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Cohort 8

Jurisdiction: Town of Grifton

University: East Carolina University

Hometown: Louisburg, NC

Yadiel Reyes Cruz serves as a Lead for North Carolina Fellow with the Town of Grifton, where he supports land-use planning and community development. During his fellowship, Yadiel will research how other communities regulate data centers and draft a proposed land-use ordinance to help Grifton prepare for future development proposals. He will also research best practices and develop a conditional zoning ordinance that gives the Town greater flexibility when considering unique development projects. In addition, Yadiel will plan, organize, budget, and manage Grifton’s first municipal concert, establishing a framework the Town can use for future community events. Through these projects, he is gaining hands-on experience in land-use planning, ordinance development, policy research, public presentations, project management, budgeting, and community development while helping expand the Town’s planning tools and opportunities for community engagement.

Yadiel Reyes Cruz graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Community and Regional Planning. A passion for public service and the built environment has inspired a commitment to helping communities grow and reach their full potential.

September 6, 2026

 This July, the eighth cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows arrived at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to begin their journey into public sector careers. After…

August 24, 2026

This July four Western Carolina University graduates were chosen to serve communities across the state as Lead for North Carolina fellows. Lead for NC is a government fellowship program started…

August 24, 2026

This July, the eighth cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows arrived at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to begin their journey into public sector careers. After…

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