North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and Speaker of the House Destin Hall spoke with the business community this week at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
Berger and Hall shared their legislative priorities for 2025 as the long session is getting underway in Raleigh. A main focus for the year is transportation investment in Mecklenburg County.
As the leaders were preparing for their conversation at the CLT Alliance, legislation was filed by Sens. David Craven, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer, to allow a referendum in Mecklenburg County for voters to approve transportation investments. The CLT Alliance released the following statement in support of the legislation, Senate Bill 145.
The bill outlines the ballot language that voters would see as well as the distribution of funds to the City of Charlotte and the towns within Mecklenburg County to be used for local road projects. Additionally, the use of revenue for rail and bus projects is included in the bill.
An executive summary of the bill may be viewed here.
In addition to strong business community support, the managers of Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Pineville are also backing the legislation.
In their statement the managers said:
“The road funding provisions are unique in that funds will be allocated directly to the City and the individual towns across the county where local governments will have the independent authority to make decisions about roads, intersections, safety improvements, and other ancillary road enhancements within their communities that will have a positive daily impact on residents. The overall impact this legislation provides for our region is extraordinary and will enhance our opportunity to continue to meaningfully contribute to the state’s economy.”
Next steps in the process will include consideration in the state Senate.
During the conversation at the CLT Alliance, Berger and Hall discussed the legislation and their anticipation for both chambers to review and debate the proposal. Both leaders shared that in the long session, the state budget is often the main focus, and this year will be no different.
Both leaders recognized the local momentum behind the plan and appreciated the local commitment to working together toward a solution to meet the varied mobility needs in the region.
“I am so impressed with local officials working together to get to this point on transportation,” Berger said.
“The business community has helped show the need for investment,” Hall said.
The CLT Alliance appreciates both Berger and Hall coming to Charlotte and sharing their views on the proposal and their willingness to work with our local leaders and local delegation on finding solutions to our increasing congestion in the region.
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Following the conversation on transportation, the leaders also shared their views on other issues before the General Assembly this year.
On tax policy, both leaders said that North Carolina is in constant competition with our southeastern neighbors and other states across the country. Berger talked about his vision to generate revenue to fund functions of state government while also facilitating growth and development in the private sector. He also highlighted the need to create fairness in imposing the franchise tax, and the step-down approach that will be used to eliminate corporate taxes by 2030. Similarly, Hall talked about being responsible in the tax policies pursued at the General Assembly, with a focus on staying competitive.
Another consistent issue facing policymakers in North Carolina is housing supply and affordability. Hall favors an all-of-the-above approach, with a focus on creating an environment where private business can meet the market’s demands. This includes streamlining building codes and reviewing permitting.
Berger noted that, with the region’s rapidly growing population and North Carolina being one of the fastest-growing states in the country, the focus in housing is on supply and demand. He emphasized, like Hall, his commitment to ensuring that state government is not making it more difficult to build houses. Berger also emphasized the importance of statewide programs that enhance access to homeownership, such as the NC 1st Home Advantage down payment program.
On education, both leaders lauded the university system in the state, saying it sets North Carolina apart from competitors. As UNC Charlotte recently achieved R-1 status, they shared that designation is a testament to the quality in the system, and that the General Assembly will continue to fund the system at necessary levels. Hall emphasized the critical role of the state’s K-12 education system and highlighted that teacher compensation is a key factor in the equation as schools work to achieve the best possible student outcomes.
The leaders also addressed public safety and the measures being implemented at the state level to improve safety. Hall highlighted the enactment of the Pretrial Integrity Act and its impact on public safety within communities.
They concluded the discussion by thanking the business community for their support in these important conversations and emphasizing the ongoing need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the state’s continued growth and prosperity.
