Will Holley, 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: Will Holley
Email: support@willstheway.org
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council? Charlotte City Council At-Large
Age: 47
Campaign website or social media page: www.willstheway.org
Occupation: CEO of Holley Construction
Education: ITT Technical Institute
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
I have a strong record of civic involvement rooted in service and equity. I serve on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee and as PTA President at Eastway Middle. I founded Ruby’s Boys, a nonprofit supporting youth and families. I’ve held expungement clinics, mentored returning citizens, and hired locally as a small business owner. I speak at forums and youth programs to ensure everyday voices are part of real change.
What are the most important issues facing Charlotte, and how would you address them?
Charlotte is a growing city, but too many residents are being left behind. The most important issues we face are affordable housing, youth mental health and violence, and a lack of trust and transparency in city government. I would address these challenges by advocating for zoning requirements that ensure at least 20% of all new residential developments are designated as affordable housing, so working families aren’t pushed out of the city they help build. I would partner with CMS Board of Education, local schools, mental health providers, and community organizations to expand access to mental health services. We must invest in proactive intervention programs that address mental health needs early, helping reduce youth violence and improve overall community safety. I also support transparency and engagement efforts like real-time budget dashboards and regular town halls. As public servants, we should go to the people and meet them where they are — not the other way around.
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, the city did not handle this correctly. The public was excluded from a major financial decision involving law enforcement. Even if sound, the secrecy around the payout damaged trust. When public dollars are used, people deserve answers. As a City Council member, I’ll ensure decisions like this happen out in the open, with full transparency and respect for taxpayer money. The public should never be left in the dark.
How will you earn public trust in the wake of public controversies that roiled City Council this spring?
Trust isn’t given — it’s earned by showing up. I come from grassroots work, not politics. I’ve built trust as a small business owner, nonprofit founder, and PTA leader by being present. I’ll keep doing that: holding office hours, sending newsletters, and being honest about every vote I take. This seat belongs to the people — I’m just here to serve.
How will you work to improve transparency within city government?
Transparency starts with access and honesty. I’ll hold office hours, send monthly newsletters in plain language—not political buzzwords—and push for meetings at times working families can attend. People shouldn’t have to guess what their leaders are doing. I want folks to know my name because I’m in the community, standing with them. Transparency isn’t just a promise—it’s how I lead.
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 support the transit tax. Too many residents don’t have clear info, and that creates space for misinformation. I want to see more forums and materials that explain the plan. This is about more than transit — it’s about equity and access. It means more frequent service, safer stops, and helping families reach jobs and grocery stores. There’s something in this for everyone, and we need to get behind it.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
I don’t follow any party blindly — I follow what’s right. Both parties have fallen short in supporting re-entry programs. We talk about public safety but ignore second chances. Reducing recidivism starts with real support: jobs, housing, and care. I’ve worked with justice-impacted youth and seen what’s possible. I’ll always fight for redemption, healing, and real opportunity for people trying to rebuild.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I didn’t wait for a title to make change. I’m not your typical politician. I’m a small business owner, a mentor, a man who was told he couldn’t do this — but kept going anyway. I’ve built jobs, launched a nonprofit, and led from the community up. Others talk policy to solve the problems — I’ve lived the problems. I show up for the unheard. I don’t just speak for the people — I come from them.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Serving on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee is my proudest accomplishment. There, I’ve worked on real solutions like connecting residents to services and supporting violence prevention. The CRC gave me a seat at the table, but it also reminded me why I lead — to serve people who often go unheard. That experience strengthened my voice, deepened my purpose, and strengthened my resolve to run for this office. It wasn’t just a title — it was a mission.
This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
