Top Stories for Feb. 14, 2024

Aerial view of the Siemens Energy manufacturing facility in Mecklenburg County

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’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. The agenda is available online. View the meeting at Watch.MeckNC.gov.

1. Powering Up on Jobs: Siemens Energy has selected Mecklenburg County for its advanced manufacturing facility to produce large power transformers. Siemens Energy, one of the world's leading energy technology companies, will invest $149,859,000 and bring 475 new jobs to Charlotte. With an energy hub already located in Charlotte, Siemens Energy is expanding its operations to include an advanced manufacturing facility that will be used to produce large power transformers.  

2. Now Hiring: Mecklenburg County is helping residents climb the career ladder in the construction, maintenance and facility management, and advanced manufacturing industries. The Office of Economic Development will host a Career Expo on Feb. 21 to connect job seekers with field, indoor facility, and office positions at local companies in these industries. While employment opportunities are increasing, Mecklenburg County is working to assist job seekers who still struggle to access employment with a sustainable living wage.

3. Keeping Kids on the Right Path: Mecklenburg County and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council are looking for community partners to help keep kids out of trouble and on the right path. More than $2 million in funding is available for organizations and nonprofits that serve youth at-risk or delinquent youth. Applications and proposals are now being accepted from organizations that help youth who are involved in the justice system or at risk of getting involved. 

4. We Didn’t Start the Fire... or Did We? January to April is fire season in Mecklenburg County. But sometimes Park and Recreation sets fires on purpose. Experts plan carefully for a “prescribed burn,” conducted under specific weather conditions at select nature preserves. Prescribed fire reduces invasive species, helps native seeds germinate, and returns nutrients to the soil. Planned fire also reduces fuel so unplanned fires don’t burn out of control. Learn more about prescribed burns.

5. Can’t Read ‘Em? Recycle ‘Em: Reading might be fundamental, but recycling is forever. Any books lying around the house—hardback or paperback—that are not suitable for donation, are out of date, or are damaged can be brought to a Mecklenburg County Recycling Center. Donors are asked to remove any plastic inserts or compact discs. Then drop the books directly into the special collection boxes at our centers. No plastic bags please. Learn more at WipeOutWaste.MeckNC.gov.