The Coalition for a Better 2050 on Thursday officially launched the campaign to support transformative investment in the future of our city.
Charlotte voters have the opportunity to approve a $400 million bond referendum that will provide better transportation, affordable housing, and neighborhood improvement projects.
The bonds are on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. Early voting starts on Thursday, Oct. 17.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance® is managing the Vote Yes for City Bonds campaign, which has a diverse and robust committee of volunteers from the community.
Three business leaders are chairing the campaign: Lucia Zapata Griffith, owner of METRO Landmarks; Reg Henderson, vice president of government relations for Lowe’s Companies, Inc.; and Dave Katz, president and COO of Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.
“Charlotte residents have made important investments supporting the growth of our city and making it one of the best cities in the country for business and as a place to live,” Zapata Griffith said. “As a small business owner, I enthusiastically support the bonds on the ballot this year because they will continue to support our growth and advance much-needed improvements throughout the city. The bonds for transportation, neighborhoods and housing will build on past investments approved by voters.”
The $400 million bond package includes $100 million for affordable housing, $238.3 million for transportation, and $61.7 million for neighborhood improvements.
“Residents will see many quality-of-life improvements with the passage of this bond package,” Henderson said. “In addition to neighborhood improvements and transportation upgrades, investment in housing will be a key component of the bonds. By approving $100 million in affordable housing, Charlotte residents can make a significant impact on housing needs throughout our city. This investment will increase options by adding to the overall housing stock, providing new, safe housing for Charlotte residents.”
The housing bond will leverage a mix of public, private, and non-profit funding to invest in the creation and preservation of safe, quality, and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. The transportation bond will invest funds to repair roads, reduce traffic congestion, and make our roads safer. The neighborhood improvement bond will invest funds to provide new bike paths, sidewalks, and economic development throughout the city in efforts to stimulate growth and attract new businesses in underserved areas of the city.
In elections over the past decade, Charlotte voters have overwhelmingly supported city bonds. The bonds are essential for financing critical projects and play a key role in maintaining Charlotte’s high quality of life while driving growth and economic opportunities for all residents.
“The bond package represents a comprehensive vision for some of Charlotte’s most pressing current and future needs through investments in transportation, housing, and our communities,” Katz said. “By approving these bonds, we’re fostering growth and opportunity for Charlotte regional businesses and residents, ensuring that more neighborhoods can flourish and contribute to our city’s continued success. This is a collective investment in a stronger, more resilient Charlotte; creating a safer, more connected city that will improve daily life and prepare us for a future of continued growth.”
For a closer look at the bond projects, visit VoteYesForBonds.com.
