Top Stories for July 17, 2024
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 Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV.
1. Chair Dunlap Elected to National Leadership Role: Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair George Dunlap has been elected to serve as Second Vice President of the National Association of Counties (NACo). NACo comprises more than 3,000 county governments, working with 3.6 million county employees, and works to advance excellence in public service. Chair Dunlap received 67% of the votes for Second Vice President, which puts him on track to be appointed President of NACo in 2026. His election to the leadership role with NACo will create a greater spotlight for Mecklenburg County in addressing local issues on the national stage.
2. ADA Anniversary: This month marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Mecklenburg County is highlighting accessibility enhancements and providing information on ADA resources and tools. They include a multi-year evaluation of all Park and Recreation programs and facilities to better ensure access, the unveiling of a new ADA-focused MeckNC.gov website, and the addition of interactive public signage at facilities in Mecklenburg County. The ADA was signed into civil rights law on July 26, 1990, and ensures equal access to opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Since the ADA became law, everything from auditory and visual announcements on public transportation to accessible seating at movie theaters has improved experiences for individuals with disabilities.
3. Golden Anniversary: July is Park and Recreation Month across the nation, and this year Mecklenburg County celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Department of Park and Recreation. Park and Recreation’s vision statement addresses many of the Board’s priorities by providing more parkland and open space per capita than the national average, connecting neighborhoods, satisfying public recreation needs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Throughout the month, we are celebrating the people, spaces, and programs that create a sense of belonging. In a special video to honor their 50th anniversary, Park and Rec staff discuss the growth and changes they have seen over the decades. Watch the video >>
4. Druid Hills Makeover: Druid Hills Park is undergoing a large improvement project which includes a restroom/pavilion, public art, and street and sidewalk improvements. Alongside the park project, the Board accepted a $130,000 donation from the Hornets Legacy Project to help renovate the basketball courts. The Hornets Legacy Project is a partnership between the Charlotte Hornets and Lowe’s. Construction is expected to be complete by this fall.
5. Be a Battle Buddy: Many veterans return from their service carrying trauma. That is why Mecklenburg County Veterans Services is taking part in the North Carolina Governor’s Challenge, to prevent and reduce suicide among transitioning service members, veterans, and their families. Veterans in Mecklenburg County and across the state are invited to become a “Battle Buddy,” someone who ensures you are never alone. The N.C. Governor Challenge training is free and open to anyone in the community who wants to grow as an expert companion to service members, veterans, caregivers, and their families. The completion of 500 minutes of training will earn a veteran a Challenge Coin. To learn more and register for the N.C. Governor’s Challenge training, visit Veterans.MeckNC.gov.