Narrative Summary
Summary
The Charlotte City Council held a Business Meeting on February 23, 2026, with all members present except Councilmember Lawana Mayfield. The meeting was dominated by extensive public comment on the I-77 South Express Toll Lanes Project, with over 1,300 petition signatures submitted and representatives from more than two dozen community organizations raising concerns about displacement, environmental impact, and equity. Beyond the toll lanes discussion, the Council approved several substantive items including affordable housing funding, a historic landmark designation, a city property lease, and legislative agendas for the coming year. The Council also entered closed session to discuss potential economic development incentives.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Consent Agenda (Items 13–38) — Approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Item No. 33, Item No. 34, and Item No. 35 which have been deferred, and Item No. 36 which has been settled. Vote: Approved unanimously. Items included vehicle collision repair services, median maintenance, solid waste facilities renovations, and airport contracts.
- R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House Historic Landmark Designation — Close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 1099-X designating the property (Parcel 078-036-16) as a historic landmark. Vote: Approved. No speakers appeared for or against the designation.
- 2026 Federal and State Legislative Agendas — Approve the Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee's recommendation to approve the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda and the 2026 State Legislative Agenda. Vote: Approved unanimously. Priorities include public safety, mental health, law enforcement retention, and infrastructure.
- Installment Financing Contract — Initial Finding Resolution — Adopt an initial findings resolution and set a public hearing for March 9, 2026, for an installment financing contract not to exceed $120,000,000 for public safety facilities, animal care and control, and other equipment. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Lease of City-Owned Property at 3300 Northerly Road — Adopt a resolution approving a $1 annual lease agreement with Envision Charlotte for a portion of city-owned property at 3300 Northerly Road to advance circular economy wood waste processing. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Affordable Housing Development Support — Five Points Land Acquisition — Approve up to $4,131,000 in combined Housing Trust Fund and Transit Oriented Development Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program Fee-in-Lieu funds to support Historic West End Partners, Inc.'s acquisition of property at Five Points on West Trade Street for affordable housing development with mixed-use retail and a cooperative grocery store. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Interlocal Agreement for Risk Management Services — Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for risk management services during the MPTA transition. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Closed Session — Go into closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in Charlotte, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives. Vote: Approved unanimously.
Watchlist Flags
No watchlist items flagged.
Action Items & Upcoming Dates
- City Manager to provide information on I-77 project to interested residents and work with City Attorney and state officials on next steps.
- General Services Director to provide information on $1 lease agreements with nonprofits, including market value of properties.
- City staff to prepare for public hearing on installment financing contract (due March 9, 2026).
- Feb. 24, 2026 — City Council Retreat; discussion of I-77 South Express Toll Lanes Project.
- Feb. 26, 2026 — Community Area Plan meeting, Fellowship Hall, Eastern Hill Church, District Five (6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.).
- Feb. 27, 2026 — Steele Creek Residents Association annual meeting, Kennedy Middle School (6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.).
- Feb. 28, 2026 — Town Hall at University City Regional Library, hosted by Councilmember Watlington (10:00 a.m.).
- Mar. 5, 2026 — Transportation Planning and Development Committee meeting; review of I-77 South Express Lane Project process.
- Mar. 5, 2026 — Eastland Yards Sports Complex groundbreaking (11:00 a.m.).
- Mar. 9, 2026 — Public hearing on installment financing contract (up to $120,000,000).
- Mar. 12, 2026 — Town Hall at South Park Regional Library, hosted by Councilmember Owens (6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.).
- Mar. 14, 2026 — Town Hall at Tree of Life Forum at the Pearl, hosted by Councilmember Anderson.
- Mar. 17–18, 2026 — Charlotte City Council Legislative Days in Washington, D.C.
- Mar. 19, 2026 — Town Hall with Councilmembers Johnson and Ajmera, University City Library (5:30 p.m.).
