On the 2020 general election ballot, City of Charlotte voters have the opportunity to approve a $197.2 million bond referenda package that will fund construction and revitalization of transportation corridors including streets and sidewalks, more affordable housing, and improvements to neighborhoods in established and emerging high-growth areas. At end end of your ballot, please vote YES β
for all three bonds: $102.7 million for streets, $50 million for housing and $44.5 million for neighborhoods.
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Know Your Ballot Before You Go |
Before you vote, become familiar with your ballot. The city bonds referenda are at the very end of the ballot and are pretty lengthy. The language can be overwhelming and even misleading. Here's why: The ballot language is set by the state statutes and includes the reference "taxes may be levied." But, it's important to note, the city anticipated issuing these bonds and included the debt financing cost to cover them when it set the budget and tax rate. NO property tax increase will be required to pay for these bonds.
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SPOTTED: Bonds Supporters at the Polls π· |
For those who have voted early (in person) already or have been watching our social media channels, you may have been introduced to our vote YES cardboard crew. Our life-size supporters are 'working hard' at the early voting locations to catch voters' eyes and invite them to vote YES for the bonds at the end of the ballot. Each cutout is equipped with a customized QR code that, when scanned, will play a special message from that person.
Keep an eye out for Mayor Lyles and volunteers Kathy, Ryan, Sam, Maggie and LaWanda, and if spotted, please snap a selfie and tag us (#VoteYesForBonds)! And make sure you're following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Over the past week, we've hosted three successful Facebook Live Bonds Discussions, each focusing on a bond topic. If you missed the events, you can access them on our website or by the individual links below:
Friday, October 16
Bonds Discussion: Housing
Speaker Pam Wideman, director of the City of Charlotte's Housing and Neighborhood Services, provided information about how the city uses affordable housing bonds. The event was moderated by John Kindbom, Canopy REALTOR Association President.
Monday, October 19
Bonds Discussion: Streets
Speaker Kieth Cockrell, campaign co-chair and Global Technology & Operations Chief Operating Officer at Bank of America, discussed the $102.7 million streets bond and its importance to the cityβs quality of life and economic vitality. The event was moderated by Tracy Montross, Regional Director of Government Affairs at American Airlines.
Wednesday, October 21
Bonds Discussion: Neighborhood Improvements
Speaker Angela Yochem, campaign co-chair and EVP and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Novant Health, discussed the $44.5 million neighborhoods bond that supports the Corridors of Opportunity and Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Program (CNIP). The event was moderated by Steve Allison, MVA Public Affairs.
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Project Spotlight: Bicycle Facilities π² |
Over the years, bicycles have grown in popularity beyond recreation and sport, as a key mode of transportation for commuters in our city. This may be, in part, due to the Charlotte BIKES plan, which is the city's blueprint focused on making Charlotte a bicycle-friendly community.
Included in the streets bond is $4 million that will go toward expanding the bicycle network in Charlotte with the goal of making bicycling safe, comfortable and convenient for people of all ages, abilities and neighborhoods. Additionally, if approved, $2 million will fund various bikeway and sidewalk projects throughout the Independence Boulevard corridor, furthering connectivity and accessibility for both pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Frequently Asked Question |
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Q: What is the timeframe for constructing the projects and issuing the bonds to pay for them? |
A: Bonds are issued as projects are being constructed in order to minimize the financing costs during the construction period. Some projects are public-private collaborations (such as development of certain housing communities), meaning the timing will largely depend upon the specific project.
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Improving Charlotte, Connecting People.
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