Council Member Stormy Fort urges in-person civic ties even as digital tools expand

Council Member Stormy Fort opened the Engaged Raleigh Expo at NC State on behalf of the mayor and the Raleigh City Council, thanking city staff and partner organizations for staffing the event and encouraging residents to explore departmental booths and workshops. She said the expo is intended to help residents find volunteer and engagement opportunities and to foster neighborhood connections.

"Artificial intelligence will never be a good substitute for volunteering or just being present in your community," Fort said, urging attendees to use technology intentionally to enhance—not replace—human relationships. She framed the expo as a chance to both learn about digital tools and to meet neighbors and local organizations in person.

The panel that followed focused on digital equity, data transparency and practical steps residents can take to learn new technologies. Fort’s remarks positioned the expo as both a service fair and a prompt to balance online engagement with local civic activity. The event includes workshops and a public question-and-answer period that the panel used to address audience concerns about device access and data use.