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Business Journals
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Designing for growth: Why Charlotte's workspaces must compete like never before
It's no surprise that U.S. News & World Report ranked Charlotte among the top five Best Places to Live. With its temperate climate, affordable cost of living and dynamic mix of culture, business and Southern charm, the Queen City continues to draw newcomers in — 117 people move to the region daily, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. For local employers, this steady population growth is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a robust talent pool. On the other, it intensifies competition — not just for business, but for the attention and commitment of that talent. With new opportunities arriving daily, your offer letter alone isn't enough. Your workplace must work just as hard to attract and retain top talent. The competitive advantage of people-first places When Design Collaborative expanded to Charlotte in 2021, we brought with us three decades of experience designing what we call People-First Places — environments that prioritize the well-being, productivity and experience of the people who use them. It's a philosophy that has shaped projects across half of the country. In Charlotte, that approach has resonated deeply with the University of North Carolina Charlotte who noted how 'engaged and responsive the design team has been throughout the design process.' Their new space has been so thoughtfully tailored to the needs of the users of the space that it may set a new benchmark for a truly People-First Place on the campus. Yet another corporate client who has a worldwide presence was equally inspired by the collaborative process and the focus on employee experience — so much so that they have asked us to assist them in establishing new space design standards for all of their office refresh projects. These aren't just design choices — they're business strategies. In a market where talent has options, people-first environments help employers stand out. Design with a fingerprint, not a template At the heart of our work is our proprietary design process: a process that we have branded as Fingerprint. It's built on collaboration, consensus and a deep understanding of what makes each client unique. We don't start with assumptions. We start with questions. How does your team operate? What are your pain points? How do you want your space to support your people, your culture, and your future? We combine these insights with our deep market experience to create a tailored solution — not a one-size-fits-all plan — that is unique to the needs of our clients and positively impacts the lives of those who will work, live and play in the spaces that have been created. When done right, this process results in more than just a building. It produces a space that reinforces the way you work, strengthens your culture and enhances your organization's identity. Your design team matters more than you think If you've been through a design or construction project, ask yourself: Was the process engaging? Did your team feel heard? Was there a clear vision that reflected your goals? If the answer is yes, you've likely seen how the right environment can energize your team and boost productivity. If not, it's worth reconsidering how you select your next design and construction partner. To help guide that process, we recommend reading our story to any organization planning to build or renovate in today's competitive climate. A shared investment in Charlotte's future As Charlotte continues to grow and attract new residents, the competition for talent and business will only intensify. The organizations that stand out won't be those offering the most perks on paper — but those creating environments where people genuinely want to work. By designing workspaces that are as compelling as the city itself — people-first, purpose-driven and rooted in culture — we not only strengthen our own teams, but we also shape the kind of community that continues to draw talent in and keep it here. In a city known for its momentum, let's make sure our workspaces help carry it forward. Ready to compete for top talent with a workplace that sets you apart? Let's talk about creating a people-first workplace that reflects your culture and drives growth. Contact us to start a conversation. Design Collaborative is a big-hearted, multi-disciplinary design firm that combines large-firm expertise with boutique-firm service. Our team includes architects, engineers, interior designers, cost estimators, graphic designers and more. We work directly with you and your key stakeholders to ensure that all decisions produce design solutions that support the way your people and your users live, work and play. Kevin Scully, AIA, NCARB, is a partner, senior architect and director of the Charlotte office at Design Collaborative. He has led the planning and design of over 250 projects across the country. Scully uses his refined skillset to develop a unique vision and build consensus around the goals of every project.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New or homesick? Where Charlotte's immigrant community goes for familiar flavors
