Charlotte

Charlotte Members

Membership

Picture of the Charlotte skyline with CLT written across it.

blue

Axios Charlotte Partners

Axios Charlotte

Standard

Charlotte Alerts

Alert

Axios Charlotte gets you smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in your backyard.

Axios Charlotte Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Charlotte Deep Dive

Deep Dive

See inside: $19M Lake Norman estate could set a local record for priciest sale

The 12,000-square-foot, six-bedroom and nine-bathroom home will come fully furnished, including a pontoon boat and two jet skis.

Real Estate

A newly built, fully furnished private island estate in Cornelius will soon hit the market for nearly $19 million — among the priciest listings in the Charlotte region.Why it matters: If it sells near asking, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Lake Norman property" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/20221-Regatta-Island-Dr-Cornelius-NC-28031/6122532_zpid/" data-vars-content-id="3f4d0b77-0950-4a8a-a30c-413ad3949eea" data-vars-headline="See inside: $19M Lake Norman estate could set a local record for priciest sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/20221-Regatta-Island-Dr-Cornelius-NC-28031/6122532_zpid/" target="_blank">the Lake Norman property</a> could challenge local home sale records, which have topped out around $11-12 million in recent years.

Scoop: Davidson farm village with market, restaurants and homes opens next spring

A farm-to-table village with restaurants, homes, commercial space and a farm is coming to Davidson.

News

Summit Farms, a 62-acre farm-to-table village from the team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summit Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/26/something-s-brewing-for-summit" data-vars-content-id="b0fadce3-0e21-43e1-949a-638331359186" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Davidson farm village with market, restaurants and homes opens next spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/26/something-s-brewing-for-summit" target="_self">Summit Coffee</a>, is set to open in spring 2027 in Davidson.Why it matters: Inspired by small European towns, Summit Farms will be a Lake Norman destination, centered on a 10-acre organic farm that will grow produce for the on-site market, deli and wood-fired pizza restaurant.

Sneak peek: The Craic opens in SouthPark

The Irish-themed bar in the former Rusty Bucket space aims to be an all-day destination.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Craic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/06/daily-brunch-and-irish-eats-coming-to-the-craic-in-southpark" data-vars-content-id="7324d6c3-d67a-409d-aff8-495c001bd814" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: The Craic opens in SouthPark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/06/daily-brunch-and-irish-eats-coming-to-the-craic-in-southpark" target="_self">The Craic</a> is now in its soft-opening phase in SouthPark.Why it matters: The Irish-themed bar in the former Rusty Bucket space aims to be an all-day destination, working just as well for brunch, business meetings, dinner and late-night drinks.

How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear

Founder Tylen Butler is building a Charlotte-based brand to connect fencing with lifestyle and culture.

Charlotte native Tylen Butler launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TAB DEPT" data-vars-click-url="https://tabdept.com/" data-vars-content-id="ec53fe6f-185c-4e7a-8ba1-0ebe1cc5c3d1" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tabdept.com/" target="_blank">TAB DEPT</a>, a fencing-inspired apparel brand, in 2024. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Butler" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWEi5uNLMw/" data-vars-content-id="ec53fe6f-185c-4e7a-8ba1-0ebe1cc5c3d1" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWEi5uNLMw/" target="_blank">Butler</a>, an aspiring Olympian, hopes to introduce more people to a sport that is very popular abroad, but isn&#x27;t mainstream in the United States. As a Black fencer, he&#x27;s also working to redefine what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="representation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usafencing.org/news/2025/march/26/miles-of-progress-miles-to-go-usa-fencing-s-ongoing-journey-toward-greater-impact?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="ec53fe6f-185c-4e7a-8ba1-0ebe1cc5c3d1" data-vars-headline="How a Charlotte startup is turning fencing into streetwear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usafencing.org/news/2025/march/26/miles-of-progress-miles-to-go-usa-fencing-s-ongoing-journey-toward-greater-impact?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">representation</a> looks like in the sport.

Primary election results 2026: Sheriff McFadden wins reelection, plus other takeaways

Sheriff McFadden wins the primary despite turmoil.

