There are moments where I'm like, oh, I really want to go home.

I don't want to do this anymore.

And then I go look at, you know, the tall firefighters that look like me, Remy and Chantel, and I'm like, that's like me, that could be me.

Oh my gosh.

I didn't like fully understand what being a firefighter was, even though my dad is, but um they have motivational speakers come in, and I'm realizing all the different um like things there are in firefighting that I didn't know before.

You know, they're together all day.

So they just they build a good relationship and camaraderie.

And then most of the people they're gonna ask me, and they'll how many books.

And uh that we could uh provide the their needs and it gave us a purpose.

We like the idea that the people dancing groups, all culture, especially dancing groups, and uh we had uh uh chess club using this one and a lot of the community use of the facility.

So we have a several churches, they have a worship service in here, or so or kind of a meeting, even though you know a lot of American people they are using this library.

We're gonna keep this one as a library, whatever the community needed for facility or anything.

That's our goal.

This is inside this building off South McDowell Street.

And today, together, we open up the doors to the Pearl.

A new future of medical innovation and education is blossoming for Charlotte.

We are ready.

Let's do this.

After years of planning, the Pearl, Charlotte's new medical innovation district, officially opened its doors.

The innovation district was created by a public-private partnership between Atrium Health and Wexford Science and Technology LLC.

Community support was absolutely critical to making this happen.

The idea for the Pearl formed back in 2019.

Charlotte was one of the largest cities in the country without a four-year medical school, something many wanted to change.

By 2021, the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County approved incentive packages totaling 75 million dollars to help this project move forward.

The Pearl is now home to the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, as well as the North American headquarters of ERCAT, a renowned French research and training institute for surgeons.

Leaders say the new district will generate over 5,500 on-site jobs and 11,500 regional jobs, with 40% of those not requiring a four-year degree.

At full build out, we would generate over 800 million dollars a year in economic impact.

That's direct, indirect, and induced.

The Pearl is located where Brooklyn Village, a once thriving African American community once stood.

Thanks to an advisory committee of members from the former neighborhood and the Cherry neighborhood.

You can hear our interviews.

And then we're all set.

Who has been a champion for us in the neighborhood?

Hello, everyone.

My name is Renee Perkins Johnson, and I am the District 4 representative for City Council.

And this complex happens to be in District 4.

I had the pleasure of working with John during construction.

I'm not working with him, speaking with him.

But he was so passionate and so caring.

And that and that love and dedication.

It shows.

So hi Rocky, happy birthday.

Fabulous.

Um in your units.

So thank you.

We need more complexes like this.

Absolutely, yes.

And I'm just honored to be here today.

So thank you all.

And thank you.

Thank you.

I'm so glad that uh the city fathers have invested a billion dollars in bringing this blue line extension.

We see 280 million dollars worth of total economic development.

I think the investment being made in and around University City is so important.

We represent over 200,000 people who oh live in University City and 100,000 people who work here.

The numbers are dynamic.

This community is amazing and it's accessible.

In other words, it's affordable.

Thank you, John, for making some affordable units.

It's really crazy to see how expensive things is because they said average rent prices, 80% of the population can't afford it in the city.

And to have affordable units being built in University City, we're the last places in Charlotte where people can come and have a living.

Once again, I just hope you guys all enjoy yourself.

Help yourself some food.

So thank you guys.

Please enjoy it.

And I want to thank you all for coming.

Started off as about a 40,000 square foot project.

It was during the pandemic when Michael Estramonte began hearing about the mental health challenges affecting children.

It's really really sad when you see children that are waiting for psychiatric beds that are going through crisis and there's none in North Carolina.

Here in Charlotte, there are a few resources that exist that focus on helping children.

But Estramonte, who serves as Starmount Healthcare Founder and President, is looking to change that by bringing a dedicated pediatric behavioral health care facility to the Queen City.

So at that point, that was the that was the uh the impetus to expand the project.

Esther Monte says the city has been supportive, agreeing last year to sell them this building for the facility.

Once they heard what we were doing, and we were having to go through the acquisition process for the building.

And that's significant when it started off just as a self-funded project.

Named in honor of his mother, Estramonte hopes the Katie Blessing Center can be an important resource for the children that need it once it's up and running.

Hopefully, 10 years from now we can look back at this and say we we put a significant dent and and and we did our part.

In my salon, we have always empower individuals to be who they are.

And I want her to understand that her natural hair is beautiful.

She doesn't have to always wear weaves.

If that's an option, you can, but just remember that your foundation of what God has made you be made you into is just is beautiful.

And you can wear your natural hair as much as you like any way that you like.

She had a family she had to take care of.

She wants to have a career so her kids can look up to her.

We all know.

We are them.

We are done.

We are the boys up there.

And welcome to the twenty twenty-fifth swearing in ceremony for the Charlotte City Council.

I want to say we ought to give a big hand of applause for Philip O'Brien Academy Technology.

And now I officially call this meeting to order to be the part of our community's choices so that we can work really work together.

So I want to thank everyone again.

So that we'll have everyone introduce themselves.

And we'll start with our city clerk.

Stephanie Kelly, City Clerk.

Tia Wonder Brown has been an honor to serve you in District Three.

Good evening.

I am Marjorie Molina, and I represent District Five.

Good evening, I'm Renee Johnson, and I'm honored to serve District Four.

Good evening, everyone.

James Mitchell, representing you at large.

Marcus Jones, City Manager.

Hi, Lyles Mayor.

Good evening, Dante Anderson, Mayor Pro Tem, District 1.

Good evening, Malcolm Graham, District 2.

Hello, Ed Drees, District 7.

Edwin Peacock, District 6.

Good evening, Lorna Mayfield, Councilmember at Large.

Good evening, I'm Victoria Wallington, and I have the pleasure of serving you as a member at large.

Good evening, Dimple Ashmara at large.

I want to thank the family and friends that are in the audience today to support their loved ones to acknowledge the service of our new and returning council members.

To start this evening, we will have an invocation by my pastor, Reverend Dr.

Clifford Jones of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, followed by a presentation of colors from the Charlotte Department Honoring.

So, Pastor.

Thank you.

Could people stand?

Yes, please stand.

All who are able, would you please stand with us?

You are eternal.

As we bow before you this evening, we bow in utmost gratitude and humility.

Gratitude for all that you've provided for your creation in spite of those that you created who are not always faithful, honest, fair, loving, or caring, grateful, that in spite of our limitations, you have been faithful.

Amen.

For which we are grateful.

Thank you, Lord.

As we bow this evening during this swearing-in ceremony and time of excitement and expectation for our city, for our county, for our community, for our nation, for our state, for our world.

Whether they're at large or district.

We pray for them, Lord.

For we know that the day will surely come when they will have to stand before you.

So we pray for them.

We ask that you would be merciful.

And help all of us, not just to see that this is just a swearing-in ceremony and but to see a larger picture.

We have the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for the least of these.

Yes, Father.

While we stand here and sit here comfortably, we've driven by persons in a cold, hungry.

All along our streets.

Shouldn't be like that, Lord.

Help us to make this truly a land of the free and a home of the brave.

Let this be a place of peace and goodwill.

Well, Lord, you know we could talk a long time, but you know where I am.

So I thank you for the time.

Amen.

I thank you for the time.

Amen.

And ask your blessings and your spirit of empowerment and discernment.

Upon our mayor, his council, staff, and all.

And yes, Lord, there are many traditions and religious faiths in our community for which we are better.

And we thank you for all.

But as a Christian, I do say in the name of our Lord, who is the Christ.

Amen.

Thank you.

I'm deeply deeply thoughtful and grateful for the ministry that our church has.

Thank you so much, Pastor.

So if we can have a seat now, I'd like to invite our Charlotte Fire Honor Guard to post the colors.

That's what Message said.

Oh.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republicans, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

So Kaylee, thank you very much for leading us in that program.

Thank you.

All right.

Now we are going to continue to stand, and I would now like to introduce Officer Kevin Moore of CMPD to sing our national anthem.

Right.

Let's go, Kevin.

Oh say can you see the don't so proudly we have at the twilight last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the fight or the ramparts we was so gallantly streaming.

And the rock is red The Bombs bursting air.

And oh save us that the free and the home of the right face.

I want to say thank you to Kevin Moore.

I think that that was just an amazing way to sing and put this in the place that we have now.

