Press Release: Sustain Charlotte Celebrates Governor Stein’s Signing of HB 948

NC Gov. Josh Stein just signed HB 948 into law, giving Charlotte-area residents the opportunity to decide at the ballot whether to fund transportation improvements.

Governor Josh Stein this morning signed House Bill 948 into law, clearing the way for Mecklenburg County voters to decide whether to invest a one-cent local sales tax in a modern, equitable, and sustainable transportation network.

“Today is a game-changer for our region,” said Shannon Binns, Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte. “For years we’ve dreamed of giving residents the chance to fund more frequent buses and trains, safer bike lanes, sidewalks, and safer streets for all. With Governor Stein’s signature, that dream moves from the advocacy stage to the ballot box. When Mecklenburg County prospers with better mobility, every family—no matter their zip code or income—gains access to opportunity, cleaner air, and a higher quality of life.”

HB 948, championed by Representative Tricia Cotham and passed with strong bipartisan margins in both chambers, authorizes county commissioners to place a November referendum before voters. If approved, the one-cent tax could raise hundreds of millions of dollars for transit expansion, Vision Zero safety projects, and other multimodal improvements that cut congestion and curb the region’s largest source of climate pollution—tailpipe emissions.

Sustain Charlotte extends heartfelt thanks to the bill sponsors, the bipartisan majority of legislators who supported the measure, Governor Stein for his swift action, and the many community partners who rallied alongside us to make this moment possible.

What’s next? 

We’ll be working closely with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and other partners to ensure every voter in Mecklenburg understands how this investment will strengthen our economy, improve public health, reduce air and climate pollution, and create a more connected, resilient community.   And show up to the polls in November to vote YES!

How can you help?

1. Tell everyone in your personal and professional network how important this investment is to our future and urge them to join you in voting for it in November. We’ll be sharing talking points, social media posts, and email content to make it easier for you to help us educate others and spread the word. 

Power our work and help us reach more people with this message by making a tax-deductible donation today. 

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