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Ballantyne’s Complete Guide to Your Representatives

Ever wondered who exactly represents your voice at the city, county, state, or federal levels? Wonder no more, Ballantyne. We’ve got your comprehensive who’s-who, packed with bios, contacts, and some fun tidbits. Bookmark this—it’s all you’ll ever need.

City vs. County Representation: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to local governance, city and county representatives each have distinct roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictions. For residents of Ballantyne, which sits within both the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, this difference is especially important.

City Representation (Charlotte City Council)

Charlotte operates under a council-manager form of government. This means the city is governed by elected officials—namely, the Mayor and City Council—who set policies, enact ordinances, and manage budgets. The council hires a professional City Manager who oversees daily city operations.

Key Functions of City Representatives:

  • Zoning and land use decisions: Determining how land within city limits is developed and regulated.
  • Local ordinances: Passing laws specifically affecting city residents—noise ordinances, parking regulations, and business licensing.
  • Infrastructure: Maintaining streets, sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, water services, and public transportation.
  • Public safety: Managing city police and fire departments, including budgeting and strategic oversight.
  • Economic Development: Initiating and approving development projects and incentives within city limits.

County Representation (Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners)

County government covers a broader geographical area, encompassing multiple cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. Mecklenburg County operates with a Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), which sets county policy, allocates the county budget, and oversees county-wide services.

Key Functions of County Representatives:

  • Public health: Operating county health departments, hospitals, and related public health initiatives.
  • Social services: Providing support such as child welfare programs, public assistance, and elder care.
  • Education: Allocating funding to public schools, community colleges, and libraries within the county.
  • Parks & Recreation: Managing regional parks, greenways, and recreational programs accessible to all county residents.
  • Property taxes: Setting and collecting property tax rates to fund county services.

Understanding these differences ensures residents know who to approach for specific concerns:

  • City issues: potholes, zoning disputes, street lighting, policing concerns → City Representative (Ed Driggs)
  • County issues: school funding, public health services, parks, property taxes → County Representative (Susan Rodriguez-McDowell)

City-Level Representation

City Council – Ed Driggs (District 7)

Ed Driggs, representing District 7 since 2013, brings financial expertise from his Wall Street days straight into city governance. Whether it’s advocating for smart growth or improved infrastructure, Driggs emphasizes fiscal responsibility.

  • Contact: Email Ed Driggs | 704-432-7077
  • Address: 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202

County Representation

Mecklenburg County Commissioner – Susan Rodriguez-McDowell (District 6)

Commissioner Rodriguez-McDowell passionately champions environmental sustainability, public health, and equitable growth. Serving District 6 since 2018, her thoughtful approach has made a genuine impact countywide.

State-Level Representation

NC House – Laura Budd (District 103)

Laura Budd, a thoughtful leader, has focused her legislative efforts on education reform and healthcare accessibility. Since stepping into the role, she’s been an active voice for south Charlotte residents.

  • Contact: Email Laura Budd | 919-733-5800
  • Address: Room 1015, 16 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601

NC Senate – Woodson Bradley (District 42)

Representing the diverse communities of District 42, Senator Bradley brings her own Ballantyne roots into play, driving policies that focus on economic empowerment, education, and transportation.

  • Contact: Email Woodson Bradley | 919-715-8331
  • Address: Room 518, 300 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603

Federal Representation

U.S. House – Tim Moore (NC 14th District)

Congressman Tim Moore transitioned from a pivotal role in state politics to become a key advocate for North Carolina’s 14th District, prioritizing federal policy on infrastructure and regional economic growth.

  • Contact: Website | 202-225-5634
  • Address: 1424 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515

U.S. Senators

Thom Tillis

  • Contact: Website | 202-224-6342
  • Local Office: 10150 Mallard Creek Rd, Suite 508, Charlotte, NC 28262 | 704-509-9087

Ted Budd

  • Contact: Website | 202-224-3154
  • Local Office: 333 Fayetteville St, Suite 1504, Raleigh, NC 27601 | 984-349-5061

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—Nell Thomas ☕️

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© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne
This article, “Ballantyne’s Complete Guide to Your Representatives (June 2025),” by Nell Thomas, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.