Who is Kendrick Cunningham, Democratic Charlotte City Council District 2 candidate?
Kendrick Cunningham
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 26
Campaign website: kendrickcunningham.com
Email: info@kendrickcunningham.com
Occupation: Political Strategist
Education: B.A. in Political Science from Saint Augustine’s University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Student Trustee of Saint Augustine’s University
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Third Vice Chair of the Twelfth Congressional District (2017 - 2018)Ignite NC Fellow (2018)Break the Supermajority and Nix All Six Organizer (2018)Campaign Manager for Monty Witherspoon for CMS School Board At-Large (2019)NC Democratic Party State Executive Committee Member (2019 - Present)Rock the Vote State Coordinator (2020)2020 DNC Organizing Corps MemberDNC Presidential Fellow (2020)UNA-USA Emerging Leader (2021)NC Stakeholder of the White House Political Team (2021 - Present)
Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?
Yes, parking decks in Uptown Charlotte are not an essential use of development for uptown life. In 2020, parking decks made up for approximately 20,060,000 square feet. Parking decks add to construction costs which are often passed onto tenants, making it harder to offer affordable units and other essential uses. I envision Uptown Charlotte being an even more vibrant, walkable epicenter that is easily accessible through all forms of transportation.
Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.
I support the use of public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums, if community benefits are derived out of the deal being put forth (i.e. assisting with the completion of transportation projects that contribute to the connectivity of private sports facilities or stadiums). I agree with David Tepper that collaborative discussion regarding this use of public money should be fostered with and between the Charlotte community, PSL owners and TS&E.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
I believe in the 2020 Democratic Party Platform.
What separates you from your primary opponents?
I offer an alternative form of governance that works directly and collaboratively with community leaders to meet the most pressing needs of Northwest Charlotte communities.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
One professional accomplishment I am really proud of is working to successfully agenda set an anti-source of income discrimination policy on the City Council agenda.