[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6503464,"mediaKeyId","5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce","parentId",5560034,"title","Charlotte council uses new forum to raise homelessness, housing subsidies, sales-tax referendum and small-business concerns","audioSeconds",423,"startMs",2791000,"endMs",3214000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce&start=2791&end=3214","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce/thumbnail_2791000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503464/Charlotte/Mecklenburg-County/North-Carolina/Charlotte-council-uses-new-forum-to-raise-homelessness-housing-subsidies-sales-tax-referendum-and-small-business-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503464-d2104cda1cb9e7c8ca31682b6560772c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450345&Signature=m1L9qJyKFT3TKJSg50f51NVkIQDrieb5TCi8nPtw89x~Winh5uLGHbmITqev8NlhZuCNbcQPSNNpBPu~-aehXOpd-GyDFwrNEpi8Rv5oZtu921Yt~f~DoUxyWSvzkMha1NUFMeQ6Tgz0vmpwiYEz51nHkdfdAAU3fY-FYEo-vGYXLbf3bx5K6IShWZoG8ZHjE0p6jSDMMGEhVZ--2mSPOeaQVc5PXAz9wqwChXOwYLYquNAvITxpZw0-y3rfz0iGp577OaijzH22W2W5Jejq2w0JUtEoQEGETQBcLuX19hq3GSUtKosvWzrSKTt5zhhE-IvvFwoeeTiO3f8P1vRslQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Charlotte","date","2025-08-11T20:23:21Z","article","At a trial run of a new agenda block for mayor and council topics, members of the Charlotte City Council raised a series of public-policy issues ranging from homelessness and mental-health response to housing subsidy risk and an upcoming county transportation sales-tax referendum.

Council member John (D.) Driggs reported that the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners voted 8–1 to place a 1-cent transportation sales-tax question on the November ballot; he said public comment at the county hearing was largely favorable. Members called for coordination and public education ahead of the referendum.

Housing and subsidies
Council member La Juana Mayfield asked the city manager to bring a council briefing, with Housing and Neighborhood Services and Public Safety, on the potential financial impact to multifamily projects if nonprofit partners that provide rental subsidies were to reduce services or close. Mayfield noted that the city has roughly $58 million in trust-fund dollars remaining in the housing trust fund and asked staff to work with development and nonprofit partners (she mentioned DreamKey as an example) to quantify risk to current subsidy recipients and to buildings with high shares of subsidized tenants.

Small-business participation and procurement
Council member Victoria Watlington requested staff provide updated data on housing-unit production and vacancy rates to better understand supply versus price-point mismatches and pressed for a clearer plan and stronger language on small-business participation goals related to the regional transportation proposal and orphan roads MOU work. Council members also discussed procurement and cited statutes and policies that allow negotiation with low bidders or rejection of bids; Council member Renee Johnson asked for a review of procurement rules and the city’s approach to CBI and procurement integration.

Urban nature and pollinator conservation
Council member Dimple Ajmera asked staff to review the city’s ordinances that affect naturalistic landscaping and pollinator habitat and suggested reviewing approaches used by other North Carolina cities, such as Winston-Salem, to allow exemptions that encourage pollinator-friendly yards and businesses.

Street vendors and public safety
Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson (District 1) praised recent street-vending pilot work and Pride events but raised concern about unpermitted late-night food vendors in Uptown and South End, citing public-safety and code-enforcement issues tied to open-flame operations and late-night congregation.

Homelessness, mental health and services
Several council members discussed visible homelessness and mental-health crises in corridors such as I-85/Sugar Creek, Reagan Drive and parts of Uptown. Council members said they want stronger collaboration with Mecklenburg County, expanded CARES teams or street psychiatry services, non-congregate shelter capacity and partnerships with local hospital systems. Council member Renee Johnson cited a figure she said appears in research that about 53 percent of people who are homeless have a history of head injury; she urged the city to explore brain-injury assessment and treatment as part of a broader response.

Outcome and next steps
Council agreed to use the trial topics block for three-minute remarks per member and asked the city manager to return with briefings on housing subsidy exposure, small-business participation plans tied to major projects, procurement policy clarifications and options for urban-nature ordinance updates. Members asked staff to coordinate with county partners on mental-health and shelter strategies and to provide additional written materials to the council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Business Meeting - August 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members used a newly scheduled mayor-and-council topics block to raise multiple issues including homelessness and mental health, concerns about housing subsidies and nonprofit capacity, a county sales-tax referendum for transportation, small-business participation on projects, and a request to review landscaping/pollinator rules.","taxTitle","Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina","taxId",4848,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503469,"Charlotte introduces Deputy City Manager Donnie Hamilton Jr.; manager says he will lead transit-transition work",215,1521000,1736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce&start=1521&end=1736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce/thumbnail_1521000.jpg","/articles/6503469/Charlotte/Mecklenburg-County/North-Carolina/Charlotte-introduces-Deputy-City-Manager-Donnie-Hamilton-Jr-manager-says-he-will-lead-transit-transition-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503469-0abd2dc24d905c90bdf40cc4d6a57dd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450345&Signature=VWkT7aZ9G2a4Aop4wHIG1wDqI1hqbWiT8W2RsHzwLC5TJxaEij7eoTHCVrZzEeu55I5TeikBZQ~DW161xYL9D8dci0iveBCGLhq5JsnKsS98bp9vv2mvhikFwG9VWpCpjG5wm16Kn4D1MtNs5Okn4OVOybuqkSMWF0BUKNwKT7xeQJIADSfbKUKxRFWkewE7nKwbkw-8ttMfb8h9V0X8yzW6CUX-DxGUpG4N5fwIM-VZ4CmGxo9sh8frDA6TOYtpcgGQeCk0CyynWZG3FoxHqiwZMKSInuEAh2yJqO9LuJblxvNOGHxzI~7-APpGLDX6mJkzsiwtpRuLIPGpoKDIyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Marcus Jones introduced Donnie Hamilton Jr. as Charlotte’s newest deputy city manager, saying Hamilton’s first day included orientation and that he will help manage the transition of \"Katz\" to the transit authority.

