Latoya Rivers, Huntersville commission candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 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: Latoya Rivers
Age: 44
Campaign website or social media page: www.electlatoyarivers.com
Occupation: Program Integrity Investigator
Education: Masters Degree
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held) Yes, Commissioner for Town of Huntersville
Please list your highlights of civic involvement Habitat For Humanities NROC Committee Co-Founder of Pottstown Heritage Group NC Black Elected Municipal Officials Recipient of the Civility Award , NC League oif Municipalities Huntersville Affordable Housing Committee Alternate Rep Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce
What are the most important issues facing Huntersville today, and how would you address them?
Growth should reflect who we are, not erase it. I support development aligned with the 2040 plan. A plan that protects open space, historic neighborhoods like Pottstown, and ensures infrastructure is in place first. Teachers, first responders, and service professionals deserve housing options in the community they serve. I support public-private partnerships, and zoning that welcomes diverse, attainable housing types.
How would you ensure Huntersville’s growth doesn’t outpace its infrastructure? I’ve consistently pushed for development tied to real infrastructure, not just developer timeliness. I rely on the 2040 Plan as a framework, not a formality. I prioritize traffic studies and work with NCDOT, CATS, and our neighboring towns to ensure we’re addressing growth regionally. I also support walkable design and increased developer accountability.
How would you work to improve traffic and road congestion as Huntersville continues to grow? Advocate for regional transit funding and coordination Push for safer intersections and traffic calming Expand greenways, sidewalks, and crossings near schools and downtown Support mixed use development to reduce car dependence Transportation decisions must be proactive and inclusive. I’ll ensure all neighborhoods have a voice in these discussions.
Do you support implementing a local sales tax to fund transit improvements? Why or why not?
Yes, by supporting a local sales tax would help to generate revenue that would enhance our roads. In the next 30 years $25 billion would be raised. This could be allocated for road improvements, spent on the rail transit and spent on the bus system. It is important that each of our residents are able to have transportation.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
I bring fresh energy, real experience, and deep community roots. I’ve been a strong advocate for voices that are often overlooked, including my own neighborhood of Pottstown. I’ve supported smart development, small business growth, and public safety funding. But most importantly, I lead with heart. You’ll find me in the community listening, engaging, and showing up. I’m not just running in Huntersville, I’m running for Huntersville.
