Top Stories for Sept. 18, 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, Sept. 17. 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 Sept. 24 at 2:30 p.m.
1. Transit Tax Resolution Approved: The Board approved a resolution to support legislation to allow Mecklenburg County voters to decide on a 1 cent sales tax to address transportation needs in the county. The preliminary approval means the draft legislation goes to the North Carolina General Assembly for consideration. If approved, the issue could go before the voters next year. Estimates show such a sales tax could generated $345 million in one year, $1.9 billion in five years and $19.4 billion in 30 years for Mecklenburg County’s transportation projects.
2. Excellence in Government: The Board heard a presentation on Mecklenburg County’s recent national recognition for good government. The County received ten 2024 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The County’s Public Information Office was also recognized with eight awards from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO), four Telly Awards for video work, four awards from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), and an award for the new MeckNC.gov website.
3. Kinship Care Month: More than 2.7 million children across the nation live with their grandparents or other relatives in “kinship care,” when their parents can no longer care for them. In North Carolina, 85,000 youth are in kin placements. The Board proclaimed September 2024 as "National Kinship Care Month” in Mecklenburg County. If it is necessary for a child to come into Mecklenburg County's foster care system, the first goal is to work toward reunifying the child with birth or biological family members. Anyone who would like to learn more about foster care or adoption can visit MeckNC.gov/KIDS or call 704-336-KIDS.
4. Seniors Qualify for $150 SNAP Benefits: This Saturday, Sept. 21 only, a special grant will allow seniors to triple their benefits at the Uptown Farmers Market. Mecklenburg County Public Health already has a Double Bucks program which allows senior to double their $50 Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP benefits to $100. But this Saturday, it will be Triple Bucks. The Uptown Farmers Market was one of three locations in the state to receive the partner grant.
5. Mental Health Takes the Stage with Show Series Called This Is My Brave: Public Health’s ReCAST team is gearing up for three compelling shows called This is My Brave to help end the stigma around mental illness, substance abuse and community violence. By sharing their stories of resilience, residents will share hope and shine a light on the struggles that are often hidden. Tickets on sale now.
6. Six Decades of Festival in the Park: This year marks the 60th anniversary of Festival in the Park, bringing the community together through the arts. Co-hosted by the Park and Recreation Department, the festival will take place Sept. 20 – 22, at Freedom Park, 1908 East Blvd. in Charlotte. Since 1964, Festival in the Park has been bringing good music, good art and good times to Mecklenburg County residents and visitors from around the world. Learn more at FestivalInThePark.org.