So I would now like to ask if you would like to sit, perhaps.

Thank you very much.

No, no, he's made his name.

Oh my gosh, this is like intimidation.

Hey girls.

Hi.

Always good to see the grands, right?

So I want to say, if we can begin, each year, the mayor's citizen awards are recognized.

Distinguished members of our community who have served with honor, courage, and selflishness.

The first mayor's award is the Richard Venroot Award.

Mayor Venro, please know how much this means to all of us.

Thank you so much for being here tonight.

So tonight I am proud to present the Mayor's Award in honor of Richard Venmoot, a remarkable to a remarkable leader whose voice, vision, and authenticity have helped shape a more connected, compassionate Charlotte.

Tanya Jameson, as the director of civic engagement for leading on opportunity, Tanya is helping us guide our city towards greater equity and inclusion and bringing people together.

Front work barriers sparks dialogues and the creation of meaningful change.

Tanya, I want to say thank you for using your gifts to move Charlotte forward.

Your courage, your authenticity, and your unwaving dedication to civic engagement and equity.

Because of you, our city is more informed, more united, united, and inspired to take action.

Please join me by welcoming Tanya Jameson as the 2025 Venroot Mayor Citizen Award.

A few comments.

And I used to say all the time that my writing, my work was to be a voice for the voiceless.

But when I joined leading on opportunity, I realized that they didn't not have a voice.

We just weren't listening.

We were ignoring what people were saying.

And so our job, our new council that's coming in, our job is to listen, to carry with us that message every day to make sure that we are focused on improving economic mobility.

And we made some progress, but we have more work ahead.

This award reminds me that change alone, change does not happen alone, and I didn't win this award alone.

I want to thank my parents, my aunt and uncle, and my rider die Randy, who are all with me tonight for standing with me in my quest to work with the journalists, the activists, the business leaders, neighbors, and anyone else determined to create a city where every child has a chance to succeed.

It is not lost on me that today is the 70th anniversary of Rosa Parks standing for equal rights by sitting down.

Together, we are writing a new story for the South.

My promise to you is to keep fighting for opportunity and inclusion.

Thank you, Tanya, for being who you are.

The second award, Mayor Smore Award, is the Harvey Gantt Award.

Mayor Gant is here as well.

And everybody raise your hand.

The Harvey Gantz Mayor's Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate courage and civility that strengthens our community and defines true leadership.

Tonight I am proud to present this award to Chief Johnny Jennings, whose dedication to service and commitment to the Charlotte embody the very spirit of this honor.

Chief Jennings has served with integrity, compassion, and a deep respect for the people of the city.

His steady leadership has guided CMPD through challenging moments with transparency and grace, and always striving to build trust and understanding between law enforcement and the community.

Chief Jennings, thank you for your years of devoted service, your commitment to collaboration, and your compassion for the city you call home.

Please join me in congratulating 2025 Harvey Gann Award to Chief Johnny Jennings.

Thank you, Mayor.

Wow, this is a change here.

So up until right now, the most exciting part of my day is that my suit actually fit.

So I'm excited right now.

This is fantastic.

Mayor, thank you.

Thank you for always supporting me.

Thank you for your leadership in this wonderful city.

And thank you for everything you've done to help me be successful.

I truly, truly think that you are the best mayor in the entire country, and we appreciate you so much.

Thank you.

So, five and a half years ago.

This man sitting behind me took a chance during one of the most difficult times in law enforcement history.

Marcus Jones, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to serve this police department, this profession, and this city and this county.

It is absolutely been the most the best honor that I could actually ask for in my entire professional career.

This is it for me.

This is my stop.

People have asked, do I want to go be a police chief anywhere else?

There is nowhere else.

There is nowhere else other than the city of Charlotte.

This is the best city and the best, the best county to serve.

And I'm so proud to have served in the last 33 and a half years.

So thank you for allowing me to have that opportunity, Marcus Jones.

Thank you so much.

Real quick.

Somebody's gonna fact check me on this, but I don't think we've ever been turned down for anything we've asked for in the last five and a half years that I've been chief.

So, Chief Patterson, the records on.

I see you standing up there.

You gotta make sure that continues, but uh thank you for your support uh to make our department successful.

Thank you to all of my CMPD family that's here.

You deserve a huge round of applause as well.

And at the very last but definitely not least, I'm gonna ask my family to stand up who's here.

Absolutely, and my wife Lisa.

Absolutely.

That's right.

Without them, I'm not the police chief and short.

She's like, yes, yes, yes.

They've grown to become friends somehow over the years.

Thank you so much.

Love you all.

Thank you for allowing me to do this job that I love and enjoy it.

I'm gonna do something I hadn't done in over 20 years.

I'm putting my phone on sleep mode tonight.

Thank you.

Now it comes to a very hard and difficult kind for I think many, for at least for me, I'll say that.

Um, on behalf of the Charlotte City Council, I want to thank our outgoing council members for their years of service to this community and for the best of their luck in their future and endeavors.

You will each have an opportunity to share a few words.

I ask that you try to do it better than we do in council meeting, maybe three minutes, you know.

That ain't gonna work.

There's a three-minute rule.

I think that we never had it adopted, so that's the way it goes.

So that's it.

So, but I'd like to ask, I'd like to recognize and ask Councilmember Tijuana Brown to come up and join me at the podium.

The job is not easy.

Give it up for the mayor.

She does not have an easy job.

Now I'm gonna have a problem when somebody else comes up in that clap get louder.

Good evening, Mayor.

Say that to you, Madam Mayor, colleagues, staff, and beautiful people of Charlotte, especially my mighty unshakable, never silence district three.

Tonight is my last night standing before you in this capacity.

Doctor, Councilmember Tiawana Brown.

But hear me clearly.

My service does not end here.

My purpose does not retire.

My voice does not expire.

I walked into this chamber making history, the first and only formally incarcerated woman.

In case you don't know what that means, I spent time in prison.

A clean sweep, a unanimous mandate from the people, a victory that would never be undone, because it lives in the record books and in the hearts of the residents who believed in me.

And a world where people would rather follow than lead.

Gossip than pray.

I stand here tonight unapologetically, in my truth.

I didn't come here to blend in.

And I did that.

You can ask my colleagues.

I want to honor three sisters that I brought with me tonight, because I'm different.

Charlene Henderson, who ran for district one, Robin Evans, who run for who ran for District Three.

Leah White, who ran for District Two.

Thank you for your courage.

You dared to run.

You dared to hope, because you wanted to see community in a community that does not get community.

Warren Moffit and Candace, I know you're recording.

They're not political allies.

They are spiritual anchors.

They prayed me through storms.

They loved me through the pain.

They stayed when others walked away.

Their loyalty is loud.

Their presence is powerful.

And tonight I honor them with my whole heart.

To my council member Dr.

Watleton, and she's fierce.

Smart, beautiful, young, and energetic.

We didn't start off on the right foot, but we aligned, and I loved you.

Councilmember Mayfield.

The knowledge in District Three.

The leader of the three of us who represented the district together.

Thank you for your knowledge.

Mr.

Mitchell, James Mitchell.

Thank you for always honoring me and never judging me.

You never treated me differently, even when I didn't vote the way you wanted me to.

Councilmember Johnson.

One of a kind.

You are the real deal.

We vote alike.

We think alike, and we fight like hell for the people alike.

My constituent services.

Amanda and your team.

You are not the help.

No.

You are the background and the backbone of City Hall.

Your compassion heals family, saves lives.

You answer emails and calls that we don't even know come in.

Now let me speak about where I come from.

I come from a long line of influential, phenomenal black women.

Women who survive without applause.

So when you don't clap, it don't matter.

Women who endured without recognition.

Women who led without titles.

And from the strongest of them all, my mother, Artie Mae Brown.

I learned how to love from her.

So I give love.

That love guided me here.

That love carried me through.

And that love keep me standing when you wonder why I didn't resign.

And through the storm, let me tell you something.

There has been more love than hate.

But the media helps the hate sphere out.

Because hate always screams.

Love sits with you.

Love stands with you.

Love holds you.

And for anyone that's confused, I am not defeated.

I'm often imitated, but never duplicated.

Because authenticity cannot be copied.

Because purpose can't be cloned.

Because my calling can't be counterfeited.

Now let me tell you this before you went off and start talking.

What I brought in this chamber cannot be brought.

You either have it or you don't.

