Report and FAQs
Why is this increase in the millage in MSD 2 and MSD 3 being sought?
For decades, we have recognized that an essential element of Charlotte’s rise has been our collective focus on developing a strong, vibrant Center City that is the core foundation of our regional economy.
Since the pandemic, downtowns throughout the world have been stress-tested and Charlotte is no exception. Uptown Charlotte faces threats to its vibrancy due to these significant changes in office use fundamentals. We have a community scale challenge that will require a community scale response.
These disruptions are shaping and informing the next chapter for Charlotte Center City. These challenges are unprecedented, perhaps the toughest collection of headwinds in the past four decades and are catalyzing needed adaptations from our Central Business District (CBD) into a more balanced and complete Central Activity District.
Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP) is launching the Uptown Vibrancy Collaborative. We are working with public and private partners to enhance public safety, improve perception, produce weekly programming, and drive economic vitality.
The increase in the millage in MSD’s 2 and 3 will create a sustained funding source to raise service levels.
What team will be doing this work?
Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP) is the organization created specifically to manage the contract for the Uptown and South End districts. CCCP has teams dedicated to programs and events, marketing and communications to address perception, economic development and vitality, public safety, including the Center City Safety Ambassadors. This work will be accomplished through cross-organizational partnerships that have a shared vision and implement collective action. (e.g. Center City Public Safety Working Group which includes Chief Jennings, DA Merriweather, Chief District Court Judge Wiggins, among others)
Why isn’t the private sector stepping up?
The private sector is leading the way with an initial fundraising campaign of more than $2 million dollars and will pay the largest portion of this rate increase due to the value of the properties they own.
Additionally, 15 of our largest employers and greatest supporters of uptown are leading the way with initial funding of more than $2 million dollars. They include:
The private sector is also partnering on initiatives with in-kind contributions on the marketing and communications initiatives and securing their blocks with programming, private security and beautification.
How will this impact me if I own property in the Center City?
MSD’s 2 & 3 do not include single family homes, although some condominium properties are included. Neither South End (MSD 4) nor MSD 1 will see an increase in their millage.
Do you have an example of how much my MSD tax would go up if this millage increase is enacted?
How are you addressing security?
We are addressing public safety a number of ways, including:
Center City Safety Ambassadors - We are working with partners to double the size of the Center City Safety Ambassador Program to address security issues, especially in Uptown.
Increase CMPD Staffing – We are organizing advocacy to support Chief Jennings’ recommendation to increase staffing 100 officers per year for the next five years.
The Center City Public Safety Council – It is comprised of private security personnel in Uptown and South End, commercial property owners and managers, CMPD, the Center City Safety Ambassadors, and CCCP. CCCP facilitates and manages the group which meets bimonthly. This group is primarily focused on security around the commercial buildings and how private security, building owners and manager and CMPD can work together to create a more secure environment for workers, residents and visitors.
The Center City Public Safety Working Group – It is driven by CCCP and the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council (CELC). The purpose is to define and address the real and perceived Uptown public safety challenges by creating and sharing a collective vision for Uptown public safety, forming multi-organizational cross-collaborative efforts, supporting Charlotte’s Central Business District revitalization, maintaining humanity in all interactions, harnessing the power of Public/Private/Partnerships, and elevating Uptown’s appeal to businesses, guests, employees and residents. The group is comprised of the Chief of Police, the DA, the Chief District Court Judge, and leaders in the corporate, non-profit, cultural/sports and hospitality sectors and academia. CCCP facilitates and manages the meetings. One of the initiatives this group is advocating is increasing the number of Central Division officers. Colleen Turner represents Uptown residents as a member of this group.
Is the work limited to Uptown Charlotte?
While this work will be focused on Uptown Charlotte, it is bigger than MSD’s 2 and 3. Uptown Charlotte is the regional core for Charlotte’s sports, entertainment, cultural and restaurant assets. It is where the majority of our office and headquarters are located. It is where our transit system converges and our seat of government is housed.
We can’t lose sight of how critical a thriving Center City, and specifically Uptown, is to the overall success of our Center City, Charlotte and the region. As Uptown goes, so goes Charlotte.
City Council Public Hearing
If you wish the opportunity to offer feedback to City Council, you may attend the budget public hearing on May 12, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
CCCP Questions or feedback
To ask questions, or provide feedback to CCCP, please click here.