Charlotte City Council members submit their picks for interim mayor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte City Council is narrowing down who will be the next mayor out of 69 qualified applicants. Councilmembers will submit three names and the city clerk will make a list of the top five applicants to move on to the next round.

“Whoever ends up floating to the top, I expect that they’re going to have the ability to lead among leaders and to be able to bring a group together and coalesce around the end,” City Councilmember at-large Victoria Watlington said.

In Monday’s meeting, council heard from 32 applicants. Parts of the meeting turned into a disorganized discussion about the replacement process. The mayor is responsible for leading the meetings in a parliamentary style.

“I think we do need to find a leader who can run meetings effectively, who can facilitate meetings effectively, and who can actually make sure every voice is heard,” Dimple Ajmera, Charlotte City Council at-large said.

The current list of applicants includes current and former elected officials. Some applicants have no public office experience, but they have served in leadership roles.

“I’m looking for do you have leadership ability? Have you been able to actually build something? Do you make thoughtful decisions that are appealing to a variety of stakeholder groups?,” Councilmember Watlington said.

Although council is often divided on other matters, Councilwoman Ajmera says she thinks one applicant will get the six votes needed to become the interim mayor.

“There are candidates that have support across the party line that have support from council members that might differ on various policy issues,” Councilmember Ajmera said.

The names of the top five applicants will be released Wednesday. The applicants who make it to the final round will be back at the government center Thursday at noon for interviews. The meeting will be open to the public.

The person chosen as interim mayor will fulfill the remainder of Mayor Vi Lyles term which ends in December of 2027. Mayor Lyles says she’s leaving the job early to spend time with her grandchildren.