Mecklenburg County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sheriff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-investigation-primary" data-vars-content-id="fcaf16ab-41a9-4259-a3c9-53df1b5920d5" data-vars-headline="Primary election results 2026: Sheriff McFadden wins reelection, plus other takeaways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-investigation-primary" target="_self">Sheriff</a> Garry McFadden, a Democrat, fended off three challengers in the competitive primary and is set to remain in office, as he advances to the November general election without opposition.Why it matters: McFadden enters his third term during one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="volatile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-investigation-primary" data-vars-content-id="fcaf16ab-41a9-4259-a3c9-53df1b5920d5" data-vars-headline="Primary election results 2026: Sheriff McFadden wins reelection, plus other takeaways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/24/mecklenburg-sheriff-mcfadden-investigation-primary" target="_self">volatile</a> periods of his career. He&#x27;s under state investigation for misconduct allegations, is facing national scrutiny for immigration disputes, and is accused of running a toxic workplace.

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career.

Sheriff <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" data-vars-content-id="6dba2005-00b3-43eb-afb6-f96e33d7a2d2" data-vars-headline="Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-democrat-primary-voter-guide" target="_self">Garry</a> McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration&#x27;s November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Early voting is Feb. 12 through Feb. 28, and Primary Election Day is March 3.

Charlotte-area Democrats and some unaffiliated voters who opt into voting blue will essentially decide many local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="45770166-6a22-4f56-bd09-31cb6e30754e" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">elections</a> in the primaries held over the next few weeks.Why it matters: With so few Republicans running in Mecklenburg County, the nominees for offices like sheriff and most county commission seats will be unopposed in the November general election.

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide

Voters in the Republican primary will only have a few <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decisions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="7cf7306c-b778-490a-95d1-3154b8b2bea1" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">decisions</a> to make, but none is insignificant in a county with shrinking red representation.Why it matters: Republicans will want strong candidates to advance to the general to heighten their party&#x27;s chances of electoral success in Democrat-controlled Charlotte.

Elections 2026: Who filed to run in Mecklenburg County

Who's running in Charlotte? A guide to the 2026 field.

Candidate filing in North Carolina closed on Friday with a long list of names jumping in to run for federal, state and local offices, marking the official start of what will be a fiery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 midterm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/05/democrats-and-republicans-line-up-candidates-for-competitive-north-carolina-midterms" data-vars-content-id="b7d1b381-d063-49f2-86aa-9adf048834a3" data-vars-headline="Elections 2026: Who filed to run in Mecklenburg County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/05/democrats-and-republicans-line-up-candidates-for-competitive-north-carolina-midterms" target="_self">2026 midterm</a>.Why it matters: From the U.S. Senate to Mecklenburg County commissioners, there are lots of races to watch this year that will affect your daily life and the future of where you live.

Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax

Election Results 2025: Charlotte region approves 1-cent transit sales tax

Mecklenburg County voters approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a landmark 1-cent sales tax increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" data-vars-content-id="ab0dea0d-5f75-4374-a5ec-90382f2db948" data-vars-headline="Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/mecklenburg-county-referendum-sales-tax-transportation" target="_self">a landmark 1-cent sales tax increase</a> projected to generate $19.4 billion over 30 years to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="build new rail lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" data-vars-content-id="ab0dea0d-5f75-4374-a5ec-90382f2db948" data-vars-headline="Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/03/cats-rail-lines-corridors-silver-red-gold-blue-transit-sales-tax" target="_self">build new rail lines</a>, overhaul the bus system, and expand road, bike and pedestrian infrastructure.Why it matters: The measure raises the local sales tax rate from 7.25% to 8.25%, unlocking a perpetual funding source for a transformative expansion of the region&#x27;s public transit network, starting with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="25-mile Red Line commuter rail from Uptown to the Lake Norman towns." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/17/red-line-commuter-train-rail-passenger-north-mecklenburg-county-design" data-vars-content-id="ab0dea0d-5f75-4374-a5ec-90382f2db948" data-vars-headline="Election results 2025: City council, school board and transit tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/17/red-line-commuter-train-rail-passenger-north-mecklenburg-county-design" target="_self">25-mile Red Line commuter rail from Uptown to the Lake Norman towns.</a>

Election Day 2025: 6 races we're watching in Charlotte

What to watch on Election Day: Will the 1-cent tax pass?

