Charlotte City Council Business Meeting – October 26, 2026

The Charlotte City Council convened a business meeting on October 26, 2026, beginning with an action preview at 4:00 PM and the formal business meeting at 5:30 PM. The council addressed a wide range of items, including the approval of a substitute motion for police undercover vehicle purchases, adoption of the Charlotte Business INClusion Policy amendments to align with state law, extension of the temporary moratorium on data centers, and several public hearings and consent agenda items. Public comments focused on surveillance concerns, airport worker safety, and the proposed airline use and lease agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Police Undercover Vehicles (Item 15): Pulled for separate vote. After debate, a substitute motion to approve the purchase was passed 7-3. The original motion to defer failed.
• CATS Rail Maintenance On-Call Services Amendment (Item 23): Pulled for comment; approved unanimously after discussion.
• Harrison United Methodist Church Voluntary Annexation (Item 27): Pulled for comment; approved unanimously to set a public hearing for November 23, 2026.
• Property Transactions – Southpark Loop (Items 28–31): Pulled for comment; approved unanimously.
• All other consent items (16–22, 24–26) were approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Cumby opposed Flock cameras, arguing they create a searchable database of vehicle movements that threatens privacy and liberty.
• Ali Ingersoll (disability advocate) urged delay of the airport airline use and lease vote, citing safety concerns after being dropped by airport workers and the death of worker Colleen Coates.
• Alan Dargins (Canopy Realtor Association) supported the airline lease, stating it drives economic growth and supports 184,400 jobs.
• Pat Mumford (Gaston Business Association) also supported the lease, noting its regional importance, with 1,100 American Airlines employees residing in Gaston County.
• Original Allah (airport cabin cleaner) asked for a delay to improve worker safety and training provisions in the lease.
• Chisa Brooks (commercial real estate broker) urged approval of the lease while directing the workforce committee to set safety and reporting standards.
• Jeremy Resch and David Sanders spoke in support of the data center moratorium and the biogas-to-renewable-natural-gas project, respectively.

Discussion Items

• Passenger Vehicles for Hire (PVH) Ordinance Update: The city attorney presented 14 stakeholder-driven proposed amendments, including allowing taxicabs to use national brokering apps for upfront pricing, updating definitions, and removing training requirements. Council members raised concerns about local companies' ability to compete vs. national apps, the potential costs to small operators, and the need for equity. The item was an action preview only; no vote was taken.
• Electric Bikes Regulation: The safety committee presented recommendations to align local ordinances with new state law (effective Dec. 1, 2026), including defining e-bike classes, requiring helmets for riders under 18 on Class 1 and 2 bikes, setting a 15 mph sidewalk speed limit, and establishing penalties for property damage by e-bikes. Council discussion highlighted the 61% increase in e-bike accidents year-to-date (122 accidents vs. 66 in 2025), the importance of education and infrastructure, and the exclusion of e-mopeds. No vote was taken; further study was directed.
• Charlotte Business INClusion Policy Amendments: The council approved amendments to remove race- and gender-conscious provisions (MBE/WBE goals) and establish a single Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program, conforming to Session Law 2026-41. Several members expressed disappointment but acknowledged state law requirements. The vote was 9-2 in favor.
• Extension of Data Center Moratorium: The council approved an extension of the temporary moratorium on new telecommunications and data storage facilities from its expiration on November 5, 2026, to October 18, 2027. The extension allows continued study of environmental and infrastructure impacts. Concerns were raised about reactionary timing and the need for swift action once regulatory authority is restored. The vote was unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Police Undercover Vehicles (Item 15): Approved via substitute motion (7-3). The contract with Hendrick Automotive Group for unmarked leased vehicles is effective for four years, with estimated annual expenditures of $625,000.
• Charlotte Business INClusion Policy: Adopted as amended (9-2). The policy now focuses on a Small Business Enterprise program, removing MBE/WBE provisions.
• Data Center Moratorium Extension: Adopted unanimously. The moratorium now expires October 18, 2027, or upon adoption of new regulations, whichever comes first.
• Hajoca Building Historic Landmark Designation: Public hearing closed; ordinance adopted designating the property at 1447 South Tryon Street as a historic landmark, with deferred taxes of approximately $10,559 (city) and $17,756 (county) annually.
• River Point East Annexation: Ordinance adopted extending city limits to include a 13.092-acre parcel near Dixie River Road, assigned to Council District 3.
• Lead and Copper Rule Revision Grant Closeout: Authorized the city manager to close out a $400,000 ARPA grant from NCDEQ.
• Referrals: Councilmember Mayfield requested a referral to review the annexation process and historic designation financial impacts; Councilmember Johnson requested review of ASL interpreter availability at meetings; Councilmember Ajmera requested updates on recent violence and animal control penalties.