The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance partnered with NC Go! to convene transportation leaders for a conversation on North Carolina’s mobility infrastructure, current funding needs, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the state’s transportation future.
Speakers included Brent Cagle, interim CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS); Marc Finlayson, chair of NC Go!; David Howard, chair of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA); Tony Lathrop, chair of the North Carolina Board of Transportation; and Felix Obregon, Division 10 engineer at NCDOT.
Howard outlined the path forward for transit in Mecklenburg County. Last year, voters approved a 1% transit and transportation sales tax to fund a $19.4 billion, 30-year program spanning roads, rail, bus, and microtransit. The MPTA plans to begin independent operations in January 2027. Cagle also discussed the transition.
Lathrop made the case for regional collaboration that crosses city and county lines. Highlighting community engagement around the Interstate 77 project, he expressed optimism about the corridor’s potential to reconnect parts of Charlotte and strengthen the city’s appeal as a place to grow and invest.
Obregon explained how state transportation dollars reach the region. Since 2013, North Carolina’s Strategic Transportation Investments law has used a data-driven formula to fund projects at statewide, regional, and division levels. The Charlotte Region is expected to receive about $2.3 billion over the next 10 years. Obregon also provided updates on major corridor projects, including roughly $775 million in improvements to US 74/Independence Boulevard and $450 million along NC 73, where two contracts were scheduled to be let this month.
Finlayson outlined the growing pressures on transportation funding. Construction costs have climbed sharply since 2020, with diesel prices up more than 180% and steel prices up more than 100%.He also emphasized the importance of continued partnership with the business community to advance transportation improvements.
Thank you to CLT Alliance Past Chair David Longo for hosting the event and for continuing to lead on important issues in our region.
