QUESTION #1 (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT)

Over the past few years, Charlotte has adopted a number of planning and development plans and policies, including the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Going forward, the Charlotte City Council will be responsible for overseeing rezoning efforts and making any necessary amendments to the UDO.

The UDO is informed by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, an important vision that will shape the equitable growth of our city, livability, and our climate resilience. For the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan goals to be realized, city council will need to uphold the requirements in the UDO, approve text amendments that are in line with the 2040 Plan, and deny rezoning requests that allow the rules to be skirted.

Will you honor the work that has been done to create this plan and ordinance? What will you do to ensure consistent implementation of the UDO and adoption of text amendments necessary to keep its implementation aligned with the goals of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #2 (STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN)

In June 2022, City Council adopted the Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) to help realize the vision laid out in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. One of the main tenets of the SMP is a 50-50 mode-share goal to balance mobility choices so residents need not depend on a car for transportation.

In order to fulfill the goals laid out in the SMP, a major, dedicated source of revenue is needed and a countywide “One Cent for Mobility” sales tax has been suggested to reach our mobility goals. However, there has been little visible progress on moving this forward, even as federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill creates time-sensitive opportunities for our area to compete for federal dollars that will require a local match.

Do you support the need to secure a local funding source to realize the goals laid out in the SMP? If so, what will you do as an elected official to move the process forward in a transformational rather than incremental way? If not, what do you propose as an alternative to support mobility for all residents?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #3 (VISION ZERO)

In 2018 Charlotte adopted a Vision Zero goal to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. CDOT staff are working with Vision Zero Task Force members to achieve this goal.

What investments and/or policy changes, including funding for mobility in the CIP, do you believe are most important for Charlotte to fulfill its commitment to Vision Zero and ensure that our streets are safe and well-connected for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, and ride transit?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #4 (ACCESS TO PARKS AND GREENWAYS)

Although building parks and greenways is primarily the responsibility of Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte has partnered with Mecklenburg County to build the Cross Charlotte Trail and also supports access to parks and greenways by providing connectivity for people who bike, walk, and ride transit.

What would you do as an elected official to support residents’ access to outdoor recreational opportunities and greenways as part of the broader transportation network?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #5 (BUS NETWORK)

CATS has undergone significant changes in this past year, which have resulted in reduced frequency of service on several bus routes. However, research shows that public transportation is most effective and successful when service is fast, frequent, and reliable.

What role should Charlotte City Council play in supporting CATS’ goal of increasing frequency on all core bus routes to run every 15 minutes or less and ensuring that CATS has the necessary resources to implement the recommendations identified in the Envision My Ride Bus Priority Study results?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #6 (STRATEGIC ENERGY ACTION PLAN)

Although Charlotte has received much attention for winning Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge status and funding, the Environment Committee has been combined with other interests and its role has been minimized at a time when it should be highly active. Almost five years have already passed since the Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) was passed, and there has been little discourse around progress on the stated 2050 goals.

What actions will you take to ensure the SEAP goals and plan stay on course?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #7 (FOOD SECURITY)

Access to fresh, healthy foods are of particular concern to many of our neighbors, particularly those in food deserts.

In keeping with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s goal of 10-minute neighborhoods, what will you do to ensure that residents have access to public gardens and healthy food in their neighborhood?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

QUESTION #8 (TREE CANOPY)

Charlotte has a goal of building the city’s tree canopy coverage to 50% by 2050, but some now view this as aspirational and unattainable. The tree canopy coverage has actually been declining. As of 2019, the canopy cover is approximately 45%, down from 49% in 2012.

What will you do to help preserve and enhance our tree canopy?

Tiawana Brown (D, District 3):

Brown has not responded.

James Bowers (R, District 3):

Bowers was unreachable.

As a 501(c) 3 organization, we cannot endorse candidates, but we can inform you of where the candidates stand on issues that we think are important.