To be an effective citizen, you have to be a knowledgeable one.
How does our local government work? Where can I have a say? Who can I go to if I have a problem? What resources are available to me?
Class is in session, Charlotte. We’re teaching Charlotte Gov 101, where we break down different aspects of our local government to help you become more engaged Charlottean and build healthier (and more effective) communities. First up:
City Council
The Queen City uses a mayor–council system, where the elected City Council — including the mayor — develops policies, enacts laws, and appoints a city manager to oversee daily operations.
City Manager Marcus D. Jones | Serving since December 2016, Jones oversees the city’s daily operations and presents the city’s proposed fiscal year budgets.
How is City Council structured?
The mayor is elected at-large
Four council members are elected at-large
Seven district council members represent CLT’s districts
- District 1 | Danté Anderson
- District 2 | Malcolm Graham
- District 3 | Joi Mayo
- District 4 | Reneé Johnson
- District 5 | JD Mazuera Arias
- District 6 | Kimberly Owens
- District 7 | Edmund H. Driggs
Use this map to find out who represents you.
How long do they serve?
In Charlotte, the mayor and city council members serve for two years and are elected during the municipal elections, held in odd-numbered years. The next election will be in 2027.
How can I get involved in meetings?
Council typically meets every Monday at various times throughout the year at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, either in the council chamber or room 267. The schedule is:
- First Monday: Committee discussions
- Second and fourth Monday: Agenda action meeting, public forum, and votes
- Third Monday: Zoning meetings
If you want to speak about an agenda item:
- Step 1: View the agenda that is posted online on Fridays before the meetings.
- Step 2: Complete this form no later than 1 p.m. on the day of the meeting with your contact info and which agenda item you would like to speak about.
- Step 3: Show up to the meeting and wait to be called upon during public comments — you’ll have three minutes to speak.
Minutes will be posted after the meeting, or you can watch recordings of previous meetings on the City’s YouTube channel.
