Top Stories for Oct. 18, 2023

An early voting sign on a storefront door.

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and from the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The agenda is available here or view the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov. The Board’s Oct. 24 budget and public policy meeting has been canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. 

1. Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: The Board of County Commissioners approved $6,025,000 to fund 17 proposals submitted under Mecklenburg County’s plan to use money from the national opioid settlement. The application process invited proposals from agencies that provide opioid treatment and other related services. The County accepted proposals across five strategies: 

  • Early intervention 
  • Evidence-based addiction treatment 
  • Employment related services 
  • Recovery housing support 
  • Recovery support services 

The County will now develop a contract with each funding partner that allows them to carry out the specific proposal and meet the County’s objectives.

2. Latta Reimagined: The Board heard an update on the plan to reimagine Historic Latta Place. Since 2021, the County has engaged in extensive study and community engagement and developed an interpretive master plan to provide a framework for programming at Latta Place. A key milestone this summer included a ground penetrating radar analysis of the historic property. Next steps include hiring a consultant, design and construction, staffing, more community engagement, and a grand opening in conjunction with Juneteenth 2026.

3. In Support of Israel: The Board adopted a resolution to declare that it stands in solidarity with Israel and the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg Jewish community, as well as residents and employees of the County who have been affected by the Hamas terror attack. The Board strongly condemns the attack and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

4. Your Vote Counts: In-person early voting for the 2023 general election begins Thursday, Oct 19. The Hal Marshall Center Annex, 618 N. College St. in Charlotte, will be open to early voters Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 23-25. On Thursday, Oct. 26, 19 sites across Mecklenburg County will open to voters and be available daily through Nov. 4. All voters—whether voting early or on Election Day, by mail or in person—should be prepared to show acceptable photo ID, such as a driver license. Voters who do not present a photo ID will be allowed to vote using a provisional ballot. Learn more about the 2023 elections at Vote.MeckNC.gov.

5. Protect Yourself and Your Family: Public Health is offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters and flu shots at select clinics. No appointment is necessary at: 

The COVID-19 booster is available at no cost to uninsured or underinsured residents. Residents with private insurance are encouraged to visit their primary care provider or local retail pharmacies to avoid potential cost sharing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.