Top Stories for March 20, 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 met on Tuesday, March 19. The meeting’s agenda is available online and can be viewed at MeckTV. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for March 26 at 2:30 p.m.
 

1. Routes and Rails: The Board of County Commissioners received an update from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). The update included a year-in-review and details on the award of a $30 million zero emission grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The presentation also reviewed CATS’s revenues and the FY2025 budget process, plus provided an overview of CATS services and demographics of the ridership. CATS serves more than 14 million riders annually across Mecklenburg County. Learn more at RideTransit.org. 

2. Donating Green Space: The Board has accepted a donation of land that can help form a new greenway in southwest Charlotte. The land is owned by the N.C. Department of Transportation—about one acre just off South Tryon Street—and is a key parcel along the proposed path of the new Sugar Creek Greenway. The donation is consistent with the Board’s Environmental Stewardship priority and Park and Recreation’s greenway master plan, which calls for the addition of parkland, greenway, and open space across the county. Learn more about Mecklenburg County greenways and projects at ParkandRec.MeckNC.gov. 

3. Last Call for Heating Help: Warmer weather doesn’t mean the end of energy bills. Help is available through the Mecklenburg County’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The deadline for eligible households to apply is March 31. Visit MeckNC.gov/ENERGY or call 704-336-3000 to begin the application process for LIEAP and to explore other programs that can help year-round. 

4. 40 Under 40: Two Mecklenburg County leaders have been named to the Charlotte Business Journal’s annual 40 Under 40 list: Dr. Raynard Washington, Public Health director, and Shahid Rana, deputy director of the Office of Economic Development. The “40 Under 40” awards recognize local leaders who will set the agenda in Charlotte-Mecklenburg business and civic life for years to come. Washington joined the County in 2020 and has been Public Health director since 2021. Rana joined in 2020 and was named deputy director of the Office of Economic Development in 2023. 

5. Congrats to Aggie! The Board of County Commissioners approved the “fur-ever” home of K-9 officer Aggie following her retirement from the Sheriff’s Office. Aggie is a white Labrador retriever and has served as an explosives detection dog for nine years. Deputy Daniel Tuomey, her partner since 2020, requested to adopt Aggie upon her retirement, since she has become part of his family and he is familiar with her law enforcement training. Canine officers are not typically adopted out to the general public due to their specialized training. The Board approved the transfer of ownership of Aggie to Deputy Tuomey and Mecklenburg County wishes her a happy retirement.