Last Wednesday the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) met to conduct regular business and to hear an update on four scenarios for how it would spend future transportation dollars.
This potential funding would come from a one-cent sales tax increase but there are several steps that must be achieved in order to make this a reality. First, the General Assembly must pass legislation that authorizes Mecklenburg County to allow voters to consider the sales tax increase. Should county commissioners approve moving forward, this question would be posed to voters as a referred measure and could be on the November 2025 ballot if the process moves along quickly enough. The legislation would also include the authorization of an authority that would manage the funds and determine spending priorities. Ultimately, it is envisioned that other counties would join the authority over time establishing a truly “regional transportation authority.” MTC commissioners voted to forward the four scenarios to the public for comment.
The full meeting packet is quite lengthy (370 pages) but worth a quick scan. It also includes some details on the new microtransit service the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) intends to launch in north Mecklenburg County on February 24th.
On the legislative front, Sen. Vickie Sawyer (Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties) who is Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, will lead the effort to gain passage of the bill in the Senate. Rep. Tricia Cotham (Mecklenburg) and Rep. Becky Carney (Mecklenburg) will promote passage in the House. The legislative session convenes tomorrow, January 29th and time is of the essence.
My Take: It’s indisputable that we have a long way to go, and many mountains to scale, before a regional transportation authority becomes a reality. But, I am extremely optimistic about this coming to fruition because we have no other choice. — If we are serious about maintaining and enhancing our standing as a region that promotes managed growth and positive economic development, we must have a better system of shuttling goods, services, and people. Fortunately, the legislation is backed by a bipartisan coalition seeking a common-sense solution. That doesn’t happen very frequently. Here’s to getting this done this year.
On February 1, 2025, Alyson Craig, Charlotte’s Planning Director, will become an Assistant City Manager overseeing economic development efforts. In her new role, Craig will also be responsible for the Planning Department, the CLT Development Center, and Charlotte Water. Current Deputy Planning Director, Monica Holmes, will assume the Planning Director role on an interim basis. The City and County will initiate a national search for a new Planning Director, but no timetable for a replacement has been determined. Because the position represents both the city and county, both entities will be involved in the hiring process. Additionally, current Assistant City Manager Shawn Heath will have oversight of the aviation department and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Also of note, Laura Harmon and Alan Goodwin, both longtime veterans of the Charlotte Planning Department, are slated for retirement at the end of February.
My Take: Alyson has taken a balanced approach to her position, and we will definitely miss her as Planning Director. However, her new job responsibilities will include oversight of economic development efforts which is a really good thing. She has a good understanding of the full range of issues, and is able to convey to decision makers the important prosperity link between the real estate industry and successful job growth. She may also be able to provide some assistance as it relates to our members’ ongoing challenges with Charlotte Water. In reality, there are several areas her promotion will be positive for our industry.
Monica Holmes has worked in the department for several years and has served as Deputy Director for about the last twelve months. She has been a straight shooter and has made significant attempts to troubleshoot problems, which I think we can all appreciate.
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