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Press Release: Community Leaders Call for Independent, Transparent Study Before I-77 South Decision

Community leaders outline clear standards to ensure informed, equitable action before June RFP.

As Charlotte City Council considers potential action related to the I-77 South Express Lanes project, a broad coalition of community leaders, neighborhood representatives, and advocacy organizations is calling for a clear, responsible path forward:

Pause. Study. Engage. Decide.

The coalition is urging City Council to support an independent, comprehensive alternatives analysis prior to the issuance of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Request for Proposals (RFP), currently expected in June.

“We recognize and appreciate that City Council members are actively working to address this issue,” said Shannon Binns, Founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte. “At the same time, it is critical that any analysis undertaken is truly independent, transparent, and designed to answer the fundamental question: is this the right solution for our community?”

The coalition emphasizes that not all studies are created equal, and that the structure, timing, and scope of any analysis will determine whether it meaningfully informs decision-making or simply reinforces existing assumptions.

To ensure credibility and public trust, the coalition outlines the following minimum standards for any analysis:

  • Independence: The study must be conducted by a qualified third party with no financial or institutional ties to the project. It should not be led or shaped by NCDOT or state-funded institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
  • Timeliness: Initial findings should be completed and shared publicly before the RFP is issued, so that decision-makers and the public can consider the results before the project advances further.
  • Evaluation of Meaningful Alternatives: The analysis must examine a full range of options, including multimodal strategies, demand management, safety improvements, and lower-impact solutions—not just variations of the current toll lane proposal.
  • Transparency: All methodologies, assumptions, and findings must be made publicly available in a clear and accessible format.
  • Community Engagement: A robust, inclusive public engagement process must accompany the analysis, with particular focus on communities most directly impacted by the project.
  • Informed Decision-Making: City Council and regional leaders should review the analysis and community input before determining how to proceed.

The coalition emphasizes that any study that does not meet these standards will not fully address community concerns or answer the fundamental question of whether this project is the right solution.

The coalition notes that the I-77 South project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in state history and carries significant implications for neighborhoods, public health, mobility, and long-term growth in Charlotte.

“This is a defining decision for our region,” Binns added. “Taking the time to fully understand our options is not a delay—it’s responsible leadership.”

The coalition expresses its willingness to work collaboratively with City Council to ensure any action taken reflects these principles and leads to a solution that best serves the people and communities of Charlotte.

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About Sustain Charlotte
Sustain Charlotte is a nonprofit organization working to create a more equitable, connected, and healthy community by inspiring responsible growth and transportation choices. Through policy advocacy, public education, and community engagement, Sustain Charlotte works to advance smart land use, expand transportation choices, protect public health, and ensure all residents have access to opportunity.