Leadership For Charlotte

Affordability is one of the defining challenges facing Charlotte, and addressing it requires leadership that understands how policy decisions connect across housing, transportation, education, and economic growth. Affordability must be a central consideration in every decision the city makes.

By strengthening public transportation, we reduce household transportation costs and expand access to jobs. By investing in safe, stable communities, we protect neighborhoods and prevent displacement. By supporting education and workforce development, we increase earning power and economic mobility. And by driving inclusive economic growth, we create jobs that allow families to live, work, and thrive in the city they call home. Affordability is not a single policy—it is the outcome of coordinated leadership and long‑term vision.

Transportation is the backbone of opportunity and a critical factor in affordability. Reliable, accessible transportation connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreation while reducing the cost of living.

I supported the one‑cent sales tax and the creation of the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority to strengthen public transit, improve road infrastructure, and expand our regional transportation network. These investments are helping build a more reliable bus system, advance critical road projects, and prepare Charlotte for future transit expansion that supports growth without pricing people out.

Economic growth must create real opportunity for residents while strengthening Charlotte’s long‑term competitiveness. I have focused on job creation, workforce readiness, and business growth, ensuring Charlotte remains a destination for investment while supporting working families.

My leadership has helped advance workforce development initiatives, strengthen corporate recruitment and retention, and expand travel and tourism as key economic drivers. I supported major investments in Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Center, generating over $1 billion in economic impact and supporting frontline workers. I have also championed Charlotte’s long‑term vision for innovation and healthcare advancement through the Pearl Innovation District, helping lay the foundation for future high‑wage job growth.

Public safety requires more than enforcement—it requires coordination, prevention, and accountability. I support a whole‑of‑government approach that brings together law enforcement, code enforcement, economic development, and county services addressing mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.

This coordinated strategy is already producing results in areas such as Beatties Ford Road and the Catherine Simmons community, where multiple departments are working together to improve safety, stabilize neighborhoods, and expand opportunity. I am also actively engaged in Uptown safety and activation efforts, working with public and private partners to strengthen the city’s core and support safe, vibrant public spaces.

Education is the foundation of economic mobility and a strong workforce. While public education is not formally a city responsibility, Charlotte must be an active and engaged partner in ensuring students and families have the support they need to succeed.

I support closer collaboration with Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools, increased support for early childhood education, and stronger partnerships with community colleges and workforce training programs. Aligning education with workforce needs prepares residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow, strengthens our local economy, and expands opportunity across every neighborhood.

I am a consensus builder and bridge builder who believes progress happens when people are brought together around shared goals. I lead with honesty, accountability, and a willingness to tell the truth, even when challenges are difficult.

This approach has produced tangible results at both the state and city level, turning ideas into action through collaboration with residents, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and government agencies. I focus on outcomes—not ideology—and on building durable solutions that strengthen Charlotte today and position the city for long‑term success.