Mecklenburg County commissioners approve creating new, larger authority alongside proposed transit expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The new, bigger authority that would operate a potentially expanded transit system in Mecklenburg County was approved by county commissioners Tuesday night. 

The Board voted 8-1 to create the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority, which would take the place of the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Susan Rodriguez-McDowell opposed. Its creation is contingent upon the passage of the 1-cent transit tax referendum in November. 

The authority will have 27 members appointed from communities in Mecklenburg County — including Matthews — and from state leaders. The city of Charlotte gets to appoint 12 members, three of whom must represent business interests in the county, and one of whom must have experience operating a small business. The other towns will have one appointment each 

Two members will be appointed by the N.C. General Assembly, one with the recommendation of the Senate Pro Tempore and the other by the governor. 

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Rodriguez-McDowell expressed concerns about the size of the board, noting it was larger than New York City’s. The MTC has 14 members, though five are non-voting.

“The composition of the transit authority board was the product of a lot of negotiation between us – the towns, the city, and the county, and we tried to get a composition that would get a lot of different voices in the community,” said Commissioner Leigh Altman. “We want this authority to know how to bring in small businesses in this community to see how they benefit.” 

Residents interested in serving on the MPTA can submit an application between Sept. 17 and Oct. 13. County commissioners previously approved the placement of the countywide referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot following the enactment of the PAVE Act, which would fund improvements to county rail, bus, and roadways. 

County Board Chair Mark Jarrell said that given how rapidly the Charlotte area is growing, they cannot delay taking any steps to bolster its infrastructure. 

“Where do you think we’re going to be in 2040 and 2050? Waiting is not an option,” he said. “There are legitimate concerns. We don’t have to be afraid of that or run from that. What we have now is an opportunity, and what are we going to do with the opportunity? Are we going to squander it or are we make the most of it? I choose to make the most of it. I choose to go to work.”