Oct. 7, 2025
There were two speakers, but many more voices. The subject was the Nov. 4 referendum on using a property tax increase to help finance improvements in the region’s road, passenger rail and bus systems.
Co-convenor Jackie Edwards Walton reconfigured the room so that all in the room could see one another. There was no debate, and no disruption. All were given an opportunity to speak.
The Black community’s deep divisions over the referendum spilled into the room. Some divisions appear grounded in socio-economics. Others appear tied to levels of trust that community, state and federal leaders will make good on the transportation plan’s promises. Others are grounded in disagreements on what Charlotte needs to do first.
Buy half a loaf now when the full loaf is not offered? Or hold out for a full loaf later? The choice will soon be made by registered voters.
Two speakers used their time to outline their respective organization’s views:
- Jocelyn Jones-Nolley, chair of the Black Political Caucus, summarized the Caucus’ investigations before the issue was put to a private vote. The Caucus on Friday announced it had endorsed the referendum. Jones-Nolley said the vote was not unanimous.
- Ismaail Qaiyim of the Charlotte Housing Justice Coalition argued that the local funding falls on the least able to pay, and that the transportation plan is not as much about serving residents as creating business opportunities.
Revenue from the additional taxation would be split: 40% Roads; 40% Rails; and 20% Buses. That decision, and any number of others discussed this morning, were made by the GOP-dominated N.C. General Assembly.
More community discussions will be held between Oct. 7 and the Nov. 4 general election.
Amanda Harry’s report on the discussion in QCityMetro is here.
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Three questions or comments were sent in to the Forum during the transit tax discussion by online viewers. They were not read aloud or discussed.
BPC —You quoted that statistics show that roughly 80% of transit ridership is Black, which has often been used as a reason we should support expansion. Yet we’ve seen decisions that don’t reflect where our community rides most — let’s take the Silver Line: The line stops at JCSU instead of going further down Beatties Ford, while investment has gone southward and now they want to focus on Mooresville and Davidson. After 30 years of unmet promises, what makes us believe our needs will finally be prioritized? Who, in reality, is this bill designed to serve?
Transit is IMPORTANT — why are we rushing to push through an imperfect bill — let’s get it RIGHT then push it through!
Raising taxes for everyone, while Mecklenburg County is footing $116 million of our taxes to build a Cop City for CPCC, with zero community input. How will we actually ensure that taxes go back to our communities instead of to more policing?
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The city was smaller. Precincts were fewer. But the 1975 rejection of an airport bond referendum is remembered by some older Black voters as a victory for justice over get-along.
Mayor John Belk had proposed a major airport terminal expansion. City Council included 6 white members and newly-appointed African-American Harvey Gantt. Black community leaders lined up in opposition when it became clear that the expansion plan could entirely bypass minority contractors and their employees.
The final vote, 46%-54% against, was split in white precincts across the city, but firmly against in well-organized Black precincts. Three years later, after inflation abated some, a revised and slightly smaller bond issue was approved.
The 1975 vote is remembered as a turning point toward inclusion of all qualified contractors in city contracting and economic development. The November decision is stacking up to be remembered as the time voters, given no easy alternative, were OK using a regressive tax and having those least able to pay carry a disproportionate burden for growth of the transportation network that the region desperately needs.
– Steve Johnston
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