Top Stories for Aug. 7, 2025
Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m.
1. Roads, Rail, and Buses: Following a public hearing, the Board of County Commissioners approved a countywide referendum for the Nov. 4 ballot, asking voters if they are “for” or “against” an additional 1% sales tax. If approved by voters, the tax-generated revenue would be dedicated to transportation projects, such as roads, rail, and buses. It would also create a new transit authority comprising members of the community. The Board’s action comes after the July 1 enactment of N.C. House Bill 948—aka the PAVE Act—which permits the local referendum.
2. New Era, New Leadership: County Manager Mike Bryant announced to the Board that he has appointed new deputy county managers to lead two key service areas of government. Michelle L. Attreed will join as deputy county manager for financial services. She joins from Prince William County, Virginia, where she worked for 30 years, most recently serving as acting deputy county executive for government operations, performance, and innovation. Dr. Kimm Campbell will join as deputy county manager for the combined Health and Human Services (HHS) agency. She has more than 30 years of experience in state and local government, as well as nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the deputy county administrator of Broward County, Florida. Dr. Campbell previously served with Mecklenburg County as director of the Children’s Mental Health System of Care.
3. Celebrating Decades of Pride: The Board proclaimed Aug. 8-17 as Charlotte Pride Week and July 12-19 as Charlotte Black Pride Week. This year is the 25th anniversary of the founding of Charlotte Pride and the 20th anniversary of Charlotte Black Pride. Charlotte-Mecklenburg's first Pride events were held in 1981. During that time, the annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade has grown into one of the largest LGBTQ community events in the southeast, and the largest annual parade in Mecklenburg County, contributing millions of dollars in economic impact. In its FY2026 budget, the Board supported Charlotte Pride with $125,000 for an event sponsorship.
4. Go FAR with Fresh Air Rides: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg region historically sees higher levels of air pollution in the summers, making it an important time to act and protect air quality. Mecklenburg County Air Quality has partnered with Sustain Charlotte, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), and Connect Centralina for Fresh Air Rides, a community-wide challenge that invites residents to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips, thereby reducing area air pollution. Through Aug. 31, residents can log activities such as carpooling, using public transit or electric bikes, or walking for the chance to win prizes. Learn more about joining the challenge on the Fresh Air Rides dashboard.
5. Let’s Hear it For Hummingbirds! Mecklenburg County nature centers will celebrate the hummingbird next week. Join Park and Recreation Aug. 11-17 for a variety of events across the County to learn more about hummingbirds and appreciate their graceful beauty. The nature centers will host hiking, bird walks, gardening tips that encourage hummingbirds to hang out, story time, an art contest, and more. Learn a bit more about the itty, bitty bird at Mecklenburg County’s blog.