Transparency Week-Day 3: Citizen Oversight for a Fair Charlotte

As Brendan K. Maginnis, Democratic candidate for Mayor of Charlotte, I’m committed to restoring trust in our city government for all 890,000 residents. On Day 3 of Transparency Week, I’m introducing the Charlotte Accountability Commission, a cornerstone of my plan to address the trust erosion caused by controversies like the $300,000 Johnny Jennings settlement and the $650M Bank of America Stadium renovation decision (Charlotte Observer, 2024). Inspired by Oakland, California’s Police Commission, this independent body will empower residents to oversee major city decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability. Join the conversation at #TransparencyWeek @maginnisformayor #TrustCharlotte #CharlotteMayor2025

Recent events have shaken public confidence. The $300,000 Jennings settlement, shrouded in secrecy with interim City Attorney Anthony Fox claiming public discussion would be a crime (WFAE, May 2025), and the $650M stadium deal, criticized for prioritizing corporate interests over community needs, highlight the need for reform. Council Member Victoria Watlington, in a May 29, 2025, email, called for external investigations, citing a “brazen disregard for the law” in the Jennings case (WFAE, June 2025). My Accountability Commission answers her call by providing independent oversight, free from City Hall’s influence.

Modeled after Oakland’s 2016 Police Commission, which oversees police policies and misconduct, the Charlotte Accountability Commission will include diverse community members—youth, minority groups, and business leaders—with subpoena power to review major decisions, such as police settlements and large contracts like the stadium deal. Annual public reports and hearings will ensure transparency, addressing criticisms from leaders like Tariq Bokhari about opaque processes (WCNC, May 2025). By investing $750,000 in 2026 (0.08% of the $944M 2025 budget), the commission will investigate deals, prevent secrecy, and rebuild trust.This initiative, paired with my Transparency Pledge to disclose lobbyist meetings, ensures residents have a voice. Visit www.maginnisformayor.org to support the commission and share what issues it should tackle first.

Together, we’ll create a Charlotte where accountability is not just promised but delivered. #TransparencyMatter