And I have it.

I did not lead from ego.

I led from empathy.

I led from a place for people that don't have people to fight for them often.

I did not come from scripts.

I led from my soul.

And my turn may end tonight.

But my calling, that does not end here.

It does not end ever.

Now my mother, the phenomenal black woman that walked the work and gave my sister her car so she can get around a North Carolina campus AT.

She's not here tonight.

My daughters, Antoinette and Tajima, they are not here tonight.

My sister, my grandson, they are not in this room.

But their love is.

Thank you.

And only Tia Wanda can say that.

I don't know where we're going to be.

So thank you.

Um, next, I'd like to recognize and ask Councilmember Marjorie Molina to join me at the public.

Oh my god, how do I follow that?

How do I follow that?

My goodness.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Woo.

How y'all doing tonight?

Hello.

Y'all can do better than that.

Y'all ain't asleep yet, are you?

How y'all doing tonight?

All right, all right, all right.

Listen, I don't have remarks.

Uh if you know me, you know I speak from my heart.

I've done that for the entirety of my experience because what I feel is what really guides me.

Um this is a celebration.

I I wondered, I said, how will you hold this moment?

This moment where you're walking away from a position and you are not going to continue.

How will you hold it?

And then as I reflected, I said, This is this is a celebration.

Charlotte is one of the greatest cities in the United States of America, and I am absolutely honored to have held this position for two terms.

I am absolutely grateful.

Thank you, Charlotte.

Thank you to the voters of East Charlotte.

Um I moved to Charlotte when I was a very, very young woman in 2004.

I took a job at a bank.

Um, and I started my family here.

My oldest child voted in her first election in November, uh, telling you that I I have an 18-year-old child.

I have an 18-year-old.

Uh right, but you know, I don't look like what I've been through.

Hey, now but my baby voted in her very first election.

Um I have a 15-year-old son who's at UNC Charlotte Early College of Engineering.

I have a bright, beautiful um 18-year-old who, like the mayor said in the last meeting, she applied and got accepted to SCAD, but she's also looking at NC State.

She wants to be an industrial designer.

Um, and so my children, my family have shared me with service for the entirety of my time in Charlotte, and to them I owe a great debt of gratitude.

Um, I will also say that my time in Charlotte is not done.

Now I will not return to District 5.

You can absolutely put a million dollar bet on that, and you're going to win.

Um, that is not going to happen, but I will I know nothing but service.

Service is the rent that I pay to live and be in this in this in this being.

It is how I was created.

It is what God called me to do.

Um let me start with thank you.

There is a whole back row of senior leadership from the city of Charlotte here, and I want to say thank you to each and every one of you.

We've done some great things together.

City, the the city council often instructs the what, but then the how is this tedious task of human beings that have skill sets beyond measure that take what we would like to have happen and they create and craft this how that turns into you know the last 30 acres of Eastland Yards.

It turns into Spark Central, it turns into 73 million dollars along, you know, uh Robinson Church Road and strategic investment areas.

That's how it happens.

It happens when Marcus Jones aligns with what you can see and even expands that idea.

And and I can honestly tell you that I feel like Marcus is one of the best managers that we can ask for in this position to hold to my colleagues.

We've seen some tough tasks, we've seen some heavy holding, we've had some real tough things to hold, and we've not always aligned.

Um but the one thing that I can say is that I respect each and every one of you.

There's so much that could not have been done but for the ability to have conversations.

Eastland Yards, and I and I've been saying this for a long time.

This is a team sport.

There is no such thing.

I'm I'm gonna say it until the cows come home, and y'all are gonna get it.

You can come here with your magic, and I'm gonna do this, and I'm gonna do that.

But if first of all, if you can't count the six, nothing's happening.

But moreover, if you can't get other leaders to buy into the messaging, nothing happens.

When I got here, it wasn't the intention to come here.

I remember standing right there at that podium in 2017 after being asked to fill a vacancy on Charlotte City Council for appointment.

Um, and I wasn't chosen.

Actually, Dimple Eshmer was chosen.

I was one of six candidates to be considered for appointment, and never in a million years.

At that time, I was just helping other people getting elected, and I was serving on boards and you know, working for others and just volunteering across the board, and I never saw the I I never saw myself in the seat.

I saw myself being a part of a solution.

But again, I I have to say I am absolutely just a static for having held it because I learned a lot in the process.

Umor Lyles, somebody who I admired from a distance for a very long time.

I love you.

I adore you.

The woman who has given her entire life to the city of Charlotte, coming as a very young woman, going to college here, and then working for the city of Charlotte and retiring from the city of Charlotte and then taking another career and then retiring again and then coming back.

Um I honor the opportunities for leadership that you've offered to me.

Thank you.

Again, and very very lastly, again, this is a celebration, you guys.

I have shed tears because my race was very ugly.

Um it is an absolute celebration.

Charlotte is my home.

My children were born here.

We will continue to do absolutely fantastic things in this city, and I am excited about what will come to our city.

I wish the 2627 council all of the blessings in the world because I am absolutely invested in what happens in our great city.

We are 14th now, we'll be 10th in five to 10 years.

That's my estimate.

We got nearly a million people coming, more than 157 people coming to our region on a daily basis and growing.

And so we have so much to be proud of.

Um, thank you, Charlotte.

Thank you, East Charlotte.

Thank you to the support staff, our staff, my colleagues, Chief Jennings, gonna miss you.

You are amazing.

Chief Patterson is the bees' knees.

I'm really excited.

We're in good hands.

Um thank you all.

God bless you.

Good night.

Now we have one more person to ask to come to join at me at the podium.

Edwin Peacock.

Would you please?

Yes.

I began my journey on May the 20th of this year.

The significance of May 20th was not beyond me.

Our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, but here in the great state of Mecklenburg, we celebrate our independence.

And independence I did participate in this democracy I got the opportunity to participate in.

And to that, I'm greatly honored.

I want to first thank my city council colleagues, Madam Mayor, Mr.

Jones.

I'd like to thank city staff as well.

I'd like to thank the citizens, my friends, and supporters, and perhaps most importantly, thank my family and especially my wife.

It has been an honor, and it has been a privilege.

Thank you very much.

Oh they come.

The following are the results of the municipal election held November 4th, 2025.

The City of Charlotte Mayor by Lyles elected 92,537.

Terry D.

Donovan, 33,000 533.

Rob Yates, 4,717.

Write ins 50.

For City Council at large, Dimple Asmira elected 96,599.

Victoria Watlington elected 95,212.

James Smudgy Mitchell Jr.

Elected 90,177.

Lawana Slack Mayfield elected 87,866.

Edwin B.

Peacock the Third, 46,190.

Moosean Kim, 36,564.

Right ins 212.

City Council District 1, Dante Anderson, elected, 17,607.

City Council District Number 2, Malcolm Graham, elected, 13,530.

Write-ins 629.

City Council District No.

3, Joy Mayo, elected, 10,050.

James H.

Bowers, 2,224.

Robin Emmons, 1,387.

City Council District No.

4, Renee Perkins Johnson, elected 14,522.

City Council District 5, Juan Diego Mazzarella Arias.

Elected, 12,753.

City Council number District Number 6, Kimberly Owens, elected, 16,268.

Christa Bokari, 12,510.

City Council District Number 7, Ed Driggs, elected 13,863.

Now it is time for the official oaths of office to begin.

I'd like to ask Judge Eddie Wilder.

Sorry.

And I need my Bible.

Oh yeah, then please.

My family should join me.

I was looking for the Bible because I need that with them.

Madam Mayor, please please left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand.

Repeat after me.

I state your name.

I by Alexander Laues.

To solemnly swear.

Do solemnly swear.

That will support the Constitution of the United States.

And I will support the Constitution of the United States.

And to the constitutional powers and authorities.

And to the constitutional powers and authorities.

Which are or may be established.

Which are or may be established.

For the government thereof.

For the government thereof.

And then I will endeavor to support, maintain, and defend.

I will develop develop our endeavor.

Endeavor to support to contain and defend.

The Constitution of said state.

The Constitution of said state.

Not inconsistent with.

Not inconsistent with.

The Constitution of the United States.

The Constitution of the United States.

And I will discharge.

And I will discharge.

The duties of my office.

The duties of my office.

As mayor of the city of Charlotte.

As mayor of the City of Charlotte.

North Carolina.

