Mitchell urges new model for I‑77 talks, makes public safety and committee empowerment top priorities

Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell, a candidate for interim mayor, told the Charlotte City Council in his interview that resolving congestion along I‑77 requires a new model of engagement and clearer explanations of design tradeoffs.

"We never explained…to the neighbors what could be the benefits of that community allocation," Mitchell said, saying the city must put "the right stakeholders in the room" and reestablish a different dialogue with NCDOT to rebuild credibility over how the design and benefits are communicated.

Mitchell also framed public safety as the city’s immediate priority. He pointed to budget proposals that include a 10 percent pay increase and said filling around 320 open public safety positions should be a focus for the next 18 months. "Public safety has to be a number one priority for the next 18 months," he said.

On council operations, Mitchell advocated one‑on‑one meetings with colleagues, stronger committee authority and more predictable scheduling so the dais and staff can do policy work outside of regular meetings. "Having one‑on‑one meetings with council members on a monthly basis allows that dialog…a culture of collaboration," he said.

Asked whether he could maintain outside employment while serving, Mitchell said he has held two jobs since 1999 and intends to continue working in business development while prioritizing mayoral duties during the interim period.

Mitchell closed by citing leadership training and long service on council as preparation for the transition role, and said his aim would be to leave the mayor’s office and the council better organized for the next elected mayor.