The Political Beat Candidate Guide: Charlotte City Council—District 3

CHARLOTTE — The incumbent District 3 councilmember lost in the primary. Voters in this district will select a new representative. Democrat Joi Mayo, Republican James Bowers and unaffiliated candidate Robin Emmons are seeking the seat. District 3 includes west Charlotte, southwest Charlotte, Steele Creek and South End.

The Political Beat asked questions of each candidate in this race. Below are their unedited responses:

Joi Mayo

What is your occupation? Community Engagement Manager for an environmental nonprofit; former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools middle school math & social studies teacher.

Why are you running? I’m running for Charlotte City Council District 3 to ensure every neighborhood receives equitable investment in infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunity. I’ve seen firsthand how disinvestment harms communities, and I have a proven record of turning ideas into action.

What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it Equitable investment across District 3. I will establish a District 3 Community Council to enable residents to identify priorities, track progress, and hold the city accountable for results.

How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? Neutral. I support improving transit and investing in multi-modal options, such as light rail, buses, bike lanes, and sidewalks, but I worry about displacement. Any plan must include affordable housing protections, land banking, and community benefits agreements before I would support it.

Do you support Charlotte City Council’s settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings? Why or why not? No. Taxpayer funds must be spent responsibly and transparently. Without a filed lawsuit, I would not have supported the settlement and would have required greater public disclosure for such payments.

How should Charlotte City Council address working conditions and pay issues raised by the SEIU at Charlotte Douglas International Airport? As a former teacher, I believe in using a clear rubric to ensure accountability and transparency. The city should apply a rubric to all businesses and contractors working with the city or on city property, one that rewards companies meeting or exceeding the city’s $23/hour minimum pay, prioritizes local businesses over those from other counties or states, and elevates minority-, women-, and small-business owners. If we hold these values dear, we must prioritize them in every partnership.

What sets you apart from your opponents? More than a decade of proven community leadership, including over four years on CharMeck’s Community Relations Committee, with two years as chair of its Public Relations Committee, as well as service as HOA president, coalition organizer, and nonprofit board chair, delivering real results in safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood revitalization. I bring both grassroots experience and the ability to navigate city systems effectively.

Warren Turner

What is your occupation? Retired North Carolina Department of Public Safety Chief Probation Officer.

Why are you running? I’m running because I deeply love this city and the people who call it home. But I’m concerned about the path we’re on. Rising crime, burdensome taxes, and unchecked urban sprawl are threatening the character and safety of our community. I believe we can do better, and I’m ready to serve.

What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? The most pressing challenges facing our city are rising crime rates and unchecked urban sprawl, which continues to outpace the development of essential infrastructure. In an effort to address these issues, we should consider restructuring city policy around UDO’s, creating a moratorium on rezonings, increasing our tree save requirements, as well as getting tough on crime.

How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? I’ve carefully reviewed the proposed 1% transit tax and remain deeply concerned about several aspects of the overall plan. While the proposal touches on critical elements that could shape the future of mobility in our region, its long-term implications demand thoughtful short-term decisions. If we don’t get this right, the consequences could be felt for decades. Given the significance of this measure, I believe the public deserves more time and clarity to fully understand what’s included in the package. An informed community is essential for making such a consequential decision.

Do you support Charlotte City Council’s settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings? Why or why not? I won’t pass judgment, as I don’t have all the facts surrounding this issue. However, I do believe the situation could have been approached with greater transparency and handled differently overall.

How should Charlotte City Council address working conditions and pay issues raised by the SEIU at Charlotte Douglas International Airport? I firmly believe that the city has a duty to actively listen to the needs and concerns of all its employees. This includes addressing serious issues such as reports that working conditions for airport staff may not meet safety standards. We are responsible for ensuring these concerns are thoroughly investigated and resolved. When it comes to private-sector employees, our role is not to dictate wages. Instead, we should lead by example: by providing city workers with a fair, living wage and cultivating safe, supportive, and high-quality working environments. In doing so, we set a standard that others can aspire to.

