Stronger Together: PAVE Act Shows What Bipartisanship Can Build

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, is celebrating a moment that many thought might never come. With the stroke of a pen, House Bill 948—the Projects for Advancing Vehicle-Infrastructure Enhancements (PAVE) Act—became law, setting the stage for a once-in-a-generation investment in the region’s transportation future.

At the heart of this victory is Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican from Mecklenburg County, whose leadership and persistence helped secure overwhelming bipartisan support. On June 18, 2025, the North Carolina House approved the bill by a wide margin of 102-6. Every Mecklenburg Democrat present cast a vote in favor, underscoring that this initiative transcended party lines in a time when politics so often divides.

The PAVE Act authorizes Mecklenburg County to hold a 1-cent sales tax referendum, potentially as early as November 2025. If voters approve, the revenue would fund a sweeping $25 billion transportation plan aimed at easing congestion, expanding transit options, and modernizing infrastructure. For a county expecting nearly 50% population growth by 2050, the timing could not be more urgent.

The plan calls for a balanced approach: 40% dedicated to road upgrades, 40% to rail projects such as the Silver Line light rail, and 20% to bus and microtransit services. This allocation ensures that drivers, commuters, and families across the region benefit equally, whether they rely on highways, public transit, or flexible transportation options.

Cotham’s ability to bring people together was on full display during the legislative process. The bill earned unanimous approval in the House Transportation Committee before moving swiftly through Finance and Rules. Along the way, Cotham worked closely with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, local leaders, and community stakeholders to build trust and momentum. The legislation even guarantees smaller municipalities—like Matthews—an estimated $5.4 million annually for local road improvements. That provision, she explained, helps ensure equity across the region while also driving economic growth in towns that too often feel overshadowed by Charlotte.

“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 during debate on the House floor. She reminded colleagues that the bill does not dictate outcomes—it simply gives voters the power to decide. “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, a Democrat, praised Cotham’s bipartisan spirit and commitment to Mecklenburg County, saying, “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.” Her words captured the rare sense of unity surrounding the effort, as leaders from both political parties and across municipalities rallied behind the vision.

For Mecklenburg residents, the PAVE Act could be transformative. Daily life in the county is often defined by long commutes, gridlock, and limited transit options. The law empowers voters to address these challenges head-on. More roads and better transit mean less time stuck in traffic, which Cotham quipped will result in “fewer grumpy people.” But beyond convenience, the transportation overhaul promises broader benefits: attracting new businesses, creating jobs, expanding access to opportunities, and preparing the region for decades of growth.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, alongside leaders from Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Pineville, hailed the PAVE Act as a visionary step forward. Business leaders recognize that companies depend on efficient infrastructure, and workers need reliable ways to get to and from their jobs. Strong transportation networks are not just about convenience—they are about prosperity.

What makes this law particularly remarkable is how it came to be. At a time when partisanship often stalls progress, the PAVE Act is proof that bipartisan cooperation is still possible when leaders focus on shared priorities rather than political gamesmanship. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats, urban and suburban leaders, and residents across the county, Cotham delivered a rare consensus on one of the most pressing issues facing North Carolina’s economic hub.

Now, the decision moves from lawmakers to the people. Voters will have the chance to weigh in at the ballot box, likely this November. Their choice will determine whether Mecklenburg embarks on a $25 billion transportation revolution—one that could reshape the county’s future for generations.

The signing of the PAVE Act into law is more than a policy victory. It is a reminder that when leaders choose collaboration over division, communities win. Mecklenburg County’s next chapter will be written not only in concrete, rails, and bus routes, but in the spirit of bipartisanship that made this historic achievement possible.