Skip to main content

A Turning Point for the Region: Shaping the Future of Transit and Housing

October 6, 2025 was more than just another Charlotte City Council meeting. It was a moment when critical decisions about how we move, live, and grow together began converging.

From the framework for a new regional transit authority to proposed investments in affordable housing across the City, the discussions revealed both the challenges and opportunities ahead — and invited residents in every part of Charlotte to get involved.

Why the MPTA Matters to Everyone in Mecklenburg

The proposed Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) isn’t just a City of Charlotte matter — it’s a countywide governance structure poised to oversee transit across all of Mecklenburg.

Under state law, the MPTA will consist of 27 seats apportioned among:

  • Charlotte — 12 seats 
  • Mecklenburg County — 6 seats 
  • Each of the six towns (Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville) — 1 seat each 
  • State appointments — the NC Senate president pro tem, NC House Speaker, and Governor each get a seat (mecknc.gov) 

All appointees must live in Mecklenburg County to be eligible.

If the November 4 referendum for an additional 1% sales tax dedicated to transportation passes, the MPTA would activate and take over transit responsibilities across the region, including bus, rail, and microtransit systems as well as related infrastructure.

What the October 6 Meeting Revealed

At the October 6 meeting, Charlotte City Council heard from the MPTA Appointments Work Group, which is developing the city’s process for selecting its 12 appointees. But that’s only part of the bigger story.

Key points included:

  • Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in transportation, planning, finance, engineering, economic development, or community engagement. 
  • Eligibility restrictions will bar current elected officials and registered lobbyists (and their immediate family members) from serving. 
  • Interviews will take place October 20–31, with virtual access and evening slots to encourage public participation. 
  • Final city appointments are expected by November 24. 

Throughout the discussion, participants voiced a commitment to transparency, equity, and inclusion. At the same time, some community members have expressed concern that the appointment process could lean too heavily toward business representation rather than the voices of those who rely on public transit every day.

In parallel, Council also reviewed eight new affordable housing proposals through the Housing Trust Fund, spanning rental, homeownership, and supportive housing projects across neighborhoods including Grier Heights and other parts of Mecklenburg County beyond Charlotte. Together, those proposals represent nearly $20 million in new investment — and will go to a full Council vote on October 27.

Urgency: Two Days Left to Apply

The clock is ticking. Monday, October 13 is the final deadline to apply for a seat on the MPTA — whether you live in Charlotte, one of the six towns, or unincorporated Mecklenburg County.

Why act now? Because once the window closes, the applicant pool is set — and the opportunity to influence how regional transit is governed could slip away for years. As local news outlets have reminded readers, the new authority will determine how the region spends billions in transportation funding if voters approve the referendum.

How & Where to Apply

  • City of Charlotte: Submit your application for one of the 12 city seats through Charlotte’s Boards & Commissions website.
     🔗 Apply for a Charlotte seat → 
  • Mecklenburg County: Apply for one of the six county seats through the County’s official MPTA page.
     🔗 Apply for a County seat → 
  • Towns: Each of the six Mecklenburg towns — Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville — will appoint one member. Some towns have begun accepting applications through their local advisory boards.
     Example: Davidson’s MPTA application page → 

What You Can Do Today

  1. Apply before October 13.
    Whether you live in Charlotte, one of the towns, or unincorporated Mecklenburg — you’re eligible to apply for one of the open seats. 
  2. Follow the applicant list.
    See who’s applying for one of the City’s appointments and learn more about the process through the city’s daily updates.
     📄 View the list of applicants → 
  3. Speak up for equity in representation.
    Encourage the inclusion of riders, advocates, and residents who understand firsthand the challenges of relying on our transit system. 
  4. Stay engaged in housing and transportation votes.
     Council will vote on housing investments on October 27 and finalize MPTA appointments in November. Attend or watch online to see local democracy in action. 

Why This Matters for the Whole Region

A more integrated regional transit authority can break down jurisdictional silos and deliver more coordinated investments across Mecklenburg County — from Pineville to Davidson. But ensuring strong voices from across the county, especially from people who depend on transit, will be key to achieving a system that truly serves everyone.

At Sustain Charlotte, we believe these decisions represent more than policy — they represent the infrastructure of fairness, mobility, and opportunity. A thriving, connected, and equitable region depends on giving every resident a seat at the table.

Now is your chance to claim one.

 

Thanks for reading!

As a nonprofit, community support is essential for us to keep doing what we do — including providing free articles like this. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting Sustain Charlotte.

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.