Local business talks impact of transit tax proposal in Mecklenburg County
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Transit tax proposal could increase foot traffic, boost business, locals say
The PAVE Act will allow Mecklenburg County voters to decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to fund future transit projects. The tax revenue would be split, having 40% going towards road projects for towns and cities across the county and the other 60% create an independent transit authority. County commissioners plan to vote on the proposal at their August 6th meeting before it goes to your ballot. The Southern Coalition for Social Justice sent a letter to City Council and the County Board of Commissioners, saying they have concerns that the current design of the MPTA Board of Trustees may exclude those most reliant on public transit.
Example video title will go here for this video
To stream WCNC on your phone, you need the WCNC app.
County commissioners plan to vote on the proposal at their August 6th meeting before it goes to your ballot.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County voters should prepare to see a one-cent sales tax for transit projects on the ballot this November. Local business owner Blanca Gonzales says the expansion is necessary.
“We would like our followers to just get on the bus or get on the train and get there without looking for parking spot,” Gonzalez said.
Since 2018, she has gotten to know Charlotte through her food truck business, ITOT, or International Truck of Tacos. Most of her customers arrive on foot, something she says lessened during the pandemic. The business has been struggling since.
“COVID was awful for everyone,” Gonzalez said. “But then after that, it was changing the way that we do business.”
She specifically mentioned big events in Uptown are not always accessible due to parking. That’s why she’s hoping the mobility plan will move forward, making it easier for customers to reach them.
The PAVE Act, signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein earlier this month, will allow Mecklenburg County voters to decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to fund future transit projects, including the Red Line rail to Lake Norman. The tax revenue would be split, having 40% going towards road projects for towns and cities across the county and the other 60% create an independent transit authority.
However, some have concerns about who will lead that board.
The Southern Coalition for Social Justice sent a letter to City Council and the County Board of Commissioners, saying they have concerns that “the current design of the MPTA Board of Trustees may exclude the voices of those most reliant on public transit, including working-class riders, seniors, students, and people with disabilities.”
Budget Chair Dimple Ajmera says City Council gets to appoint 12 of the seats and they will make those voices a priority.
“We should not be making decisions for them. We should be making decisions with them when it comes to our public transportation system,” Ajmera said.
Commissioners plan to vote on the proposal at their August 6th meeting before sending it to the County Board of Elections to put on the ballot.