Herbert L. White
The city of Charlotte has a new deputy city manager to oversee public transit’s transformation to regional authority.
Donny Hamilton Jr. will manage Charlotte Area Transit System’s transition pending Mecklenburg County voters’ approval in November of a referendum that would boost sales taxes by 1% sales to support mass transit. Part of his job is to sell voters on the benefits of transportation investments.
“I’m honored to join the City of Charlotte and contribute to a community that is clearly committed to innovative, sustainable growth,” Hamilton said in a statement. “Charlotte has an incredible opportunity to shape the future of mobility and urban living, and I look forward to working with a talented team to help lead the effort.”
The referendum, approved Aug. 6 by Mecklenburg commissioners, would commit the county to a 1-cent sales tax for investment in roadways and public transportation. If voters OK the initiative, the levy would raise Mecklenburg’s tax from 7.25% to 8.25% and would generate a projected $19.4 billion over 30 years.
Referendum supporters contend the transit tax is necessary to keep pace with growth for a county expected to add an estimated 600,000 people in the next 20 years. Opponents counter the levy doesn’t provide significant detail on what is included in the tax or whether it is permanent.
Another concern is the tax is regressive, which means lower income people pay a greater share of the investment.
Hamilton, a specialist in transportation finance, has more than two decades of experience managing infrastructure projects and transportation strategy. At the Federal Railroad Administration, his job was advancing transit initiatives across the country.
As chief strategy officer for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Hamilton oversaw development of its first strategic plan and spent 17 years with the Federal Highway Administration, where he was involved in planning and transportation projects.
“We are thrilled to welcome Donny Hamilton Jr. to our executive leadership team,” City Manager Marcus Jones said. “His expertise in transit and transportation, combined with his passion for building resilient, people-centered cities, makes him an ideal fit as we navigate a transformational period for Charlotte. I’m confident his leadership will help shape a more connected organization and city
