TODD RAUCH
Opelika City Councilman - Ward 5
Recent News & Announcements:
With a busy February, below are some updates for your information:
Temporary Development Moratorium – What It Means and What Happens Next
Last week, the Council approved a temporary moratorium on certain residential approvals.
I supported the moratorium because many residents have expressed concerns about the pace of development, infrastructure capacity, and long-term planning. A pause provides time to evaluate our ordinances and ensure they align with today’s growth realities.
I proposed amendments to require:
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A written work plan with milestones
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Monthly reporting to Council
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Public transparency throughout the process
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Draft ordinance language before the moratorium expires
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Clear criteria before any extension
Those amendments were not adopted. However, I will continue to advocate for structured reporting and measurable results throughout the moratorium period.
A pause only benefits the City if it produces actionable improvements. I remain focused on ensuring this process delivers real outcomes that protect Opelika’s infrastructure, neighborhoods, and long-term stability.
To watch the meeting where the moratorium was discussed, click here.
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Faith Technologies Inc. – Approved Project in Ward 5
At the February 24th Specially Called City Council meeting, the Council approved a project development agreement and related tax abatements for Faith Technologies Inc. to establish a manufacturing operation in Opelika’s industrial park (in the former JoAnn Fabrics facility).
As many of you know, there were early concerns within the community about whether this project might involve a data center. Those concerns were understandable, especially given the national conversation surrounding data center infrastructure and utility demand.
Because this facility will be located in Ward 5, I made it a priority to ensure clarity on the public record. During the meeting, I asked specific questions to confirm:
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That the facility is a manufacturing operation — not a data center
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That no large-scale server farms or data processing operations will be housed onsite
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That the project is not structured to convert into a data center in the future
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That projected power and water usage align with typical industrial manufacturing standards
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That no extraordinary infrastructure strain would be placed on our utilities
Those answers were provided clearly and publicly.
I believe Faith Technologies Inc. will be a strong addition to our industrial base, bringing investment and opportunity to our city.
However, the engagement from residents also underscored an important principle: major economic development decisions require clear and proactive communication. Transparency builds trust. Questions strengthen the process. Public participation improves outcomes.
My commitment remains the same — to represent your interests with diligence, to ask difficult but necessary questions, and to work toward measurable goals that ensure your local government is accountable and effective.
Serving as your City Councilman is a privilege. Thank you for allowing me to represent Ward 5 and for continuing to stay engaged in the future of our community.
Investing in the Future of Opelika
WARD 5 PRIORITIES THIS TERM:
Todd believes every tax dollar should be spent wisely and transparently. As a strong fiscal steward, he prioritizes balanced budgets, strategic economic development, and partnerships that attract new businesses, support existing ones, and create quality jobs for Opelika residents.
With Opelika’s population steadily increasing, Todd is committed to ensuring that new residential development is thoughtful, well-planned, and aligned with the city’s long-term vision. He supports zoning and infrastructure decisions that maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods while accommodating growth in a smart, sustainable way.
Todd has made flood mitigation a top priority, advocating for infrastructure upgrades and drainage improvements that will better protect homes, roads, and public spaces in vulnerable areas. His goal is to proactively address stormwater issues before they become emergencies.
Opelika’s natural resources are worth protecting. Todd champions environmental stewardship by supporting projects and policies that reduce pollution, preserve green spaces, and safeguard the health of our local waterways for future generations.
Todd understands that safe, efficient transportation is key to quality of life. That’s why he continues to push for investments in road resurfacing, sidewalk connectivity, intersection improvements, and traffic flow solutions that meet the needs of a growing city.
Todd is committed to ensuring that all Opelika residents—regardless of neighborhood—have equal access to safe, high-quality parks, facilities, and recreation programs across the city.
Meet Todd Rauch:
A Life of Service, A Voice for Opelika
Todd Rauch has dedicated his life to service—first to his country, and now to his community. At just 17, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Military Police Officer in Germany and later in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, while training Iraqi police officers, Todd and his unit were ambushed. He sustained life-threatening injuries and was medevaced to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he underwent 12 surgeries. For his bravery, he was awarded the Purple Heart and later medically retired from military service. That experience shaped his unwavering commitment to protecting and advocating for others.
After his military retirement, Todd focused on continuing his service in new ways. He earned his associate’s degree from Lake Land College and later a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn University. In Opelika, he found a home and a calling. Over the past decade, he has become deeply involved in the life of the community, serving in leadership roles with the Community Foundation of East Alabama, the Opelika Kiwanis Club, the Museum of East Alabama, and several regional planning and emergency response teams. A graduate of Leadership Lee County, Opelika's 20 Under 40, and the Opelika Citizens Police Academy, Todd is no stranger to stepping up for his city.
Elected to represent Ward 5 in 2020, Todd has earned a reputation as one of Opelika’s most active and accessible City Council members. He’s known for showing up—attending hundreds of ribbon cuttings, neighborhood meetings, civic events, and one-on-one constituent visits. Visibility, transparency, and responsiveness have become the hallmarks of his leadership. Todd believes government works best when it works for the people—and every resident of Ward 5 knows they have someone who will listen and take action on their behalf.
In 2023, Todd was selected for a prestigious international delegation to China through the American Council of Young Political Leaders, one of just seven elected officials nationwide to be chosen. He currently represents Opelika on several state and regional boards, including the Alabama Association of Regional Councils, the MPO Policy Advisory Board, and the Lee County Young Leaders Board. His focus remains on practical, people-first solutions—like reducing stormwater flooding, expanding infrastructure, encouraging smart growth, and protecting Opelika’s natural resources.
Todd and his wife, Ali, have proudly called Opelika home for nearly 20 years. Together, they are active members of Foundry Opelika Church and love investing in the community they’ve chosen to grow with. They recently welcomed a new puppy, Liberty, into their home, following the passing of their beloved first pup, Forrest. For Todd, public service isn’t a job—it’s a lifelong mission. He’s running for re-election because he believes the best is yet to come for Opelika, and he’s ready to keep fighting for its future.
Contact Todd
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