Aug. 18, 2026
Great conversation this morning with Mecklenburg County Manager Michael Bryant at the Tuesday Morning Forum.
Managing a $2.5 billion budget is no small feat and leading more than 6,400 employees is no small feat either. Yet, since stepping into the role on June 30, 2025, Mr. Bryant has demonstrated thoughtful and intentional leadership in navigating the complexities of a rapidly growing county.
I appreciate his transparency around the County’s budget and the difficult work of revising priorities to ensure resources are allocated responsibly, strategically and in ways that remain responsive to the needs of our communities.
What stood out to me was seeing the numbers connected to the issues we experience every day: housing, healthy and thriving communities, services for seniors, education, parks and libraries, workforce development, and public safety.
The county budget is more than a financial document. It is an expression of priorities and, ultimately, an investment in people. This is an enormous responsibility, and I appreciate his willingness to come directly into community, explain the decisions being made, and engage in meaningful dialogue about where Mecklenburg County is headed.
I cannot emphasize enough the value of attending the Tuesday Morning Forum. Being in these rooms gives us an opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers, ask critical questions, and better understand how policy and public dollars translate into impact within our neighborhoods.
Thank you Michael Bryant for your leadership, transparency and commitment to Mecklenburg County.
An informed community is an empowered community and being in the room matters.
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The Observer’s Mary Ramsey wrote about how Bryant responded when asked whether the school board’ investigation into issues related to Supt. Crystal Hill would affect the county’s financial support of the district.
“‘Based on what I know today, I’m going to ensure that the county continues to support the education needs of this community,’ he said. I’m not going to allow anything – investigation, whatever it may be – to distract (from) Mecklenburg’s commitment to funding education in this community.’…
“Bryant told reporters after the Tuesday event, ‘So when I sit down and work on the ‘28 budget, unless I learn more about the investigation … I don’t see anything interfering with what I would plan to bring forward to my Board of County Commissioners for consideration,’ he said….”
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This page is under construction. A video of Tuesday’s Forum meeting will be posted here when it is available.
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Manager Bryant spoke from a PowerPoint slide deck. The individual slides are below. The entire batch may be downloaded as an 8.9 MG PDF here.
