Dimple Ajmera, 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 Nov. 4, 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: Dimple Ajmera
Email: Dimple@DimpleAjmera.com
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council? At - Large
Age: 38
Campaign website or social media page: DimpleAjmera.com
Occupation: Accountant
Education: University of Southern California - Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting, Fellowship at Institute of Political Leadership - NC.
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held)
Charlotte City Councilmember, District 5
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Serving four terms as Charlotte City Councilmember At-Large. Chair of the Budget Committee, helping deliver balanced budgets that invest in safety, housing, infrastructure, and services while maintaining the lowest tax rate among NC’s largest cities. Chaired the Equity, Environment & Engagement Committee, leading adoption of the City’s Equity Framework and Strategic Energy Action Plan. Served on the Charlotte Housing Authority Board.
What are the most important issues facing Charlotte, and how would you address them?
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation—and with that growth comes both tremendous opportunities and serious challenges. We must be intentional in how we manage this growth to ensure it benefits everyone, not just a select few. Affordable Housing: Too many families—especially our youth, seniors, and working-class residents—struggle to find safe, affordable housing. As someone whose own family once lived in a motel room, I understand how urgent this issue is. I’ve helped secure over $100 million for our Housing Trust Fund and supported policies that deliver deeply affordable and supportive housing. I’ll continue pushing for solutions that meet people where they are. Public Safety and Community Trust: Growth means we must double down on community safety. I’ve supported proven programs like Alternatives to Violence, expanded mental health crisis response, and worked to address root causes like poverty and housing instability. Transportation and Mobility: I’m a product of public transportation—my family relied on it daily. I’ve supported more bus shelters, sidewalks, and equitable funding for transit infrastructure. Economic Opportunity: Growth must include pathways to opportunity for all residents.
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. Transparency and trust must guide all decisions—especially those involving taxpayer dollars. The deal for Chief Jennings lacked proper public disclosure, which undermines public confidence. That’s why I didn’t support it. I’ll continue advocating for accountability, clear communication, and public input to rebuild trust and ensure financial decisions reflect our community’s values.
How will you earn public trust in the wake of public controversies that roiled City Council this spring?
Earning public trust starts with transparency, accountability, and putting people before politics. I’ve led with those values—like voting against the $650M stadium deal due to lack of transparency. I’ll continue being accessible, listening to residents, and making values-based decisions. Trust isn’t given—it’s earned daily through action and integrity. That’s the leadership I bring and will continue to deliver.
How will you work to improve transparency within city government?
Improving transparency starts with a commitment to open communication, ethical leadership, and meaningful public engagement. I’ve demonstrated that commitment by voting against the $650 million Bank of America Stadium deal due to concerns around lack of transparency. If re-elected, I will continue to push for timely public access to information, expanded community engagement before major decisions are made, and stronger accountability measures across departments.
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 — because I know firsthand how critical public transportation is for working families. As someone who grew up relying on the bus to get to school, work, and the grocery store, I understand the difference a reliable, affordable transit system can make in people’s lives. Investing in roads, rail, and buses isn’t just about moving people — it’s about expanding economic opportunity, reducing traffic congestion, protecting our environment, and connecting all corners of our city equitably. But it’s also vital that this plan be implemented with transparency, accountability, and a focus on the communities who need it most. If we do this right, we can build a system that reflects the needs of today — and the promise of tomorrow.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
Yes — I’ve shown I’m willing to break with my party when transparency, accountability, or public trust are at stake. Leadership means listening to the people you serve and making decisions rooted in values, not politics. Whether asking tough questions in the budget process or pushing for community input on major decisions, I’ve prioritized what’s right over what’s easy. I’ll always put people before politics — even if it means standing alone.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
What separates me is a proven, people-first record rooted in real life — not politics. As a working mother of two young children, I understand the kitchen table issues families face every day. I bring both professional experience and personal perspective to every decision I make. Voters deserve leaders who understand their struggles and have the courage and track record to take action — and that’s what I’ve consistently delivered.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
One accomplishment I’m proud of is chairing the Budget Committee and leading the passage of Charlotte’s $4.2 billion community-focused budget. We invested in affordable housing, raised pay for first responders, expanded mental health services, and funded citywide infrastructure. As someone who once lived in a motel with five family members and relied on public transit, I know the impact when government works — and that guides every decision I make.
This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
