The 1-cent sales tax referendum would impact transportation initiatives across Mecklenburg County. | Photo via City of Charlotte
One year ago, Mecklenburg County approved a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund transportation projects across the Charlotte area. In July, NC Gov. Josh Stein signed the P.A.V.E. Act into law. Now, it’s on the November ballot for voters to decide.
What is the P.A.V.E. Act?
P.A.V.E. stands for Projects for Advancing Vehicle-Infrastructure Enhancements. The bill would allow Mecklenburg County to implement a 1-cent sales tax to fund road improvements, public transportation, and create a 27-member Mecklenburg Public Transit Authority to oversee spending. Read the full law.
CATS’ transportation plan calls for expansions of existing rail lines.
Photo by CLTtoday
The levy would raise Mecklenburg’s sales tax from 7.25% to 8.25%, and it’s projected to generate $19.4 billion over 30 years.
The Johnston building in Uptown will be transformed into The Beckworth, a luxury hotel and dining destination. Built on Hospitality — the team behind Chief’s and Folia — has been selected to lead the four food and beverage spaces within, and Concord Hospitality will manage the 240-room hotel. It’s expected to open in fall 2026.
Opening
NADC Burger, a smashburger concept by professional skateboarder Neen Williams and Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, is opening this Friday, Oct. 25 at The Alley at Latta Arcade. This location will be NADC Burger’s first in the Southeast. We’re excited to try their signature Wagyu burger and house-made secret sauce.
Biz
Digital finance company SoFi is expanding its presence in Charlotte. The company is investing $3 million in Mecklenburg County and will create 225 jobs — an exact location for its expansion is TBA. (WCNC)
Closing
The end of an era. The iconic Bar-B-Que King drive-in will close on Saturday, Nov. 1. Owner Gus Karapanos told WCNC the property has been sold and could become a bank branch. The Charlotte staple has been serving burgers, barbecue, and wings since 1959. (WCNC + The Charlotte Ledger)
Closed
The hits keep on coming. Blaze Pizza closed its South End eatery after nearly ten years slinging personal pies. The only remaining location is in University City, off of North Tryon Street just north of East W.T. Harris Boulevard. (WCNC)
Try This
Tickets are live for the holiday cocktail tasting menu in the Supperland Speakeasy. Starting Thursday, Nov. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 3, enter “Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop” — a four-course “Elf"-themed cocktail tasting experience, taking place on select Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Civic
Let your voice be heard. Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell is hosting a community meeting about Park and Recreation services, amenities, and capital investments. Register to join the conversation tomorrow, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at the indoor pavilion in Veterans Park along Central Avenue.
Sports
Today’s the day. The Charlotte Hornets take the court for their season home opener. Go beyond the paint for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Trending
Not only did Billie Eilish play two sold-out shows at the newly renovated Spectrum Center, she also paid a visit to Oh My Soul in NoDa. Check out what the team had to say about her visit + their new location in Uptown.
Kids
Visiting the most magical place on Earth is getting pricier. Single-day, single-park tickets are rising by 5% at Disney World and 8.7% at Disneyland during peak times. Save a pretty penny and keep the magic by exploring Charlotte’s fun-filled, kid-friendly spots instead. (Variety)
Wellness
Discover the Graston Technique®, a therapeutic method using stainless-steel instruments to identify and treat areas of muscle adhesion. This technique enhances soft tissue mobilization, increases blood flow, and aids in muscle recovery. Learn more.*
Home
Renewal by Andersen is offering 40% off your second window purchase, plus $200 off your entire order. Save energy + increase home value with a free quote today.*
Listen
With fall comes local-favorite festivals + live music (catch us at Aly & AJ on Friday). Luckily, these hearing aids are the world’s first with multi-stream processing, designed to help you engage in conversations effortlessly (even in noisy environments). Explore a no-risk trial.*
Asked
Asked
What show put Bar-B-Que King in the national spotlight?
A. “Somebody Feed Phil” B. “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” C. “Man vs. Food” D. “Best Thing I Ever Ate”
Get ready to take flight during a simulation with a custom plane. | Photo by CLTtoday
Looking for something to do with family and friends? Discovery Place Science recently announced three new exhibitions, taking guests through soaring skies to winter wonderlands, and they’re all included with museum admission.
“Above and Beyond” puts you in the cockpit, showcasing the science of flight and space travel. Open daily through April 19, 2026, our favorite part was attempting to fly in a V-formation with migrating birds.
During your layover, visit “BigPicture: Natural World Photography,” featuring 48 wildlife and landscape photographs captured by artists around the world. On display through May 2, 2026, our favorite image is of the gannets diving for fish.
Starting Nov. 22 and running through the holidays, the museum will welcome visitors to step into an immersive winter wonderland, in a brand-new, in-house exhibition called “Snow Days.”We’re excited for the snowflake projection-covered walls and the up-close look at the aurora borealis.
The Buy
A really good eye shadow and liner set that features three dual-tip pencils, each with plush, creamy pigments. The Buy Editor Emily uses the low-maintenance set to create everything from a precise liner to a soft, smudged eye shadow look.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I used to pass Bar-B-Que King on my way to work for many years but I never stopped for a bite. I love nostalgia and drive-ins so I’ll be making time this week to visit. Any recommendations on what I should order?
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