If there's one thing that can evoke memories of home, it's food. Charlotte's a growing city with more than 1,000 international businesses in the region, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. And the latest census puts Charlotte's foreign-born population at 18.1%. With stats like that, you can be sure international flavors abound here, too. So where do people with international roots go when they want a taste of home? That's something my French-born husband asked me the other day and made me curious. CharlotteFive thought you'd want to know, too. So, we checked in with immigrants from around the globe (including my hubby!) to get recommendations on places and dishes to try. A few things stood out in these conversations: This is just a tiny sampling of international voices but includes people from a variety of places and career backgrounds, spanning the arts, business, sports, medicine, education and more. Authentic flavors don't necessarily mean a higher price tag. This list features everything from food trucks and takeout counters to casual and fine dining establishments. Many of these folks also enjoy cooking and said that nothing can beat a home-made meal made by them or fellow immigrants. [GO GLOBAL: Charlotte's top international markets, including some with cafes and food courts.] Here's our guide so you can eat like those in the know: Name: Aguinaldo Santos (Hometown: Cabo de Santo Agostinho) Occupation: Visual artist Aguinaldo Santos, whose work has recently been showcased at events like Charlotte Shout and the Charlotte International Arts Festival, said one of the best places to check out for Brazilian fare is Tropical Bakery & Cafe in Matthews. It's among the oldest bakeries in the area, which has several other Brazilian shops nearby. Brazilians in the know call it 'Rui's bakery,' after owner/pastry chef Rui Oliveira. It's a point of reference and a popular place for Brazilians to meet up, Santos said. The menu includes an assortment of breakfast pastries and lunch options. He recommends trying coxinha (deep-fried pastries stuffed with shredded chicken and cream cheese). He also recommends trying picanha (a popular cut of grilled beef), typically served as a lunch with beans and rice, fries or mashed potatoes. You can find that at Brazilian Way Sport Bar. For upscale Brazilian barbecue or churrascaria with rodizio-style service (a prix fixe that includes a variety of grilled meats on skewers brought and carved table-side), Santos recommends Chima Steakhouse in uptown Charlotte. Location: 11100 Monroe Road, Matthews, NC 28105 Location: 1920 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, NC 28270 Location: 139 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Name: Romain Bertrand (Hometown: Sorgues) Occupation: Director of solution design at BetterLesson 'There aren't that many French restaurants in Charlotte at the moment,' Romain Bertrand said. He recommends Cafe Monte for its authentic French bistro ambiance and menu. The decor doesn't feel overly kitsch with memorabilia, and dishes are relatively simple. 'It's trying to do French classics well at a reasonable price,' he said. The Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese) and Croque Madame (grilled ham and cheese with a fried egg) are ultimate comfort foods. Crȇpes with savory fillings, steak frites and boeuf bourguignon are all simple but well done fare, he said. [ONLY THE BEST FOR. YOU: Charlotte neighborhood restaurant named for the city's best french fries.] He also enjoys Raclette Night at Orrman's Cheese Shop, especially in winter. This dish, typical of the Alps, is prepared with melted raclette cheese scraped from a giant wheel of cheese. (Racler means 'to scrape' in French). It's traditionally served with potatoes, charcuterie and cornichons. Location: 6700 Fairview Road #108, Charlotte, NC 28210 Location: 224 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Name: Fuki Takahashi (Hometown: Yokohama) Name: Remi Okamoto (Hometown: Kyoto) Occupation: Professional dancers with Charlotte Ballet Fuki Takahashi, who is in her first year at Charlotte Ballet, recommends Super, a market reminiscent of a Japanese-style convenience store. It's located in the food hall at Urban District Market, less than a 10-minute drive from the ballet's rehearsal studio. If she's hungry after work, she often picks up onigiri (a rice ball wrapped in seaweed) for the hour-long ride back home to Lexington. She also recommends Yunta in SouthEnd, an upscale Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, for date nights. It's got you covered whether you like your dishes raw (like sushi and ceviche) or cooked (grilled meats and wok-prepared stirfries). 'That restaurant was divine …' she said. 'And the cocktails are amazing.' Dancer Remi Okamoto suggests KaUdon, also at Urban District Market. She said it's one of the most authentic places she's found throughout her dance career, which took her to multiple European countries before arriving in Charlotte in 2023. 