North Charlotte Today

The City of Charlotte is inviting residents to participate in the planning of the fiscal year 2026 budget. This initiative aims to gather public input on budget priorities and ensure community needs are reflected in the financial plans.

To facilitate this, three engagement events will be held in March. These include a Virtual Lunch and Learn Session on March 4 at noon, an In-person Budget 101 Session on March 18 at 6 p.m., and a Virtual Community Conversation on March 27 at 6 p.m. Additionally, residents can provide feedback through the FY 2026 Budget Survey until April 7 and utilize the Balancing Act simulator. The simulator offers an interactive experience where participants can attempt to balance the city’s budget of over $4 billion.

Marie Harris, interim director of the City of Charlotte Strategy & Budget Department, emphasized the importance of resident involvement: “The city’s budget is more than numbers – it’s a plan that connects people to opportunities, strengthens neighborhoods and enhances quality of life. Every decision impacts daily life, from the roads we travel to the housing and job opportunities residents have access to. That’s why we want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure their voices help shape the future of our community.”

Following these engagement activities, the city manager will present the Proposed FY 2026 Budget on May 5. Residents can follow council workshops and presentations via streaming on various platforms including GOV Channel, YouTube, and the GOV Channel Streaming App.