CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte leaders are racing against the clock to make their ambitious mobility plan a reality.
Councilman Malcolm Graham shared with reporters on Monday that if the General Assembly doesn't approve the city's request to put the one-cent sales tax hike proposal on the ballot by March, voters likely won't get to decide on the measure in next year's election.
Graham, who is chair of the city council's Jobs and Economic Development Committee, held a press briefing to discuss successes and setbacks from the past year.
Graham highlighted the urgency of securing approval for a proposed one-cent sales tax hike that would fund future transit projects, including building the future Silver Line. The city needs the General Assembly’s approval to place the tax increase on next year’s ballot, but so far, legislative efforts have fallen short.
WCNC Charlotte's Julia Kauffman asked Graham if the council has considered an alternative plan to pay for transit projects if they don't get this key approval from the state legislature.
“I think all our eggs are in one basket,” Graham responded. “When we plan for the future, looking for growth, the transit tax is a really, really important vehicle for us to move forward.”
Graham remains cautiously optimistic, though he warned that the lack of approval by March could jeopardize the city’s chances of having voters decide on the tax increase in 2025.
“That’s a box unchecked this year,” Graham said. “It’s a major setback for the city if we can’t.”
Charlotte leaders have long emphasized the importance of the proposed sales tax hike to fund the city’s transit expansion, which would include significant improvements to light rail and bus systems. As the city faces increasing demand for more transportation options, funding remains a key hurdle.
While transit was a point of frustration, Graham also pointed to a bright spot in the city’s economic development: sports tourism.
In 2024, Charlotte hosted major events such as Copa America and the Charlotte Invitational, showcasing the city’s ability to draw visitors for high-profile sporting events.
“Sports and entertainment are in the DNA of this city. The Panthers, Hornets, Charlotte FC, NASCAR, Triple-A Baseball, PGA,” Graham said. “It’s about continuing to put more heads in beds, hotel generation revenue for our restaurants in Uptown.”
As the city’s leadership looks ahead, Graham acknowledged other challenges, including crime and vacant office buildings that need attention. However, he remains focused on continuing to push for the resources to improve Charlotte’s transit infrastructure.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