Agenda Items
-
1
Mayor and Council Consent Item Questions and Answers
Councilmembers posed questions about consent agenda items to City staff, including clarifications on the 2025 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant and SEAP+ Implementation Consulting Services.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.19
- Tags
- budget grant funding sustainability
-
2
Consent Agenda Items 13 Through 38
Consent agenda items approved including vehicle collision repair services, median maintenance services, site and civil engineering services, solid waste facilities renovations, and various airport contracts.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Item No. 33, Item No. 34, and Item No. 35 which have been deferred, and Item No. 36 which has been settled.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Mazuera Arias / Councilmember Driggs
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.20
- Tags
- procurement contracts airport transportation solid waste
-
4
Public Hearing and Decision on the R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House Historic Landmark Designation
Public hearing on historic landmark designation for the R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House. No speakers appeared for or against the designation.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Close the public hearing to consider historic landmark designation for the property known as the R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House and adopt Ordinance 1099-X designating the property as a historic landmark.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Driggs / Councilmember Owens
- Vote
- Approved
- Source ref
- page: p.23
- Tags
- historic preservation landmarks
-
5
City Manager's Report
City Manager Marcus Jones deferred his report on the retreat to work with the Mayor Pro Tem on agenda logistics.
- Outcome
- deferred
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.23
- Tags
- management administration
-
6
Federal and State Legislative Agendas
Council approved the 2026 Federal and State Legislative Agendas, which prioritize public safety, mental health support, law enforcement retention and recruitment, and infrastructure improvements. Council will attend legislative days in Raleigh and Washington D.C.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Approve the Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee's recommendation to approve the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda and the 2026 State Legislative Agenda.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Graham / Councilmember Driggs
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.23
- Tags
- legislative public safety housing transportation education
-
7
Initial Finding Resolution for an Installment Financing Contract for Equipment and Facilities
Council adopted an initial findings resolution and set a public hearing for March 9, 2026, for an installment financing contract not to exceed $120,000,000 for public safety facilities, animal care and control, and other equipment.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Adopt an initial findings resolution making certain findings and calling for the execution of various documents necessary to complete an installment financing contract, and adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for March 9, 2026, for an installment financing contract not to exceed $120,000,000.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Ajmera / Councilmember Owens
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.25
- Tags
- financing bonds facilities public safety animal services
-
8
Lease of City-Owned Property on Northerly Road
Council approved a lease agreement with Envision Charlotte for a portion of city-owned property at 3300 Northerly Road for a $1 annual lease to advance the circular economy by processing wood waste.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Adopt a resolution approving a lease agreement with Envision Charlotte for a portion of city-owned property located at 3300 Northerly Road and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all documents necessary to complete this transaction.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Anderson / Councilmember Driggs
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.26
- Tags
- property lease circular economy nonprofit partnership sustainability
-
9
Affordable Housing Development Support for Five Points Land Acquisition
Council approved up to $4,131,000 in combined Housing Trust Fund and Transit Oriented Development Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program Fee-in-Lieu funds to support Historic West End Partners, Inc.'s acquisition of property at Five Points on West Trade Street for affordable housing development with mixed-use retail and a cooperative grocery store.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Approve up to $4,131,000 in combined Housing Trust Fund and Transit Oriented Development Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program Fee-in-Lieu funds to support Historic West End Partners, Inc.'s acquisition of property at Five Points on West Trade Street for affordable housing development, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate, execute, amend, and renew contracts and other required documents as needed to complete this transaction.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Graham / Councilmember Anderson
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.28
- Tags
- affordable housing mixed-use development transit-oriented development community development economic development food access
-
10
Interlocal Agreement for Continuation of Risk Management Services
Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for the provision of risk management services to ensure continuity of insurance and workers compensation coverage during the MPTA transition.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for the provision of risk management services, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all documents necessary to complete the interlocal agreement.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Mitchell / Councilmember Ajmera
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.32
- Tags
- risk management insurance public transportation interlocal agreement
-
11
Mayor and Council Topics
Councilmembers shared information about upcoming community events, town halls, and initiatives in their districts. Topics included Black History Month celebrations, pedestrian safety, affordable housing, and community engagement.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.33
- Tags
- community engagement public safety economic development housing transportation
-
12
Closed Session
Council entered closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in Charlotte, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- Go into closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in Charlotte, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations.
- Moved / seconded
- Councilmember Watlington / Councilmember Mitchell
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.36
- Tags
- economic development closed session confidential
Votes
-
Consent Agenda Items 13 Through 38
Approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Item No. 33, Item No. 34, and Item No. 35 which have been deferred, and Item No. 36 which has been settled.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.20
-
Public Hearing and Decision on the R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House Historic Landmark Designation
Close the public hearing to consider historic landmark designation for the property known as the R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House and adopt Ordinance 1099-X designating the property as a historic landmark.
