Tricia Cotham’s PAVE Act - A Historic Win for Mecklenburg County!

Mecklenburg County is celebrating a transformative victory thanks to the dynamic leadership of Rep. Tricia Cotham! On June 18, 2025, the North Carolina House passed House Bill 948, the Projects for Advancing Vehicle-Infrastructure Enhancements (PAVE) Act, with a vote of 102-6. This bipartisan achievement, championed by Rep. Cotham and supported by every Mecklenburg Democrat present, positions her region for a bold new era of transportation innovation.

What is the PAVE Act?

The PAVE Act authorizes Mecklenburg County to place a 1-cent sales tax referendum on the ballot, potentially as early as this November. If approved by voters, the revenue will fund a multi-billion-dollar transportation plan aimed at reducing congestion, expanding transit, and strengthening infrastructure. The bill allocates:

• 40% to road upgrades for safer, smoother commutes.

• 40% to rail projects, like the Silver Line light rail, to enhance public transit.

• 20% to bus and microtransit services for accessible, flexible options.

This comprehensive plan addresses the needs of Mecklenburg’s rapidly growing population, which is expected to surge by nearly 50% by 2050. The PAVE Act empowers Mecklenburg County to shape a transportation system that drives progress.

Tricia Cotham’s Bipartisan Triumph

Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Mecklenburg County Republican, has been the heart of this groundbreaking legislation. Her ability to forge bipartisan support was evident in the House vote, where all Mecklenburg Democrats present joined Republicans in backing the bill. Cotham’s collaborative spirit also won over the people, local leaders and businesses. The bill guarantees smaller municipalities, such as Matthews, approximately $5.4 million annually for local road projects, thereby easing traffic and promoting economic growth.

"This is a huge win for Matthews, and I hope it will garner the support for good policy and that others don't try to put bad politics in play here," Cotham said.

Cotham expertly guided the bill through the House Transportation, Finance, and Rules Committees, securing unanimous approval in Transportation before the full House vote. As she emphasized on the House floor, the PAVE Act “provides the framework for voters to decide if they want the opportunity to improve transportation issues in our very highly populated and dense region.”

Why This Matters for Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County grapples with gridlocked roads, limited transit options, and a rapidly growing population that strains our infrastructure. The PAVE Act offers a solution, enabling voters to fund a $25 billion transit plan that will:

• Reduce congestion: More roads and transit mean less time in traffic and fewer “grumpy people,” as Cotham playfully noted.

• Fuel prosperity: A modern transportation network attracts businesses and creates jobs.

• Enhance access: Expanded rail, bus, and microtransit services connect residents to opportunities.

• Build for tomorrow: The PAVE Act prepares Mecklenburg for decades of growth.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and leaders from Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Pineville have praised Cotham’s leadership, calling the PAVE Act a visionary investment in our future.