CM Kimberly Owens Town Hall - June 2, 2026

The City of Charlotte held a town hall meeting on June 2, 2026, led by City Council member Kimberly Owens representing District 6. The meeting focused on community issues including affordable housing, youth employment, workforce development, and transportation. Key procurement-related discussions included the city's down payment assistance program "House Charlotte," which offers deferred forgivable loans to support homebuyers within the city, and efforts to increase affordable housing supply, particularly in District 6. The Office of Workforce Development presented their registered apprenticeship programs, which provide paid training and guaranteed jobs across multiple city departments, including partnerships with local schools and community colleges. They highlighted a recent cohort hiring CMS graduates at starting wages of $23.50 per hour plus benefits. The Department of Transportation discussed investments funded by the PAVE Act, including expanding bike lanes, greenways, and shared mobility programs featuring e-bikes and e-scooters to improve transportation options and connectivity. The meeting also addressed challenges such as childcare affordability and the need for better outreach to youth about employment programs. While no specific contract awards or RFPs were announced, the discussion emphasized ongoing and planned investments in housing, workforce development, and transportation infrastructure to support economic opportunity and livability in Charlotte.