A voter referendum on November 4 will allow Mecklenburg County residents to approve or reject a one cent, county-wide sales tax to fund investment and improvements in transit and transportation including improved roads, expanded rail, increased bus service, and additional Microtransit zones.
City of Charlotte residents and businesses, commuters from outside the county and out-of-town visitors would help pay for the investment.
A one-cent sales tax is projected to generate $25.3 billion—$19.4B sales tax + $5.8B federal funding—over 30 years.
One-cent county sales tax 30-year revenue — based on current tax revenue projections
Meck Connect would improve mobility across Mecklenburg County with improved roads, smart traffic signals, and expanded transit options. It increases bus service by 50%, adds priority corridors and more frequent service, and upgrades 2,000 stops. The plan would introduce 18 Microtransit zones for on-demand service and builds 43 miles of new rail—including new commuter, expanded streetcar, and light rail—with airport access.
Learn MoreIf the referendum passes, the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) will be created and will oversee spending of the investment. The 27-member board will include Ned Curran, a local real estate consultant, and David Longo, chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance board—both appointed by the General Assembly. The City of Charlotte will appoint 12 members, including at least three recommended by the Alliance and one small business owner. The county commissioners will appoint six members, with at least one from an unincorporated area and one small business owner. Each Mecklenburg County town will have one representative, and the governor will appoint one member.