Jones described Donnie Hamilton Jr. as a nationally recognized expert in transportation finance with about 20 years of experience working in roadway, rail and public transit industries. Jones said Hamilton would work with deputies and departments including Katz, CDOT and HRIT and would help lead complex infrastructure projects during the transition period.

Why it matters
Jones framed the hire as part of the city’s leadership capacity for an upcoming transition tied to transit governance. The manager said Hamilton’s combination of technical experience and focus on ‘‘people-centered’’ planning makes him a fit for the role.

Next steps
Hamilton will assume deputy city manager responsibilities and coordinate with department leaders on the transit transition and other infrastructure matters. The council acknowledged the introduction and welcomed Hamilton to the organization.

Ending
The manager and councilmembers welcomed Hamilton; no additional personnel action was recorded at the dais during the meeting.","City Manager Marcus Jones formally introduced Donnie Hamilton Jr. as a new deputy city manager; Jones said Hamilton will assist with the transition of \"Katz\" to the transit authority and bring transportation finance experience to the role.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503472,"Charlotte to join Mecklenburg County voluntary agricultural district program; council approves MOU",530,1779000,2309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce&start=1779&end=2309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce/thumbnail_1779000.jpg","/articles/6503472/Charlotte/Mecklenburg-County/North-Carolina/Charlotte-to-join-Mecklenburg-County-voluntary-agricultural-district-program-council-approves-MOU","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503472-eb628342647ea055ddfaf555197b554d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450345&Signature=D9q0s2AZyXEq3Hu-KMHko2Zmb6let2xsWzNxXI1pCUnvfOyYL6vCdiw~Sxt-q~QM9f6Z0dzm2gbgcYS2dhiGoi7NNLFZchPZ3OOY5PZDdJWb95pwU6wLAKqiOtYUY~KoJ9OveULcsDmD~uSgXuvON2bBuAJBEoWeEsgaQ5TbisXFeAA1EZrqMa9Vqo5ttMAAwge38z6S83V-4pXpKcoyoX3NBp7Gfk4~MzUBqgrUae7BA28wPHYrel1zCQCu15SafYjClKEwNJqBfqrPrPwlp8DHz~pE2cRHD2l7NPEAGOd5ln7pVxXQgttTgGIC6RH~ZSQJg7Vy4n9xNqKnJJ7lCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charlotte City Council voted to sign a memorandum of understanding with Mecklenburg County to establish a voluntary agricultural district (VAD) program that would operate within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The MOU authorizes Charlotte to participate in the county-run VAD program, which county staff said already operates in 93 other counties across North Carolina. County staff described the program as a voluntary recognition program intended to acknowledge agricultural operations without creating additional tax obligations for participants.

Why it matters
Council members described the measure as one tool to preserve farmland and support urban farming in the face of ongoing development pressure. Council member Dimple Ajmera and others said the program would help preserve farmland and align with the city’s 2040 plan goals related to healthy, safe and active communities.

What council members asked and said
- Monica Holmes, interim planning director for the City of Charlotte, and Erin Stanfors, who identified herself as sustainable communities staff for Mecklenburg County, described the county program and the city role. Stanfors said the program gives farmers recognition for agricultural achievements and “does not have any sort of tax obligations.”
- Council member Marjorie Molina asked for more information to share with the public; staff said petitioners would be available for follow-up questions and that staff would provide additional materials.
- Council member Dimple Ajmera and Council member Marjorie Molina both expressed support, citing the program's potential to protect farmland and assist urban farmers who are feeling development pressures.
- Council member Edwin Peacock asked whether the VAD would supersede local zoning; staff replied that it is a state program and “does not supersede any sort of local zoning ordinances.”

Outcome
A motion to sign the memorandum of understanding with Mecklenburg County to participate in the voluntary agricultural district program carried with no recorded opposition. Staff will proceed with the MOU steps described in the packet and coordinate with county staff on program implementation.