'It's so Japanese,' she said, and really made her feel like she was home. For Ramen, Menya Daruma gets Okamoto's vote, for both taste and its authentic Japanese noodle shop ambiance, including counter seating and an open kitchen. If you want to pair your next meal with a trip to the ballet, you can catch both dancers in a Las Vegas-styled reimagining of 'Carmen,' making its world premiere at Knight Theater from May 2-11. Location: 2315 North Davidson Street, #300, Charlotte, NC 28205 Location: 2201 South Boulevard, Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28203 Location: 1941 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 Name: Francis Dayrit (Hometown: Manila) Occupation: Physician Name: Glorianne Bernabe (Hometown: Quezon City) Occupation: Development associate at International House Francis Dayrit, who came to Charlotte in the late '90s, recommends Joel's Asian Grill in Mooresville, which features a Filipino menu as part of its offerings. He hasn't eaten there since ownership changed but heard the same dishes he enjoyed there are still available. He also enjoys Manila Grill in Alley 51 at Super G Mart in Pineville. At either place, try Filipino adobo, often called the national dish of the Philippines. It's different from other adobo traditions found around the world, he said, and its preparation can vary greatly depending on who's cooking. Each region has its own version with different types of meat and vegetables. The dish usually centers on vinegar, garlic, black pepper and soy sauce. In the Philippines, he said, 'you get the best adobo in people's homes because everybody's from somewhere else …' Another dish to try is laing, made from dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, sometimes served with pork or shrimp. Glorianne Bernabe, who moved to the U.S. as a child with her family, also gives these restaurants a thumbs up. Both carry one of her favorite dishes: sinigang, a soup made of tamarind and lots of vegetables. It is traditionally made with salmon, pork or shrimp and has a sour flavor, she said. She also has found a taste of home at food trucks, like when Philippines Fest, a popular street festival from New York, made a trip to Charlotte last November. A repeat event is planned for May 24 -25 at Resident Culture Brewery. She discovered Hottadogs, thanks to the festival, a local truck with a Filipino-style hot dog on its menu. At Hottadogs, the red and sweet franks are served with a pork skewer on top, along with crispy onions and Filipino banana ketchup. Growing up, she remembers hot dogs on a skewer served as a party food with marshmallows at the bottom and top 'It's a very unique thing that some Filipinos do ...' she said. 'But I also know some people who never really heard of it.' Another popular food truck she hopes to try soon: VJ's Chicken Inasal. It specializes in Filipino-style barbecue, which she said is a little sweeter than traditional Southern barbecue. Location: 110A Marketplace Avenue, Mooresville, NC 28117 Location: Inside Alley 51 at Super G Mart, 10500 Centrum Parkway, Pineville, NC 28134 Location: Mobile Location: Mobile Name: Peinda Diop (Hometown: Dakar) Occupation: French instructor at The Language Academy of the Carolinas Peinda Diop moved to Charlotte five years ago. She's taught French and English as a second language across the U.S. since the early 2000s. Since she moved here, she's been on the hunt for Thiébou Dieune ('Chee-boo-jen'), as it's known in Senegal or jollof rice, as it's known in other regions. It's a rice and fish dish and considered the signature meal of Senegal. She makes the dish at home and contemplates opening her own catering or restaurant business someday to share it with others. 'Now, this is the thing,' Diop said, 'Jollof rice has been imitated. The original jollof rice is found in Senegal … because Senegal used to be the Empire of Djolof before it was a (French) colony.' (After we spoke, Diop learned from her brother about Tima African Restaurant near Eastway Drive and The Plaza. Its menu includes jollof rice and other cuisine that reminds him of home but she has yet to try it.) In the meantime, she said the Mediterranean flavors of fried rice and grilled chicken that she finds at Mezeh are similar to another popular meat and rice dish found in Senegal, called Yassa. It's made of white rice, mixed vegetables, chicken, lamb or fish, cooked with an onion sauce with mustard, lemon and garlic. Location: 4438 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28215 Location: 4920 Old Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 Location: Inside Optimist Hall, 340 East 16th Street, Charlotte, NC 28206 Location: 8926 J M Keynes Drive, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28262 Name: Zoran Krneta (Hometown: Belgrade) Occupation: General manager of Charlotte FC Zoran Krneta, who is originally from Serbia, moved to London in the 1990s to study and launch his career that has encompassed both international finance and sports management. A major foodie, Krneta came to Charlotte in 2019 to oversee the new professional soccer club's operations. In Serbia, he said, 