Tricia Cotham’s PAVE Act Signed into Law – A Historic Win for Mecklenburg County!

Mecklenburg County is celebrating a landmark victory with the signing of House Bill 948, the Projects for Advancing Vehicle-Infrastructure Enhancements (PAVE) Act, into law. Championed by Rep. Tricia Cotham, this transformative legislation passed the North Carolina House on June 18, 2025, with a resounding bipartisan vote of 102-6, supported by every Mecklenburg Democrat present. The PAVE Act sets the stage for a new era of transportation innovation in the region.

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 November 2025. If voters approve, the revenue will fund a $25 billion transportation plan to alleviate congestion, expand transit, and bolster 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 forward-thinking plan addresses the needs of Mecklenburg County’s rapidly growing population, expected to surge by nearly 50% by 2050, ensuring a transportation system that fuels progress.

Tricia Cotham’s Bipartisan Triumph

Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican from Mecklenburg County, has been the driving force behind this groundbreaking legislation. Her ability to secure bipartisan support was evident in the House vote, and her skillful navigation of the bill through the Transportation, Finance, and Rules Committees earned unanimous approval in the Transportation Committee. Cotham’s collaborative approach also won over residents, local leaders, and businesses, with the bill guaranteeing smaller municipalities, like Matthews, approximately $5.4 million annually for local road projects to ease traffic and drive economic growth.

“This is a huge win for Matthews, and I hope it will garner support for good policy without bad politics getting in the way,” Cotham said on the House floor, emphasizing that the PAVE Act “provides the framework for voters to decide if they want to improve transportation in our highly populated and dense region.”

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles praised Cotham’s leadership, stating, “Rep. Tricia Cotham has moved a mountain with this bill. I know that you will do these types of things because you care as much about Mecklenburg County as anyone else.”

Why This Matters for Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County faces gridlocked roads, limited transit options, and infrastructure strained by rapid growth. The PAVE Act, now signed into law, empowers voters to fund a transformative transit plan that will:  

• Reduce congestion: More roads and transit options 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 lauded Cotham’s leadership, calling the PAVE Act a visionary investment in Mecklenburg County’s future. With the bill now law, the region is poised for a transportation revolution, pending voter approval.