Will Charlotte get a transit referendum in 2025? WSOC TV [Video]

CHARLOTTE — A top North Carolina Senate Republican and chair of the powerful transportation committee is “optimistic” Charlotte will be able to ask voters for permission to raise the sales tax by a cent in 2025.

Despite the optimism, state Sen. Vickie Sawyer of Mecklenburg and Iredell counties says she can’t guarantee anything.

“It really is 50-50,” Senator Sawyer said. “I just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Since 2020, Charlotte has hoped to raise the sales tax by a penny to fund road and transit expansion. Charlotte City Council needs the state’s permission for a referendum. Charlotte City Council met with Mecklenburg County’s state delegation Monday afternoon.

If approved by voters, the sales tax increase is projected to bring in billions of dollars over 30 years. The money will be evenly split amongst road and rail projects, with the remaining investment in bus service.

Sen. Sawyer praised Charlotte City …