Charlotte City Council Business Meeting - May 27, 2025

The Charlotte City Council met on May 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. The meeting began with the swearing-in of Council Member Edwin Peacock for District 6, followed by a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. The council addressed consent items, public forum, policy updates, and several business items related to affordable housing, sustainability, and contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent items 14–26 en bloc, except items 15 and 26 which were pulled for separate discussion. Item 15 (Prosperity Church Road Improvements) was approved after staff explanation. Item 26 (Aviation Property Transaction – 8210 McAlpine Drive) was approved, with Council Member Mayfield voting in opposition, citing concerns about lack of a plan for protecting owner-occupied homeowners near the airport.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple speakers addressed airport worker conditions. Kim Wade (District 7 resident) and Jennifer De Saya spoke in support of funding for Animal Care & Control and its integration into General Services. Dominique Chambers (wheelchair agent) and Danielle Prophet (CWA Local 3645 president) and others called for a committee hearing on workplace safety and livable wages for airport workers. Jeff Risberg and Chris Barnett supported the workers. Sylvia Stitt Smith requested the city illuminate the skyline orange in June for Gun Violence Awareness Month. Michael Sims (Crowntown Cannabis) and Paul McBroom requested a declaration of the NoDa area as a congested business district to restrict street vendors, citing safety concerns. Michael Rossler opposed the restriction, supporting vendors. Jayla Gittens and Amanda O’Hara appealed for justice and accountability regarding a stolen car and dog. Fred Mande raised a whistleblower claim. The Charlotte Museum of History requested operating and project funding remain in the budget.

Discussion Items

• Strategic Energy Action Plan Update (SEAP+): The council unanimously adopted the updated SEAP+ (motion by Driggs, seconded). The plan includes goals to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 72% by 2035 and reach net-zero by 2050, install 600 MW of distributed renewable energy by 2035, source 100% zero-carbon electricity for municipal buildings by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions in the light-duty fleet by 2035 and entire fleet by 2050.
• Keep Charlotte Beautiful Program Contributions: Unanimously approved acceptance of $42,000 in contributions ($26,000 from Lowe’s, $16,000 from Keep America Beautiful) and a budget ordinance appropriation.
• Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resale Fund for Homeownership Contract: Approved a $1,200,000 contract with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region to produce 15 affordable single-family homes. Council Member Johnson asked about small business participation; staff clarified the program is limited to nonprofit partners.
• Albemarle Landing Apartments Affordable Housing Support Request: Approved a $1,000,000 HOME Investment Partnerships Program bridge loan to Albemarle Landing Limited Partnership. The loan will extend the affordability period to 40 years and set aside 19 units for vulnerable populations. Council Members Johnson and Brown opposed, citing the absence of 30% AMI units and concerns about affordability for low-wage workers. Council Member Molina and staff explained the loan is a post-construction bridge loan repaid with interest, and units serve 50-70% AMI.
• Havenridge at Sharon Amity Affordable Housing Development: Deferred by staff; will return at a later date.
• Lease of City-Owned Property on Seigle Avenue: Approved a resolution to lease property at 932 Seigle Avenue and 1100 Otts Street to Envision Charlotte for $1 per year, with a five-year initial term and two renewal options. Council Member Molina praised the Innovation Barn’s work.
• Appointment to Firefighter’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees: Chris Formyduval was appointed to a three-year term (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028). Council Member Mayfield did not cast a vote.

Key Outcomes

• SEAP+ adopted unanimously.
• Keep Charlotte Beautiful contributions accepted unanimously.
• Habitat for Humanity contract approved unanimously.
• Albemarle Landing bridge loan approved (vote: 8-2, with Johnson and Brown opposed).
• Envision Charlotte lease approved unanimously.
• Firefighter’s Relief Fund board appointment finalized.
• Closed Session: The council voted to enter closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with the city attorney on the matter of City of Charlotte vs. Tumi One LLC. Two council members declined to attend the closed session, which under state law counted as an affirmative vote.
• Future Actions: Council Member Mayfield requested a referral to the Budget and Intergovernmental Relations Committee to investigate closed session leaks and consider policy changes. Council Member Watlington requested a referral to examine procurement policy as a means to improve airport worker conditions. The city attorney will provide research on bifurcating meetings and on procurement authority.

Additional Notes

• The council recognized City Clerk Stephanie Kelly for receiving the 2025 IIMC Quill Award and the Program Excellence in Governance Award.
• The meeting adjourned into closed session.