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Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside $3M sales tax campaign already enlisting Charlotte's big businesses
Inside $3M sales tax campaign already enlisting Charlotte's big businesses Mecklenburg County will be blitzed until early November with a flurry of campaign messages as community factions try to persuade voters for or against a proposal to overhaul the region's transportation system through a tax hike. County commissioners voted 8-1 Wednesday night to put a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to approve or reject a one-cent sales tax increase. The billions generated from the tax increase would fund road, bus and rail projects, including the long-awaited Red Line commuter rail. More than 60 people signed up to speak ahead of the vote, the majority in favor of the referendum and both sides sporting signs, T-shirts and buttons indicating their position. Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell was the lone vote against Wednesday's measure. With the county commission's vote official, the campaigns for and against the referendum will officially begin. Supporters, led by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, plan to pump millions of dollars into a campaign in favor of the referendum. Opponents, meanwhile, are devising their own strategies to break through the pro-referendum campaign and reach voters before Election Day. Transportation referendum makes November ballot The passage of legislation dubbed The P.A.V.E. Act earlier this summer opened the door for the referendum. The bill gave Mecklenburg County the authority to put the referendum on the ballot and lays out how the new revenue can be spent: a cap of 40% of the money to rail projects, 40% to road projects and 20% to bus improvements. It also establishes a new transit authority to govern the region's public transportation system. The Charlotte Area Transit System projects the tax increase would generate $19.4 billion over 30 years. Local leaders have failed to gain traction with legislators in Raleigh for years, with GOP-dominated state leaders more interested in funding for roads than rail projects. Even after Charlotte-area officials put forward a revamped plan that was introduced in the General Assembly and secured the purchase of critical tracks for the Red Line, supporters cautioned further movement wasn't guaranteed. But the version of the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham ultimately sailed through the state House and Senate in the final weeks of the summer session. Charlotte Regional Business Alliance leads pro-referendum campaign The CLT Alliance plans to raise $3 million to fund a multiplatform campaign in favor of the referendum. The campaign will involve social media, TV advertising, mailers and more. Alliance CEO Robert McCutcheon told the Observer the campaign will officially kick off in the next couple weeks. 'The next step for the Alliance, but also the overall community, is to educate voters on what's in front of them in November,' he said. The campaign will also try to motivate voters to overcome typically low turnout in municipal elections. 'That's definitely a challenge,' McCutcheon said. 'We want to do a lot of work just to tell people that the election is coming and give them the information to make sure they know how they can get ballots and get the information about the referendum.' Even before Wednesday's vote, the pro-referendum coalition touted unity in the business and nonprofit community. A Monday news release listed organizations including Atrium Advocate Health, Bank of America, Canopy Realtor Association, Crisis Assistance Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Novant Health, Truist Bank and the Urban League of Central Carolinas as supporting the plan. Nonprofit focused on education, coalition-building Community organizations will play their own role in the pro-referendum coalition. Sustain Charlotte, the environmentally focused nonprofit aimed at 'advocating for smart land use and transportation solutions,' has also been a vocal supporter. Eric Zaverl, an urban design specialist with the group, said the plan isn't perfect, but it represents what's possible given 'the political realities that we face here in North Carolina.' 'We, unfortunately, cannot wait for the perfect situation to come along, because Charlotte can't put the pause on growth,' he said. Zaverl said Sustain Charlotte sees its role in the pro-referendum campaign as educating the public about what's under consideration and 'trying to get the word out and build a coalition' by connecting with other community groups. 'We want to focus on everyday people's lives,' Zaverl said. Referendum opponents prepare to counter 'behemoth' Those who oppose the referendum are also planning their own efforts to persuade voters before Election Day. Action NC political director Robert Dawkins has been one of the plan's most vocal critics, questioning whether it properly prioritizes people who are dependent on public transit and the cost of a tax increase for middle- and lower-income communities. 