Council confirms Charlotte appointees to new transit authority amid debate over scoring and representation

Charlotte City Council on Nov. 24 confirmed several city nominees to the newly formed Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority, moving forward on appointments that will help implement projects funded under the PAVE Act.

Councilmember Mitchell, who chaired the selection committee, described a nearly month‑long process that screened 145 applicants and interviewed 26 candidates before recommending a slate for council consideration. Council discussion during the meeting lauded the committee’s work, thanked staff for logistical support, and highlighted the need for orientation materials and prompt appointment letters for confirmed members.

At the same time, several councilmembers raised concerns about the transparency and role of interview scoring. Councilmember Mayfield explained the selection committee used a 0–45 scoring rubric based on five questions and noted that final decisions at the dais sometimes included candidates with varying scores; she urged future processes to make scoring and criteria clearer to applicants. Other members asked that staff provide orientation packets so that new appointees are ready to engage quickly on the studies the PAVE Act requires.

Councilmembers also emphasized that the MPTA will face an accelerated timeline: studies funded for PAVE Act implementation must be completed and delivered to the authority and legislature under statutory deadlines. Council members asked staff to prepare materials and begin orienting the appointees promptly.

Council confirmed the nominees by raise of hands and voice vote; the clerk recorded counts for the record.