North Carolina.

To the best of my knowledge and ability.

To the best of my knowledge and ability.

So help me God.

So help me guys.

Congratulations to Julie Swan.

Thank you.

Tonight, as I begin my fifth term as your mayor, I am deeply grateful.

I'm grateful for your trust.

I'm grateful for your partnership, and I'm grateful for the honor of continuing to serve a city that I love with my whole heart.

Over these years, I've seen so much of Charlotte, its triumphs, its challenges, and the remarkable, and it's a remarkable spirit.

I've stood with families opening doors to their first homes.

I've mourned when our community tragedy has touched us.

Through it all of it, one truth has guided me.

Charlotte keeps moving forward.

That progress is what I want to talk about tonight.

The future of our city depends on how we move.

Mobility is more than trains, buses, or roads.

Mobility is access, it's freedom, it's opportunity, it's how parents get to work and students reach their dreams.

That is why the passing of the transit tax referendum was such a proud moment for Charlotte.

You made your voices heard.

You chose to invest in a vision that connects all of us.

This isn't just about infrastructure, it is about people.

It is about every Charlatanian having the chance to move forward, not just physically, but economically and socially.

Every decision I make, I am thinking about the city.

What will it be?

What will it inherit?

Will we have housing that people can afford?

Will we have streets to be safe, to walk, to bike, and to play?

Will our girls, my grandgirls, grow up and be surrounded in a city with opportunity that values every child and every family.

Healthy, sustainable, and strong.

But we can't talk about mobility without talking about safety.

We are already working alongside CMPD and our transit partners to make sure every person can move through our city with confidence and peace of mind.

Confidence and peace of mind.

Charlotte is a city on the move, driven by innovation, anchored by compassion, and strengthened by unity.

Every new greenway, every expanded bus route, every safe crosswalk brings us closer to a city that moves with purpose and care.

So we begin this new term.

I carry with me everything I've seen, our progress, our pain, and our potential.

And I carry hope.

Hope for a Charlotte where every person has a path forward, and hope for a city that reflects the best of who we are and what we can become.

Let's keep moving.

Safely, boldly, together.

When Charlotte moves forward, every one of us moves forward.

Thank you, Queen City, for your trust, your energy, and your faith in what we can build as one.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

All right.

Okay, now is the time that everyone gets to enjoy having an oath of office to have this together.

So I'd like to invite council elect Mayo, Maturas Arias, and Owens to their families and with their families to join us to be sworn in.

Please come.

Now if we can have the members of the our our families and friends for the members of the council, please join us down here at the dais.

Please speak out.

Hello.

Is everyone speaking?

Yeah, here we are.

I see some parents coming downstairs, so let's make sure that they get in here.

Yes.

Everybody had their Bible.

Always.

Are we missing anyone, Madam Clerk?

Sorry.

She can have he can use it.

We'll wait.

This is a special time.

We can wait.

You can put this thing here.

I want to make sure everyone has the family and friends that they want to be here.

So are we good?

And I don't know what that is.

Stop.

So thank you.

All right.

So is everyone prepared?

So let this is now that we are going to begin to um make this final.

If if you you still have a chance to walk out if you want to adjust.

So council, please repeat after me.

I and say your name.

I will I say solemnly swear.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

Of the United States.

That I will be faithful.

And bear true alliance to the state of North Carolina.

Establish for the war.

For the government thereof.

For the government thereof.

And that I will endeavor to support and that I will endeavor to support maintain and defend and defend.

The constitution of said state.

Not inconsistent.

Not inconsistent.

With the Constitution of the United States.

And that I will discharge the duties of my office.

The duties of my office.

And so help me God.

Thank you.

We're sworn in.

Thank you.

Now, if you can have your seat.

Let's see.

Well, you know, I think we've shown you where the newspaper people are.

Should be sitting.

So now it's time for us to move into individual comments.

Yes, mine will be.

So now if if oh share copy of it.

Now we'll begin.

A little bit of moment time.

Now this is the time when we move into individual comments.

Beginning with the newly elected council member mayor of District Three.

I'd like to invite each council member to deliver a few brief remarks.

And um we try to do that.

Thank you.

So why don't we try three minutes, maybe, or no more?

So with that.

So you be prepared.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you so very much for stepping out there.

Yeah.

Okay.

Good evening.

Thank you so much, District Three residents, for voting for me to represent uh District Three.

So appreciative for your support.

Um and just your trust that I can handle this job.

Very excited to represent you all.

First, I have to thank my mom who came down.

She has been my secret weapon in this endeavor.

Uh she met many of you all at the polls.

She was often there.

Um really just so grateful for her assistance and her support.

Um, also with fundraising, so she really really came through and very appreciative.

Also, my brother Jamel, um, who has been steady and steadfast in this journey as well.

Um very grateful to him.

I have several key leaders who I'm very appreciative of, uh, who have helped me in this journey.

First, I'm gonna start with Councilmember Malcolm Graham, who for the last two years has been mentoring me and helping prepare me for this role.

So want to thank you for that, Malcolm.

Uh former council member Justin Harlow, Dr.

Justin Harlow, uh, who was one of the first people to really uh stick their neck out for me and have a big name to support my run for District Three.

Thank you.

Uh also the first district three representative, uh, Ron Leefer uh has been such a great mentor to me in this.

When we talk about community benefits, how do we make the airport work for all residents in Charlotte?

I think it's so imperative that we continue to look to former leaders in the work that they've done.

So very appreciative to all of all of the mentors that I've had in this journey.

Uh next, I've had a great campaign team, many of who are right here.

Uh they have become family to me.

Um, I'm so appreciative of you all.

Um your dedication.

Uh, we were out there in the cold in the rain, and we got it done.

Um, and just so excited to continue this journey with you all as we are working to make this vision a reality.

Um so back I'm excited to represent District Three, all the work that we're gonna be doing together, um, really to put my platform into action.

So much of that is working with our community leaders to create safe and inclusive communities, having intentional investment to increase opportunities for everyone in district three.

Uh anyone who has heard me talk at any of the forums and things uh during this run has heard me talk about walkable 10-minute neighborhoods.

Um, I think that is so intentional that residents are able to easily live, work, and play uh within a 10-minute walk, bike, transit ride, or drive.

Um, I think that's what creates a really vibrant city, and I look forward to creating that with my colleagues.

So uh looking forward to working with the rest of council, uh city staff, um, and just ready to get to work.

So thank you so much, residents of district three for choosing joy, which is my slogan.

Uh and excited to work with you all.

Thank you.

All right, our next Masquera Aris.

Oh, that was perfect.

Thank you.

I'm working on it, I promise you.

I'm working on it.

Madam Mayor, Council, the public, the city of Charlotte.

Good evening.

Before anything else, I want to thank God and begin with the people who know me very well, who shaped my life long before I imagine sitting here.

Mama, Papa, Salome, Los amo contour my corazon.

Gracias por cada sacrificio, miedo silencioso y cada paso que dieron backed yo puedo estar aquí.

I'm your carmen, my grandmother Carmen, whose life embodied compassion and service.

Thank you for being the quiet force that grounded me.

I feel you with me tonight, and I hope I'm making you proud.

I'm Yaolita Jenny, who's battling cancer right now, who's watching me from Colombia, and to my grandparents, Sergio and Umberto, thank you for your prayers, your faith, and for believing in me from the distance.

To my partner Julian, thank you.

You carried the highs and lows of this campaign with me, sometimes more than I did.

Your steadiness and love grounded me through every moment.

To my mother-in-law, Arlene, to my sister-in-law Caitlin, to my baby niece Layla, and to my father-in-law Ray, thank you for surrounding us with care, kindness, and support.

To my campaign family, Jerry, Ariana, Kate, John, and 10, you poured yourselves into this race because you believed E Charlotte deserved representation rooted in dignity, honesty, and community.

You built a campaign that reflected who we are as E Charleteans.

Hardworking, hopeful, and resilient.

And I also want to thank the leaders who stood with me from the very beginning.

Representatives Jordan Lopez and Julia Greenfield, former mayor Jennifer Roberts, Greg Ashido, Carolyn Millen, Gerald Patton, S.Y.

Mason Watson, Emma Allen, Ashrid Cherinos, Manolo Ventarcour, Wendy Mateo Pascual, Rachel Guzman, Reba Hamilton, Valerie Johnson, and Annette Goodman.

