Editing Raleighpedia:What is an article (section)

== Articles about people ==

Raleighpedia maintains strict boundaries on biographies to avoid becoming a directory or personnel record.

=== Who may have an article ===

Standalone articles about people are generally limited to:

* Elected officials (current and former)
* Mayors, council members, and charter officers
* Historically significant figures with a lasting impact on Raleigh
* Individuals whose actions are central to a major civic event or policy

These standards are informed by Wikipedia’s guidance on biographies of public figures (see [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons]]), adapted to a local civic context.

=== Who should not have an article ===

Standalone articles should generally not be created for:

* City staff, department directors, or employees solely by virtue of their position
* Advisory committee members
* Consultants, advocates, or developers appearing in the public record
* Individuals mentioned only in meeting participation or testimony

Staff members and other individuals should be referenced within articles only insofar as their roles are necessary to document a decision or policy outcome.

=== Living persons ===
Extra care should be taken when writing about living individuals:

* Content must be factual, neutral, and well-sourced
* Avoid interpretive language, motive attribution, or characterization
* Focus on official actions and roles, not personal background

When possible, biographical information should be minimal and context-driven rather than encyclopedic.