Top Stories for Dec. 3, 2025

A view of the Charlotte skyline on a sunny day. The photo was taken on Aug. 17, 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 Dec. 2. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

1. Roads, Rail, and Buses: Following approval of last month’s referendum, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution levying an additional 1% countywide sales tax to fund transportation projects. The new total 8.5% sales tax will be effective July 1, 2026. Approval of the referendum also activated the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA), which is charged with financing and operating the system. The Board appointed its six of the MPTA’s 27 members:

  • Mike Bryant
  • Julie Eiselt
  • Kenneth Schorr
  • Justin Harlow (Extraterritorial jurisdiction appointee)  
  • Alysia Davis Steadman (Small Business Owner appointee)
  • Clayton Sealey (Rider appointee)

2. Leaders of the Board: Board members held their annual election for Chair and Vice Chair. Chair Mark Jerrell (District 3) and Vice Chair Leigh Altman (At Large) were each re-elected to their leadership positions.

3. Domestic Violence Memorial Tree: Mecklenburg County and its partners will light up the 21st annual Domestic Violence Memorial Tree to commemorate the lives lost this year to domestic violence. The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence has reported 86 domestic violence-related deaths between Jan. 1 and Nov. 26, 2025, in North Carolina. Out of these, six were residents of Mecklenburg County. A ribbon will be placed on the ceremonial tree in recognition of each life lost. The lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Valerie C. Woodard Center, 3205 Freedom Drive in Charlotte. 

4. Celebrating Albemarle Park: Mecklenburg County will host a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated Albemarle Park. The park spans approximately 21 acres in east Charlotte. Renovations include new trails, a boardwalk and site furnishings, wayfinding, a playground, fitness equipment, a small picnic shelter and a basketball court. Join us for the ribbon-cutting on Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at 9120 East W.T. Harris Blvd. in Charlotte.

5. Wilson Lobby to Close: Mecklenburg County’s Catherine M. Wilson Center lobby will close to the public on Dec. 31, 2025. The Wilson Center’s lobby has long served as a resource for customers of Economic Services Division—Medicaid applications, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, and other programs. But with the availability of the Ella B. Scarborough and Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Centers, customers have access to those services and much more in a single location. Formerly known as the Wallace H. Kuralt Center, the recently renamed Wilson Center will undergo a renovation for continued use by County staff. 

6. Scout Motors: The Board approved a Business Investment Program grant of up to $12.8 million for Scout Motors, which has announced it will locate its headquarters in Mecklenburg County. Scout Motors, an emerging automotive manufacturer revitalizing a legacy American brand, is expected to employ 1,200 workers in Mecklenburg County by 2030. This represents a capital investment of nearly $207 million. It is one of the largest job creation announcements in Charlotte over the past decade. The Charlotte headquarters will serve as the home base for executive leadership, research and development, finance, IT, sales, marketing and other key corporate functions. 

7. Rocket Jobs: JGA Space & Defense, formerly Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions, will expand its operations in Huntersville beginning in 2026. Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development says the expansion will create approximately 40 new jobs next year with an anticipated investment of more than $25 million in northern Mecklenburg County. JGA is a leading manufacturer of advanced solid rocket motor insulators and nozzle assemblies, including precision machined parts for aerospace, space and defense applications. Torque Capital Group, a private equity firm, acquired Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions in 2025 and rebranded the company to JGA Space & Defense. 

8. World AIDS Day: The Board recognized Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day in Mecklenburg County, recognizing efforts made to end the epidemic, honor those lost to the disease, and stand in support of the more than 7,000 residents in Mecklenburg County living with HIV. Mecklenburg County Public Health and community partners marked World AIDS Day with an event featuring speakers, art, and a vigil in honor of those lost to HIV/AIDS (view photos). Public Health offers free HIV/STI testing, along with information and referrals for PrEP. Visit Health.MeckNC.gov to learn more.   

9. Celebrating Champions: The Board proclaimed Dec. 2 as Johnson C. Smith University 2025 CIAA Champions Day, honoring the Golden Bulls football team on their best season in modern history. The team secured their first conference title since 1969, ending their season with a 10-2 record.