Thank you for your guidance and your belief in me.

And to SCIU 32BJ, the Airport Workers, and Ray Beaman, you reminded me that this city deserves workers when they organize, because when you all organize, communities rise and win.

This victory belongs to the people who keep Charlotte running.

I also want to recognize, I also want to recognize Councilmember Marjorie Molina for her service to this district.

Public service is a thankless job.

Campaigning is hard.

So thank you.

This election was decided by 34 votes.

Don't ever say your vote doesn't matter.

34 reminders that this seat is not mine.

It belongs to all of E Charlotte.

Those who supported me, those who didn't, those who didn't vote, and those who wanted to vote but couldn't.

I am here for the full humanity of this district.

I grew up in East Charlotte.

I'm a son of East Charlotte.

I grew up hearing the languages of the world on Central Avenue, eating in restaurants that hold entire nations in their kitchens, watching families build dreams from scratch.

For years, people have called this area up and coming, as if our value is still on its way.

But anyone who has lived here knows the truth.

And let me be clear, because I know there's a lot of rumors about who I am.

I'm not anti-growth.

I'm not anti-business.

I'm not anti-development.

Growth is healthy.

Business is essential.

Development is necessary.

But none of it matters if people are not centered in the process.

I am unapologetically people first.

And that means every decision we make on this dais must begin with one question.

How does this help the people who live here today?

I learned this standard in neighborhood meetings across the district, where residents spoke from lived experiences from hope, and from the future they want for their children.

Those conversations shape my vision.

An economy that strengths it strengthens the communities who built it and make East Charlotte a destination and a public safety system rooted in trust, provision, prevention, and partnership.

For me, the work is simple.

This leadership is from ESHOT for ESHot.

My vision is shaped by the people who raised me, by the people who trusted me, and the people who deserve a city that finally sees their worth.

To my community, this responsibility is not lost on me.

I am the first Latino, the first formally undocumented, and the first Gen Zier to sit on this council.

So thank you for believing in me, for giving me the voice and the honor of representing you, and for reminding this city that E Charlotte's voice is powerful, necessary, and here to say I am ready to serve.

I'm ready to fight for a future worthy of our families.

And now that I finally know where the restrooms are, I'm officially ready to begin.

Thank you.

I don't know whether you brought the lights down or not.

But we're going to continue and we're going to elected.

Sorry.

I can wait.

No, no, you go ahead.

You're our new person.

Let's get that.

Welcome.

Good evening, Charlotte.

I um tonight I have three goals.

I have a limited amount of time, so I've been uh uh low key with three.

I I want to at first express my deepest gratitude to all who made this moment possible.

I then want to set some honest expectations for my service, and then finally, I wish to commit to leaning in and involve invite all of you to do the same.

So our scrappy little campaign uh made history on November 4th with a long-shot victory in District 6.

The tireless and talented Anna Carpenter, Randolph Middle School, Myers Park High School, and Wingate University alum.

She managed a young team of college and high school students, Max, Charlie, Rohin, along with a former journalist Chris Miller, and graphic designer Nikki Moore.

We stood on the shoulders of those who came before, like Stephanie Hand and Robert Hillman.

We learned from former and current Charlotte leaders and from the experiences and wisdom of thoughtful primary candidates like Matt Britt, Will Hawley, and Amratia Dov.

To my fierce group of girlfriends who've carried me through the decades, I say thank you.

To my family, my husband Martin and my three sons, Grayson, Hayden, and Cooper, my mother, my sister, and my grandmother, to all of you, I say thank you for your insights, your wisdom, and your patience.

Campaigns are hard on families, and you've always been there for me.

While the result of the election was affirming the real history was made in the weeks and months before November.

Our team with hundreds of donors and volunteers knocked on over 15,000 doors all over District 6.

We visited neighborhoods who had never seen a candidate before and were hard pressed to even say who their current representative was.

We showed up everywhere, at every endorsement opportunity, at forums and meetings.

We met with the Black Political Caucus, the Service Employees International Union, the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday morning forum.

We went to all these places because we cared about every voice and every lesson.

We embraced the entirety of the 125,000 residents of District 6 because District 6 is not a monolith.

It is not simply privileged zip codes with silver spoons in every kitchen.

District 6, you are the grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

You are a person with hearing impairment and your spouse who comes out to sign for me so we can discuss your unique transit needs.

You are all District 6, and your shared stories gave this campaign its authentic voice.

And I thank all of you.

But I want to manage expectations.

I'm going to disappoint all of you at times.

I've had three decades of legal experience.

I've worked with dedicated nonprofits in Charlotte, but I've never done this job before.

But I also hope to educate you about the city services, to guide you to useful resources, and to raise the bar for local leadership.

To District 6 Republicans, you have not lost your voice.

And just trust me when I say that I likely will disappoint Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.

Not because I don't believe in the promises and protections of a liberal democracy, but because municipal government doesn't address many of the things that feel so broken in our country right now.

We do roads, transit, public safety, economic development, and housing.

And those things we do, I want to do efficiently, without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Simply put, as I said on the trail, I want to bore you, to bore you with acts of governmental competence.

I want you to trust that your city government is saying what it's doing and doing what it's saying.

And finally, I have high expectations of myself, but also of our business community and of all of you, the residents of Charlotte.

I ask the business community to lean into serving our people, all of our people.

Like you did for transportation, I beg the business community to advocate for our public schools so that your employees can be confident in their children's educations when they choose to relocate here.

When the people of a city are priorities, communities thrive.

So let us value our workers, our teachers, our CMPD, and our young people.

Let us work together to bring more attainable housing, food security, and quality education to the 14th largest city in America.

Let us listen to each other, business leaders.

If you share your pride with me about being the number one state for business, I will listen.

But in return, I ask that you hear my concern about being the 50th state for workers.

To our residents, I ask you to show up or at least dial in to our city council meetings.

Subscribe to your local newspaper.

Local media holds local government accountable.

Local media is who files FOIA requests.

Get your news from multiple sources.

Listen to public radio, come out from behind the keyboards and engage with your community.

Attend a forum, join a civic club, lean into your city and be a partner to this council.

Help us prepare Charlotte for the uncertainties ahead, economic, environmental, and social.

Learn about our city.

I suggest Tom Hatchett's books on Charlotte Housing or John Claghorn's book on Caldwell Presbyterian's journey to address chronic homelessness.

Vote in every election, every year.

County is on the even years, cities on the odd.

Lean into local politics.

I personally commit to get out the vote even when I'm not on the ballot, and I hope you'll join me.

Run for office.

Bring your energy to public service.

Primary us.

Help us know when to lead and when to leave.

Share yourself with the city in an intentional way, and there is no limit to what we can do together.

You elected me to represent you on council, but you need to represent yourselves in how and where you show up in our community.

So thank you very much.

Now we'll come back around the diaspora.

Um except Ms.

Mira has Can I go last?

I agree.

I understand.

I understand.

Sointon.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Good evening.

Um as we heard earlier today, um, this this election, our community really made its voice heard.

Uh, loud and clear.

We heard through the results that were read by the city clerk that we had record voter participation for the primary.

And that tells me one thing.

It tells me that when the stakes are high, we rise together.

I'm honored, humbled, and fired up, I have to say, to continue serving you.

Thank you to my family.

Y'all stand up.

So my mother and father, my cousin is here.

I come from a long line of public servants.

My parents are both U.S.

Army retired and continue to serve uh in the federal government.

So thank you for your service.

Um thank you to my team and to everyone who has stood with us, who knocked doors, who shared our message, and who believed in what we could build.

This victory belongs to all of us.

But let's be clear, tonight is not the finish line.

Tonight is fuel.

In the next term, we're gonna push harder.

We're gonna think bigger, and we're gonna deliver real results.

We're gonna strengthen our neighborhoods, we're gonna open doors for our young people, and we're gonna make sure that every single voice, especially those that have not been at the table, is heard.

We're not settling for small steps.

We're aiming for bold progress.

From the labor unions to our first responders, our safety and community advocates, you all showed up.

You spoke up, and you made your mandate clear.

And we owe you that we keep that same energy, that same urgency, and that same commitment to move our community forward.

So I thank you for showing up, and I will continue to do the same.

Thank you so much.

I look forward to continuing to serve Mayfield.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

First, I am going to thank God for all things.

I am going to thank my pastor, the Reverend Dr.

