Sustain Charlotte’s statement on the NC Senate transportation bill

Sustain Charlotte Applauds Introduction of Bill to Advance Transportation Investment in Mecklenburg County

This morning, a significant milestone was reached with the introduction of Senate Bill 145 in the North Carolina Senate, granting Mecklenburg County the authority to hold a referendum on a one-cent sales tax increase dedicated to transportation investments. Sustain Charlotte wholeheartedly supports this initiative and extends our sincere gratitude to state Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven, and Vickie Sawyer for their leadership in sponsoring this legislation.

Investing in a modern, efficient, and accessible transportation network is vital for Mecklenburg County and serves as a catalyst for economic growth throughout North Carolina. Enhanced public transit, improved infrastructure for walking and biking, and better mobility options will:

• Stimulate economic development by creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods.
• Expand access to essential services by improving connectivity to employment opportunities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other critical needs.
• Enhance quality of life by providing residents with safer streets for walking, biking, driving, and riding public transit.
• Promote environmental sustainability and public health by reducing vehicle emissions, the leading source of air and climate pollution in our region.

Empowering Mecklenburg County voters to decide on this crucial investment paves the way for a more connected, equitable, and healthy region. We urge all of our state leaders to support this legislation, enabling our community to build a transportation system that keeps pace with our skyrocketing population growth, strengthens our economy, and improves the quality of life for everyone who calls our region home.