Ending
Councilmembers who spoke urged outreach and public information to help urban and rural farmers understand how to participate, and they said the program would be coordinated with existing county partners such as soil and water boards and local agricultural stakeholders.","The Charlotte City Council agreed to a memorandum of understanding with Mecklenburg County to participate in a voluntary agricultural district program designed to recognize and support farmland and urban agriculture in the county and the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503478,"Charlotte council approves grants, annexations, traffic project and bond steps",1179,812000,1991000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce&start=812&end=1991","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560034-8f4b40a44e073aa6cb73ae07390614ce/thumbnail_812000.jpg","/articles/6503478/Charlotte/Mecklenburg-County/North-Carolina/Charlotte-council-approves-grants-annexations-traffic-project-and-bond-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503478-080eabf5e2ef8296628f5cbc5bea0ee6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450345&Signature=TjnW1JfrYYR5aFcfEpUExu77KNdTbnQdxd5XQ2gvCJIwztpB9koYGh-51SCEhpOeK-8XUuB2IA0xCnf~xYvxwRMN2MQtOhPA0PGsX5L2g0lQttkmLgQUB~v4N2Nj9j5mwyQUkhoZ6qqqK5c-eJRZUHZpVdHp-dodXOTFp3TIttbn3-nGipBdM1FlC~cjLNJ-HQkzVDoeoBmlIOKfniACvlLe92jLZ4UiY50~RRjJUabrKxyn7iN3b0H95qV00sefDO8Pk0MjSuL9AnL~VEhaOhKh4NQWu~BgrL3y9YbuK68B1tbJAxR79CCdwEJ0kdM455~STGoACxNgfcjpP8~tNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charlotte City Council on the August meeting approved a series of business investment grants, annexations, municipal agreements and a bond financing measure, voting each item by voice or hand vote during a consolidated consent and public-hearing portion of the agenda. Council also approved a contract authorization for interpretation, translation and transcription services covering numerous languages and American Sign Language.

The approvals were routine and largely uncontroversial: councilmembers moved and seconded each item and, where a public hearing was opened, no members of the public spoke. Mayor Vi Lyles called for hands on each motion and recorded no opposition to the items described below.

Votes at a glance
- Consent item 31: Authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute contracts for interpretation, translation and transcription services covering Spanish, American Sign Language and more than a dozen additional languages. Motion to approve carried unanimously.
- AssetMark Financial Holdings: Adopted an investment grant for a total not to exceed approximately $87,000 over five years. Motion carried unanimously.
- ABL USA Inc.: Approved a business investment grant following a closed public hearing; no speakers and motion carried unanimously.
- Citigroup: Approved a business investment grant following a closed public hearing; no speakers and motion carried unanimously.
- HSP US LLC: Approved a business investment grant after a public hearing; motion carried unanimously.
- Right-of-way adjacent to Pearl Parkway: Conducted the public hearing and adopted a resolution to close portions of right-of-way and adopted related actions (a and b); motion carried unanimously.
- Voluntary annexations: The council opened and closed public hearings and approved multiple voluntary annexations, including the QTR Phase 1 area, the Sunset Metals area, and Retreat at Tilly Manor; no public speakers and motions carried unanimously.
- Municipal agreement for traffic signals (Item 12): Adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation in the amount of $91,000 and appropriated the funds to the General Capital Projects fund; motion carried unanimously.
- General obligation refunding bonds (Item 13): Introduced a bond order authorizing issuance of general obligation refunding bonds with an initial not-to-exceed figure described on the floor; council clarified the amount should be $201,510,000 and set a public hearing for 2025-08-25; motion carried.
- Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) grant municipal agreement (Item 14): Authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute the MPO municipal agreement with NCDOT and adopted related items; motion carried unanimously.
- Memorandum of understanding with Mecklenburg County (voluntary agricultural district program): Council voted to authorize a memorandum of understanding to participate in Mecklenburg County’s voluntary agricultural district program (see separate article on that item for discussion details). Motion carried unanimously.

What council said
Council member La Juana Mayfield noted the breadth of the language services awarded under consent item 31, listing languages included in the contracts and saying she was “pleasantly surprised” by the range of languages and by the inclusion of American Sign Language.

Procedure and next steps
Where a public hearing was required, the council opened the hearing, received no speakers, closed the hearing and approved the recommended action. For the bond matter the council introduced the bond order and set a public hearing for Aug. 25, 2025, and authorized staff to proceed with the required financing steps, including an application to the Local Government Commission.

Ending
Council proceeded from these approvals to nominations for boards and commissions and then to a new council-topics segment of the agenda and a scheduled closed session.","At its August meeting, the Charlotte City Council approved multiple business investment grants, several voluntary annexations and municipal agreements including a $91,000 traffic-signal project and introduced a general-obligation refunding bond order with an updated not-to-exceed amount.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Charlotte council uses new forum to raise homelessness, housing subsidies, sales-tax referendum and small-business concerns

Charlotte introduces Deputy City Manager Donnie Hamilton Jr.; manager says he will lead transit-transition work

Charlotte to join Mecklenburg County voluntary agricultural district program; council approves MOU

Charlotte council approves grants, annexations, traffic project and bond steps