Charlotte’s new mayor talks affordable housing, public safety and 77 traffic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – WCCB is learning more about the vision for Charlotte’s future through the eyes of its new mayor Rob Harrington. Harrington was chosen by council to complete the remainder of Vi Lyles’ term. He’s a partner practicing business law at a local firm.

“It’s a time in my career when I’m able to devote the attention to it and bring skills that you develop over time. And maybe more importantly, knowledge of Charlotte and the Charlotte region,” Charlotte Mayor Robert Harrington said.

Data shows 150 people move to Charlotte daily. Housing costs are rising faster than wages which makes it difficult to find affordable housing. The city has invested more than $230 million dollars into the Housing Trust Fund.

“I think we just have to continue to work together with various stakeholders, lean on the trust fund, lean on other opportunities as they come along to make sure that this is a welcoming place for Charlotteans who’ve been here for a long time as it is for folks who are coming,” Mayor Harrington said.

Some Charlotteans aren’t feeling safe especially in the Center City. Mayor Harrington says he’s been meeting with Chief Patterson about working together to make Charlotte the safest big city in the country.

“The stats year-over-year from the past year are positive. We’ve got to make sure people feel that and so public safety has to be a top priority in any city,” Mayor Harrington said.

Charlotte residents spoke out against a plan to expand toll lanes on 77 South to ease congestion. A transportation board nixed the controversial idea, but now 77 traffic continues and Mayor Harrington could be a part of the solution.

“What we’ve got to do is have a process, a citywide process that’s inclusive and allows people to get information, get solid information, and be able to share their thoughts,” Mayor Harrington said. “If we can run a process that satisfies the community in that way, we’re going to come to an outcome that’s best for the community.”

Some recent council meetings have been more than four hours long which makes citizen engagement tough. Mayor Harrington says he’s already starting the work for smoother meetings. Harrington says he has already been meeting one-on-one with city council members to establish trust and better communication.

“It’s a complicated city. There are a lot of issues out there, but that’s a real, like I said throughout the process, that’s a real priority,” Mayor Harrington said. “We will see how the first few meetings go, but I think efficient meetings is my goal.”

City council meetings will resume in August.