government
I-77 Toll Lane Fight Returns, and Mecklenburg Has a Vote
The I-77 toll lanes the regional board killed in May are up for a revival vote on September 23, under a state budget with a $64 million penalty attached.
Nell Thomas·Jul 16, 2026
Topic
Local
Charlotte City Council, Mecklenburg County and other local government news that reaches Ballantyne.
government
CATS Changes Hands July 1: What Ballantyne Should Know
Starting July 1, a new regional authority takes over Charlotte's buses and trains, and the one-cent tax that funds them. Here is the short version for the Ballantyne area, with the full account at…
Nell Thomas·Jun 29, 2026
government
Charlotte Council Ties 5-5 on Data Center Moratorium Hearing
Charlotte City Council deadlocked 5-5 Monday night on whether to schedule a public hearing on a temporary data center moratorium. Mayor Vi Lyles broke the tie, voting no.
Jack Beckett·Apr 28, 2026
government
This Week in the Mercury: Transit Tax, Races, Zoning Fights
A quick, smart tour of what The Charlotte Mercury published this week, from the transit tax and district races to zoning fights and ABC holiday hours, with what it means in Ballantyne.
Nell Thomas·Aug 24, 2025
government
Ballantyne Week: Mortgages, Health Scores, a Sheriff Race
Miss a headline? From mortgage wins to a sheriff showdown, here's every Ballantyne story we served between June 30 and July 7, plus a cool nod to local HVAC heroes.
Nell Thomas·Jul 7, 2025
government
Mecklenburg County Jobs and Volunteer Gigs for Ballantyne
Mecklenburg County jobs Ballantyne residents can actually snag, nurse supervisors, park rangers, lifeguards, and more, plus the volunteer gigs that turn neighbors into local legends.
Nell Thomas·Jul 3, 2025
government
Mecklenburg Sheriff 2026: McFadden Faces Robbins and Nance
Incumbent Garry McFadden confronts CMPD sergeant Ricky Robbins and former jailer Antwain Nance as Panthers stars, staff turmoil, and leaked slurs reshape the 2026 Mecklenburg sheriff landscape.
Nell Thomas·Jul 2, 2025
government
Grants Pass at One: How Charlotte's Homeless Policy Shifted
One year after Grants Pass v. Johnson, Charlotte advocates say arrests are rising, services are stalling, and the Cicero Institute's model bills prioritize housing-first defense.
Nell Thomas·Jun 28, 2025
government
Charlotte Council, June 23: ADA Pride Day, Street Vending
From an ADA Pride Day proclamation to a fiery debate over street vending, here's everything that happened at Charlotte City Council's June 23 meeting, plus what it means for Ballantyne residents
Nell Thomas·Jun 24, 2025
government
Charlotte Planning Committee Adopts 14 Community Area Plans
Charlotte's Planning Committee okays 14 community area plans after a spirited gas-station debate, now the real work (and coffee) begins.
Nell Thomas·Jun 19, 2025
government
Councilwoman Tiawana Brown's Indictment Roils Charlotte
Councilwoman Tiawana Brown is facing federal charges tied to COVID relief fraud. Lavish spending and a refusal to resign have left District 3 residents asking, "What now?"
Nell Thomas·May 22, 2025
government
Edwin Peacock Gets District 6 Seat on Mayor's Tiebreaker
Edwin Peacock won Charlotte's District 6 seat after a 5-5 council tie and one decisive mayoral vote. No one else even showed up.
Jack Beckett·May 19, 2025
government
Charlotte FY2026 Budget Hearing: The $25-an-Hour Question
Testimony turns into theatre as Charlotte residents, teens, and councilmembers square off in a budget battle that's part sermon, part spreadsheet, and all politics.
Nell Thomas·May 14, 2025
government
Charlotte's 2040 Community Area Plans Run Into Reality
Charlotte's 2040 community area plans aim to fix the past and forecast the future. But critics say they're still coloring outside the lines.
Nell Thomas·May 13, 2025
government
Charlotte Paid Ex-City Attorney Patrick Baker Over $230,000
Charlotte paid ex-City Attorney Patrick Baker over $230K after his quiet exit. Records suggest he was fired, without cause.
Nell Thomas·May 1, 2025
government
Hidden Valley Residents Push Back in Charlotte Zoning Fight
Residents fight rezoning in Hidden Valley, UDO faces harsh criticism, and economic growth sparks debate. Charlotte zoning tensions are at a boiling point. 🌆🏠 #BallantyneNews
Jack Beckett·Jan 23, 2025
government
Charlotte's $64K Munich Trip Led to $15M in Investments
Charlotte City Council's $64K Germany trip led to $15M in investments and 85 new jobs. Let's break down why it was a smart move for the city. 💼✈️
Jack Beckett·Jan 20, 2025