Top Stories for Jan. 28, 2026

1. Building a Budget: The Board of County Commissioners’ annual budget retreat is underway, condensed into two days due to this week’s inclement weather. Board members are meeting Jan. 28 and Jan. 30 where they will receive an update on the County’s financial status, address fiscal policies, and review priorities for the FY2026-2027 budget process. County Manager Mike Bryant is scheduled to present his budget recommendation on May 14, a public hearing will be held on May 21, and the Board will adopt the FY2026-2027 budget on June 3. More information about the budget process is available at Budget.MeckNC.gov.

2. Same Day Measles Immunizations: Public Health reminds parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines, after an additional case of measles has been reported in an unvaccinated child in Mecklenburg County. Public Health has also announced a public exposure notice for people in attendance at events at Sardis Presbyterian School on Jan.17. The MMR vaccine is widely available at healthcare providers and retail pharmacies and is offered at Mecklenburg County immunization clinics.

3. Bridging the Gap: Mecklenburg County is bridging the gap between mental health services and those who need help the most. In partnership with Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center, residents can access up to eight free counseling sessions at either the Valerie C. Woodard or Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Centers. No appointment is required—walk-ins are welcome. Licensed Anuvia counselors are available to provide individuals and families confidential and compassionate mental health support. Counselors can help residents dealing with stress, anxiety, substance use concerns, or a crisis. More than one in five adults experienced mental illness in 2024, including issues such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

4. New Vision on Lasalle Street: Friday is the last day for a community partner to offer new ideas and a new vision for a building in northwest Charlotte. Mecklenburg County is seeking a nonprofit organization interested in serving as a tenant and service-provider in the County-owned building on Lasalle Street near Beatties Ford Road. The facility is in a high-need area, with several schools nearby. The ideal nonprofit will utilize the County-owned facility to provide long-term economic mobility focused programming, including academic and workforce services. They will also work with partners to develop additional service offerings.  

5. It’s a Boat! It’s a Plane! List it Now: Any person or business that owns property such as boats, aircraft or mobile homes, or income-producing property such as equipment, machinery or furniture associated with a business must list the property for tax purposes with the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office by Feb. 2. Individual and business personal property is taxed at the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 property tax rates set by the Board of County Commissioners, the Charlotte City Council, and town boards. Individual personal property is property owned by an individual for personal use. Business personal property is the personal property owned by a business or used by an individual for income purposes. 

6. What Veterans Need: Friday is the final day for veterans, families, and caregivers to offer their insights on what veterans want and need from local service providers. The Mecklenburg County Veteran and Military Community Needs Survey is open through Jan. 30. The goal of the survey is to understand veterans’ needs, improve engagement, and build a clearer picture of the services needed for the county’s military-connected community. The survey can be accessed at Veterans.MeckNC.gov.

7. Fun in the Sun: The days may be chilly now, but residents can look forward to summertime fun with Park and Recreation. Registration will open Feb. 3-5 for 2026 summer camps. Camps fill up fast, so residents should sign up as soon as registration opens for them. A variety of camps are available for kids and teens of all interests: sports, aquatics, outdoor adventures, creativity and arts, technology, and more. Diverse formats, durations and locations also help to make the camp experience accessible and able to fit any family’s needs. 

8. Use, Reuse, Recycle: Mecklenburg County Solid Waste is now accepting plastic bags and wraps as part of its enhanced recycling program. Residents can drop off plastic bags and wraps at a full-service recycling facility or the staffed drop-off center at William R. Davie Park. Plastic bags should never be recycled curbside. If the package stretches when pulled, it is acceptable. Acceptable items include grocery bags, bread and produce bags, ice bags, bubble wrap, and more. Learn more at WipeOutWaste.MeckNC.gov/plastics.