Who is Vi Lyles, Charlotte’s Democratic incumbent candidate for mayor?

Name: Vi Lyles

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 70

Campaign website: vilyles.com or facebook.com/ViLylesCLT

Email: vi@vilyles.com

Occupation: Mayor

Education: Bachelor’s (Political Science) and Master’s (Public Administration)

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): City Council (At-Large); Mayor

Please list your highlights of civic involvement.

In my over 40 years of public service leadership experience, I have served as Startup Director for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Coalition for Housing; Director of Community Outreach for the DNC Host Committee; have been a city budget analyst, Budget Director, Assistant City Manager, Council Representative, Mayor Pro-Temp, and Mayor; and have guided the development of the city’s affordable housing plan and Mecklenburg County’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Program.

What does the future of policing in Charlotte look like if CMPD can’t recruit enough officers to keep up with the city’s population growth?

I hope to see a change in the way people view policing so that we can attract more candidates, especially minority candidates, who are involved with and trusted by the communities they serve. We are beginning to use other, more proactive methods of policing, with a focus on interrupting violence and providing upward mobility to reduce crime. We are also very aware pay must be competitive, training must be current, and attention and care must be given to mental health.

How will you plan to consult grassroots organizations when determining the use of public funding to address racial disparities in Charlotte?

I have been in contact with grassroots organizations supporting Charlotte’s commitment to equitable growth, engaging avenues like meetings and Charlotte Talk’s recent panel on Equity. Charlotte’s 2040 Plan addresses the need for safe, affordable communities; quality transportation; good jobs and wages, particularly for communities of color; etc. We relied on our grassroots organizations for information and feedback to develop our plans, and rely on them still to help achieve those goals.

Currently, developers are required to build a certain number of parking spots when they put up a new building. Raleigh just got rid of its parking minimums, responding to a growing sentiment that it’s better for the environment, helps housing costs and encourages other forms of transportation. Should Charlotte follow Raleigh and get rid of minimums? *

I would like to see us take this approach with the Unified Development Ordinance, testing minimums along the transit corridors and other City mobility priority areas. We must provide choices for people to live and work without having to spend over 40% of their disposable income on housing and transportation; and, to meet our energy goals, cars must take a back seat (mind the pun) to other transportation options. That is why I am an advocate for Charlotte Strategic Mobility Plan adoption.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

As our city transitions, becoming one of the largest in the United States, I divert from some members of my party concerning changes in our governance. While many of our Democratically elected officials believe there could be a City Council vote for these changes (4-year terms and the elimination of at-large Council seats), I believe any change in our governance structure should be determined by our voters.

What separates you from your opponents?

Lyles did not respond to a question about her general election opponent. Below is her response from the May election.

I would say my experience with what all goes into this job separates me most from my opponents. I have served this city for decades, not just as an elected official, but in finance, planning, administration. . .the ins and outs and everything in between. Not only do I love this city on a personal level, and want it to be a beautiful home for my kids and grandkids, but I have spent my time on the front lines, advocating for it on a professional level. And I hope to continue doing so!

Describe your leadership style and an example of when you showed leadership.

My leadership style is empowering the people of this city so that they can help me improve this city. I want the people of Charlotte to tell me when they are in need; to hold me accountable; to advocate for Charlotte as fiercely as I believe I do. I am proud of the work I have put in toward affordable housing, but one of my biggest points of pride was when you, the people, voted to put 50 million toward affordable housing (and then matched it)! That’s the city I am proud to be mayor of.

This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.