The Charlotte region’s population is expected to boom from 2.6 million now to 4.1 million by 2045. | Photo via WCNC
The Queen City is currently ranked as the 20th highest congested metro in the US, with more than 100 people moving to the region every day. That’s why Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, City Councilman Ed Driggs, and local, state, and regional transportation experts recently met at Piper Glen TLC in Ballantyne to discuss the city’s long-term mobility plan to keep pace with the city’s booming need for suitable transportation.
Getting transportation right is mission critical,” said Leigh Altman, Vice Chair and At-Large Commissioner of Mecklenburg County.
South Charlotte Partners recently hosted the Third Transportation Summit at TPC Piper Glen.
Photo by CLTtoday
City Editor Jack, here. I was in the room during South Charlotte Partners’ Regional Transportation Summit 2025. A lot of ground was covered, but here are some of the biggest talking points:
Reconstructing I-77 South
Upgrades are underway for 11 miles of I-77, from Center City to the South Carolina state line
Toll lanes are planned to be implemented
Cost estimates should be available by June, with early projections of $3.2 billion
“True Grit” | 7-9 p.m. | NoDa Brewing Company | Cost of purchase | Saddle up with a brew and watch the 2010 Western remake starring Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld.
Saturday, April 26
Run for Life 5K & 10K| 8-10:30 a.m. | Camp Thunderbird, Lake Wylie, SC | $15+ | Lace up your running shoes for this event benefiting children living with cancer and diabetes.
Spring Scent Brunch| 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Million Dollar Spa | $76+ | Spend the morning crafting your own custom perfume oil and body care products.
Historic Cooking Demonstration | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | President James K. Polk State Historic Site, Pineville | Donations welcome | Step back in time learning culinary skills and home life from the 18th century.
Charlotte Wine + Food Week’s Grand Tasting | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Union at Station West | $150+ | Savor 100+ international wines matched with mouthwatering bites from Charlotte’s culinary artists.
Sunday, April 27
Tunnel to Towers Charlotte Climb | 9 a.m. | 800 S. Mint St. | Prices vary | Join CMPD and retrace the steps of Sept. 11 first responders while honoring fallen local law enforcement officers.
Spring 2025 Mimosa Market| 12-4 p.m. | South Bound | Cost of purchase | Browse from 40+ vendors while enjoying drinks and live music in the heart of South End.
World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby | 6 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $72+ | Join Gatsby for one epic party on the stage when F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece comes to life.
This blockbuster exhibition, created by the Walt Disney Archives, showcases 70 costumes worn by stars like Bette Davis, Glenn Close, and Angelina Jolie, bringing to life beloved characters such as Cinderella, Maleficent, and many more.
This exhibition is on view Saturday, May 3-Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
A six-story mixed-use complex could be coming to Cornelius — about a mile from Lake Norman. The Cashmere Condominiums at 19725 Jetton Rd. would be on average 1,750 sqft, ranging between $800,000 and $1.2 million. A rezoning decision will likely come this June. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Job
Looking for a new chapter? Charlotte Douglas International Airport is hosting a job fair tomorrow, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum. Employers with American Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration are looking to fill full- and part-time jobs. (WCNC)
Opening
Attention, shoppers. A new Publix is opening in East Charlotte at 12925 Albemarle Rd. on Wednesday, May 28. Doors open at 7 a.m. The new store comes after Publix opened in Quail Commons in South Charlotte in March. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Ranked
Optimist Hall snagged No. 8 in USA Today’s 10Best list of food halls in the country, hailed for its space and dining options. Gather GVL in Greenville, SC (hey, GVLtoday), was ranked just one spot ahead of Optimist Hall at No. 7. (WCNC)
Trending
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy visited Bird Pizzeria Wednesday night for his viral “Pizza Review” series. Stay tuned. We’re awaiting Portnoy’s official review.
Fun Fact
North Carolina is the No. 11 most pickleball-obsessed states in America, according to a newly released study by Action Network. The results are based on the number of places to play pickleball, online searches, and Google Trends. New Hampshire came out on top. (WCNC)
Sports
Welcome to Charlotte. The Panthers made their pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Go beyond the war room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts. Plus, CLTtoday will be welcoming the Panthers’ newest player later today at Bank of America Stadium. Keep a close eye on Instagram.
Real Estate
Nature meets convenience at Longview Carolina, a new “agrihood” centered around wellness and outdoor living in Easley, South Carolina. From an organic farm and hiking trails to community gathering spaces with panoramic mountain views, Longview makes healthy living easy. Plus, it’s just five minutes from downtown Easley. Explore the community.*
Runners of all skill levels are encouraged to lace up for The Meck Mile. | Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation
Break out those running shoes. Registration is still open for The Meck Mile — returning for its second year — happening Saturday, May 10 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
Race day details
Psst... use the code “CLTTODAY” to get $10 off registration through Sunday, April 27.
Gates open — 1:30 p.m.
Kids’ races — 2 p.m.
Competitive heats — 3 p.m.
Recreational heats — 6 p.m.
Elite and pro heats — 7 p.m.
Awards ceremony — 8 p.m.
A party for everyone
The Meck Mile welcomes runners of all skill levels. Last year’s age range was from children to 88 years old. Times stretched from 4:05 to an hour. Plus, all kids 13 and under run for free.
All finishers get a medal and a shirt before celebrating in the post-race festival packed with a kids zone, beer garden, live music, and food trucks.
Move over, Coachella. We’re only a week away from Lovin’ Life Music Fest returning to First Ward Park. I’m most excited for my first time seeing Dave Matthews Band live. Let’s hope we’ll get to hear “Crash Into Me” and “Ants Marching.” I can certainly dream!
