In 2001 he led the North Carolina Coalition for Responsible Growth in Raleigh which diminished the size of a huge development on the corner of Wade Avenue and Oberlin Road. This development would have overshadowed a freed slave cemetery and destroyed the character of the neighborhood. Development on the site has taken place, but scaled down from the original “Coker Towers” which was proposed. Bill recently stepped down as chairman of the Wade Avenue CAC where he served for 25 years. Citizens Advisory Councils (there are 18) are neighborhood groups that work with the City of Raleigh to bring awareness to issues and bring about change. Bill served as chair of the entire Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council groups, overseeing problems and changes all across Raleigh.