CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fresh off thorny issues like Charlotte's 2040 development plan, the budget and postponing the city's 2021 elections, Mayor Vi Lyles says there's plenty of work still to do.
"I hope to be part of that," Lyles said. "I really do."
Lyles' statement gives a glimmer of insight into her thinking as she winds down her second term as Charlotte's mayor.
"I'm really proud to be mayor of Charlotte," said Lyles, who refused to commit to running for re-election.
"Are you trying to get me to say something? That I'm gonna run for re-election?" Lyles joked.
When asked if she expected to be Charlotte's mayor next year, Lyles was vague.
"I expect the mayor's job to be continuously about the progress of this city, and I'm all about that myself," Lyles said.
Lyles held a news conference Thursday because she says she has been called out for not being available to the press, although she is out in the community often.
WCNC Charlotte's Hunter Sáenz asked Lyles again if she would seek re-election.
"Well Hunter, my understanding is as of right now, the filing for next year's elections starts Dec. 6. at noon," she said since the elections were postponed due to a delay in census data to redraw district maps. "So, why don't you ask me that question December the 6th at noon, and then I'll be able to give you an answer."
In addition to addressing questions about a potential third term, Lyles addressed Carolina Panthers' owner David Tepper's goal to fund a new stadium in Charlotte. Tepper has previously said he wants a new stadium built for the Panthers, but would only do it with the city's help.
Lyles said she wants to focus on the entertainment district in Uptown actually being built, then the city can look into funding for a new stadium.
"After we get that district plan done, the entertainment district plan done, we'll be able to talk about how to address the stadium," Lyles said.
For business owners in Uptown, like Kevin Douglas, who owns Studio 229 on Brevard, he knows how crucial entertainment and sports are to a city's downtown.
"I think it is essential to the survival of the city," Douglas said. "It is vital that not only music, entertainment, Blumenthal, and the others, but sports plays just a critical role."
The mayor also said she wants council to pass a non-discrimination ordinance. She supports one as she did the last time the city passed it, only for it to be stripped by the General Assembly.
Charlotte City Council will vote on a non-discrimination ordinance on Aug. 9, Lyles said.
Earlier this week, Charlotte City Council postponed all city elections from this fall to the spring of 2022, citing delayed census data for the city's districts.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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