Rep. Jeff Zenger Accepted Thousands In Campaign Cash From Developers, Introduced Bills To Benefit Them

Source: Editorial Board

Republican Rep. Jeff Zenger is running for re-election in North Carolina House District 74 in Forsyth County. Zenger was first elected to the General Assembly in 2020 and works as a general contractor and developer. 

During his short tenure as a representative, Zenger has introduced at least five bills that would benefit developers such as himself. 

  • Zenger introduced a bill to allow developers to go around local municipalities to get water or sewer for their new developments. The measure allows developers to get water or sewer from “another unit of local government” in the event that their permit is denied. The provision was included as a part of a bill to allow “social districts” for alcohol and was signed by Governor Cooper.
  • Zenger introduced a bill that would require local governments to approve development plans within 21 days. Under the proposal, should a local government fail to approve within 21 days, the developer would be allowed to seek outside approval of the plans and force local governments to issue permits within 72 hours. The measure passed in the House but was never voted on in the Senate.
  • Zenger introduced a bill to amend watershed rules to allow developers to build with more density than previously allowed. The measure was passed by both chambers and signed by Governor Roy Cooper. 

Zenger’s role in the industry and subsequent actions in the General Assembly may have contributed to his campaign fundraising. He has accepted over $10,000 in contributions from individuals in the development, construction, and real estate industries in the last two years.

Forsyth County is a rapidly growing area that has been quickly developed. Some residents have expressed concerns about the speed amid rising prices and lack of affordable housing. 

Jeff Zenger is running for re-election against Democratic challenger Carla Catalán Day. This fall, Forsyth County voters have the opportunity to elect a representative that will prioritize their community over the needs of developers.

Share:

More Posts

A victory for North Carolina Voters: Jefferson Griffin finally concedes in state Supreme Court race

Griffin’s concession comes after a federal judge ordered North Carolina election officials to confirm the victory of Justice Allison Riggs on the state Supreme Court. U.S. District Judge Richard Myers, appointed to the bench by Trump, ruled that all of the ballots challenged by Judge Jefferson Griffin must count and ordered the State Board of Elections to certify the results that Allison Riggs won.

Money talks: chemical giant, Chemours donates thousands to NC GOP lawmakers

Now the company is looking to lawmakers to avoid having to face more consequences for their pollution of North Carolina waters.  This legislative session, lawmakers are considering bills to hold polluters accountable, including House Bill 569, entitled “PFAS Pollution and Polluter Liability” and Senate Bill 666, the “2025 Water Safety Act”.