'I'm going to keep beating the drum on why it's bad and it shouldn't be done, while simultaneously knowing that I'm fighting this behemoth,' Dawkins told the Observer. With 'no money at all' versus the Alliance's $3 million plan, Dawkins is trying to get the word out through media and personal conversations. 'I've been trying to just beat the message up before they get started, so that people at least look at them with a side eye,' he said. Former Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston, another outspoken critic of the transportation plan, called the $3 million figure 'an incredible amount of money.' He expects the campaign against the referendum to take a more 'grassroots' approach, relying on 'word of mouth conversations' to raise questions about what the pro-campaign is telling voters. Social media can be a powerful tool, but 'it doesn't necessarily represent the audience as a whole,' Winston said, limiting its ability to be used to persuade voters. 'You have to be on TV. You have to be in people's mailboxes. You have to be knocking on the doors. You have to have social media,' he said. Despite the disparity in funding, Dawkins is hopeful voters already feeling financial stress from rising property tax rates and increased cost of living will be at least willing to consider the questions he's raising about the transportation plan. 'I've learned enough over the years to know you can beat well-funded campaigns,' he said. 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Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mecklenburg transit ‘dream' moves ‘to the ballot box' after Gov. Stein signs bill
Charlotte's long-awaited plan to overhaul the region's transportation system appears poised to be on the ballot this year after making it through Raleigh. Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday signed House Bill 948 — Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham's bill to allow a 1-cent countywide tax referendum to address transportation needs. After local officials spent years trying to unlock billions of dollars for road, rail and bus projects, supporters in the legislature cautioned throughout the 2025 session the plan faced a tricky road to passage. But the legislation, dubbed 'The P.A.V.E. Act,' raced through the state House of Representatives and Senate by wide margins. Stein said at Tuesday's ceremony it will 'help the people of Mecklenburg County invest in their future.' 'These investments would help expand mobility and economic opportunity throughout the county,' he said. Many local leaders and community organizations celebrated the moment, with a procedural vote by county commissioners now the only thing standing between the referendum and the November ballot. Speaking at Tuesday's bill signing, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles called the moment a 'milestone' for the region's transportation efforts. 'I know we have a lot more work to do,' she said. Lyles also credited Cotham for her efforts, less than year after the GOP representative narrowly fended off a well-funded Democratic challenger after leaving the party to become a Republican in 2023. 'I don't know how you got it done,' Lyles said. The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, a vocal advocate for the transportation plan, said 'the positive impact' of the bill's passage 'cannot be overstated.' 'When people work together, amazing things can happen, and this is the result of many years of work from many stakeholders throughout the region and the state,' President and CEO Robert McCutcheon said in a statement. One of the region's leading environmental advocacy groups, Sustain Charlotte, applauded state leaders for 'clearing the way for Mecklenburg County voters to decide whether to invest a one-cent local sales tax in a modern, equitable and sustainable transportation network. 'Today is a game-changer for our region. For years we've dreamed of giving residents the chance to fund more frequent buses and trains, safer bike lanes, sidewalks, and safer streets for all,' Executive Director Shannon Binns said in a statement. 'With Governor Stein's signature, that dream moves from the advocacy stage to the ballot box. When Mecklenburg County prospers with better mobility, every family — no matter their zip code or income — gains access to opportunity, cleaner air, and a higher quality of life.' The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners must officially vote to put a referendum on the November ballot after holding a public hearing. Those are largely procedural steps despite some on the commission having personal concerns with the transportation plan. Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell previously told the Observer her vote on the county board will be 'to let the people decide' but also 'do my best to educate people on why I won't be voting for it in the voting booth, because I think it's a terrible plan.' Board Chairman Mark Jerrell told the Observer County Manager Mike Bryant will lay out the commission's decision timeline at its Tuesday evening meeting. The CLT Alliance will lead the charge campaigning for the referendum.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislation for Mecklenburg County transit plan takes vital step in NC House
RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The bill that could eventually lead to the funding of Mecklenburg County's transit plan easily passed its second reading on Wednesday. The P.A.V.E. Act allows Mecklenburg County to hold a ballot referendum for voters to decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to improve roads, buses, and rail transit. After the second reading passed 102-6, it will go to a third reading and then to the State Senate. PREVIOUS: CATS board approves transit plan with expanded rail service, 'better bus' program The bipartisan bill's primary author is Republican Mint Hill Rep. Tricia Cotham, who is joined by Mecklenburg County Democrats Mark Belk, Becky Carney, Carla Cunningham, Aisha Dew, Beth Helfrich, Jordan Lopez, Nasif Majeed, and Julia Greenfield. 'Just like any good piece of legislation where others have had an input, it's not perfect, but it is a tremendous start,' said Rep. Tricia Cotham. Cotham took the House floor Wednesday afternoon to explain why she believes her fellow lawmakers should proceed with the P.A.V.E. Act. 'As you all know, traffic adds to frustration, congestion, and just grumpy people, we see it every day, and I believe and I know this will help,' she said. North Mecklenburg communities are celebrating the latest step on Wednesday as they prepare for a commuter rail from Uptown. Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam calls the bill a 'game-changer' that will bring 'real improvements that folks will feel right away.' The funding would create a new governing authority and allow for the construction of the Red Line, Silver Line, extension of the Blue Line, a 'better bus' program, and road improvements. The bill requires that the net proceeds of the bill be distributed as follows: 40% to the county's eligible municipalities, which can only be spent on roadway systems 60% to the metropolitan public transit authority to be used only for a public transportation system, specifically including microtransit services All of the county's municipalities but Matthews have shown support for the plan. 'I wish that we could go back to the drawing board and renegotiate a better deal on behalf of our residents,' said Matthews Commissioner Ken McCool. Matthews leaders have been outspoken against the idea from the beginning because there likely won't be enough funding to bring the light rail east. Commissioner McCool took his concerns to Raleigh this week. 'I'm disappointed, but at the end of the day, if this passes the Senate and goes to the governor's desk, the voters will ultimately decide and the voters of Mecklenburg County will have their choice to see what they want to do with this,' he said. The commissioner plans to challenge Cotham for her District 105 seat in 2026, saying the transit bill played a role in motivating him. Queen City News reached out to Cotham for comment on the transit bill's progress and McCool's announcement. We are waiting to hear back. The House will take one more vote before the bill makes its way to the Senate for approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
26-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Mecklenburg transportation tax bill advances in Senate
Mecklenburg County's transportation bill advanced in the North Carolina Senate Wednesday afternoon. Why it matters: Now we're cooking with gas. Earlier this year, when leaders discussed Charlotte's chances of getting a 1-cent transportation sales tax, they said things like it was "a tough sell" and "a long way from being palatable." But now it seems the bill to hold a referendum, which could help Mecklenburg County generate billions for new infrastructure, is on its way to becoming law. Catch up quick: Wednesday's Senate vote was 41-4, and the House overwhelmingly supported Rep. Tricia Cotham's bill earlier this month. What's next: The final Senate vote on the P.A.V.E. Act is slated for Thursday, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. The bill will then go back to the House for a concurrence vote before heading to the governor's desk. What's inside: The legislation would authorize the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners to put the 1-cent sales tax referendum on the November election ballot. If passed, 60% of the funding would go to a transportation authority for transit projects, and 40% would go to municipalities for roads, including bike lanes and lighting. What they're saying: Members of the Mecklenburg County delegation advocated for the bill on the Senate floor, stressing the region's evolving demands amid fast population growth. "We are experiencing longer commutes, more car accidents, higher car insurance premiums, more pedestrian-related accidents and less revenue to address our crumbling critical infrastructure," Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed said. "We have a whole lot more traffic coming into Charlotte every day," Sen. Joyce Waddell said. "— it's unbelievable."
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cotham transit bill clears key NC Senate vote. When will passage be official?
