Harrington highlights civic and nonprofit experience, frames affordable housing as top challenge

Robert Harrington, one of five candidates for interim mayor, told the council that while he has not served as an elected executive he brings governance experience from nonprofit and bar association roles.

"I've had good experience working with city and county and library…working with private sector," Harrington said, adding that he does not plan to run beyond the interim term.

Harrington called affordable housing "the biggest issue" facing Charlotte, linking it to inclusion and the November bond referendum for housing funding. He urged immediate engagement on the referendum and said public safety remains essential to any progress.

On internal council operations, Harrington emphasized trust and use of committee structures, arguing that consistent procedures and clear committee responsibilities help preserve trust and make meetings productive. He proposed quarterly or 90‑day check‑ins to keep direct reports (city manager, clerk, attorney) on a predictable evaluation calendar.

Harrington said he would proactively engage intergovernmental partners — county, state and congressional delegations — to advance city priorities, and he framed the interim role as an opportunity to provide stable leadership for 18 months.