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Infrastructure

Community Voice

CATS transit authority transition

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is transitioning to the newly created Mecklenburg Public Transportation Authority under North Carolina's PAVE Act. A master agreement between the city and the new authority must be in place by July 1, 2026, with employee and asset transfers phased through 2027 and beyond. City officials have emphasized protecting existing employees and the city's financial interests during the handover.

How should Charlotte manage the transition of CATS to the new Mecklenburg Public Transportation Authority?

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Sources

City Manager Marcus Jones — https://www.charlottenc.gov/City-News/2026-Annual-Strategy-Meeting-Recap
Our employees are number one. We won't negatively impact them, and we have to protect the finances of the city.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Prioritize worker protections and expanded transit service in the transition agreement above all else.
  2. Ensure a smooth transition that protects employees and maintains current service levels for riders.
  3. Transfer assets and staff efficiently while renegotiating any agreements that increase city costs.
  4. Use the transition to restructure CATS operations and reduce redundancies to lower taxpayer costs.
  5. Support full privatization of transit services instead of creating another government transit authority.

I-77 South toll lanes repayment

Charlotte City Council reversed its earlier support for toll lanes on I-77 South, effectively killing the project. However, North Carolina's state budget includes a provision requiring Charlotte and other local governments to repay NCDOT for its prior investments, potentially totaling around $60 million. New Mayor Patrick Harrington has called for a community engagement process before arriving at a final position.

Should Charlotte pay back NCDOT for the cancelled I-77 South toll lane project?

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How important is this to you?

Sources

Mayor Patrick Harrington — https://www.wbtv.com/2026/07/13/heres-where-charlottes-new-mayor-stands-4-major-issues
We need to focus our efforts in light of that timeline. But I don't want to prejudge the outcome. I think we need a process that allows this community to engage ... with information that it can digest, and then to come to a conclusion.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Refuse repayment and challenge the state mandate in court; the city acted in the public interest.
  2. Negotiate a reduced settlement and invest saved funds in alternative transit and road improvements.
  3. Engage the community fully before committing to any repayment plan or legal strategy.
  4. Honor the repayment obligation but seek state help offsetting the cost to local taxpayers.
  5. Pay the full $60 million promptly to restore credibility with NCDOT and avoid future project delays.