Accelerator for America Action supports successful transit and infrastructure ballot measure in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County
Local voters continue to show their willingness to invest in key community priorities. Residents in Mecklenburg County, N.C., home to the City of Charlotte, voted yesterday to support greater investment in transit and infrastructure in their community, approving a ballot measure that will generate $19.4 billion over the next 30 years. Accelerator for America Action (AFAA) worked closely with the Yes for Meck leadership and coalition to secure this victory for Charlotte-Mecklenburg County residents.
The measure passed with a vote of 52.1% to 47.9%. The funds will pay for new rail lines, expanded bus service and bus rapid transit lines, and improved pedestrian, bike, and road infrastructure.
"Last night, the voters chose to make this city more accessible and allow us to thrive. We are grateful to our voters, regional leaders, and countless advocates who made this possible. I also want to express my gratitude to Accelerator for America Action whose strategic support and national expertise helped guide this measure to victory. I look forward to working with all our partners to implement this transformational investment to connect our community to homes, jobs and generate economic opportunity for everyone in our community," said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.
“Thank you, Mecklenburg County, for engaging in this important vote and for placing your trust in the vision of a stronger, more connected region. Now, we begin the work of building a transportation system that connects every corner of our community. Let’s go!” the Yes for Meck coalition said in a statement.
Listen to AFAA’s conversation with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Robert McCutcheon, President and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and Matthew Panik representing the Yes for Meck campaign as we dive into what made the campaign a success.
Denver voters also showed their support for the city’s public infrastructure last night. The Vibrant Denver bond measure received overwhelming approval, allowing the city of Denver to access up to $950 million in bonds to fund various infrastructure projects, including up to $441 million on traffic signal replacement, roadway improvements, safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, and repair and reconstruction of outdated bridges. Ballot issue 2A, which AFAA engaged with the Vibrant Denver campaign on, was approved 61.3% to 38.7%. Four other issues within the bond package were also approved by voters, funding a range of city services, housing, and infrastructure projects.
“We believe that Denverites wanted to be called to invest in our future, that they believed in a city where you could walk five minutes to a beautiful park and your kids can always have access to a world-class rec center. You know that there is housing that is affordable, that there are streets that are safe, and there are bridges that get you where you need to go. All those things exist in one Vibrant Denver,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.
“Voters in Mecklenburg County and Denver both made a bold commitment to better transportation and higher quality of life by saying yes to measures that will drive new investment in infrastructure in their communities. Accelerator for America Action was proud to advise Mecklenburg regional leadership and the Yes for Meck coalition on their path to victory. AFAA was also pleased to engage with the Vibrant Denver campaign as they secured a major investment in their growing community,” said Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, President and CEO of AFAA.
Also of note, Columbus, OH voters continued their strong support to invest in the city’s infrastructure systems by approving a $1.9 billion bond package. In 2024, Columbus’ successful LinkUS campaign received support from AFA Action and will generate $8 billion in new revenue to develop the city’s first dedicated bus-rapid transit corridors and other key transportation projects.