The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Advocacy team worked throughout 2023 to be the voice of business, advocating for investors at the local, state, and federal levels. Through the enactment of numerous critical legislative priorities, and the orchestration of over a dozen impactful advocacy events, the team has represented the business community and made the goals of our investors and stakeholders the focus of our work.
By actively advocating for policies that foster economic development and growth, the advocacy team has been instrumental in establishing the Charlotte Region as a premier destination to live, work, and do business. These efforts have contributed to regional success and growth, evident in the announcement of more than 5,000 jobs and $3.9B in capital investment in 2023.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we remain dedicated to keeping the priorities and needs of the Charlotte Region and business community at the forefront of our advocacy initiatives. The work of the advocacy team is an important part of the CLT Alliance’s efforts to grow the economy, advocate for business, and convene diverse stakeholders.
Working closely with investors and policymakers, the CLT Alliance Advocacy team achieved significant legislative success in 2023. The team effectively advocated for seven legislative priorities across North and South Carolina. These priorities include Medicaid expansion, sports wagering, UNC Charlotte funding, remote notary reform, jet fuel tax exemption, occupational licensing reform, and more. Additionally, we have spearheaded the composition of seven coalition letters, championing important policies such as Medicaid expansion, child care funding, and a hate crimes policy.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance was a leading advocate of Medicaid expansion, which was approved in the Spring and launched on December 1, providing 600,000 North Carolinians with access to Medicaid coverage. Increasing health care accessibility is an economic driver for the Charlotte region. Expansion is expected to close the health insurance gap for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians and is projected to drive $2.9 billion in new business and health care activity, adding 37,200 new jobs statewide.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance also spearheaded the Vote Yes for School Bond campaign along with a dedicated committee of volunteers across Mecklenburg County. This historic $2.5 billion bond will enable substantial investments in CMS facilities, all aimed at enhancing safety, security, and the overall student learning environment. The bond will fund 30 transformative projects, including the construction of three new middle schools, a regional athletic facility, a health-sciences magnet high school, and 25 renovation or replacement projects. The CLT Alliance takes pride in leading this initiative, recognizing the importance of these investments in shaping the region’s future workforce.
We have fostered connections and encouraged collaboration among elected officials, community leaders, and policymakers through our advocacy programming. We have hosted more than a dozen programs attended by hundreds of stakeholders. These events delve into a diverse array of legislative topics featuring policymakers from both Carolinas and give investors the opportunity to collaborate and foster connections with elected officials.
In the CLT Alliance Advocacy in Action series, investors heard from leading policymakers covering issues important to their businesses and organizations. Local leaders speaking to investors included Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Board of County Commissioners Chair George Dunlap.
At the state level, North Carolina DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley, Attorney General Josh Stein, Gov. Roy Cooper, Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt, Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger updated investors on their priorities in North Carolina. From South Carolina, Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette spoke to CLT Alliance investors.
In addition to the CLT Alliance’s Washington, D.C. Fly-in, investors also heard from members of our delegation in Charlotte. Rep. Patrick McHenry and Sen. Ted Budd updated investors on key issues in the nation’s capital. The CLT Alliance and Lowe’s co-hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm for a roundtable discussion on clean energy.
Additionally, the CLT Alliance organized capital receptions in Columbia and Raleigh. These events brought together the advocacy committee and other business and civic leaders to engage with lawmakers and discuss the advancement of legislative priorities important to the business community. Serving as vital platforms for investors and policymakers to establish relationships at the local, state, and federal levels, these events provide opportunities for transformative discussions that significantly influence and shape the trajectory of our region.