Clifford Matthews at St.

Luke Missionary Baptist Church at 1600 North Avenue.

I am going to thank my family that is here, my amazing partner and spouse as we are 199, so 19 years together, nine years married, her amazing mother, which many of you know.

My mother, unfortunately, passed when I was 15, my father when I was 13.

So God gave me a bonus mom, who is the most amazing gift that I could ever have, and people know I will fight you over her, including her children.

I want to thank my team.

The fact that I had James Rice III, who had never been a part of politics, but has a degree in marketing and media, which is not something I do.

I will post, so follow me on Facebook, but I'm not going to engage with you.

I'm just going ahead and let y'all know that once I share the information, I'm not going back and forth with you.

He helped me to get the message out because a lot of times I'm at community meetings.

I'm at the events.

The community did speak, but I also want us to acknowledge that when we had this referendum on the ballot, 84,939 people voted against to 92,499.

That was 52.13% for 47.87% against.

And I appreciate that.

I am going to continue fighting for us and fighting for all the voices, not just the yes voices, because the answer cannot be yes all the time.

We need to caution because Charlotte is a beautiful city that is growing quickly.

I personally believe it is a privilege to do business here, not a given.

Manager Jones, I want to thank you for listening to the ideas around housing for us being able to work with our county manager to flip this whole housing conversation on its head.

Because if our workers cannot afford to live here, we are going to see a mass exodus of our workforce just as we're seeing a mass influx from other areas.

To my colleagues, there are going to be plenty of times where we are not going to agree.

Yet, what I am hoping for as we move into 2026, that those disagreements happen behind these walls more than at this dais.

We have our opportunity to not only pay attention to the voters, but also pay attention to those that didn't vote.

Because our city has over 811,350 eligible registered voters.

So imagine the fact that we had 21.97% voter participation this time.

What would it look like even if we had 30%?

Councilmember Johnson, you mention all the time how do we outreach to community?

How can we figure out a better way?

Community, I'm gonna ask you to help us.

Follow us online.

Watch our meetings on Monday, because I promise you we are the best reality show on Monday nights.

Because one, we're determining your everyday quality of life, and two, you just never know how that meeting is going to go.

But what we're determining and what we're working towards is a showlet that is representative of the collective, and we need you all to help us do that.

Email us, reach out to us, invite us to your neighborhoods, invite us to your churches, invite us to the parks when you're when you know you and three other family members are going to be out together.

But also hold up, hold us accountable.

And when we don't show up, and we are no call, no show.

Let that be known as well.

Keep in mind there's 800,000 plus of y'all, and there's 11 of us.

But we want to be as I want to be as representative as I possibly can for each of you.

And the way that I can do that is to ask you to help me be better.

I am going to get it wrong sometimes.

I am gonna stand 10 toes down when I believe I'm right, but I'm also gonna stand 10 toes down and recognize that if I was wrong, I'm gonna own that because I want us to be better.

I want to be better.

I am thankful that you've allowed me to come back, that you've allowed me to continue to serve, and I do look forward to serving with these individuals around this dais and following the leadership of our mayor, of our manager, so that we can continue to work towards a city that is reflective of this room, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, identification.

This is the Charlotte that I love, and this is the Charlotte I will continue to fight for.

Thank you.

Good evening, everybody.

My name is Ed Driggs.

I am a Republican, okay?

Um I don't have as long a list because I didn't have an opponent this year of thank yous.

Uh I do want to acknowledge my donors.

Uh I got a lot of uh campaign contributions this year, even though I didn't have an opponent, and I really appreciate the thought behind that gesture from those people.

So thank you to them.

Uh my treasurer Alex Vushnich, you have been keeping me on the right side of the law for years now, and I appreciate that.

Uh, my first supporter and the guy who put me up to all of this, Jim Rogers.

Jim, thank you for all these years.

And uh I have a number of uh unpaid uh advisors that are always there for me.

Uh Larry Shaheen, Towers Mingledorf, Ken May.

Thank you, you guys.

I appreciate being able to call you when I have a question.

Um I do want to specially recognize uh the staff, and we do this sometimes at these meetings because uh we should, but uh I really want to emphasize this.

Marcus, you are a great friend and a good leader.

I appreciate you.

And your people up there in the back row, uh these people are dedicated, they're committed, they take phone calls on Sunday afternoon, they send me text messages late in the evening, um, and they are wise.

Uh so be grateful for them.

We should all appreciate them.

Uh finally, of course, uh, and I didn't even promise that I wouldn't point her out this time.

So, my wife Caroline up there in the green sweater, sweetheart.

Uh Caroline uh uh walks every step of this journey with me up and down, uh, and it it it makes a whole lot.

Also, our two kids uh they're in their 30s, and the joy in their life adds to the joy in our life, particularly uh as of about five or six weeks ago when I became a grandfather for the first time.

I am thanking my granddaughter Ellie, who is one month old, she'll appreciate it later.

Um I do want to say uh welcome to my new colleagues and note that uh I won't talk much about myself or what I'm going to do because you've been able to see what I do for 12 years, and uh that's who I am, right?

Uh I can't tell you any different.

That's who I am.

Uh I will continue to commit to the people of D D7, my district, uh, to serve all of them, whether they voted or not, whether they voted for me or not, whether they wrote in or not.

Um, and um I I regard that as a as a responsibility in order, among other things, just to bring a perspective to these conversations on our council.

Uh, I don't approach this situation that I'm in with any uh air of confrontation or hostility.

Uh I see collaboration, but I think uh there are things that I can point out to people based on uh a long history of being a traditional conservative.

I think I deplore the current political landscape as as much as everyone does.

Uh but that is my commitment.

We have an exciting term ahead.

We've got to get the uh mobility plan and the authority stood up and seen through.

That's going to pay great dividends to the city.

Those will start in the in over the coming year, you'll start to see sidewalk investments and other improvements, and then of course, uh over the span of five and ten years, amazing changes in Charlotte.

We also have to finish our planning process, adopt the remainder of our community area plans, and have in place everywhere in Charlotte a plan that reflects the particular circumstances and needs of these geographies, these 14 locations.

We will continue to confront the challenges our city faces, and most of all, build on all the advantages that we have in our wonderful city, which makes us the envy of so many other cities around the country.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I think that Ms.

Mira has returned, and so Ms.

Ashmi.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Uh, tonight is not just about taking an oath.

Uh, tonight is about renewing a promise and hope to the people of Charlotte.

I did not get here alone, and I did not get here without struggle.

There were moments when the doubts were louder than the applause.

Times when I wondered if I could survive the political storms, the criticisms, the expectations.

There were years when I questioned whether I could be a full-time professional, a mother, a wife, and a public servant at the same time, or whether I would have to sacrifice one to hold on to the others.

The personal sacrifices were real, the professional sacrifices were real, the struggle was tremendous.

But every time I was on the brink of questioning whether to continue, I was never alone.

To my late father, who inspired me to serve others.

He believed public service was not about titles or positions, it was about showing up for people when they needed you the most.

Yet you show up.

You hold our household together with strength and patience.

You do it without applause, without headlines, and always with love.

Thank you, my love.

To my mother, who taught me resiliency.

When life pushed, she pushed back.

She taught me that adversity is not a stop sign.

It is a challenge, and I bring that lesson with me to the public service every single day.

To my children.

Thank you for your patience, your hearts, and yes, even your tantrums.

You remind me that leadership is not about perfection, it's about compassion, and it's about love.

And you remind me why this work matters.

To my campaign team here, Margie, Xavier, Giovanni, Uncle Dan, Denitra, Jaden, you walked every step of this journey with me.

Thank you.

And to our supporters who is here with us, Michael, and Dr.

Chan, Cameron, Jane, and so many more.

Thank you for believing in me.

To our city staff, Mr.

Manager, Madam Attorney, I want to give a special shout out to Sean Heath, Amanda Birch, Natasha Hersey, Isabella Muller, and every member of Team Charlotte.

I have seen your dedication firsthand.

You keep the gears turning.

You serve the public with humility.

We cannot do our work without you.

So thank you.

And last but certainly not least to the 96,599 voters citywide.

Who entrusted me with your confidence?

Thank you.

And to those who did not vote for me, and even those who did not vote at all, I will not dismiss you.

I will not ignore you.

I will work hard every day to earn your trust.

