Title
Resolution in Support of Legislation Authorizing a Sales Tax Referendum
Action
Action:
Adopt a resolution to support the coalition of local jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County to seek authorization from the North Carolina General Assembly authorizing the voters of Mecklenburg County to determine by referendum whether they will approve an additional sales tax for further investment in roadway and public transportation systems.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Liz Babson, City Manager's Office
Explanation
* The City of Charlotte desires that the North Carolina General Assembly pass legislation authorizing the voters of Mecklenburg County to decide by referendum whether they will approve an additional one cent sales tax for investment in roadway and public transportation systems.
* This proposed sales tax increase would also allow the region to leverage substantial federal grant funding that is available for investment in transportation network infrastructure, which requires a percentage match of local funding to utilize.
Background
* The City of Charlotte is a member of the Metropolitan Transit Commission established in 1999 between the City of Charlotte and six surrounding towns and is supportive of providing a diverse roadway infrastructure and public transportation options to its residents.
* Mecklenburg County is a regional economic engine with over 1.2 M residents and one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, attracting new businesses, jobs, tourism, and people every day.
* Regional growth creates regional transportation needs that include managing the inevitable increase in vehicle trips, maintaining healthy air quality, reducing emissions and congestion.
* In 2021, following the Charlotte Moves Task Force which recommended a multi-modal one cent for mobility, City Council directed the City Manager to develop a funding, financing and legislative strategy to move forward a one cent sales tax.
* The City of Charlotte City has adopted the Str...
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