Kimberly Owens, Charlotte City Council District 6 candidate, answers our questions
Name: Kimberly Owens
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
District 6
Age: 56
Campaign website or social media page: owensforcitycouncil.com
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A. in Political Science with highest distinction, Northwestern University, 1991; B.A. in French Studies with highest distinction, Northwestern University, 1991; J.D. with honors, UNC Chapel Hill, 1994
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
Through CFCR, I defended students in expulsion hearings. With Legal Aid, I filed domestic violence protective orders and led an expungement program. At CREW, I led our first Habitat for Humanity initiative. I mentor students with the Charlotte Legal Diversity Program. I chair RAIN and The Havens. I register voters, campaign, cure ballots and support “GOTV” efforts. I am a graduate of Emerge National Boot Camp, mastering campaign strategy and ethical leadership.
What are the most important issues facing Charlotte, and how would you address them?
Attainable housing: Charlotte is growing rapidly, with approximately 177 new residents per day. To keep up, we must offer a diverse range of housing options. Prioritizing attainable housing for essential workers is crucial, while also ensuring long-time residents can maintain their property values and stay in their homes. As the board chair of RAIN and the Havens, I have gained valuable insights into long-term, holistic solutions to housing instability. Many individuals lacking safe, consistent housing are those who have aged out of foster care, have been alienated by family or suffer from dependence or mental or physical health issues. This reality must guide the council’s decisions. I will leverage my knowledge and experience as a real estate attorney to make Charlotte a place everyone can call home. Charlotte faces a single-family housing shortage, exacerbated by investors buying up inventory and leasing properties at rental rates that exceed mortgage payments. I will work to balance the priorities of investors seeking passive income with the needs of families seeking housing and a path to wealth creation.
Reliable Transportation: Transportation is more than just getting from one place to another; it provides the freedom to live where you want, knowing you can easily reach your destinations. Safe, reliable and effective transportation helps people secure and maintain jobs, ensuring timely arrivals and safe journeys home. It is also essential for health care, enabling people to attend necessary medical appointments. Currently, Charlotte only has one bus line that comes every 15 minutes, while the rest have 25, 30, even 40-minute gaps between buses. This is neither practical nor acceptable for our fast-growing city. That is why I support the transportation referendum to modernize and expand our transportation system to serve more Charlotteans more consistently.
Public Safety: Public safety is vital for any community, ensuring that residents can live, work and raise their families in a secure environment. By fostering collaboration between community members and federal, state and county leadership, we can create a safe and clean home for everyone. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department plays a crucial role in maintaining this safety, but it requires the support and cooperation of the entire community. We need a diligent, professional and well-trained police force, along with funding for mental health services to address both community needs and the trauma police officers experience on the job. I will collaborate with the CMPD to address public safety concerns in Charlotte, so all Charlotteans feel safe in our city.
Upward mobility and growth: While Charlotte has made strides in upward mobility, shedding the 50th out of 50 ranking that shocked our community, much work remains to ensure our economic growth is evenly shared and more inclusive. Cuts to Medicaid and other federal and state measures pose ongoing risks to our progress in bringing those born in poverty up to prosperity. I will work to minimize displacement with smart growth strategies that prioritize the human impact of development. I understand that housing displacement causes a decline in the sense of community which is essential for upward mobility. Making growth inclusive and community-focused is a priority for my approach to our city’s future.
Relationship with Raleigh: The fractured relationship between Charlotte and Raleigh has been caused by one side. From the ever-present threat to take away control of the airport to the most recent takeover of the local Board of Elections, Raleigh lawmakers have often acted in ways that are counter to Charlotte’s interests. While a better relationship with Raleigh and more control over decision-making in Charlotte would be ideal, I will lead with integrity and transparency prioritizing the needs of Charlotte and District 6 over the wants of Raleigh. Charlotte and District 6 voters deserve leaders who fight for them, not those posturing for personal political gain within the Trump administration and press coverage. To advance Charlotte’s interests, we need practical, effective leadership and open channels of communication, not virtue signaling or performative stunts.
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?
Legal minds can differ on litigation and the practicality of settlement. It is hard to determine whether the settlement and payment were appropriate. Based on the limited information disclosed, it does not appear that Chief Jennings had a viable cause of action against the city for the actions of Councilman Bokhari. I need additional information to assess the reputational and financial risk to the city though I am disappointed by the taxpayer money involved in the settlement.
How will you earn public trust in the wake of public controversies that roiled City Council this spring?
Public trust holds us together during uncertainty. Charlotte is facing economic, climate and cultural uncertainty. Government exists to build trust between voters and representatives and among neighbors. Performance politics and stunts should give way to pragmatic solutions to build trust in leadership and each other. I will work to provide transparency, avoid doing business behind closed doors and listen to my constituents before making decisions.
How will you work to improve transparency within city government?
As a council member, I will bring my professional judgment and demeanor to all interactions, both on and off camera. I will listen to differing viewpoints, build consensus and clearly communicate the rationale for my votes to all Charlotteans. As an attorney, I will leverage my legal experience to engage with the city attorney, challenging items deemed too sensitive for public disclosure when necessary. My risk management expertise will guide me in balancing reputational and financial risks with the need for transparency in decision-making.
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?
I plan to vote “yes” on the transportation tax referendum. While an imperfect package, it is a necessary step forward for Charlotte’s transportation needs. I am aware of the potential for construction to displace residents and cause job and housing instability. I will hold the city accountable for using funds set aside for housing displacement and will advocate for minority contractors to be engaged to do the work of building transportation infrastructure. Although the proportion of spending on roads versus rail and buses is not ideal, the funds raised through the sales tax increase are essential. With no state and federal funding on the horizon, this tax increase is the only remaining option.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
I stand apart from factions of the Democratic Party in my support for law enforcement and the value I place on public safety. With two family members on police forces, I respect their safety and the sacrifices they make to protect our communities. Instead of defunding, I advocate for increased funding for mental health services for officers to address the stressors of their daily jobs. I support broader, community-based approaches that build relationships with law enforcement.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I bring a legal degree, extensive experience in real estate and a proven track record of leveraging my business and legal skills for community benefit. Living in south Charlotte for 30 years, I’ve devoted my time to improving our city and opportunities for our children. Unlike my opponent, I am steadfast in my support of our teachers and law enforcement and have never threatened the employment or reputation of an award-winning educator or law enforcement officer serving our community.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
The first in my family to graduate from college, I went on to earn a law degree with honors from UNC Chapel Hill. Since 1994, I clerked for a federal judge and served as an attorney, representing individuals and companies. With thirty years in law firms and a financial services company, I led global legal operations for a subsidiary. Now, I am channeling my passion for public service by running for office, ready to bring my experience and dedication to my community.
