Huge win for Mecklenburg parks and greenways!

Thanks to the more than 2,000 of YOU who signed our petition, sent emails, and attended last night’s meeting, the Mecklenburg County Commission has voted in favor of fully funding all of the remaining Park and Recreation projects that voters approved in 2008!

The Commissioners thanked the dozens of residents who showed up to demonstrate their support for parks and greenways. Resident engagement clearly made a huge impact on the outcome!

Sustain Charlotte and six residents spoke in support of parks and greenways!

We presented each Commissioner with a copy of every comment written on the petition by those who signed it — 47 pages in all! Read them here.

Full funding for all 13 of the remaining 2008 bond projects at an estimated cost of $49 million was secured when Commissioner Jim Puckett’s alternative motion carried by a 5-3 vote.

But we want to give credit where it’s due: There was a motion by Commissioner Dumont Clarke followed by an alternative motion by Commissioner Puckett. Although these motions differed on their approach to the MLS (pro soccer) issue, both motions included full funding for the 2008 parks and greenways bond projects.

Furthermore, every Commissioner* at the meeting voiced support for full funding of the 2008 bond projects. That’s an incredible testament to the power of engaged citizens  — YOU– to speak up, be heard, and make a difference!

This means that all 13 of those projects will have full funding for not only design and planning, but also construction in the current FY2019-2023 Capital Improvements Plan.

Thank you to all of you who added your voice. This couldn’t have happened without you.

Thank you for supporting us. It took a lot of staff time to coordinate this campaign, and your donations allow us to keep doing the sustainability work that we’re so passionate about.

Thank you to our Mecklenburg County Commission for honoring the will of the voters and focusing on their core charge of supporting recreational opportunities in the County.

From red to green

The red dots on this map are parks (or projects in parks) that were unfunded yesterday. The red squiggly lines are greenway projects that were unfunded yesterday. Because you got involved, they’re all funded today.

We look forward to seeing you out enjoying these parks and greenways just a few short years from now!

* Note: Commissioner Vilma Leake was unable to attend this meeting due to surgery.

Thanks for reading!

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