Top Stories for March 6, 2025
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 Wednesday, March 5. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next budget and public policy meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
1. Social Work: Compassion + Action The Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring March as Social Work Month in Mecklenburg County. The theme for 2025 is “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” Hundreds of social workers hold positions across Mecklenburg County departments and are dedicated to helping individuals and families in the community through service delivery, research, education, and advocacy. They are on the frontlines, strengthening families and the community through a safety-net of services, collaborations, and hope. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work profession is projected to grow 7 percent between now and 2033—faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Meck Pre-K: Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year at MECK Pre-K, a free, high-quality pre-K program for all four-year-olds in Mecklenburg County, available at no cost to families. MECK Pre-K is administered by Smart-Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County. It addresses the Board’s education priority, which promotes early childhood development and education from ages birth to five. Since its launch in 2018, MECK Pre-K has helped thousands of children build strong foundations for their educational journey. For more information, and to apply online, residents can visit MECKPreK.org.
3. Art for Everyone: The Board received its annual report from the Public Art Commission and the Arts and Science Council (ASC). A 2002 Mecklenburg County art ordinance calls for 1% of eligible capital improvement funds be spent on public art. In that time, the Public Art Commission and ASC have overseen 203 projects. Of those projects, 89 belong to Mecklenburg County with an investment of more than $7.7 million and 49 North Carolina artists commissioned. The report shared details on 10 projects that are underway, including at Discovery Place, the new Main Library, Latta Place, and more. Projects completed for the County include works at Torrence Creek Tributary and Druid Hills Park, plus storm water flood markers at Mallard Creek Greenway.
4. Logistics Leader in Mecklenburg: Odyssey Logistics, a leader in logistics and technology solutions, has relocated its global headquarters to Mecklenburg County, creating more than 80 new jobs in southwest Charlotte. Odyssey Logistics offers multimodal logistics services, including intermodal, rail, ground transportation, warehousing, LTL and LCL consolidation, managed services, and consulting. Jobs at the 23,000-square-foot headquarters include executive leadership, information technology, human resources, procurement, finance, sales and marketing. The project is a collaborative effort among Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
5. Weather Aware: This is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mecklenburg County and North Carolina, with local leaders encouraging residents to stay informed on flood risks and to be prepared for an emergency. In addition to the frequent weather threats, unprecedented hurricanes like Helene and Debby produced flooding across the area in 2024. While such events are occurring more frequently, there are actions residents can take to stay informed and ready. That includes having an emergency kit and signing up for CharMeck alerts.
6. Recycling the Sunshine: Mecklenburg County is now accepting solar panels as part of its enhanced recycling program. Residents and businesses can drop off up to 10 panels at Compost Central on Valleydale Drive in Charlotte. Any resident or business with more than 10 panels is asked to contact Solid Waste to arrange for recycling. This new effort diverts solar panels, which typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, from landfills. Solar panels contain many recyclable components, including glass—which makes up the majority of the panel— as well as aluminum and copper wires.