Vi Lyles, nearing the start of her third term as mayor of Charlotte, joined a standing room only audience at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance® to provide key updates on projects and initiatives from one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country.
CLT Alliance President and CEO Janet LaBar hosted the dialogue with the mayor.
A key theme shared by the mayor was a focus on residents. “We put our residents first,” Lyles said.
In putting Charlotte residents first, the city focuses on ensuring all residents have a place to live, a job, and a means of transportation.
Charlotte voters will be presented with a bond package on the ballot in November. The $226 million package includes $146.2 million for transportation projects, $50 million for affordable housing, and $29.8 million for neighborhood projects.
The mayor referred to affordable housing as “one of our boulders” – a significant issue that must be addressed by leaders. Affordable housing is an issue the city and private sector are addressing through previous bonds and investments, with another $50 million on the ballot this November.
The mayor noted that voters have been supportive of housing bonds previously. Over 70 percent of voters approved prior housing bonds. Knitting together community support along with city and private investment, will lead to bold solutions for housing.
Importantly, the mayor noted that the city has capacity to issue bonds this November without a corresponding tax increase.
In focusing on workforce, the mayor acknowledged the need to help people get the skills required for jobs in Charlotte. The mayor noted the key roles played by UNC Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, and others in preparing students for the workforce.
Just this week, the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative announced that the Johnson C. Smith University workstream surpassed its $80 million fundraising goal. This unprecedented investment will position JCSU as a top-tier university by expanding the current academic offerings, recruiting top talent through career-oriented incentives, and appointing a transformation leader who will champion positive change.
Finally, in addition to ensuring residents have access to housing and jobs, the mayor shared that the city is working diligently to find mobility solutions for residents. She regularly works with other local leaders, the General Assembly, Gov. Roy Cooper and his cabinet, and federal leaders to garner support for infrastructure projects in the city.
The mayor noted the role of the business community in advocating for federal dollars coming to the city through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and encouraged business leaders to stay engaged. The mayor wants the business community to think regionally about transportation as well. Transportation connections need to be made between key corridors, to ensure that all parts of the region can be connected.
The mayor again focused on the city bonds package this November when talking about transportation infrastructure. The bonds package includes millions for Vision Zero, a city program focused on enhancing safety for pedestrians. The bond package will also include $50 million for sidewalks and $8 million for bicycle facilities.
A strong advocate for Charlotte, the mayor is looking forward to her new term as mayor. The city continues to growth and the mayor will continue to work with anyone willing to contribute to finding solutions to accommodate equitable growth throughout the city.
When asked about what advice she would give to future generations of leaders, Lyles said, “Learn the history of Charlotte. It’s important to know what makes this community special and then to build on that legacy.”
Lyles will be sworn in and begin her third term as mayor on September 6.