Charlotte's efforts to overhaul the region's transportation system took a major step forward Wednesday when a bill that previously cleared the North Carolina House passed the Senate. Rep. Tricia Cotham's House Bill 948 — a proposal to allow a 1-cent countywide tax referendum to address transportation needs — is speeding through the legislature after years of efforts from local officials to unlock billions for road, rail and bus projects. The Senate approved the bill 41-4 Wednesday, with a final, procedural vote slated for as soon as Thursday. The bill made it to the Senate floor despite debates in committee over what it would mean for transportation projects in neighboring counties and whether other counties would pursue similar legislation. The Senate amended Cotham's bill to try to address those concerns. Once it formally clears the Senate, the bill heads back to the state House of Representatives for another vote because of the amendments. The bill passed its last vote in the House by a margin of 104 to 5. Mecklenburg voters would ultimately decide the fate of any referendum. Cotham's bill lays out how revenue from a sales tax increase could be used. The bill calls for 40% of the new money to go toward roads projects, 20% to the region's bus system and 40% to rail projects. The bill originally didn't include the 40% cap on rail spending — just a 60% cap on public transit funding. That could've allowed for the full Silver Line light rail from Belmont and the Charlotte airport to Matthews — unaffordable under a 40% cap. But Cotham changed her bill as it entered the House Transportation Committee. The updated bill aligned with the transit plan adopted by the Metropolitan Transit Commission last month. That plan shortens the Silver Line to run from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Bojangles Coliseum. Cotham's bill also authorizes county commissioners to put the sales tax referendum on the ballot and establishes a 27-member board of trustees to lead a new public transportation authority in Mecklenburg. The board would include representatives chosen by the county, every municipality in Mecklenburg, the business community and the state leaders. The House bill closely mirrors Senate Bill 145 and Senate Bill 584 — which never received committee hearings — and a draft bill put together and endorsed by a majority of local officials last year. There was limited debate about Cotham's bill as it moved through the House, but more questions came up in the Senate. Some in the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Rules Committee questioned why the authority to put a referendum on the ballot is limited to just Mecklenburg County in the bill. 'I don't want to squash your opportunity. I don't want to piss on it. I don't want to do any of that, but I want to have the same opportunities for my community that you have for your community,' said Sen. Paul Lowe, a Democrat representing Forsyth County. Supporters said the Mecklenburg-specific bill could provide a model for other counties that want to pursue similar legislation. Others expressed concern the influx of new funding would allow Mecklenburg communities to get priority for funding in the State Transportation Improvement Program over transportation projects in surrounding counties. Those concerns resulted in an amendment approved in the Senate Finance Committee cementing that Mecklenburg County and the county's municipalities won't be able to use the new transit funding to leapfrog other regional projects in the funnel. Sen. Todd Johnson, a Republican representing Cabarrus and Union counties, introduced a second 'trust but verify amendment' on the Senate floor Wednesday giving the state auditor authority to make sure the first amendment is followed. That amendment passed the full Senate. 'We just want to make sure the STIP was not spiked,' he said. Because the bill was amended in the Senate, it will head back to the House for a concurrence vote after the final Senate vote. If it passes the House again, it'll head to Gov. Josh Stein for his signature or veto. County commissioners then will vote whether to put the referendum on the ballot in November. Not all on the county board agree on their positions on the bill. County Commission Vice Chair Leigh Altman, who represents the county on the Metropolitan Transit Commission, previously told the Observer it's a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity.' 'We cannot let perfect be the enemy of good, because if we do that, we may end up with nothing,' she said. Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, whose district includes parts of Matthews that would lose out on the Silver Line, said she worries the county will end up locked 'into decades of a bad plan.' 'If Mecklenburg County, the people of Mecklenburg County, value mass transit … but they can't have it because of the powers that be in Raleigh, I say we wait until the powers that be are different,' she said, adding she would vote for putting a referendum on the ballot 'to let the people decide.' Political strategist Bryan Holladay predicted a 'difficult' but 'definitely doable' path for the referendum to pass if it makes the November ballot. 'A one-cent sales tax (increase) is large. Our transportation needs are even larger,' he said previously. 'It's going to need a good campaign. It's going to need people understanding why they need to make this investment. And it's going to be very difficult as the clock ticks.'
