CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a $3.5 billion budget that includes no property tax increase but features cuts to some nonprofit organizations.

The proposal, which passed a straw vote after some amendments Monday , touches nearly every corner of daily life for Charlotte residents — from trash pickup and water bills to employee pay and long-term investments in affordable housing and public safety.

The FY2026 budget , introduced by City Manager Marcus Jones in early May, represents a 5.2% increase from last year.

However, the budget faces a $6.5 million shortfall due to sales tax revenue that isn't generating as much as anticipated. They're also dealing with the inevitable expiration of COVID-era ARPA funds.

"We have cut our own costs. We have abso

See Full Page