When it comes to regional transportation planning in North Carolina, the process is meant to be objective and data-driven. Through the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), Union County, Iredell County, and Mecklenburg County work together to identify and prioritize projects for state funding.
Evaluation Process
This process is governed by North Carolina’s Strategic Transportation Investments law and administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Projects are evaluated using a combination of technical scores and local input points allocated by regional planning organizations and NCDOT divisions.
Importantly, while the CRTPO’s official scoring criteria focus on factors like congestion, safety, and benefit-cost analysis, a project’s cost to the state is still part of the overall evaluation process. Projects that reduce the financial burden on NCDOT, such as those supported with local funding, can be more competitive when it comes to determining which projects are most likely to advance.
As a result, local financial contributions may not directly alter a project’s score, but they can meaningfully shape how projects are evaluated and prioritized within the broader framework.
Transportation Resolution
This distinction is at the heart of the Union County Chamber’s recent resolution regarding transportation sales tax legislation under consideration for Mecklenburg County. The proposed legislation would allow Mecklenburg to generate significant local transportation revenue, potentially as much as hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This additional local funding could push Mecklenburg projects, such as their proposed transit expansion, ahead of road projects in Union County.
To be clear: The Chamber is not opposed to Mecklenburg County pursuing local funding solutions to meet its transportation needs. In fact, we recognize the critical role that local investment plays in advancing infrastructure.
But without thoughtful safeguards, such a large infusion of local funding could unintentionally skew the regional funding process. Jurisdictions with more robust revenue streams might be better positioned to support or advance projects, not because their needs are greater, but because they can reduce the financial burden on the state.
Union County is growing rapidly and has legitimate transportation needs of its own. The concern is not about competition between counties, but rather about maintaining a level playing field where all communities have a fair opportunity to receive funding for the projects that matter most to their residents and businesses.
That’s why the Chamber is urging lawmakers to carefully evaluate the potential unintended consequences of the proposed sales tax authority. We support regional collaboration and that includes advocating for policies that ensure smaller and fast-growing counties like Union are not left behind. Our goal is a regional approach to transportation planning that promotes balanced investment and shared prosperity for every corner of the CRTPO region.
Last modified: June 3, 2025