'there are thousands of little cafes all over the place.' In Charlotte, too, he's found lots of restaurants to love. At Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe in Plaza Midwood, you can find some Serbian dishes on the menu, including sarma. That's a traditional Balkan dish made of minced meat, rice and seasonings wrapped in cabbage leaves. Just as Charlotte is constantly expanding with new international flavors, Krneta said his palate continues to broaden here. When he and his wife first arrived, they looked for places that would remind them of Europe and London. They quickly fell in love with Barcelona Wine Bar, and it became their principal haunt. Krneta said it's a perfect spot to linger outside with a bottle of wine for hours. He also recommends Restaurant Constance, located a short drive away from Bank of America Stadium, where he's gotten to know chef Sam Diminich, a semifinalist for this year's James Beard Awards. Krneta loves the fresh farm produce and frequently changing menu at the intimate restaurant. He said the ambiance and menu both have a European feel to them. (Diminich has Italian lineage and trained in his father and grandfather's restaurants, as well as under celebrated French chef Georges Perrier at the legendary Le Bec Fin restaurant in Philadelphia before it closed.) Krneta also loves Sixty Vines, where he'll sit outside if the weather's nice. It's a perfect place to go with business partners, he said. 'It reminds me if you go to Europe in the summer and you go to Mykonos, the famous Greek island, or if you go to the famous Spanish island Ibiza, and that's like a party island where … the atmosphere is amazing and a lot of people … [are] drinking, laughing and it's always packed.' Krneta said he knows he's lucky to be part of a pro soccer team and still be able to eat out all the time, unlike his players who have to more closely watch what they eat to stay fit. 'They have a different type of fun,' he said. 'They win the games, and then they're popular.' Location: 1427 East 10th Street Charlotte, NC 28204 Location: 101 West Worthington Avenue, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28203 Location: 2200 Thrift Road, Charlotte, NC 28208 Location: 1415 Vantage Park Drive #100, Charlotte, NC 28203 Name: Earn Sakornpan (Hometown: Bangkok) Occupation: Head of strategy and business development for an automotive testing company Earn Sakornpan moved to the U.S. 20 years ago for school, and he and his wife have been in Charlotte for three years. He said he's found several really good Thai restaurants in the vicinity. He recommends Noom Yai, a food truck based out of Belmont. It makes central Thai food, what he grew up with — dishes like Pad Thai and his favorite Kra Pao ('Holy Basil,' a stir fried combination with pork or chicken, Thai basil and a fried egg on top.) He also recommends J.P. Lao Kitchen, near the airport. It's a bit of a trek, he said, but worth it. It serves Northeastern Thai and Lao cuisine. Its specialties include spicy dishes like papaya salad, grilled meats and sticky rice. You can order at the counter or grab a delicious premade takeout dish in the back of the shop, he said. Location: Mobile Location: 2604 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 Name: Gilberto Velazco (Hometown: Caracas) Occupation: Retired civil engineer/Spanish instructor at The Language Academy of the Carolinas Gilberto Velazco moved to Charlotte five years ago to be closer to his eldest daughter when the political situation in Venezuela became intolerable. He hasn't yet found upscale Venezuelan fine dining options in Charlotte, but he has found some great spots for snacks and everyday comfort foods. For more than 30 years, he ran an engineering firm and was a university professor in Caracas. Now, he teaches Spanish to adults in Charlotte. At Chamos Grill, a casual spot, he said you can find specialities like arepas. Those are grilled or baked sandwiches made with cornmeal flatbread and filled with ingredients like beef, chicken, black beans, or shredded cheese. Try cachapas, too. Similar to pancakes, they are pan fried and made with sweet and tender pieces of corn mixed into the batter. They are often served with butter and white cheese. Behind The Latin Corner, a grocery store in Pineville with South American products (see below), there are a couple of food trucks. Velazco said you can find tasty picadillo, a soup prepared from slowly smoked meat that's then cut in small pieces along with vegetables and turned into a thick soup. (Picar means 'to chop' in Spanish.) 'I recommend that after a hangover,' he said. It's got a little spice to it but you can add more with aji pepper sauce, always served alongside Venezuelan cuisine, he said. One other spot he hasn't tried yet but has heard good things about is Los Chamos on South Boulevard, where you can find Asado Negro — a tender beef dish seared in sugar, then slow cooked with vegetables and spices. (In case you're wondering, chamos means 'guys' or 'kids' in Venezuelan Spanish slang.) Location: 9010 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28270 Location: 2522 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 Location: 705 Main Street, Pineville, NC 28134 Location: 7001 South Boulevard, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28217 Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mecklenburg reaches ‘inflection point' as NC legislators file transportation tax bill