- Vote
- Approved
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.23
-
Federal and State Legislative Agendas
Approve the Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee's recommendation to approve the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda and the 2026 State Legislative Agenda.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.23
-
Initial Finding Resolution for an Installment Financing Contract for Equipment and Facilities
Adopt an initial findings resolution making certain findings and calling for the execution of various documents necessary to complete an installment financing contract, and adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for March 9, 2026, for an installment financing contract not to exceed $120,000,000.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.25
-
Lease of City-Owned Property on Northerly Road
Adopt a resolution approving a lease agreement with Envision Charlotte for a portion of city-owned property located at 3300 Northerly Road and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all documents necessary to complete this transaction.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.26
-
Affordable Housing Development Support for Five Points Land Acquisition
Approve up to $4,131,000 in combined Housing Trust Fund and Transit Oriented Development Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program Fee-in-Lieu funds to support Historic West End Partners, Inc.'s acquisition of property at Five Points on West Trade Street for affordable housing development, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate, execute, amend, and renew contracts and other required documents as needed to complete this transaction.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.28
-
Interlocal Agreement for Continuation of Risk Management Services
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for the provision of risk management services, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all documents necessary to complete the interlocal agreement.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.32
-
Closed Session
Go into closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in Charlotte, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations.
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- no_action
- Source ref
- page: p.36
Public Hearings
-
R. Kent and Gertrude N. Blair House Historic Landmark Designation
No speakers appeared either for or against the historic landmark designation.
- Speakers
- None recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.23
-
I-77 South Express Toll Lanes Project
Extensive public comment opposing the I-77 South Toll Lane Project. Multiple speakers representing neighborhoods, community organizations, and residents expressed concerns about displacement, environmental impact, equity, and alternatives. Organizations represented included Sustain Charlotte, Housing Justice Coalition, and 24+ other community groups. Support was expressed by Charlotte Regional Business Alliance representative. Over 1,300 petition signatures submitted opposing the project.
- Speakers
- None recorded
- Source ref
- range: pp.1-18
Action Items
-
Provide information on I-77 project to interested residents and work with City Attorney and state officials on next steps
- Owner
- City Manager
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.9
-
Review status of I-77 South Express Lane Project process and identify opportunities for community engagement
- Owner
- Transportation Planning and Development Committee
- Due
- 2026-03-05
- Source ref
- page: p.12
-
Discuss I-77 South Express Toll Lanes Project at retreat meeting
- Owner
- City Council
- Due
- 2026-02-24
- Source ref
- page: p.14
-
Provide information on $1 lease agreements with nonprofits including market value of properties
- Owner
- General Services Director
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.27
-
Prepare for public hearing on installment financing contract
- Owner
- City Staff
- Due
- 2026-03-09
- Source ref
- page: p.25
Upcoming Dates
-
City Council Retreat - discussion of I-77 South Express Toll Lanes Project
- Date
- 2026-02-24
-
Community Area Plan meeting at Fellowship Hall, Eastern Hill Church, District Five (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
- Date
- 2026-02-26
-
Steele Creek Residents Association annual meeting at Kennedy Middle School (6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
- Date
- 2026-02-27
-
Town Hall at University City Regional Library hosted by Councilmember Watlington (10:00 a.m.)
- Date
- 2026-02-28
-
Transportation Planning and Development Committee Meeting
- Date
- 2026-03-05
-
Eastland Yards Sports Complex groundbreaking (11:00 a.m.)
- Date
- 2026-03-05
-
Public hearing on installment financing contract
- Date
- 2026-03-09
-
Town Hall at South Park Regional Library hosted by Councilmember Owens (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
- Date
- 2026-03-12
-
Town Hall at Tree of Life Forum at the Pearl hosted by Councilmember Anderson
- Date
- 2026-03-14
-
Charlotte City Council Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.
- Date
- 2026-03-17
-
Charlotte City Council Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.
- Date
- 2026-03-18
-
Town Hall with Councilmembers Johnson and Ajmera at University City Library (5:30 p.m.)
- Date
- 2026-03-19
Watchlist Flags
No watchlist items flagged.
Uncertainty Notes
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