Transparency Week-Day 4: Your Voice in Charlotte’s Budget

As Brendan K. Maginnis, Democratic candidate for Mayor of Charlotte, I’m committed to empowering our 890,000 residents to shape our city’s future. On Day 4 of Transparency Week, I’m unveiling my $5M participatory budgeting pilot, inspired by Greensboro’s successful model, to let YOU decide how public funds are spent. With trust eroded by the $300,000 Johnny Jennings settlement and $650M Bank of America Stadium renovation decision (Charlotte Observer, 2024), this initiative, funded from our $943M 2026 budget, ensures transparency and accountability. Join us at #TransparencyWeek on @maginnisformayor (@maginnis4mayor on X) to share your ideas! #TrustCharlotte #CharlotteMayor2025

Greensboro, North Carolina, pioneered participatory budgeting in the Southeast, allocating $500,000 annually since 2014 for residents to propose and vote on projects like park upgrades and community centers. Over 3,000 residents voted in 2023, with volunteers and city staff dedicating 2,000+ hours to ensure inclusivity (Greensboro News & Record, 2023). Charlotte’s $5M pilot, representing 0.53% of the 2026 budget, will mirror this success. Residents will propose projects—parks, housing, safety initiatives—and vote to allocate funds, prioritizing underserved neighborhoods like West Charlotte and Beatties Ford Corridor. Community workshops, hosted at libraries and local centers, will educate residents on the budget process and gather input, addressing Victoria Watlington’s call for accountability amid a “brazen disregard for the law” (WFAE, June 2025).(https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/budget-evaluation/participatory-budgeting/project-updates)

This pilot responds to criticisms from leaders like Tariq Bokhari about opaque financial decisions (WCNC, May 2025) and Braxton Winston’s push for community engagement (Charlotte Observer, 2023). By integrating with an enhanced Open Data Portal, offering real-time $943.5M budget data, residents can track spending and ensure transparency. Unlike the $650M stadium deal, which sidelined community needs, this pilot puts YOU in control. Visit www.maginnisformayor.org to submit project ideas and support our Transparency Pledge.

What would you fund with $5M?

Share at #TransparencyMatters and join us to build a Charlotte where every voice shapes our budget!