Who is LaWana Slack Mayfield, Democratic at-large candidate for Charlotte City Council?
Name: LaWana Slack Mayfield
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
Charlotte City Council at-large
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 53
Campaign website: www.votelawanamayfield.com
Occupation:Student/Business Owner
Education: Multiple certifications. Associate of science degree. Soon: associate’s degree in applied science.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held): City Council District 3 and City Council At-Large
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
Member of NC International Minority Coalition, Board member of LGBT+ Mecklenburg County Democrats, numerous previous local, state and national leadership roles
The future of Eastland Yards still hangs in the balance, with two options on the table — an indoor sports complex and one that would include a soccer academy, esports hub and amphitheater. Which do you support, and why?
The “Indoor Sports Complex” because this is the project numerous eastside residents have supported through emails, surveys and in-person discussions.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
I do not have a minimum or maximum dollar amount in mind. However, I do not agree with allocating funding that exceeds the current hospitality and tourism dollars available or expending the total current funds which will create challenges for future financial support to other projects.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
Yes, on a national level I do not agree with what the party leadership has done to delay funding to Black farmers. On a local level, I have disagreed quite often with my local party colleagues decision to approve almost ALL projects that have come before City Council. I believe it is a privilege to do business in Charlotte and a lot of recent decisions have removed the community involvement in project developments and this has created a city that has quickly become unaffordable for residents.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
Along with creating job fairs such as the Annual District 3 Airport Job Fair: the City/County formerly incarcerated job fair and the Youth Job Fair in partnership with Charlotte Premium Outlets, the City “TLCbyCLT” Housing Rehab program, advocating for Black-owned businesses to have business along the “Corridors of Opportunity” off Tuckaseegee/Freedom Dr. I believe my goals of creating opportunities for ALL residents not just the wealth along with my goal of Transparency set me apart.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
All of the job fairs I created for local residents. Leading the re-alignment of the Charlotte Business Inclusion team to have a direct report in the manager’s office to promote “Small Business Development.” Expanding two of the city’s Business Advisory Boards to include representation of the LGBTQ+ business community. Adding funding to “The Males Place,” which focuses on education/leadership of young Black men and staying true to my “grassroots” value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access.
This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
