REBIC – Mecklenburg County Commission Chair Mark Jerrell is Guest of Canopy Gov’t Affairs Committee.

From REBIC - 5/19/26

Last Friday, during our Canopy Government Affairs Committee Meeting, we were pleased and honored to have Mecklenburg County Commission Chair Mark Jerrell as our guest. During the course of his presentation, in which he masterfully presented a balanced view of his beliefs and approach, Jerrell deftly explained how important it is to understand the differences between the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in terms of responsibilities, priorities, and especially cultural focus. Calling that acknowledgment a critical bridge to success, he felt the right approach by our industry will improve our encounters with the County, helping to achieve success on every level.

To help you understand the differences between the two bodies of government, please note that:

The Charlotte City Council is responsible for:

• Public Safety: Manages the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and Charlotte Fire Department.
• Transportation & Infrastructure: Oversees the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) (streets, traffic signals), and the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
• Planning & Zoning: Controls land use, zoning, and development within city limits through the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Utilities & Services:Provides water/sewer (Charlotte Water) and garbage/recycling collection.
• Housing & Economic Development:Focuses on affordable housing projects and city-specific economic development.

The Mecklenburg County Commission is responsible for:  

• Education: Funds Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and Central Piedmont Community College.
• Social Services: Manages public health, mental health, and social services (DSS).
• Environmental & Solid Waste: Manages environmental services and the county-wide solid waste management plan (beyond basic city trash pickup).
• Parks & Recreation: Manages county-wide parks and recreation centers.
• Sheriff & Jail: Operates the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and jail.

He shared with our committee the County’s top priorities. Those being education (as the great leveler), environmental stewardship, economic development and its corresponding fiscal health, and the importance of workforce development. He spoke boldly about collaboration, and mentioned  his passion for ensuring all voices are heard. Each of these comments dovetailed into our own mission of championing prosperity, and we appreciate his respect for the subject matter that keeps our goals in focus.

When speaking of education, he discussed it as an equalizer and a door opener for all, no matter your socioeconomic status. He mentioned the importance of parks and other recreational sites as contributors to a positive quality of life. Regarding housing he agreed on the need to prioritize our focus to deliver workforce housing in high opportunity areas, not just fringe locations. And finally, as we would all agree, mental health issues continue to keep demanding our attention. Overall, he wants to support our efforts to build, without hindrance, places for people to live, thrive, and contribute to their communities.

As he closed his comments, his plea was honest and accessible: “Where can we all lean in?” And in the same spirit of collaboration shared, “lack of housing [for those who need it] is a threat to all our priorities.” He even went so far as to comment on the fact that NIMBY-ism, and their pushback, is one enemy to solving our national problem of housing supply.

If you want to learn more about his stand on many issues, we encourage you to listen to our latest Getting Real with Rob podcast featuring Chairman Jerrell. Listen here to learn more about his priorities for Mecklenburg County.

As a reminder, the Charlotte City Council voted unanimously in October of 2024 to support a P3 to expand I-77. Councilmembers Johnson, Mayfield, Watlington, and Graham were all serving on the council at that time.

We should also make you aware that another big issue facing the council is the renewal of the airport lease with American Airlines. Those negotiations are ongoing and have been impacted by controversy related to a large union attempting to gain ground in North Carolina. Our state is a ‘right to work’ state, and laws don’t favor unions as they do in other places. As such, this group is working to use the current negotiations to leverage its ability to gain membership and sway council on certain matters. American Airlines has been a strong partner for many years and its hub presence at Charlotte Douglas International Airport has been an unquestionable asset to the region and an impetus to our economic development.

Are we beginning to see an unraveling that eventually puts us in the category of dying and poorly run cities such Portland, Seattle, St. Louis and others?  Are you okay with that? Please send me your thoughts.

Rob’s Take: Mark is a reasoned leader with the ability focus on what matters yet comports himself with the kind of humility lacking in so many of today’s elected officials. He knows when to push the pedal down but has the instincts to adjust and ease off when it appears the vehicle is about to hop the curb. We very much enjoyed the time we had with him and appreciate his willingness to carry on the conversation.