Charlotte is a city on the move. Every day, 157 new people join our community, bringing ambition and energy. But our growth is exacerbating our gridlock. The strain on our infrastructure creates barriers, holding residents and small businesses back from reaching their full potential.
This November, we have the power to build our future. On Tuesday, November 4, Mecklenburg County voters can approve a transformative transportation plan designed to forge a more connected and prosperous region for all. Make a plan to vote, either on Election Day or vote early from October 16 through November 1.
Your Dollars in Action: A Blueprint for a Better Commute
This forward-thinking strategy is funded by a one-cent sales tax projected to generate $19.4 billion over 30 years. A crucial detail is that this plan requires no property tax increase, and independent analysis estimates that visitors, not residents, will pay nearly a third of the sales tax.
To ensure accountability, the plan is transparent and will be voter-approved. It provides a balanced approach to modernizing our entire transportation network. Here’s how the funds are allocated:
- 40% for Road Improvements ($7.8B): This includes projects to ease traffic flow, such as synchronizing traffic lights to create more green lights, as well as maintaining and upgrading roads across the city and surrounding towns.
- 40% for Rail Construction ($7.8B): A significant investment in building out our rail system to connect more neighborhoods and employment centers, offering a reliable alternative to driving.
- 20% for Bus and Microtransit ($3.8B): This funding will expand and enhance our bus network, increasing frequency, improving routes, and introducing flexible microtransit options to serve more communities.
An Investment in Our People and Our Potential
These projects create pathways to prosperity that go far beyond the morning commute. A modern transportation system will:
- Ignite Economic Opportunity by connecting people to jobs they can’t reach today.
- Fuel Small Businesses by expanding their access to customers and a wider talent pool.
- Enhance Quality of Life by connecting residents to essential services like healthcare and education.
Leading the Charge for Growth
This pivotal moment for our region’s small business community demands leadership. The CLT Alliance Foundation is answering the call. We have convened the Transportation Task Force, a powerful coalition of community leaders, support organizations, and public officials.
The mission of this Task Force is to prepare job seekers and small businesses for this historic investment, where small businesses are able to compete for contracts and the workforce is ready for the new jobs these projects will create.
“Transportation and transit infrastructure are critical for any growing city to maintain a thriving and equitable quality of life for all its residents. With 157 people moving to the Charlotte Region every day, we are at an inflection point as a community. Our foundation is convening, supporting and coordinating a broad group of stakeholders focused on workforce and small business readiness and opportunities that will come from the 1% sales tax should the transportation referendum pass on November 4th! We are all in for YesForMeck.”
— Nate Hogan, President, CLT Alliance Foundation
Through its Strategic Community Alignment, Small Business, and Workforce Committees, the Task Force is turning this vision into action.
Build a Stronger Charlotte With Your Vote
This transportation initiative will ignite a new era of accessibility and economic vibrancy in Charlotte. It’s an investment that will drive economic mobility for years to come. The CLT Alliance Foundation is proud to help lead the charge in ensuring every small business and resident has the opportunity to thrive.
Ready to help power our progress? Learn more at YesForMeck.com.
Make your voice heard at the polls on Tuesday, November 4 or through early voting, now until November 1.