Avery C. Upchurch

Avery Council Upchurch was an American businessman and politician who served as the Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina from 1983 to 1993. His ten-year tenure was the longest continuous mayoral service in Raleigh during the 20th century and coincided with a major period of urban and economic growth in the city.

Early life and business career

Upchurch was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and moved to Raleigh as a teenager. After graduating from Broughton High School, he operated two filling stations in Raleigh and ran a heating oil business. He also served as executive director and president of the North Carolina Service Station Association and held leadership positions in other civic and trade organizations.
Upchurch began his political career in 1976 with an appointment to the Raleigh Planning Commission, later serving on the Raleigh City Council before running for mayor.

Mayor of Raleigh

Upchurch was elected mayor in 1983, succeeding Smedes York. His administration emphasized expansion of Raleigh's infrastructure to support population and economic growth. Major initiatives included:

Widening of streets and expansion of water and sewer systems
Launch of curbside recycling programs
Construction of additional downtown parking
Construction of the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Renovation of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, formerly Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
Planning for expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center
Initial feasibility studies that lead to the Lenovo Center, formerly Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena

Upchurch was widely recognized for his down-to-earth and consensus-driven leadership, personally engaging with citizens and local issues. Anecdotally, he once personally collected garbage from a resident when city collection services failed.

Later life and legacy

Upchurch declined to seek a sixth term in 1993. Within months of leaving office, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and passed away on June 30, 1994, at age 65. In recognition of his service, the Raleigh Municipal Building was renamed the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex in his honor.

Personal life

Upchurch was married to Margaret Upchurch and had at least one son, Edward Upchurch, as well as a stepson, Lane West. He remained active in his community throughout his life, participating in church and civic organizations.