Business Alliance plans to raise $3M for pro-transit tax push
$25B plan expected to go to voters in November
The following article appeared in the July 21, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Business group hires consultants, and a poll is closer than anticipated, a new report says
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is planning to raise $3M in support of the transit tax referendum expected to be on the November ballot.
According to an article Friday in Business North Carolina that cites unnamed sources, the Alliance has lined up a bipartisan roster of consultants and advisors to push for a “yes” vote on the initiative, including:
Republican political consultant Paul Shumaker, who has “won more U.S. Senate races in North Carolina than any consultant in the state for the last 25 years,” according to his website
Morgan Jackson, an advisor to former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper
Jordan Shaw, a strategy and communications consultant who used to work for Sen. Thom Tillis
Wilhelmenia Rembert, the former Mecklenburg commissioner and school board member
Nepherterra Best of Pride Public Relations
Betty Doster, who retired last month as UNC Charlotte’s special assistant to the chancellor for external relations and partnerships
The November referendum, which is expected to be placed on the Mecklenburg ballot with a vote by county commissioners next month, would increase the sales tax from 7.25% to 8.25% and be a key component of a $25B plan to expand transit and roads. The city has estimated it would cost the typical family $240 more a year in higher sales taxes.
There is no known organized opposition.
A poll by supporters of the tax showed it winning by a margin of about 50%-40%, Business North Carolina said, citing people familiar with the matter — a margin “closer than officials had expected.” —Tony Mecia
➡️ Read the full Business North Carolina article here.
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