoalition.com.

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