Latest news with #RobertMcCutcheon
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mecklenburg County to decide on $20 billion transit tax for November ballot
Mecklenburg County commissioners are set to vote tonight on whether to add a proposed one-cent sales tax increase for transit improvements to the November ballot. The proposed tax aims to fund $20 billion in public transportation projects across Mecklenburg County, addressing the strain on current infrastructure due to rapid regional growth. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mecklenburg County commissioners take next step in sales tax for transit plan 'I think it's on us to educate the public on what they're gonna be able to vote on in November,' said Robert McCutcheon, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, which is the main campaigner for the transit tax. 'The plan that they have is not creating any new bus lines,' said former Charlotte City Councilman Braxton Winston. While the transit tax has strong support from local and state leaders, it faces opposition from some commissioners and community activists who argue that it will disproportionately affect low-income earners. The tax proposal follows a recent law signed by Governor Josh Stein, which allows Mecklenburg County to put a countywide tax referendum on the ballot. Supporters of the tax believe it will create a more walkable, connected, and livable community by improving buses, roads, and rail systems. Opponents, however, express concern that low-income residents will bear the brunt of the tax increase without seeing proportional benefits from public transit improvements. The outcome of tonight's vote will determine if the proposed transit tax will appear on the November ballot, potentially shaping the future of public transportation in Mecklenburg County. VIDEO: Mecklenburg County commissioners take next step in sales tax for transit plan Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
14-03-2025
- Business
- Axios
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance names new CEO
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance has hired Robert McCutcheon, a former executive in the outdoor power equipment industry, as its next president and CEO. He will assume his role Monday. Why it matters: McCutcheon is expected to leverage his decades of leadership to strengthen an organization that drives economic investment and advocates for the business community's priorities, such as Mecklenburg County's proposed transportation sales tax. Between the lines: CLT Alliance is the forceful voice of business across the Charlotte area, a 14-county region that spans two states. Driving the news: McCutcheon replaces Janet LaBar, who led the business group since 2019 until announcing her sudden departure last spring. Since May, Andrea Smith has served as interim president and CEO. CLT Alliance conducted a search for a permanent leader with Thadd Jones, CEO and founder of Charlotte-based Nexus Search Partners. Zoom in: McCutcheon previously served as president and CEO of Husqvarna North America in Charlotte, where he "transformed the company's leadership position in residential and commercial outdoor power equipment and drove record profits," according to CLT Alliance's press release. For over 35 years, McCutcheon has held executive roles in multiple industries and enterprises of various sizes, including Fortune 500 corporations. McCutcheon's resume includes titles such as president and managing director for Britax Child Safety, a car seat manufacturer in Fort Mill, and president of Conagra Brands, a consumer-packaged goods company. He's held positions at Walmart and The Gillette Company and has founded his own business. A Charlotte resident, McCutcheon earned his MBA from Duke University. What's next: Smith will stay with CLT Alliance as a strategic advisor through April to assist with McCutcheon's transition.
