Top Stories for Feb. 19, 2025

A white heart with the words February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with an ornage background

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 Tuesday, Feb. 18. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m.

1. Keeping History Alive: The Board of County Commissioners received the annual report from the Historic Landmarks Commission. The presentation highlighted eight properties to receive historic designation in 2024:

About 15 additional properties were added to the study list for consideration of historic status, including the Hunters Chapel United Methodist Church, Jenkins-Houston House, Junior League Baby House, and others. The Historic Landmarks Commission has facilitated the designation of more than 370 historic landmarks throughout Mecklenburg County, the most of any county in North Carolina. 

2. Respect That: The Board proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Mecklenburg County. One in three young people in the United States experiences abuse by a dating partner. The proclamation recognizes the experiences of teens in our community, amplifies the message that teens deserve healthy relationships, and highlights resources available. This year’s theme “Respect That” highlights the importance of treating partners with dignity, listening to their viewpoints, respecting their boundaries, and valuing their autonomy by focusing on “respect.” Anyone in need of support for domestic violence or sexual assault can call the 24/7 Greater Charlotte Hope Line at 980-771-HOPE (4673). 

3. Getting to Work: Mecklenburg County is helping residents launch careers in the advanced manufacturing, construction, and facilities maintenance management industries. A Career Expo will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Central Piedmont Community College’s Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Drive in Charlotte. Private sector and workforce development partners from across Mecklenburg County will introduce attendees to career opportunities and interview qualified candidates. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance, but walk-ins will be welcome. The Career Expo is hosted by the County’s Office of Economic Development, Unified Workforce Development, and Charlotte Works. 

4. Hole in One for Black History: Park and Recreation is highlighting Charlotte native Charles Sifford, the first Black person to play full-time on the PGA Tour. The golf course at Revolution Park is named in his honor. Sifford went on to become the first Black golfer admitted to the World Golf Hall of Fame and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. Meanwhile, several opportunities remain to celebrate Black History Month with Mecklenburg County, including trivia, poetry, and movies. 

5. Excellence in Leadership: County Manager Dena R. Diorio received the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. Diorio was noted for her leadership over the years during which Mecklenburg County faced natural disasters, a cyber-attack, and the pandemic. She was praised for her leadership in many initiatives including the Meck Pre-K program, the free, universal preschool program for four-year-olds, finding housing for homeless residents living in encampments, and maintaining the County’s fiscal strength. Diorio is retiring from Mecklenburg County as of July 1, 2025, and the Board of County Commissioners is currently engaged in the search for her successor. 

Watch the Feb. 19 episode of What's Trending Mecklenburg