A version of the following article appeared in the September 21, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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Who needs Netflix? Charlotte government brings the drama this week: Votes on I-77, CMS leadership
A lot of action this week at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. (Photo by City Dweller 2 via Wikimedia Commons)
by Tony Mecia
It’s a week of important government meetings, with several high-profile issues set for discussion each night from Monday to Wednesday. Who needs streaming shows when you have government YouTube channels?
Here’s a preview of what’s ahead:
Monday: City Council expected to allow I-77 toll lanes to move forward
What’s up: The Charlotte City Council meets for a revote on the I-77 toll lane project between uptown and the South Carolina line.
Background: In a surprise move, the council voted 6-5 in May to halt the project, which is favored by business boosters but opposed by some activists and residents in neighborhoods close to uptown. The state has threatened tens of millions of dollars in fines unless the vote is reversed, and Gov. Josh Stein’s N.C. Department of Transportation has sweetened the deal by offering up to $300M in “community benefits” for nearby neighborhoods.
Voting dynamics: Although they voted against the toll lanes in May, council members Joi Mayo and Malcolm Graham, who represent parts of the westside, have lately been speaking sympathetically about the toll lane project and seem likely to flip.
Popcorn rating (1-5): 🍿🍿🍿 — should be a packed chamber, impassioned speeches, but the ending seems predictable
How to watch: The I-77 portion of the meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. at the Government Center (preceded by a zoning meeting that starts at 4 p.m.); can watch on YouTube.
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Tuesday: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education expected to switch board chairs, could release Hill investigation highlights
What’s up: The CMS school board meets Tuesday and is scheduled to discuss replacing Stephanie Sneed as chair after allegations surfaced from Superintendent Crystal Hill about contracting and vendors. Several local media outlets have reported that the board could also release information about the two-month investigation into Hill on Tuesday. She was placed on paid leave this summer before being reinstated in August.
Background: Last week, a memo from Hill included allegations that Sneed pushed for payments to a law firm without following CMS procedures and that the firm hired Sneed associate and former CMS contractor Raki McGregor for $30,000 a month, perhaps without the board’s knowledge. Mecklenburg’s district attorney said Friday that he has asked the State Bureau of Investigation to examine the allegations.
Voting dynamics: The CMS board has nine members, so five votes would be needed to replace Sneed as chair. Three members — Monty Witherspoon, Lenora Shipp and Cynthia Stone — have advocated for a new chair. Sneed’s closest allies are thought to be vice chair Gregory “Dee” Rankin and Shamaiye Haynes. Key swing votes would seem to be Liz Monterrey Duvall, Anna London and Charlitta Hatch.
Popcorn rating (1-5): 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 — fresh allegations + slightly uncertain outcome + strong personalities + whiff of financial crimes make this must-see-TV (unless derailed first by closed-door discussions)
How to watch: The meeting starts in the Government Center at 6 p.m. It will be streamed on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education YouTube channel.
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Wednesday: Transportation panel expected to ratify City Council vote and move forward with I-77 tolls
What’s up: The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization meets to revote on the I-77 toll lanes.
Background: The CRTPO has the power to add or remove state road projects. It voted in May to halt the project.
Voting dynamics: Charlotte controls an outsized number of votes on the CRTPO because of its size, so whatever Charlotte decides on Monday is likely to be ratified. In theory, the rest of the panel could outvote Charlotte, but that is almost impossible, making this meeting probably a formality but an important moment.
Popcorn rating (1-5): 🍿 — might draw the highest viewer ratings of any CRTPO meeting ever (though that’s not saying much); little drama expected
How to watch: The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Government Center, Room 267. It is streamed on the CRTPO’s YouTube channel.