Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) Holds Inaugural Meeting, Elects Officers
Mecklenburg County hosted on Dec. 18 the historic inaugural meeting of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA).
“Today is an important moment for Mecklenburg County because a commitment is being forged,” said Mark Jerrell, chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. “As we embark on this journey together, let us remember this moment, let it serve as a reminder that when we lead with respect, when we center on people and when we stay anchored in our why, we can build something that truly moves Mecklenburg County forward.”
The 27 trustees’ first order of business was to elect its first-ever officers.
- David Howard, Chair
- Frank Emory, Vice Chair
- Christy Long, Secretary
- Ned Curran, Treasurer
The MPTA was established following the successful passage of a one-cent sales tax referendum in November 2025, which secured funding for a 30-year, $19.4 billion transportation investment plan. As the steward of the transit portion of this plan, known as the 2055 Transit System Plan, the MPTA is charged with expanding and modernizing the region’s transit infrastructure, improving connectivity, and enhancing mobility options for residents and visitors across Mecklenburg County.
A key component of the MPTA’s responsibilities includes assuming governance and oversight of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This transition will unify the region’s transit operations under a single authority with CATS evolving from a department within the City of Charlotte.
“This transition marks a defining chapter for our region’s mobility. As we move from a city department to a dedicated transit authority, our primary mission remains the same: providing a world-class service that our community can rely on every single day,” said newly-elected MPTA Chair David Howard. “Our first priority is, and will always be, the safety of our passengers and staff; we are committed to maintaining a secure environment across the system.
Members of the MPTA represent a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, six surrounding towns, and state-appointed officials. The board’s diverse makeup ensures that a wide range of perspectives, from transit riders and small business owners to experts in law, finance, engineering, and urban planning, are integral to shaping the future of transit in the region.
During its inaugural meeting, the MPTA Board also unanimously approved the adoption of the P.A.V.E. act studies report. For more information about the MPTA, please visit RideMPTA.com.