What sets you apart from your opponents? As the former District 3 representative, I bring a deep understanding of city operations and council responsibilities that clearly distinguishes me from my opponents. Over eight years of dedicated service, I delivered results that reshaped Charlotte’s westside...leading efforts to reduce crime, expand economic development, and implement 9.2 miles of light rail infrastructure. My work spurred new housing developments along Freedom Drive, Wilkinson Boulevard, and West Boulevard, transforming these corridors into vibrant, thriving communities. I also laid a strategic blueprint for future transportation and economic growth across the district, ensuring long-term progress beyond my tenure. Partnering with federal and state leaders, I championed two HOPE VI housing projects in District 3, revitalizing neighborhoods and improving quality of life. Additionally, I introduced Charlotte’s first roundabouts, modernizing our transportation network and enhancing traffic flow. This is proven leadership with a legacy of tangible results.

Robin Emmons

What is your occupation? Community leader, business professional, and nonprofit founder. I have a diverse background in business, finance, technology, and nonprofit leadership, and have leveraged those skills to help address some of Charlotte’s most critical needs—building coalitions, founding organizations, and leading at the intersection of social impact, business, and public service.

Why are you running? After decades of grassroots work, I’ve learned that policy is the vehicle for lasting change. I’m running to bring that experience—and my independence—to the Charlotte City Council as a unifying voice committed to collaboration over division. Leadership should be about service, not partisanship. I will work with anyone, regardless of party, who understands the business of governing and is committed to serving people.

What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? Charlotte’s challenges are interconnected—rebuilding trust in government, housing, development, public safety, and the rising cost of living. Addressing them requires a council with diverse lived experiences, and broad relationships across sectors. Trust is central, but it’s earned only by doing the hard work of solving problems together, transparently, and consistently.

Do you support the sales tax increase for transit? I support investment in transit, but only with clear oversight, anti-displacement safeguards, and transparent use of funds. Growth must benefit all communities—not just those already thriving.

Do you support the CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings settlement? Personnel confidentiality must be balanced with transparency when public dollars are used. Accountability applies to all leaders, especially those enforcing the law. Transparency is essential to maintaining trust in both the police department and city government.

How should Council address airport worker concerns? While the City cannot dictate wages for workers employed by private contractors, it is not powerless. The Council can use its influence to convene stakeholders and set stronger standards in city contracts with major airport employers and vendors. Fair pay, safe working conditions, and shared prosperity should guide how Charlotte partners with those who benefit from public infrastructure.

What sets you apart from your opponents? I bring professional depth and breadth, proven leadership, and true independence. I earned my place on the ballot through citizen signatures—not party machinery. I’m not beholden to ideology or special interests, only to the people of Charlotte. My leadership blends empathy, business acumen, knowledge and lived experience—and the courage to work across divides to get things done.

James Bowers

What is your occupation? Minister, Insurance.

Which position in Charlotte are you running for? City Council- District 3.

Why are you running? I am running to represent the citizens of Charlotte.

What is the most important issue and how do you plan to address it? Our most important issue for District 3 is safety. For years City Council has not focused on the individual issues of each District. My plan is to re-imagine the roles of police and neighborhoods and enjoin and collaborate with them for more direct interaction.

How are you voting on the sales tax increase referendum for transit and why? City Council needs to do a much better job of getting the communities engaged in the decision to create any new taxes or spending. I think a pause and more clarity would get my approval.

Do you support Charlotte City Council’s settlement with CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings? Why or why not? It’s a real good question but it’s also a little tricky one because it was done behind closed doors and City Council’s job is not to be secretive with the citizenry but to be open. So I don’t support any secretive efforts by any public entity especially if our job is to serve the public interest.

How should Charlotte City Council address working conditions and pay issues raised by the SEIU at Charlotte Douglas International Airport? City Council should review all relevant data and consider implementing robust standards for salaries, employment and business investments and goals which reflect the premiere city in NC.

What sets you apart from your opponents? As a future City Councilperson, my time on the dais will bring a new spirit of clarity, cooperation. I will be focused on all of Charlotte’s residents, reputation and character so they feel safe with my decisions and proud of my leadership and humility.

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