Top Stories for June 25, 2025

After a nationwide search, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has hired Mike Bryant as the next County manager. Bryant has more than 30 years of public service experience and currently serves as deputy County manager for 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 July 1 at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV.

1. Keeping Cool: With extreme high temperatures and heat indices dominating the weather this week, Public Health recommends that residents take extra precautions against heat-related illness.

  • Limit physical activity outside
  • Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol use
  • Stay cool in shaded areas outside or with fans or air-conditioning inside
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes outside

Mecklenburg County and its partners continue to work together to monitor the weather, offer resources to high-risk groups, and address community needs that may arise due to the extreme heat. 

2. New Manager, New Era: New County Manager Mike Bryant will be sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, June 30. The Board of County Commissioners announced on April 1 that it had hired Bryant to succeed retiring County Manager Dena R. Diorio, effective July 1. Bryant previously served as deputy County manager, responsible for financial services and internal support, and brings more than 30 years of public service experience to the position. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center and can be viewed live at Watch.MeckNC.gov. 

3. HOMES Sweet Home: Mecklenburg County homeowners who are struggling with rising costs of living have an ally in the HOMES program. HOMES, or Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support, returns July 1 to help homeowners with economic assistance grants. Qualifying homeowners in Mecklenburg County may receive grants of up to $650. Homeowners in the Town of Davidson may qualify for an additional grant of up to $534. There is no age requirement to participate in the program, and the home does not have to be paid off. The application period runs through Nov. 21. Visit MeckNC.gov/4HOMES for details.

4. HIV Testing Day: Public Health will recognize National HIV Testing Day on June 27 by providing free testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and information and referrals for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – an HIV prevention medication. There will be free testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) offered at multiple locations throughout the week. Public Health also offers free HIV/STI testing along with information and referrals for PrEP at various clinics, appointments are not needed. For more information, call Mecklenburg County Public Health at 704-432-TEST (8378) or email the Getting to Zero campaign at [email protected].

5. Harnessing the Sunshine: Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg, a new community-based campaign aimed at making solar energy and battery power more affordable and accessible for all, launches today. It aims to make solar energy more affordable through the power of group purchasing and more accessible with predetermined, highly vetted materials, pricing and contractors selected through a competitive bid process. Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg is accepting advance registrations for the campaign. Interested property owners may visit the web page or attend a public launch event on June 25 at 6 p.m.