You may not always agree with me, and I will not promise that you will, but I do promise this.

I will never hide.

A commitment to a Charlotte where every family feels safe, regardless of their zip cord or where they come from.

A commitment to a Charlotte where our infrastructure must meet the pace of our growth, not trail behind it.

A commitment to a government that is honest, accessible, and transparent, not just when things go well, but especially when they do not.

Commitment to fight for a city that works for everyone, not just those, not just those who already have a seat at the table.

I want to look at my daughters, Charlotte and Arya in the eyes someday when they're old enough and say, I did my part.

So thank you.

I look forward to working with my colleagues.

So let's get to work.

Thank you all.

So let's continue around and Mr.

Graham.

Thank you, Madam Mayor, and good evening, everyone.

I would be remiss if I don't start by thanking the first person that voted for me some 37 years ago.

My wife Kim.

We celebrated our wedding anniversary last week, and she's been with me on every step of this journey from Charlotte to Raleigh to a pit stop in DC and back to Charlotte.

So I want to thank you.

I also want to also want to thank Team Graham.

We didn't have any opposition, but uh we still were engaged.

Umessa Matthews, my campaign manager, Aaron Galloway is also here with me tonight, uh, and the rest of the team, Graham.

I really want to thank you for your support and just standing with me.

Family and friends, and I see so many other supporters in the room tonight.

I really appreciate it.

Um Mr.

Bates from Johnson C.

Smith University is here with us.

He's a political science major.

Each one must reach one and teach one.

Your turn is coming, right here.

Look forward to seeing the future for you.

And I'd like to welcome uh Kimberly and J D to the Day's uh enjoy dreams to come true.

I want to thank the citizens of Charlotte.

Uh I want to thank you for your confidence, your trust, your partnership, and I'm humble and honored to once again raise my hand and take the oath of office on behalf of the people of this great city, and especially the residents of District 2.

Each time I sit here, I've done so with one guiding purpose to serve Charlotte with integrity, compassion, and vision.

From my years on this council to my decade in the North Carolina State Senate, and now I'm back on this body.

I've seen Charlotte grow, change, and rise into one of American leading cities.

And through it all, one thing has remained constant.

My love for the city, my belief in this promise, and the ability for me to get the work done.

But as proud as I am as far as how we've come, I know that there's still work to be finished.

Our community really stands at a crossroad.

The choices we make now will define the next generation of opportunities, affordability, and safety for anyone who calls our city home.

And that's why I believe more than ever we need leadership for Charlotte.

Leadership and public safety, because every family in every neighborhood deserves to feel safe and protected.

That means supporting our officers with the tools and training they need while also building trust and accountability with the communities they serve.

Safety and justice must go hand in hand.

Leadership and affordability, because the city that's too expensive for working people to live is a city that's losing a soul.

Teachers, first responders, service workers, folks who make Charlotte run, should be able to live in the communities they serve.

Affordability is just not a housing issue, it's a moral issue.

Leadership and opportunity, because growth means nothing if it leaves people behind.

Support small businesses, and ensure economic mobility is not determined by your zip code.

Leadership and community, because Charlotte's greatest strength is our people, our neighborhoods, our churches, our small businesses, our families.

We must invest in every corner of our city and honor the diversity that defines who we are.

Leadership and transportation and mobility.

The widening of I-77 South must not repeat the same mistake of the past.

Highway projects in our city once divided black neighborhoods, displaced families, and broke apart vibrant communities.

As we look ahead, we must ensure that any expansion projects protect the people in places that have long made this historic West End home.

We need leadership with the new transit authority, making sure that everyone gets on the bus to train at the same time.

This is the defining moment.

We can manage our growth or we can lead it.

We can wait for change or we can drive it.

We can talk about the future or we can shape it.

I choose to shape it.

And I know I'm not alone.

Across this city from Beattysford Road to Ballantyne, from University City to South End, people love Charlotte and want to see it thrive.

They're asking us to do more than debate.

They're asking us to lead.

So tonight, as I take this over office one more time, I do it with gratitude for the past and a clear vision for the future.

A future where every neighborhood feels included, a future where prosperity reaches every family, and future where leadership means listening, lifting, and leading with courage.

That's the Charlotte I believe in.

That's the Charlotte I love, and that's the Charlotte we can build together.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for believing in each other, and thank you for believing in Charlotte.

Let's move our city forward with courage, compassion, and conviction.

God bless you.

God bless the city council, and I look forward to getting the work.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

And I will do like the rest of my colleagues, and thank all of my loved ones that are right there in the middle.

You guys can wave your hand.

So excited, and it's a privilege to have you all support me in a variety of different ways.

So thank you for that.

I also want to thank my spouse, my lovely wife, who uh decided to say yes just a couple months ago.

And she's truly a treasure because she voluntarily watches all of our council meetings, which is crazy.

Um she does.

And I thank you for the support and your leaning into what I care about.

And I want to thank the district one voters.

Um it was incredible this time, around nearly 18,000 district one voters went and cast the vote for me.

It's a record for the city for district votes.

And um, the last time I thought I was really humbled by it, but this time I was really blown away by the level of support.

And I really want to thank my community leaders.

I want to thank everyone that lives in District One that call me, email me, reach out to me.

I really truly love representing my district, and I'm so happy that they decided to put faith in me.

But even with that, we have less than 200,000 voters citywide participate in this election.

And there's well over 800,000 residents in the city of Charlotte.

And while I was blown away, I also had a level of concern about our lack of engagement, regardless of party line or unaffiliated votes.

There's so many people who are standing on the sidelines, allowing things to happen in the city without exercising their right to vote.

And so I hope as we move forward, we can tap into those residents and make sure that they are a part of this incredible growth, an amazing city that we have.

So I watched this city over the last several decades grow into the amazing city that it is.

She gave me this over 30 years ago.

And she was the one in our family to break the mold.

She went to Livingstone College, and she purposely kept me and my siblings out of the system.

She would come and get me, and I would go and stay with her and dorm in Livingstone College on the weekends.

And she would drive home during the week to check on us because she didn't want us to go in the system.

She did that by and then she was the vice chair of her class, and she was a Delta and had a leadership role.

And she did a variety of other things.

It was amazing what she did to move our family forward.

And it's a privilege to sit here and represent that level of effort and that level of dedication.

So I'm really thinking about her tonight.

Because their SNAP benefits were paused.

People were afraid to leave their homes.

Over 30,000 children stayed away from school.

And what CMS is saying is that many of them won't come back until potentially this month.

And there was nothing that we could really do about it.

And I had so many endless nights.

And if we can get our kids to school, we're going to get our kids to school so they can continue to advance.

So we have an amazing future ahead of us.

You've heard about the transportation referendum.

We bring so many jobs here.

The state is number one in business.

We're a top five city for business.

Growth is amazing here.

But growth is a privilege.

And as we continue to move forward, growing up the list of becoming a top 10 city, a world-class city, we have to make sure that we bring everyone along with us.

And they have an opportunity to sit at the table.

They have an opportunity to access jobs that pay a good livable wage, that there is an opportunity to live in a safe community without paying half of your paycheck in order to do so.

And we have to make sure that when our kids go to school, when you walk out the door tonight, that there is a surety that public safety is paramount in the Queen City.

So I think I thank you all for coming out and thank you for being engaged.

But we have to continue to tap our neighbor and tap our neighbor and tap another neighbor to get them out to help do this work so that Queen City can continue to thrive.

Thank you.

Mr.

Mitchell.

Madam Mayor, thank you so much.

Only thing I'm gonna say first off, City Manager, get your budget ready.

You know what this means.

Two more years of me eating here at City Council.

Give me up.

Okay.

On a serious side, uh, let me thank the voters of City of Charlotte for supporting me once again.

Each year it gets more humbling to receive your support as I continue to provide public service for this community.

Uh let me thank Team Mitchell.

Some of them are here today.

My campaign manager Netta Ford, my treasurer slash MVP, Bob Siskowitz, my volunteer coordinator, Mr.

DeMario Baker, my social media Travis P.

Jackson, and my website, Miss Q.

And to all the volunteers of Team Mitchell who attended the fundraiser and worked on the precincts to make sure we would be successful.

Thank you to my church family, C and Jenkins, for your prayers.

Thank you to the men of Omega Sci Fi Fraternity for your support and to that HBCU in Durham, North Carolina Central University, and last but not least, to the high school off Baysford Road.

