Recent numbers indicate Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country. According to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Charlotte grew by 15,600 people in ONE year. In the next 25 years, its population is projected to increase by more than half to reach 4.6 million.  

Why does this matter? It would appear that the number of people coming to the city is outgrowing it. People will need to get around. So, besides housing, transportation is a hot-button issue for Charlotte. Infrastructure, or lack thereof, will be key. Of course, where there is a need, there is a price tag.

On the table, Senate Bill 145. Several lawmakers are behind this. The Bill would allow Mecklenburg commissioners to place a referendum on the ballot asking voters to raise sales taxes by 1 percentage point. That money would help pay for a $25 billion transportation plan that would cover building new rail lines, adding bus routes, and expanding roads and sidewalks. 

GUESTS:

Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, Mark Jerrell  

Colette Forrest, Founder – Charlotte Black Voter Project  

Robert Dawkins, a longtime community activist and is with Action NC