New Charlotte City Council Meets to Conduct First Business in New Term

From REBIC | December 9, 2025

Last night I attended the first regular meeting of the new Charlotte City Council.  While the meeting agenda was relatively short, the Public Forum presented an opportunity to for me to address the newly seated Council and put the focus on housing attainability, and reinforce our commitment to working toward the right solutions. Additionally, Matt Panik with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance spoke about the priorities of his organization including the process and activities of the newly created Mecklenburg Public Transit Authority (MPTA). He also spoke about airport infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and public safety. All hot topics.

The Council also approved renewing its annexation agreement with the Town of Harrisburg, meaning that for the next ten years, Charlotte will not annex into Cabarrus County and Harrisburg will not annex into Mecklenburg County.

During the wrap-up when, Council Members addressed the public, Council Member LaWana Mayfield used her voice to reinforce public safety as a big priority for the Council.  She also encouraged residents to reach out to members of the North Carolina General Assembly to ask them to support the courts, to support funding for the Sheriff’s Office, as well as to appeal for additional dollars for Health and Human services.

The final meeting of the year for Charlotte City Council will be the Zoning meeting scheduled for next Monday, December 15th.

Rob’s Take: Our purpose for attending was to show our posture and presence with a new Council. One that includes new faces and some familiar ones. It will be interesting to see how this group works together. In terms of public safety, it is clear that steps are being taken to improve the situation. The challenge will be ensuring we all move in the same direction and avoid the blame game. Here’s what REBIC will be doing to encourage good outcomes: Prior to the next election, we will provide resources to our members about the judges and clerks of court who are on the ballot. We’ll recommend those who will uphold the law and make better determinations when considering the consequences for those who repeatedly commit unlawful acts. If the City of Charlotte follows through and adequately supports the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and we can elect court officials and judges who penalize offenders and protect the public, we should be able to get a much better handle on the problem. This is essential for a growing community like ours.