Charlotte City Council Committee Discussions – March 3, 2025

The City Council held committee discussions on March 3, 2025, at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. The meeting featured reports from four standing committees: Housing, Budget Governance and Intergovernmental Relations, Jobs and Economic Development, and Transportation Planning and Development. Key topics included updates to the minimum housing code, water and stormwater rate increases, a new workforce development strategic plan, the Community Area Planning (CAP) process, and the status of a transit sales tax bill in the state legislature. The meeting also included a closed session and adjournment.

Housing Committee Report

• Councilmember Johnson (chair) reported on the minimum housing code policy referral. The committee recommended directing staff to advance new processes for in-rim repair and injunctive relief—a legal tool that has not been utilized. Next steps also include procurement for MRIM services and bringing in-rim repair orders forward for council action. Discussion included a pilot for mold testing (about $3 million in PAYGO total) and upstream rental assistance through CDBG funds and Crisis Assistance. Councilmember Mayfield expressed support for examining old practices and moving in a forward direction.

Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Report

• Councilmember Ajmera (chair) reported:
  • Charlotte Water & Stormwater: Rate increase of approximately 5.6% ($5+ per month for a typical homeowner) to fund aging infrastructure and PFAS compliance. Staff is being proactive in asset management to avoid a backlog like in 2017.
  • MWSBE Participation in Capital Projects: A draft pilot plan to streamline procurement, expand outreach, and deliver targeted support was approved by committee. The full council will vote on the plan on April 7, 2025. Performance measures will include percent of contract goals met, total MWSBE spend, number of prime contracts, and new certifications.
  • Charlotte Water Nonprofit: A nonprofit established during the pandemic helps low-income residents pay water bills. Councilmember Mayfield noted its success in connecting families.

Jobs and Economic Development Committee Report – Workforce Development Strategic Plan

• Councilmember Graham (chair) and Danielle Frazier (Director of Workforce Development) presented the final draft plan, unanimously adopted by committee for a full council vote on March 24, 2025. Key highlights:
  • Vision: Cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and skilled workforce system.
  • Three Pillars: Career pathway access, skill development/credential attainment, and job placement/advancement – all data-driven and employer-informed.
  • Recent Actions: Deployed over $4.5 million in workforce development funding; established the Office of Workforce Development; launched the Education to Employment program; held the first workforce summit.
  • Next Steps (3–6 months): Deploy career navigators in opportunity corridors, validate labor market data with employers, expand apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and release new funding opportunities.
  • Councilmember Discussion: Councilmembers Mayfield, Ajmera, Watlington, Driggs, Molina, and the Mayor Pro Tem raised concerns about connecting workforce to housing, addressing language barriers for immigrant residents, targeting the “missing middle” (earners between $50k–$90k), defining clear metrics and budget sustainability (currently using ARPA funds), and leveraging libraries for navigation services. City Manager Marcus Jones emphasized that workforce development is a cross-cutting issue and cautioned against over-scaling City investment.

Transportation Planning and Development Committee Report

• Councilmember Driggs (chair) and Councilmember Graham reported:
  • Community Area Planning (CAP): The 2040 comprehensive plan update is on track. A draft will be available for public review in April 2025, with committee action in late April and full council adoption in May 2025. Two rezoning examples (consistent and inconsistent with place types) were discussed to illustrate how plans affect land use decisions.
  • Strategic Energy Action Plan (CAP Update): Draft updates include community-wide goals: reduce greenhouse gases 72% by 2023 (interim target) and reach net zero by 2050; install 600 MW distributed renewable energy; source 100% zero-carbon electricity for municipal buildings by 2030; achieve net zero in light-duty fleet by 2030 and full fleet by 2050. A side-by-side comparison of the 2018 and 2025 plans was requested. City staff (Ms. Hazel) noted that the update builds on past successes and incorporates a new climate risk analysis focused on urban heat and waste reduction.
  • Transit Sales Tax Bill (I-77, MTC): Two bills were filed in the state legislature—one for the sales tax (local bill) and one for governance (public bill). Both are moving forward but subject to adjustments. Key concerns: ensuring the governance bill matches local needs; timeline uncertainty; need for public education campaign. Councilmember Bokhari cautioned that a local bill cannot be vetoed by the governor, while a public bill can. Councilmember Ajmera requested an update from the lobbying team. Committee members emphasized bipartisan support and continued engagement with legislators.

Key Outcomes

• Workforce Development Plan: Unanimously approved by the Jobs and Economic Development Committee; scheduled for full council vote on March 24, 2025.
• MWSBE Pilot Plan: Approved by Budget Committee; full council action on April 7, 2025.
• Housing Committee: Recommendations to advance in-rim repair processes and injunctive relief, with further budgetary analysis.
• CAP and SEAP: Both to be presented for adoption in April/May 2025; staff will provide detailed side-by-side comparisons.
• Transit Bill: Two bills filed; continued advocacy and public education planned. No immediate vote.