Charlotte's plan to overhaul the region's transportation system and sway a skeptical legislature officially began Monday when a trio of prominent Republican senators filed a long-awaited tax bill. The bill filed Monday is Senate Bill 145. Its primary sponsors are Sens. Bill Rabon, David Craven and Vickie Sawyer, whose district covers part of northern Mecklenburg County. Rabon and Sawyer also are chairs of the Senate Transportation Committee. Craven is a chair of the Senate Finance Committee. If passed, Mecklenburg County could ask voters as early as this year whether to add a 1-cent sales tax to pay for roads and public transportation. SB 145 requires 40% of proceeds to go to road projects and 60% to go to public transportation. The measure already received support from all Mecklenburg cities and towns, except Matthews, which proposed a higher tax to ensure a light rail line extends there. The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, the area's most prominent business advocacy group, added its endorsement Monday by saying Mecklenburg County's 'outstanding quality of life is threatened by increasing congestion.' 'This region is at a remarkable inflection point,' CLT Alliance Chair David Longo said in a news release. 'We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our future.' The bill's introduction came on the same day Republican General Assembly leaders visited the alliance to discuss the legislature's 2025 session. Sawyer has cautioned the bill's passage remains uncertain in the GOP-dominated chamber. Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall remained mum Monday on their opinions about the transportation tax effort. But Berger praised Charlotte-area leaders for collaborating on the tax referendum package, and Hall offered a dash of optimism about its chances. 'I cannot over emphasize how impressed I've been with the willingness of local governments and local officials to work together to come to this point,' Berger said. Key parts of Senate Bill 145 include: ▪ Allowing the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners to direct election officials to put a sales tax referendum on the ballot that asks voters whether they are 'for' or 'against' a 1% sales and use tax in addition to other existing taxes. ▪ If voters approve the referendum, the tax can only start if the N.C. General Assembly creates a new public transportation authority for the county. A draft bill from local leaders last year called for an authority with 27 members appointed by Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, the county's towns and state leaders to govern the Charlotte Area Transit System. Berger told reporters Monday the authority would be introduced as a separate bill for procedural reasons. ▪ Tax revenue for roads would be distributed to each city and town in the county using a formula outlined in the bill. ▪ The public transportation revenue could be used for buying, building or operating a public transportation system, but the bill says no more than 40% of the total tax revenue can go to rail projects over any 30-year period. And the new public transit authority must complete at least 50% of the Red Line from uptown to Lake Norman towns before completing any other rail project. There's an exception for unexpected events such as natural disasters. ▪ CATS leadership in January presented four scenarios that are affordable with the 40% cap on rail. All four options fully fund the Red Line, an expansion of the Gold Line streetcar system and overhaul of CATS' bus system. They also lay out options for completing all or some of the Silver Line light rail project to the airport and Blue Line expansion as light rail or bus rapid transit. ▪ The authority can use its money to reimburse the city of Charlotte for buying train tracks from Norfolk Southern for the Red Line. The Charlotte City Council voted last year to spend $74 million to purchase 22 miles of rail corridor from Norfolk Southern and an additional $17 million for 1.6 acres of land along Graham Street near the Gateway Station. The bill would provide for 'unprecedented funding for roads, transit and bus systems that will have both immediate and long-term impacts for our commuters, residents, and visitors,' the managers of Mecklenburg County, Charlotte and every town in the county but Matthews said in a joint statement Monday. In a separate statement Monday, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said the bill 'will help secure a more prosperous and better future' for the region. 'We still have a lot of work to do, but having a bill filed is an important milestone — one that we have been working towards for years,' she said. 