At the bottom of Charlotte ballots this year are three separate yes-or-no bond questions that together would let the city borrow $425 million, according to WFAE.
Housing: $125 million. WFAE reports this would be the largest housing bond in city history. The money goes into the Housing Trust Fund to build and preserve housing for low- and moderate-income households, and includes a new $25 million anti-displacement fund. WBTV reports the city puts the total repayment cost, with interest, at $198 million.
Transportation: $280 million. This covers city projects such as sidewalks, resurfacing, intersection upgrades and road improvements, not interstate work. WFAE lists seven guaranteed projects, including the Eastway Drive and Shamrock Drive intersection and phase two of the Bryant Farms Road extension. Repayment with interest is estimated at $437 million, per WBTV.
Neighborhoods: $20 million. Sidewalks, streetlights, greenways and bike lanes meant to better connect neighborhoods to jobs and shopping. WBTV puts repayment at $31.2 million.
Taxes: The city says the bonds would not require a tax rate increase. The ballot language mentions that property taxes “may be levied,” but it specifies the increase as $0.00, WFAE explains. Each question needs a simple majority.
Who’s for and against: WFAE reports supporters include the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the county Democratic Party and a business-backed Yes For Bonds campaign. There’s no organized opposition, but conservative commentator Andrew Dunn has questioned how well past housing bonds served those most in need, and Action NC is staying neutral on the transportation bond while backing the other two.
Source: WFAE: A breakdown of the bonds on Charlotte ballots this fall · WBTV: Election Day guide: Charlotte’s 3 bond issues, explained
