Title
Public Hearing and Decision on Scout Motors Business Investment Grant
Action
Action:
A. Conduct a public hearing regarding approval of a City of Charlotte Business Investment Grant to Scout Motors, and
B. Approve a Business Investment Grant to Scout Motors for a total amount not to exceed $7,285,518 over 15 years.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Alyson Craig, City Manager’s Office
Shahid Rana, Economic Development
Matt Dufore, Economic Development
Explanation
§ On November 12, 2025, Scout Motors announced it would relocate its corporate headquarters to Charlotte, further expanding its presence in the region.
§ On October 13, 2025, City Council, in closed session, indicated intent to approve this Business Investment Grant (BIG).
§ Scout Motors has committed to a capital investment of $206,974,180 and creation of 1,200 jobs to be hired with an average wage of $179,771.
§ In addition to the City of Charlotte BIG, Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners approved a BIG in the amount of $12,800,000.
Background
§ Founded in 2022, Scout Motors is an automotive startup that will land its headquarters in Charlotte to serve as the central hub for the company’s nationwide network of talent and operations, including its state-of-the-art Production Center in South Carolina and Innovation Center in Michigan.
§ Scout Motors will look to build relationships with local elementary, middle, and high schools, community colleges, and universities, seeing this as a key lever to its talent strategy and building a strong connection to the community.
Business Investment Grant
§ Actual grant payments are based on the value of the investment as appraised by the Mecklenburg County Tax Office.
§ Property taxes due from Scout Motors must be paid before grant payment is made.
§ If Scout Motors removes the investment from Charlotte during the grant term, it shall pay back 100 percent of the BIG paid to date.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Business Investment Grant