Sustain Charlotte Statement on Proposed Elimination of Federal Transit Funding

The news released Friday regarding proposed cuts to federal transit funding is deeply troubling and bears serious implications for our region. For Charlotte and the entire region served by the one-cent transportation sales tax, the stakes are high: successful delivery of the 2055 Transit Plan hinges on a robust federal partnership.

Our city and region pledged local support through the sales tax, but we cannot deliver the full envisioned rail network and connected neighborhoods without significant federal grants and program support. As we have repeatedly emphasized, local funding alone cannot bridge the gap for major rail infrastructure, transit expansions, and climate-connected growth.

“This isn’t just about transit lines on a map — it’s about access and opportunity for our families, health equity for our neighborhoods, and climate resilience for our future,” said Shannon Binns, founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte. “If Congress fails to protect federal transit funding, Charlotte’s ability to build the rail network our region approved will be compromised, and the people who will suffer first are those already excluded by decades of disinvestment.”

We urge Congress and our federal partners to reaffirm their commitment to public transit as a vital component of metropolitan growth and equitable mobility. Cutting or limiting federal transit investment will undermine:

• the community-led transit vision voters supported through the sales tax.
• the affordability and accessibility of housing and jobs linked to expanded transit.
• environmental gains from reduced congestion and emissions.
• economic opportunity in neighborhoods that most depend on safe, reliable transit.

Charlotte’s voters made a clear decision to fund expanded transit through the sales tax because we believe in building a more equitable, connected, and healthy community. That local investment must be matched by federal engagement — not reversed.

Sustain Charlotte remains committed to working with city, county, and regional partners — and to advocating with Congress — to ensure the full promise of our transportation plan is delivered for all residents, especially those who have too often been left behind.

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About Sustain Charlotte
Sustain Charlotte is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more equitable, connected, and healthy community by inspiring responsible growth and transportation choices. Through policy advocacy, public education, and cross-sector collaboration, Sustain Charlotte advances smart growth and sustainable transportation to improve the quality of life for all residents.