Charlotte City Council Business Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Charlotte City Council held its regular business meeting on April 27, 2026, beginning at 9:45 AM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including consent agenda items, public forum with 10+ speakers, approval of a $20.6 million housing trust fund allocation (with a contentious amendment), a proclamation for ALS Awareness Month, discussion on data center regulations (a motion for a public hearing on a moratorium failed 5-5 with the mayor breaking the tie), and planning for a resolution on I-77 South expansion. Several routine items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Items 23-43 (with exceptions 41 and 43 removed) approved unanimously: Items included routine approvals, property transactions, and other non-controversial matters.
• Item 31 (CATS Capital Program Management Services) approved unanimously: After discussion about CBI utilization and subcontractor payment timelines, council members requested a six-month report on utilization and timely payments.
• Item 33 (motion for consent items) approved unanimously: All consent items except 41 and 43 were passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Chen (Carolina Asian American Chamber of Commerce): Reported on progress with grants for Asian-owned business workshops and skill trade training, thanking council for support.
• Angelica Crawford (Jumping Dreams, double Dutch program): Requested financial support for a world tournament in Cincinnati and a permanent home for the program; highlighted serving over 7,000 youth in eight years.
• Jeremy Lamb (Charlotte Symphony cellist): Complained about illegally modified muffler cutouts causing excessive noise, and showed a video of loud cars. Urged enforcement.
• Chris Connolly (resident since 1993): Stated that noise and traffic enforcement issues are jeopardizing downtown vibrancy and safety, and asked that tax dollars be used effectively for enforcement.
• Matt Weschler (Charlotte Bike Advisory Committee, parent): Reported that pedestrian/bicycle crashes account for 1.5% of crashes but 29% of serious/fatal injuries; recommended increasing bike program budget from $8M to $20M every two years.
• Hugh Templeton (General Manager, Grand Bohemian Hotel): Noted a 4% decline in travelers, linked to noise and safety perceptions; cited 70 noise complaints in 2025 and $140,000 spent on third-glazing. Proposed sound-activated street cameras as a solution.
• Kathleen Mundell (uptown resident): Supported a noise camera pilot program, stating that noise and safety issues deter visitors and affect quality of life for residents.
• Charles McDowell (airport wheelchair assistant): Described poor working conditions: no paid sick leave, understaffing, being asked to push two wheelchairs, worn-out equipment, and stress from tight connections.
• Dorothy Griffin (airport cleaner, ABM): Stated she and coworkers are underpaid, lack overtime, and many are homeless; requested livable wages and better equipment.
• Ms. Corley (resident): Requested installation of noise cameras on Church Street; cited Knoxville's pilot program that caught over 1,300 violations and noted that Blue Line Solutions subcontracts noise cameras at no additional cost for red-light camera contracts.
• Connie Proctor (Chair, Bicycle Advisory Committee): Asked to increase bicycle program budget from $4M to $10M annually, emphasizing the need for viable alternatives to driving.
• Melissa Cash (wife of firefighter Travis Cash): Described the stress of her husband working 52-hour weeks plus a second job, and demanded livable wages for firefighters.

Discussion Items

• Item 18: Housing Trust Fund Allocations ($20.6 million) – Councilmember Mayfield moved to approve allocations for 11 developments, but Councilmember Graham offered a substitute motion to add two projects: River District 2 ($5.6M) and Evoke Living at Willow Lake (funding not specified, but later clarified as $5.85M additional). After debate about process and capacity, the substitute motion passed 6-4. The balance remaining after the substitute was $8.68 million across all housing trust fund categories. Council also discussed the impact on the innovation pilot fund and other pipeline projects.
• Data Centers Regulation – Councilmember Ashmira moved to hold a public hearing on a temporary moratorium on new data center approvals to study impacts on water, energy, noise, and environment. After discussion, the motion was amended to June 8, 2026. The vote tied 5-5, and Mayor Lyles broke the tie with a no, so the motion failed. However, the mayor had already placed a discussion on data centers on the May 11 agenda.
• I-77 South Expansion – Council discussed a potential resolution regarding protections for residents. Councilmember Mayo initially moved to vote on a resolution on May 11, but later withdrew that motion. It was clarified that the resolution will be on the May 11 agenda for discussion and possible action.
• Noise Cameras – Councilmember Mitchell requested referral to the Public Safety Committee to consider a noise camera policy for Center City. Councilmember Owens asked to expand it citywide, citing issues in District 6. The referral was accepted.
• Minimum Housing Code – Air Conditioning – Councilmember Mayfield requested referral to the Housing Committee to explore amending the code to mandate working air conditioning equipment during summer months, building on prior discussions and pilot programs.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (items 23-43, excluding 41 and 43): Approved unanimously.
• Item 31 (CATS Capital Program Management Services): Approved unanimously with request for six-month report on CBI utilization and timely payments.
• Item 18 (Housing Trust Fund Allocations): Substitute motion passed 6-4, approving the original 11 developments plus River District 2 and Evoke Living at Willow Lake, increasing total allocation to approximately $26.45 million. Remaining balance: $8.68 million.
• Items 12-17, 19-20: All approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing on Data Center Moratorium: Motion failed (5-5, mayor voting no). Topic remains on May 11 discussion agenda.
• Noise Camera Referral: Referred to Public Safety Committee for policy consideration, with scope to include citywide.
• Minimum Housing Code Referral: Referred to Housing Committee to study requiring air conditioning in rental units.
• Personnel Announcements: Deputy City Manager Liz Babson retiring; Rebecca Hefner promoted to Deputy City Manager; Dr. Rakishla Stewart named new Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services.
• ALS Awareness Month Proclamation: Approved for May 2026.
• Closed Session: Council voted to go into closed session to discuss economic development incentives under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4).

(Note: The meeting continued into closed session after the recorded public portion.)