'I look forward to the work in front of us, with our partners, to deliver on a future that will make a difference for all of us because it will make a difference in the quality of life for our region.' Lyles added in her statement she wants the governance structure 'that the city, county, and majority of towns agreed to remain intact.' Berger and Hall spoke at the CLT Alliance's uptown headquarters Monday, addressing a crowd that featured local elected officials, members of Mecklenburg County's legislative delegation and business leaders. Neither took questions from the crowd, but they addressed the transportation bill in their remarks about the 2025 session. Hall became House speaker this year after Tim Moore won a seat in Congress. He told Monday's crowd the transportation tax bill is 'heading in the right direction' because 'both sides of the aisle' and the business community 'explained the need for the investments and how you're really spending money to save money and create growth in the area.' 'It doesn't mean it's going to be easy,' Hall said. 'I imagine it's going to be a bill that's well litigated through the General Assembly among the various committees in the chambers, and maybe something that it takes most of the long session to get to a good place on but, but I know that there are a number of folks who are committed to doing something on it.' Hall pledged to review data about the most efficient ways to move people and 'grow responsibility.' Berger lauded local leaders for reaching a compromise deal, but cautioned that changes could be made as the bill makes its way through the legislative process. 'The rest of the news is that we ain't there yet, and so we will see how to get us and get you from where we are at this point to where you all want to go,' he said. Speaking to reporters after the event, Berger said he's encouraging members of the Republican caucus 'to look at the proposal and understand the reasons for it.' 'They'll have to make their individual decisions on what they're going to do,' he said. Sawyer has cautioned it won't be easy to get through the General Assembly. An advocacy group posted portions of email exchange with Sawyer earlier this month in which she said the bill was 'a long way from being palatable to have enough votes to even get to the floor.' She told the Observer at the time 'nothing really new has changed' but the bill remains 'very difficult' to pass in a Republican-dominated legislature generally averse to tax increases. The CLT Alliance noted in its statement Mecklenburg voters will decide whether to increase taxes if the legislature allows it to be put to a vote. 'Investments in transportation infrastructure are critical for the region's long-term competitiveness, success, and quality of life for all. The CLT Alliance will continue to deliver the business perspective on this critical topic and is committed to working with stakeholders across the region to make progress on transportation solutions,' interim President and CEO Andrea Smith said. Alliance Chief Advocacy Officer Joe Bost said 'it's premature' to pick a cut-off date for the referendum to make the 2025 ballot. Developer Ned Curran added the business community has already started working with other community groups and elected officials on efforts to educate both legislators and the public about the bill and the potential referendum. 'We're shooting for it to be on the ballot in November 2025,' he said. Lyles told WCNC that if the region fails to get a referendum on the 2025 ballot, the city would try again in 2026.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Transit momentum: Newly filed bill would allow sales tax increase for transit
Charlotte's push for a sales tax increase for transit took a big step forward Monday with the filing of the 'Mecklenburg Transportation Referendum' bill in Raleigh. Senators Vickie Sawyer, Bill Rabon, and David Craven introduced the bill in the state senate. Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall are expected to address the bill's prospects during an address to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Monday afternoon. ALSO READ: Charlotte Douglas Airport to change general, corporate aviation operator Managers for the city of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and all towns except Matthews released a statement Monday morning thanking the senators for sponsoring the bill. 'Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven, and Vickie Sawyer, as sponsors of the bill, deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation for understanding the importance of this proposal and for allowing our community the opportunity to determine its transportation future by making a choice for increased regional transportation infrastructure investments,' the statement said. 