Have a thought about Charlotte’s future? Consider speaking at a City Council meeting. | Photo via CRVA
How does our local government work? Where can I have a say?
Class is in session, Charlotte. Welcome to Charlotte Gov 101, where we break down different aspects of our local government to help you become a 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.
In Charlotte, the mayor and city council members serve for two years and are elected during the municipal elections, held in odd-numbered years. Click here to find your representatives.
City Council meetings are held on Mondays.
Photo via City of Charlotte
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
The Lantern Hotel plans to merge the past and future to create a new community space.
Rendering via The Lantern Hotel
Announced
The historic Andrew Jackson Hotel in Downtown Rock Hill, SC will soon become The Lantern Hotel. The 56-room hotel is expected to open this fall with a restaurant, bar, speakeasy, and event space — an exact opening date is TBA, but reservations are open. (Rock Hill Herald)
Development
Bank of America Stadium is on track to undergo the first phase of its $800 million renovation later this year, which includes improving electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems. The renovations are expected to last through 2030, with fan-facing upgrades coming in 2027. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Coming Soon
PJ’s Coffee, a New Orleans-based brand, will host a grand opening this Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Regent Park Shopping Center, with local owners John-Michael and Megan Johnson at the helm. Expect to order freshly brewed small-batch roasted coffee, iced beverages, pastries, and New Orleans-style beignets.
Legacy
RFK Racing unveiled a tribute to honor late NASCAR racer Greg Biffle’s career with the team. The display features his race car and a tribute to remember his accomplishments off the track. A public remembrance honoring Biffle and his family is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16, at Bojangles Coliseum. (WCNC)
Community
Charlotte city leaders say NoDa is not built to support street vending. The city launched a pilot last September, allowing vendors to operate with permits in three locations, but decided the neighborhood’s sidewalks were too narrow to support the initiative. The pilot program officially ends Sunday, Feb. 15. (WCNC)
Education
Cavalry Christian Academy will close after this school year. The school’s board was looking for a permanent site in South Charlotte, but said it was unable to find one. Parents will need to find new schools for their children by the new year. (WCNC)
Active
Grab your rackets, goggles, and paintbrushes — registration is open for the 2026 Mecklenburg County Senior Games and SilverArts. The Olympic-style competition promotes health and wellness for people 50 and older, and runs from March to May. Events include bowling, cycling, golf, pickleball, visual arts, performing arts, and cheerleading.
Sports
The Charlotte Hornets played their best game of the Charles Lee era this week, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97. How can they keep the momentum? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Plan Ahead
Nearly here: Ice Fest Weekend 2026. Frostivities include spectacular ice sculptures, glimmering garden displays, skating, games, gifts, food, fun, and snow much more. Peek the packed schedule.*
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Biz
Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.
Health
Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
Category
Culture
Survey says...
Thanks for sharing the love. | Graphic by 6AM City
1,116. That’s how many responses we received from readers during our Giving Campaign.
We analyzed all of those responses to learn more about what you enjoy — and want to see more of — in our newsletters. Here’s what you said:
~20-25% of messages expressed that local info + events are our key value. These readers probably love the Events and News Note sections of our newsletter, along with our monthly Plan Ahead.
~10% said that we’re part of their morning routine, and we couldn’t be happier to accompany your morning cup of coffee.
~10% praised our brevity + easy-to-read format, so we’ll be sure to keep this short.
Several people also called out our support of small businesses + our “no-politics” approach. Psst: More formalized small business coverage is coming soon, so be on the lookout.
Still want to contribute to our Giving Campaign? Click the link below.
Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
Do you have any questions about the renovations coming to Bank of America Stadium? I’m getting my questions together for a full breakdown — submit yours so I can get you answers.
}})