Doug CU!

Right.

Yes, of course.

Thank you for my family, and some of them are here today.

And I'm gonna ask I'm gonna ask them to raise their hand.

My aunt Older Mitchell, will you please raise your hand, Ani?

Thank you.

Miss La Frieda Wallace, Aunt Trish, raise your hand.

My sister who stole all the looks, Miss Kimberly Mitchell.

I'm focused on probably the top five things I've always made passion to.

Small business and minority participation.

I want to bring solution for a safer Charlotte.

I want to make sure our workforce development is successful as we look to provide opportunities for ages 18 to 24, and continue our work on affordable housing.

And last and not least, uh thank you to my queen.

I appreciate your love, your support, and being by my side through my illness.

Joan Elizabeth Higgabhtham.

I love you all my heart and soul.

Can you please stand and be recognized?

And to the city of Charlotte, the 14th largest city in America, but we have so much potential, so much promise.

All in.

All in.

Oh, my bad.

Okay, you got to say it like you love Charlotte.

All in.

All in.

Together.

Together.

All in.

All in.

Together.

Together.

Thank you, Charlotte.

Yes, sir.

Ms.

Johnson.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

First of all, I want to give glory to God because when He is for us, who can be against us?

My name is Renee Johnson, Renee Perkins Johnson, and I am honored to serve District Four.

I say that every week when I introduce myself because I truly am honored to be here.

Tonight, I'm being sworn in for a fourth term as your District 4 representative.

I'm filled with deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

To the residents of District 4, thank you for trusting me once again to serve, to listen, and to lead.

District 4 has become one of the most engaged, vocal, and community-driven districts in our city.

From neighbors showing up to rezoning meetings demanding to be heard for our wonderful District 4 coalition.

Your voices have shaped this district's direction.

I'm sitting here tonight because you showed up, because you stayed engaged, and because you never stopped believing in what we could accomplish together.

Your support was not simply political, it was a statement about integrity, accountability, and community-centered leadership.

Thank you to the Black Political Caucus, to the Charlotte Observer, to the Charlotte Firefighters Association, to the Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council, SE IU, the Red, White, and Blue, North Carolina, and Unite here, North Carolina.

Your trust, your advocacy, and your commitment to working families in vulnerable communities mean more to me than words can express.

I'm honored to have your confidence.

As we begin this new term, I recommit myself to the values that have guided my service.

Equity, transparency, compassion, and courage.

We face big decisions in this city.

Affordability, transportation, infrastructure, small business support, and community stability.

I will continue to push for solutions that put people first.

Like you said, I'm looking forward to working beside you.

Put people first, especially those with the least protection and the least power at the table.

District 4 represents what Charlotte can be.

But progress doesn't happen by accident.

It happens when leadership listens, when residents are centered, and when decisions respect both our future and our history.

That is the work I promise to continue this term.

I want to take a moment to thank two groups that carried this campaign to the finish line.

First of all, our volunteers who were led by an amazing campaign manager and strategist, Monifa Drayton.

Thank you, Monifa.

I know you're watching.

I do want to thank my volunteers, but I want to thank the folks who are here in the audience today.

Tony Foreman, thank you for your support since the very beginning.

Thank you for your continued support, your fundraising, your donations.

You've just been a rock.

Thank you for speaking at that black political caucus leading that.

So thank you.

Thank you to Navita Bell.

She is my angel.

Since before I ran for office, thank you for being a friend.

Thank you for your prayers and your support.

Nixonette Wright, I see you.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for being an up-and-coming leader in District 4.

Congratulations to your recent appointment to the Charlotte Business Inclusionary Committee.

Willie Voltz, thank you so much with Unite here.

He has stood in 100 degree heat several times.

So I appreciate your being here.

Mr.

Gary Alexander, is that you back there?

He was here earlier.

I saw him.

He put out hundreds of signs.

Thank you for your leadership over the District 4 Coalition.

Also, Ray, I see you as well.

Thank you.

Most importantly, and if I miss any volunteers who are here, stand up now so I can give you a shout out.

Thank you all.

Thank you to the volunteers who are watching at home also.

But most importantly to my family, to my in-laws who drove in from Ohio, Miss Lois Johnson and Mr.

Larry Lynch.

Thank you for coming from Ohio after that terrific victory when we beat the when we beat Michigan.

Okay.

Thank you to my children, my beautiful daughter, India, my son BJ, and my grandson, Mr.

Bishop Johnson.

You want to stand up, you're looking awful sharp today.

Thank you for being here.

Finally, thank you to my husband, my wonderful husband of 32 years.

Thank you, Bernard Johnson.

If you came to early voting, he was the man in the blue hat that I'm sure you got a ballot from, right?

Thank you.

You've been here since the beg since the beginning, obviously.

The first time I went back to school to start on my associate degree.

And you've been here for the subsequent degrees and now here through council in every day since you truly, truly, truly are the my strength and the wind beneath my wings.

So thank you.

Thank you for your love, your patience, and your support on the long days and nights.

Thank you for giving me the space to serve.

You've kept me grounded, reminded me of my purpose, and carried me through the hardest moment.

I love you, and I'm profoundly grateful for your strength and your sacrifice.

To my colleagues on council and to our city staff, I look forward to the work ahead, sometimes in agreement, sometimes in debate, but always with shared commitment to serving this city with integrity and compassion.

And to the people of District 4, this seat belongs to you.

Your voices, your experiences, your concerns will continue to guide my decisions.

I serve with fairness, transparency, and integrity.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you.

I am ready for this next chapter, and I'm ready to continue the work together.

Thank you.

So I believe that everyone has had an opportunity to speak, and so we have one piece of business to do.

Um I think it is time the council to elect a mayor pro tem.

So with that, um should I try once more?

No.

I'm sorry.

Oh you're go ahead.

JD, would you be recognized, please?

Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to nominate Councilmember Temple Schmir for Mayor Pro Tem.

All right.

Second.

We have a motion, and who made the second?

I did.

All right, Miss Ashmarer.

Okay.

All right.

Do we have any other motions on the floor?

Oh right, Madam Madam, for our how do we address the discussion?

Or was there anyone else with the motion?

Let it let it okay.

All right.

We'll vote on this one first.

Right.

Okay.

All in favor of or do we have any persons that would like to discuss or make any additional information available?

All right, if there is none.

Um all in favor of this motion, please raise your hands.

One, two, three, four.

Anyone does not support that.

All right, we have four yeses and one.

No.

I think we need to be able to do that.

This is the opposed.

We don't need to.

I was hoping that Miss Mayfield has asked us to have the to respect to have people that would be in a motion that we would be able to have it relationship.

We have to do that.

All right, we calling a vote.

Call for the vote.

Yes.

And all opposed.

All opposed.

That that was the question was all it was three that were supportive, and the remaining amount four.

Four yes.

Four.

All right.

So we have four.

All opposed.

And I I guess the question that I have from the attorney is when we when we've been doing this lately, we have been asked for people that did not approve the motion, so that we had a record of that.

Oh, you're right.

So that's what I was thinking.

Is that we still maintain that record, but would yes.

I'll oppose.

I would say call for all of those.

All opposed.

All right, that's one, two, three, four, five, six, how many, seven?

Do I have seven?

Yes.

Seven.

All right.

All right.

Miss Mayfield.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

I would like to motion for us to select Councilmember James Mitchell as I next Mayor Putin.

Second.

We have a motion and a second on the table for James Mitchell.

Is there any discussion?

Hearing no discussion, are you prepared to vote?

Yes.

All right.

If we're prepared to vote, all in favor, please raise your hands.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.

Do I have nine?

Is there anyone in opposition?

I believe I had nine hands.

Opposition.

I'm sorry.

Anyone opposed?

Oh, yes.

All right.

We have three.

Three, one, two, three.

In opposition.

All right.

So congratulations.

Congratulations.

Mayor.

Mayor Pro Tim.

So all right.

So I believe that once again we have run through the program of having this having us participate and get the really the ability of all of the changes that we want to have and make possible.

I do believe that we have to ask council to please stay seated for photographs before we move into the next space that we are.

I believe that for all of our guests, thank you for taking the time for being here for all that you've done and said and made it possible for the people that work in the city.

We really appreciate that.

I do believe that there is a small reception outside of the um desserts are outside.

Save me a chocolate chip cookie.