Mecklenburg Co. voters pass sales tax increase for transit improvements

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Voters in Mecklenburg County have passed a one-cent sales tax increase to fund transportation improvements over 30 years. 

Beginning July 1, 2026, the sales tax will increase from 7.25% to 8.25%, which the city of Charlotte estimates will be about $19 more a month per household. 

The tax will fund the 2055 Transit System Plan, according to Charlotte Area Transit interim CEO Brent Cagle, which includes rail construction, road improvements, and better bus and microtransit service. 

“It increases frequency, reliability, security and options accessibility throughout transit, so it’s really a holistic plan to address mobility needs,” Cagle said. 

Charlotte estimates the increased tax revenue will generate $19.4 billion over 30 years. Forty percent will go to rail projects, another 40% to roads, and 20% to buses and microtransit service.

The plan includes a new commuter rail connecting Uptown to North Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, expanded streetcar and light rail with access to the airport. 

Officials say it will improve traffic flow on roads and add more bike lanes, sidewalks and traffic signals to communities. Buses will also have expanded service hours and come to the busiest stops more often and microtransit will be expanded across the county.

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