'The bill provides the opportunity for unprecedented funding for roads, transit and bus systems that will have both immediate and long-term impacts for our commuters, residents, and visitors.' The bill grants the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners the authority to authorize a 1% sales tax increase referendum. Local leaders have expressed a desire to hold the referendum vote in 2025. According to the bill, voters would be asked if they are 'for' or 'against' 'one percent (1%) local sales and use taxes, in addition to the current local sales and use taxes, to be used only for roadway systems and public transportation systems.' Sales tax collection would start in 2026. Plans call for 40% of the proceeds to be used for road improvements, 40% for rail improvements and 20% for buses. The bill specifically references the Red Line. The Red Line is the proposed commuter rail from Uptown Charlotte to Iredell County. Charlotte City Council purchased the tracks necessary for the rail from Norfolk Southern last year. The bill says at least 50% of the Red Line must be completed before the completion of any other rail project 'absent the existence or occurrence of force majeure events that delay completion of the Red Line or make completion of the Red Line impractical.' Plans call for the creation of a new regional transit authority to determine and oversee funding decisions as a result of the new sales tax. The creation of this authority isn't included in the bill but is expected to be added in or introduced in a separate bill in the future. The bill says the authority has to solicit input from the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville on the Red Line design. Should Mooresville want the Red Line to extend into its town, the authority will have to talk to Mooresville as well. The bill says the Red Line should not terminate in the town of Davidson without the approval of Davidson. The introduction of the bill provides a much-needed boost of momentum for Charlotte's transit goals. Mayor Vi Lyles has been advocating for the 1% sales tax increase since 2020. 'In a community that presents opportunity, where more people are arriving every day, this will provide infrastructure to support a good quality of life. It will help secure a more prosperous and better future through transportation investments,' Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement. 'We still have a lot of work to do, but having a bill filed is an important milestone – one that we have been working towards for years. I look forward to the work in front of us, with our partners, to deliver on a future that will make a difference for all of us because it will make a difference in the quality of life for our region.' Speaker Hall and Senate Leader Berger are addressing the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance at 2 p.m. In a statement, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and other Charlotte business leaders said they strongly support the legislation. 'Thank you to the members of the General Assembly for advancing this momentous piece of legislation,' interim President and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Andrea Smith said. 'Investments in transportation infrastructure are critical for the region's long-term competitiveness, success, and quality of life for all.' 'The broader business community overwhelmingly supports the proposed legislation to expand our transportation infrastructure, and we couldn't be more appreciative of Raleigh's leadership for their ongoing commitment to furthering the economic growth of our region,' Advocate Health CEO and Chair of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council Gene Woods said. Statement from Managers: The Managers of Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Pineville, representing 97% of the county, applaud the filing of Senate Bill 145. Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven, and Vickie Sawyer, as sponsors of the Bill, deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation for understanding the importance of this proposal and for allowing our community the opportunity to determine its transportation future by making a choice for increased regional transportation infrastructure investments. The Bill provides the opportunity for unprecedented funding for roads, transit and bus systems that will have both immediate and long-term impacts for our commuters, residents, and visitors. The road funding provisions are unique in that funds will be allocated directly to the City and the individual towns across the county where local governments will have the independent authority to make decisions about roads, intersections, safety improvements, and other ancillary road enhancements within their communities that will have a positive daily impact on residents. The City and the towns have road infrastructure needs that are currently unfunded and cost our citizens time, car upkeep, impaired quality of life and limit growth opportunities. New funding would be available to address these needs and also help solve the 'orphaned road' problem that has been a concern for many for far too long. The overall impact this legislation provides for our region is extraordinary and will enhance our opportunity to continue to meaningfully contribute to the state's economy. We express our genuine gratitude to the forward-thinking sponsors of Senate Bill 145 and look forward to supporting them and their colleagues in the North Carolina House. Partnerships between localities and our state lawmakers, as demonstrated by the filing