Charlotte Council Takes Action After Protests, Riots

Courtney Francisco,

Charlotte City Council voted Monday to take the first steps to act upon a letter to the community in wake of the police shooting of Keith Scott.

After protests, riots and groups calling for Mayor Jennifer Roberts and Chief Kerr Putney to resign, council came up with solutions. The letter to the community promised: safety, trust and accountability with CMPD, affordable housing and more job opportunities.

“You will be held accountable,” said one resident who spoke.

County Commissioner Vilma Leake confronted council.

“You can do it!” said Leake. “You put in action for low income housing and employee enough policemen that’s ready for the job and have the proper training.”

Charlotte NAACP President Corine Mack spoke to council for the second time since the shooting.

“We are looking for leaders to make concrete decisions particularly around police accountability,” said Mack.

Council responded with how they’ll fulfill promises.

City Council voted to approve the following measures related to those three areas of emphasis:

  • Support recommendations from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) that include:
    • Engaging the Police Foundation of Washington, D.C., to review CMPD policies and procedures, as well as its relationship with the community it serves;
    • Initiatives announced by Chief Kerr Putney on Oct. 5 related to body worn cameras, the Citizen’s Review Board, and officer training; and
    • Review and implement recommendations from the President’s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.
  • Amend the City Council Strategic Policy Objectives to create 5,000 workforce and affordable housing units from five years to three years, and endorse hiring a consultant to develop a Strategic Housing Plan.
  • Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute contracts totaling up to $1 million with workforce development service providers.
  • Acknowledge staff’s efforts to develop and implement new programs and program expansions in the following areas:
    • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Youth Diversion Program;
    • Expedited permitting and review process for affordable housing units;
    • Mayor’s Youth Employment Program;
    • Engage in Community Forums; and
    • Review City policies, procedures and services to help promote economic opportunity throughout the community.
  • Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $1 million from Community Development Block Grant funding ($250,000) and the Fiscal Year 2015 CapitalReserve Fund ($750,000) for the workforce development pilot program.

Mayor Jennifer Roberts responded, “These will not be over night. We know that It took many years for these disparities to really burn themselves into our society.”

To see previous report, click here.