Namrata Yadav, Charlotte City Council at-large candidate, answers our questions
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Voter Guide 2025: Read answers for Charlotte City Council at-large
10 people, including all four incumbents, are running in the Democratic primary for Charlotte City Council at-large seats. The top four finishers in the primary will advance to the general election. There is no Republican primary. See answers for all candidates in the at-large race.
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To help inform voters in the Sept. 9, 2025, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Namrata Yadav
Email: ny@nyforcharlotte.com
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council? City council at large
Age: 45
Campaign website or social media page: www.nyforcharlotte.com
Occupation: Banking
Education: Masters in Organizational Psychology
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Institute of public trust - charlotte leadership program League of women’s voters civic 101 IMPACT national program for people running for office Emerge boot camp for candidates Lead NC
What are the most important issues facing Charlotte, and how would you address them?
Charlotte is facing a housing crisis, unreliable transit, and widening economic gaps. I’ll push for more affordable housing, invest in better public transit, and expand workforce training to create pathways to high-paying jobs. I’ll also work to restore public trust by promoting transparency and ensuring city decisions are made in the open.
The city of Charlotte provided CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings with more than $305,000 in a deal reached during a private meeting – details of which were not available until news outlets started reporting on the issue. Did the city handle this correctly based on what the public knows about the situation? Why or why not?
No, I don’t believe the city handled this situation correctly based on what the public knows. The deal with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings was approved during a closed-door session, and the details only became public after media investigations — not through proactive disclosure from the city. The structure of the payout also raises red flags, especially since it boosted Chief Jennings’ long-term pension. Residents deserve clear, timely communication and accountability when public funds are used.
How will you earn public trust in the wake of public controversies that roiled City Council this spring?
I’ll earn public trust by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and open communication. That means ensuring major decisions—especially those involving taxpayer dollars—are shared publicly and clearly. I’ll advocate for timely disclosures, stronger ethics standards, and better public engagement so residents feel heard and respected in every step of the city’s decision-making process. Trust is built through action, not just words.
How will you work to improve transparency within city government?
I’ll work to improve transparency by pushing for timely public disclosure of key decisions, strengthening open data tools, and creating clear communication channels between City Council and residents. I’ll support public dashboards that track spending and progress on city initiatives, city council member performance and advocate for community input before major votes. Residents deserve to know how and why decisions are made—transparency builds trust and accountability.
The General Assembly has given Mecklenburg County permission to put a referendum on the ballot to raise the county’s sales tax to fund road, rail and bus projects. Will you vote in favor of the referendum? Why or why not?
Yes, I would vote in favor of the referendum. It gives Mecklenburg County a real opportunity to invest in long-term transportation solutions—better roads, expanded rail, and more frequent, reliable bus service. But passing the referendum is just the first step. I’ll work to ensure strong public oversight and transparent reporting as funds are spent, so that the city stays accountable and residents see the real impact of their investment.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
Yes. I believe transparency and public accountability should always come before political loyalty—regardless of party. For example, I disagreed with how the City handled the settlement with CMPD Chief Jennings. Even if the legal process was followed, the lack of clear communication and public explanation undermined trust. I’ll always prioritize doing what’s right for the people of Charlotte over my own personal beliefs.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to both business-minded solutions and community-centered leadership. I bring real-world experience in workforce development and economic growth, paired with a passion for equity and inclusion. Unlike some opponents, I prioritize transparency, accountability, and building bridges across neighborhoods and sectors to create practical, lasting progress for all Charlotteans. I’m focused on results, not just rhetoric.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of leading a workforce development initiative that connected Charlotte residents, especially from underserved communities, to good-paying jobs and career training. This project not only helped individuals build financial stability but also strengthened our local economy by addressing skill gaps. It showed me firsthand how targeted investment and collaboration can create real opportunity and lasting impact.
This story was originally published August 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
