Stein, Black Political Caucus endorse Mecklenburg transportation referendum
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- Gov. Josh Stein endorsed a 1% sales tax hike to fund transit in Mecklenburg County.
- The plan includes the Red Line rail buildout and overhaul of Charlotte’s bus system.
- Supporters cite safety, opponents cite regressivity ahead of the Nov. 4 vote.
Gov. Josh Stein and the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg formally endorsed a ballot referendum to increase Mecklenburg County’s sales tax to fund billions in transportation projects this week.
Their endorsements come just over two weeks before early voting begins and as Charlotte reckons with safety concerns on its public transit system after a high-profile stabbing.
“With so many people settling in Mecklenburg County, now is the time to make the critical infrastructure investments to keep the county a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Stein said in a Tuesday statement. “This referendum will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and keep the region moving and thriving.”
The Democratic governor previously spoke positively about the plan when signing into law legislation allowing the referendum.
“These investments would help expand mobility and economic opportunity throughout the county,” he said at the time.
Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt also pledged her support for the plan.
And on Friday, the influential Black Political Caucus announced its endorsement. Chair Jocelyn Jones-Nolley said in a statement the group’s “overwhelming vote of support demonstrates the unity of our members in recognizing the importance of this referendum to Mecklenburg County’s future.”
“We look forward to partnering with the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority and other stakeholders to ensure community concerns are prioritized and addressed, and that the benefits of this investment are shared broadly across all neighborhoods,” she said. “This is about ensuring growth that works for everyone.”
Mecklenburg County voters will decide whether to approve a 1% sales tax increase to fund road, rail and bus projects. Plans include, among other initiatives, the construction of the Red Line commuter rail to the Lake Norman area and an overhaul of the region’s bus system.
The revamped public transit system would be led by a new regional authority.
Supporters say the plan will relieve traffic congestion and improve the region’s infrastructure. Opponents say a sales tax is regressive and question the decision to shorten the long-planned Silver Line light rail from the airport to eastern Mecklenburg County due to funding constraints.
Safety became part of the conversation about the referendum in recent weeks following the killing of Iryna Zarutska on the LYNX Blue Line in South End. Zarutska’s death also attracted national attention and a congressional hearing on crime in Charlotte on Monday.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is leading a multimillion-dollar campaign in favor of the referendum.
CLT Alliance CEO Robert McCutcheon said in a statement Stein’s endorsement “reinforces the urgency of this moment.”
“With the Governor’s support, we are sending a clear message: this referendum is essential for the future of Mecklenburg County, and now is the time to act,” McCutcheon said.
The “Yes For Meck” campaign said in a statement the BPC’s endorsement “adds significant momentum to the referendum campaign.”
Election Day is Nov. 4, and early voting begins Oct. 16.
This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM.
