Charlotte City Council Business Meeting Summary - September 28, 2026

The Charlotte City Council held its business meeting on September 28, 2026, at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including public hearings on historic landmark designations, voluntary annexations, a road closure, and refunding of arena certificates of participation. Council also discussed and acted on policy items including a youth protection ordinance pilot program, a data center moratorium extension, and an affordable housing funding policy update. Numerous members of the public spoke during Public Forum and public hearings. The meeting adjourned after 11:30 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Items 22-34 were approved in one motion with the exception of items 24, 26, 31, 32, and 34, which were pulled for separate discussion. The consent agenda included contracts for law enforcement protective equipment, police interceptor vehicles, affordable housing legal services, accessibility infrastructure construction, animal care and control adoption center construction, shared-use path construction, snow and ice removal services, bypass pumping services, water infrastructure relocation agreements, water and sewer service installations, on-call cabling services, meeting minutes, and setting a public hearing for a future annexation.
• Items pulled were discussed individually and approved:
  • Item 24 (Affordable Housing Legal Services): Approved after Councilmember Mayfield asked about SBE participation; staff confirmed 17 SBE firms were notified but none submitted proposals.
  • Item 26 (Animal Care and Control Adoption Center): Approved with one opposition.
  • Item 31 (Water and Sanitary Sewer Service Installations): Approved after public comment from Reverend Boyd raised concerns about contractor treatment and lack of mediation. Council directed the City Manager to review the process, and the item passed on a motion.
  • Item 32 (On-call Cabling Services): Approved after Councilmember Mayfield confirmed SBE notification.
  • Item 34 (Set Public Hearing for River Point East of Dixie River Road Annexation): Approved despite one opposition (Councilmember Mayfield), who raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing commitments in annexations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Forum (Items 5): Twelve speakers addressed council on a variety of topics:
  • Jessica Helms (Charlotte Area Chamber) praised Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a driver of economic growth.
  • A representative from Halal Food Court in Uptown thanked council for extending operating hours to 2 a.m. but requested extension to 4 a.m., citing impacts on late-night workers.
  • Charlie Cotty expressed concern about the release of an individual who had made school threats, demanding better communication and transparency for parents.
  • Satoshi Watanabe (Charlotte International Cabinet) presented recommendations to attract foreign-owned businesses, including direct air service to Japan and a focus on fintech. Councilmember Mayfield questioned why Africa was not included in their white paper.
  • Maggie Cummins (Charlotte International Cabinet) shared data from the American Immigration Council showing immigrants contribute over $750 million in state and local taxes and make up 17% of the county population, with high shares in STEM, construction, and hospitality.
  • Daryl Edwards (NMLD Towing) called for transparency in city towing contracts, asking for data on bids and awards to small businesses.
  • Sheila Bumgarner (Mecklenburg Historical Society) spoke in favor of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church Cemeteries historic designation, noting over 500 enslaved individuals are believed to be buried there.
  • Ethel Ward, a senior citizen, complained about rental violations and disrespect at her housing complex.
  • Alison Sadowski requested preservation of a forest at Cotswold and better park access.
  • Shalita Wilson, an airport worker, described being suspended without clear procedures and called for fair disciplinary processes.
  • Daniel Oriya and Evan Schultis opposed automated license plate readers, citing high error rates and privacy concerns.
  • Maribel McBeath, an airport cabin cleaner, detailed the death of coworker Colleen Coates and called for better working conditions.
  • Lauren Patterson (BAC) recommended focusing on education and behavior rather than overregulating e-bikes.
  • Cliff Brumfield (Lincoln Economic Development Association) stressed the importance of a strong American Airlines hub for the region.

Public Hearings

6. Liddell-McNinch House Historic Landmark Designation (Amendment)

• Public Hearing Speakers: The owners (DD Clark and Mitchell Clark) and Kathy Henry (Honeywell International) spoke in favor of the designation, highlighting the property's preservation, community engagement, and use as a discreet venue for executive meetings.
• Discussion: Councilmember Mayfield questioned the long-term financial impact and alignment with state letters. Staff clarified the amendment corrects an outdated designations.
• Outcome: Public hearing closed; motion to adopt ordinance passed unanimously.

7. Jefferson-First Union Tower Historic Landmark Designation

• Public Hearing Speaker: James Anderson (Riverside Investment) stated the $250 million redevelopment would convert the vacant 30-story office tower into 275 residential units, a 200-room hotel, retail, and office space. Landmark designation is essential for financing.
• Discussion: Extensive debate occurred. Councilmember Driggs called the designation “novel” and suggested tax incentives should be a policy decision. Councilmember Johnson and Councilmember Ajmera raised concerns about lack of affordable housing, the circumvention of typical tax increment grant requirements, and the need for a broader policy. Councilmember Mayfield and others noted the building qualifies historically and that the redevelopment will increase tax revenue (projected from $2.2M to $4.3M annually). A motion to defer failed. Councilmember Watlington clarified the criteria are consistent with federal standards.
• Outcome: Motion to adopt ordinance passed 10-1.

8. McClintock Presbyterian Church Historic Landmark Designation

• Public Hearing: No speakers from the public; members of the congregation stood.
• Outcome: Public hearing closed; motion to adopt ordinance passed unanimously.

9. Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church Cemeteries #1 and #2 Historic Landmark Designations

• Public Hearing Speakers: Dr. Julia Robinson Moore (UNC Charlotte professor and minister) and Matt Joyner (Mecklenburg Historical Society) urged designation, emphasizing the presence of over 500 enslaved burials and the need to involve descendants.
• Outcome: Public hearing closed; motion to adopt ordinance passed unanimously.

10. Resolution to Close a Portion of Barlowe Road

• Public Hearing: No speakers.
• Outcome: Public hearing closed; resolution adopted.

11. Freedom Manor at Reedy Creek Voluntary Annexation

• Public Hearing Speakers: Eddie Moore (McAdams) and Ryan Powell (Habitat for Humanity) presented the 12.14-acre annexation to allow 37 single-family homes.
• Discussion: Councilmember Mayfield acknowledged Habitat's work.
• Outcome: Public hearing closed; annexation ordinance adopted.

12. Kings Grant Voluntary Annexation

• Public Hearing Speaker: Bridget Grant (representing developer) answered questions.
• Discussion: Councilmember Mayfield opposed, citing lack of affordable housing commitments and past broken verbal promises. Staff noted 5% of rental units (less than 22 of 488) would be workforce housing at 80% AMI. Councilmember Johnson recalled the development is largely industrial with job creation.
• Outcome: Motion to close public hearing and adopt ordinance passed with two objections.

13. Taylor Grove at Mallard Creek Voluntary Annexation

• Public Hearing Speakers: Eddie Moore (McAdams) and Tom Burr (High Street District Development).
• Discussion: Councilmember Johnson welcomed the 190 units to District 4.
• Outcome: Motion passed (one opposed).

14. Yardly West Towne Voluntary Annexation

• Public Hearing Speakers: Skylar White (applicant).
• Outcome: Motion passed (one opposed).

15. Refunding of Outstanding Certificates of Participation (Spectrum Center)

• Public Hearing: No speakers.
• Discussion: Councilmember Ajmera confirmed this is a refinancing of the $140 million arena line of credit into long-term debt, using tourism funds, with no new taxpayer dollars.
• Outcome: Initial findings resolution adopted.

Discussion Items

16. City Manager’s Report / Affordable Housing Funding Policy

• Presented by: Chair Mayfield, Dr. Raquishela Stewart (Housing and Neighborhood Services), and Warren Wooten (Deputy Director).
• Summary: The policy builds on the successful 2024 bond framework. Staff recommended five updates: (1) set investment goals for high-opportunity locations ($35M) and mobility-plus ($25M); (2) set anti-displacement goals; (3) allocate $4M for energy efficiency/sustainability retrofits; (4) add flexibility for smaller, grassroots developers; (5) update location scoring to reflect future transit lines. The proposed categorical distribution for a $125M bond: rental production $38M, homeownership $31M (up $6M), land acquisition $10M, supportive housing/shelter $12M, housing rehab $5M, innovation fund $15M, energy efficiency $4M, administration/evaluation $2M. Discussion covered the housing gap (40,000 units), the need for deeper affordability (30% AMI and below), homeownership utilization, faith-based partnerships, permit processing, and transit-oriented development.
• Outcome: Referred to committee for further refinement; full council to consider in October.

17. Set Public Hearing on Extension of Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers

• Public Testimony: Seven speakers (Claire Nagy Cato, June Blotnick, Beth Henry, Anthony Argudo, Lucas Crisp, Gustavo Toro, Nancy Carter) urged extension, citing environmental and health concerns, water usage, energy costs, and state-level legislative activity.
• Discussion: Councilmember Ajmera requested a public health impact assessment be formally included. Councilmember Johnson noted the city has already approved 6 million square feet of data centers that are not subject to the moratorium. Councilmember Owens reminded of impacts on trade workers.
• Outcome: Motion to set public hearing for October 12, 2026 carried.

18. Youth Protection Ordinance Pilot Program (Curfew)

• Public Testimony: 34 speakers, mostly in favor (including youth, parents, pastors, and community leaders). A few speakers, including Harmony Moore, proposed a framework-first approach with safeguards before enforcement.
• Discussion: Council debated for over an hour. Chief Patterson clarified the curfew would apply to all under 18 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with exceptions for work, school, religious activities, and First Amendment rights. Police will not initiate traffic stops solely on curfew suspicion. The pilot runs November 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027, with quarterly reports and an external evaluation. Councilmembers expressed concerns about disparity, but acknowledged the need for data. Councilmember Graham and others noted the need for alternative spaces for youth.
• Outcome: Approved 9-2.

Key Outcomes

• Historic Landmark Designations: Liddell-McNinch House (passed), Jefferson-First Union Tower (passed 10-1), McClintock Presbyterian Church (passed), Sugaw Creek Cemeteries (passed).
• Barlowe Road Closure: Resolution adopted.
• Voluntary Annexations: Freedom Manor at Reedy Creek (adopted), Kings Grant (adopted with 2 objections), Taylor Grove at Mallard Creek (adopted with 1 objection), Yardly West Towne (adopted with 1 objection).
• Refunding of Arena COPs: Initial findings resolution adopted.
• Youth Protection Ordinance Pilot: Approved (9-2) with an education campaign in October, enforcement from Nov 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027.
• Data Center Moratorium Extension Public Hearing: Set for October 12, 2026.
• Affordable Housing Funding Policy: Referred back to committee for finalization ahead of October council vote.
• Business Items: NC Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan application approved; CDOT warehouse lease extension approved.