On Nov. 4, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/election-november-2025-voter-guide-cms-city-council-transit-sales-tax-referendum" data-vars-content-id="811f3813-e6ab-4b83-95e7-9b4966bbcb84" data-vars-headline="Election Day 2025: 6 races we&#x27;re watching in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/election-november-2025-voter-guide-cms-city-council-transit-sales-tax-referendum" target="_self">Charlotte voters</a> will elect city council and school board representatives, and make a potentially transformational decision on the countywide transportation sales tax.Why it matters: Local elections are often overlooked and result in low turnout, but they can greatly affect how our tax dollars are prioritized and how the region grows.

Voter guide 2025: What's on the ballot in Charlotte

Voters will decide Charlotte mayor, council and school board seats, and transit tax referendum

This fall, Charlotte-area residents will elect a mayor, four at-large city council members, and individual district representatives to council and school board.Why it matters: Local elections are often overlooked, but city council members make consequential decisions related to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/05/udo-development-regulations-eliminating-single-family-only-zoning-city-council" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/05/udo-development-regulations-eliminating-single-family-only-zoning-city-council" target="_self">affordable housing</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/14/gateway-station-ncdot-amtrak-uptown-scoop-records" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/14/gateway-station-ncdot-amtrak-uptown-scoop-records" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/26/cmpd-police-chief-retire-johnny-jennngs" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/26/cmpd-police-chief-retire-johnny-jennngs" target="_self">police</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/20/charlotte-city-council-cmpd-chief-johnny-jennings-dave-boliek-state-auditor" data-vars-content-id="ce2d8f3c-be5a-4fc2-b465-e526553138cf" data-vars-headline="Voter guide 2025: What&#x27;s on the ballot in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/20/charlotte-city-council-cmpd-chief-johnny-jennings-dave-boliek-state-auditor" target="_self">more</a>.

Everything to know about the 1% transportation sales tax referendum

Are you voting for a 1% transportation sales tax this November in Mecklenburg County?

Are you <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/10/charlotte-city-council-primary-results-election-turnout" data-vars-content-id="46f413a9-16eb-4989-9dbf-2b838dddaf55" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about the 1% transportation sales tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/10/charlotte-city-council-primary-results-election-turnout" target="_self">voting</a> for the 1% transportation sales tax referendum in November?Why it matters: It&#x27;s a complicated question — much more so than the language on the ballot will suggest.<ul><li>Here are the key facts you should know to begin forming a decision.</li></ul>

Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism

Mayor Lyles sweeps, Tiawana Brown loses reelection in Charlotte City Council primary.

Charlotte Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swept" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/16/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal-files-roberts" data-vars-content-id="64a4535d-fd7f-434e-a3ef-50aa318b10c4" data-vars-headline="Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/16/mayor-vi-lyles-reelection-bid-campaign-2025-municipal-files-roberts" target="_self">swept</a> another primary, nearly clearing the path for her win in November, despite the Aug. 22 light rail stabbing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising in national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/08/iryna-zarutska-stabbing-video-republicans-maga" data-vars-content-id="64a4535d-fd7f-434e-a3ef-50aa318b10c4" data-vars-headline="Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/08/iryna-zarutska-stabbing-video-republicans-maga" target="_self">rising in national attention</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Election Day." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" data-vars-content-id="64a4535d-fd7f-434e-a3ef-50aa318b10c4" data-vars-headline="Election results: Mayor Lyles sweeps despite light rail stabbing criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/09/state-auditor-investigation-cats-light-rail-stabbing" target="_self">on Election Day.</a><ul><li>In a separate, closely watched race, councilmember Tiawana Brown, facing a federal indictment, lost her District 3 race.</li></ul>Why it matters: While municipal primaries often go under the radar, city council makes consequential decisions about the future of the city and the spending of your tax dollars on a range of priorities, like police and transit, for instance.

Election 🗳️

Primary election results 2026: Sheriff McFadden wins reelection, plus other takeaways

Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot

Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide

Elections 2026: Charlotte Republican primary guide