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May 2023
City Speaks is your monthly connection to what's going on in Charlotte government. Here you will find the latest information on city initiatives, services, events and programs, and other relevant, trending topics.
Help us connect with people across the Queen City; share the newsletter with your friends, your family and your community. Subscribe at publicinput.com/cityspeaks.
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City Manager Presents Proposed Budget with No tax Increase
“Our focus has been and continues to be providing exceptional core services to our neighbors and addressing community needs that have been identified through City Council’s priorities and key initiatives, while not putting an additional burden on our residents.” – City Manager Marcus D. Jones
Charlotte City Council is now on the clock to approve the city’s fiscal year 2024 budget. Earlier this month, Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones presented a proposed budget totaling $3.3 billion — about 2.8% larger than the current $3.24 billion FY 2023 budget.
Here are the basics:
- The FY 2024 budget is structurally balanced, meaning that recurring revenues (ex. taxes and fees) can cover the city’s recurring expenses (ex. leases and payroll).
- The budget remains balanced without increasing taxes or laying off or furloughing employees, all while making improvements to city services.
- The city will not touch its operating reserves to balance the budget. Reserve funds are set aside to cover emergency or unexpected costs.
After years of developing budgets focusing on helping the city withstand the impacts of COVID-19, the FY 2024 budget begins to turn the page as it earmarks funding for ambitious ideas in public safety, clean energy, arts and culture, and other focus areas.
In his presentation, Jones highlighted many of those investments:
- $6 million toward finishing the Charlotte Arts and Culture plan. The plan, which will identify a long-term strategy to grow arts and culture in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, is set to be released this summer.
- $300,000 investment to continue the Joy Rides bike share program. This is a one-year investment to address a funding gap after the program lost its corporate sponsors. The city will review the program’s success to determine its future.
- $250,000 to support the Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program. Atrium Health will invest an additional $250,000 to support the initiative. Through the program, survivors of violence will receive access to services and resources to prevent reinjury from an act of violence or becoming a perpetrator of violence.
- The city will also expand its Alternatives to Violence program to two new locations in the West Boulevard and Nations Ford/Arrowwood Corridors of Opportunity areas. The program, initially launched in the Beatties Ford/LaSalle area, uses a public health approach to prevent violent crime.
- Several clean energy investments including $3 million toward building the CMPD Northwest station, the city’s first all-electric zero energy building; and purchasing the city’s first electric refuse and semi-truck.
- Support for Corridors of Opportunity with a $5 million investment to implement community playbooks, continue resident and business engagement, and develop partnerships.
City Council is required to adopt a city budget by June 30.
You can catch all budget meetings on the city’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page.
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Advantage, Charlotte
The Western & Southern Open, a top professional tennis tournament, is considering a new home. Charlotte, among other cities, is on the shortlist of potential locations.
Earlier this month, tournament organizers presented a relocation proposal to economic development committees from the city and Mecklenburg County. The plan would bring a $400 million campus to the River District — a facility that would house four major stadium courts, including a 15,000-seat center court.
The tournament is estimated to bring roughly 305,000 attendees and $275 million in economic impact to Charlotte annually. The facility would also serve as a venue for collegiate and other amateur tennis tournaments, concerts, and festivals.
Tournament organizers are asking for one-third of the total project costs from the state, county, and city to cover development and relocation costs. Staff estimates the city’s contribution to be between $60 and $70 million.
Contributions from the city would come from its hospitality and tourism funds, which can only be used for the creation or maintenance of cultural and sports facilities like the Discovery Place and Spectrum Arena.
City staff is working with tournament organizers to finalize the details of the deal and hopes to bring the proposal to City Council for a vote this summer.
Read more about the proposal on city's website and share your feedback at the bottom of the story.
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In focus: Charlotte Fire
(Photo credit: Charlotte Knights/Laura Wolff) On May 21, The Charlotte Knights held an on-field ceremony to recognize members of the Charlotte Fire Department for their heroic efforts to control a 5-alarm fire in South Charlotte just days before. Fire Chief Reggie Johnson (pictured) threw the ceremonial first pitch before the game. The city is thankful to have among its ranks brave men and women who risk their lives daily to keep Charlotte safe. The heroic efforts of nearly 100 Charlotte firefighters saved the lives of 15 people. Sadly, two individuals lost their lives in the fire. The city offers its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of Demonte Sherrill and Ruben Holmes during this unimaginable time.
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Council Committee Vets Eastland Yards Development Proposals
“I would rather be slow and right, than fast and wrong in terms of selecting what comes next for Eastland Yards.” – Jobs and Economic Development Committee Chair Malcolm Graham
Nearly one year after breaking ground at Eastland Yards, the new development at the site of the former Eastland Mall, the Jobs and Economic Development Committee reviewed the latest proposals for developments.
Originally, Tepper Sports and Entertainment announced it would build a Charlotte FC youth soccer academy and soccer fields on a 29-acre parcel at the site but canceled those plans last summer. On Monday, city staff shared recommendations for new development options.
Here’s a quick recap of the proposals up for consideration:
- Racquet Sports Entertainment District: This development is billed as a venue for amateur sports events for all ages and skill levels. The proposal calls for a facility with 67 racquet courts, including 24 pickleball courts, occupying 23.7 acres of land at the site.
- QC East @ Eastland Yards: This proposal would bring a sports, tech, and entertainment venue to Eastland Yards. Phase one of the complex would include six multi-sport fields, an outdoor amphitheater, and a public event space, named ‘The Hub’, that would focus on professional and amateur esports event, STEM educational opportunities and other events (ex. concerts). Phase two of the project, that would be built if certain milestones are met in phase one, would include a hotel, commercial retail, and office space.
Council will continue to evaluate the short-listed proposals over the next few months, which gives city staff an opportunity to reengage eastside residents. You can watch the next Jobs and Economic Development Committee meeting on June 5 on the city’s YouTube Channel.
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More Stories Worth Your Time
Let us know what you think of this edition.
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