of this bill, are why our state continues to enjoy the success it has achieved. Statement from Mayor Vi Lyles: I want to thank the many people who worked so hard to get us to this point and the members of the Metropolitan Transit Commission for their continued work. I also want to express my gratitude to Senator Vickie Sawyer, Chair of the Transportation Committee; Senators Bill Rabon, Chair of the Transportation Committee; and David Craven, Chair of the Finance Committee for introducing this bill and understanding the importance of this work to our region and our state. In a community that presents opportunity, where more people are arriving every day, this will provide infrastructure to support a good quality of life. It will help secure a more prosperous and better future through transportation investments. We still have a lot of work to do, but having a bill filed is an important milestone – one that we have been working towards for years. I look forward to the work in front of us, with our partners, to deliver on a future that will make a difference for all of us because it will make a difference in the quality of life for our region. It's also important to point out the creation and governance structure of a new regional transit authority is also critical to our region's long-term success. It is my strong desire that the structure that the city, county, and majority of towns agreed to remain intact. Statement from Charlotte Regional Business Alliance: The Charlotte business community strongly supports legislation filed today at the North Carolina General Assembly to expand our region's transportation system. As one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, with 117 people moving to the area every day, we must stay ahead of other metros and keep pace with our population growth to ensure people have mobility choices and we can provide for the reliable movement of goods and services. Legislators are stepping up to lead the effort at the General Assembly. Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven, and Vickie Sawyer have filed legislation to advance the transportation plan. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger has also been a leading pro-growth voice for North Carolina. We appreciate their leadership. The legislation will allow the people of Mecklenburg with an opportunity to vote yes for much greater investments in roads, transit, and bus systems to ensure we maintain the outstanding quality of life we know is threatened by increasing congestion. Having a transportation system that meets the needs of our growing population and ensures we remain attractive for businesses to grow and relocate here is critical to our sustained economic vitality. We look forward to working with the North Carolina Senate and lawmakers in the North Carolina House to continue to move the transportation plan forward and proactively plan for the continued growth and prosperity of our region. By 2050, the region's population is expected to swell nearly 50% to 4.6 million. WATCH BELOW: CATS Micro launches in north Mecklenburg County
Axios
24-02-2025
- Business
- Axios
Senators file Mecklenburg County transit bill
Three North Carolina legislators have officially introduced a bill for Mecklenburg County to put a 1-cent sales tax increase on the 2025 election ballot. Why it matters: This is the furthest Charlotte has gotten in making its transit dreams a reality in five years and marks a significant milestone. Context: If passed, the bill would allow Mecklenburg County to put a referendum on the 2025 election ballot, asking voters to approve a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund road and transportation projects. It would generate $19.4 billion over 30 years, with 40% dedicated to rail, 20% to roads and 20% to buses. The sponsors of Senate Bill 145 are Republican Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven and Vickie Sawyer. Sawyer represents part north of Mecklenburg County, where the Red Line commuter rail would be built. She chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. Rabon serves Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties. Craven represents Anson, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond and Union counties. What they're saying: Charlotte Regional Business Alliance released a statement endorsing the bill. "This region is at a remarkable inflection point. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our future," David Longo, board chair, said. "Thank you to the lawmakers who understand what is at stake and are working toward ensuring a better future for us all." Yes, but: Sawyer recently said the bill is "a long way from being palatable to have enough votes to even get to the floor." Go deeper: Charlotte's 4 rail lines, what's built and what's coming How Charlotte could spend its $19.4 billion in transit sales tax revenue The long road ahead in 2025 for making Charlotte's transit dreams a reality Why CATS is moving forward with the $845M Gold Line streetcar extension The transit tax would transform the experience of riding a Charlotte bus Everything to know about the Red Line
