A Conversation With Council Member Malcolm Graham
Public Policy Recap - November 18, 2025
CLT Public Relations recently hosted an informal outlook discussion with Charlotte City Council Member Malcolm Graham at Innovation Barn, a City of Charlotte initiative that supports small businesses working toward a zero-waste future. The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce opened the discussion with introduction before Bryan joined Council Member Graham for a Q&A. The conversation then shifted to an open floor giving attendees the opportunity to ask the council member questions directly. The primary topic of the night centered on Charlotte’s recent decision to implement a one-cent sales tax increase through a county-wide referendum to fund a new transportation plan. This November Mecklenburg County voters results came out with a narrow difference, with 52% for and 48% against the increase.
During the Q&A, Bryan and Council Member Graham began by addressing the “elephant in the city”: how Charlotte should navigate the inevitable mixing of national and local politics. With the city now the 13th largest in the country and continuing to grow, Graham noted issues such as border policy, national economic trends, and federal decisions will all impact Charlotte heavily. While local priorities such as jobs and housing remain critical, Council Member Graham highlighted that national politics can no longer be separate from Charlotte’s long-term planning. Bryan and Graham then discussed how the proposed transportation plan aims to address both immediate infrastructure challenges and future needs, including road improvements, expanded transit option, and support of the rapid population growth. They also spoke about the authority figures that would guide the plan’s implementation. With nearly half of the votes opposing the tax increase, Graham emphasized the importance of transparency, public trust, and community responsiveness. The board must recognize its role as a foundational body. One that sets clear boundaries, provides direction, and remains open to public input and course correction.
During the open-floor portion, the audience asked questions about how the City plans to prioritize transportation investments, ensure accountability within the authority behind the plan, and balance growth with the needs of long-standing neighborhoods. A concern raised among most of the audience was displacement. Should citizens be worried about it, or should small businesses even be worried about it? Council Member Graham addressed the concerns about congestions, funding allocation, and the importance of avoiding displacement. Some other participants also asked about broader community issues like public safety, affordable housing, and food deserts. The discussion was candid and collaborative, it was a constructive space for residents, business leaders, and city officials to come together and discuss perspectives on Charlotte’s future.
Article Written by Emily Scott