Charlotte City Council begins interviews this week for the new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority, following voter approval of a county sales tax increase.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Now that Mecklenburg County voters have approved a sales tax increase to fund decades of transit improvements, Charlotte City Council is moving forward with selecting members for the new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) Board of Trustees.ย
Interviews for council-appointed seats begin Wednesday, Nov. 12, and will continue through Saturday, Nov. 15.
- Wednesday, Nov. 12: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.ย
- Thursday, Nov. 13: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.ย
- Friday, Nov. 14: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.ย
- Saturday, Nov. 15: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.ย
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Council members narrowed down more than 150 applicants to 27 finalists using a point system.ย
Each council member submitted first, second, and third choices in various experience categories โ including law, engineering, urban planning, public transportation, and more. Candidates were ranked based on total points, with the top scorers moving on to interviews.
The 27-member board will include representatives from across Mecklenburg County and will steer the next chapter of public transit in the region. The breakdown of appointments is as follows:
- City of Charlotte: 12 members, including at least three recommended by the Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas and one small business owner.
- County Commissioners: Six members, including at least one from an unincorporated area and one small business owner.
- Each Mecklenburg County town: One representative per town.
- Governor: One member.
Councilman Malcolm Graham emphasized the importance of selecting members who can represent the community and hit the ground running.
โ85% of the riders are individuals from Black and Brown communities and so I want someone who will represent the interests of the riders,” Graham said. “Someone who’s able to lead on day one. I’m not looking for any individuals who just want to have their name on a letterhead.”
Interviews will be live-streamed on the city’s YouTube channel, and Charlotte City Council is expected to vote on the final seven city-appointed members on Nov. 24.ย
The new board must be in place by Jan. 1, ahead of when the sales tax increase takes effect next summer.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
