Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are moving forward—and the P.A.V.E. Act is one of the biggest steps we’ve taken to support that momentum. This new law allows the county to consider a 1-cent sales tax dedicated to funding transportation. If approved by voters, it could generate more than $25 billion over the next 30 years to improve how we move, how we grow, and how we stay connected.

This isn’t just about building more roads or adding another bus route. It’s about thinking long-term and creating a community where more people have better access to opportunity—whether that’s getting to work, reaching school, or building a business.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance said it best—they’re proud of the collaboration that got us here, and they’re committed to helping push this vision forward. So are we.

The P.A.V.E. Act has strong support from leaders across the region, including folks like Mayor Vi Lyles, County Commission Chair Mark Jerrell, Vice Chair Leigh Altman, Councilmember Ed Driggs, and many others who understand how critical this moment is. We also owe a lot to lawmakers like Rep. Tricia Cotham, Rep. Becky Carney, and Senators Dave Craven, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer for helping move this forward in Raleigh.

So what does all this mean for University City?

It means better roads and intersections. It means sidewalks where people need them, safer crosswalks, and lighting in places that have been overlooked. It means more reliable bus service—with more frequent pickups and actual bus shelters, not just signs stuck in the grass. It also means on-demand micro-transit that connects neighborhoods to office parks, the Blue Line, retail centers, and more.

This investment would also help keep people in place. Nearly $44 million is dedicated to anti-displacement and wealth-building programs, including $25 million focused on helping people become homeowners. That’s real support that makes a real difference.

And here’s something important to remember—about 30% of the sales tax would be paid by visitors. And it doesn’t apply to groceries, medicine, or utilities. For most people, it would amount to about $20 a month. That’s a fair trade when we’re talking about reshaping the future of an entire county.

It also means jobs. From small business contracts to city transit positions, the P.A.V.E. Act will create thousands of opportunities. Local companies like My Little Helper—a woman- and minority-owned business—are already helping deliver micro-transit and benefiting from this new model. That’s exactly the kind of success story we want to see more of.

For this to move forward, Mecklenburg County Commissioners must first decide to put the referendum on the ballot. That’s the next step. Then it will be up to all of us—residents, voters, community leaders—to step up and get involved.

We all have a role to play. Talk to your neighbors. Share what you’ve learned. Write your commissioners. Attend a meeting. Make sure the people around you understand what this means and how it could improve their daily lives.

University City is full of potential. With smart investment in transportation, we can connect people to that potential—and make our community safer, stronger, and more inclusive.

Let’s keep moving forward.

-Keith Stanley, President & CEO