July 15, 2018 - Request for Council Action/Executive Summary of the Contract [PDF]
July 16, 2018 - Charlotte City Council Meeting [City of Charlotte video]

Charlotte City Council Votes to Approve RNC Contracts

On the afternoon of July 16, 2018, the Charlotte City Council debated whether to approve contracts to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.  Mayor Vi Lyles, a Democrat, had been shepherding the idea since February and the city submitted a proposal to the RNC on April 2.  Meanwhile other cities declined to bid or backed out, leaving only Charlotte and Las Vegas.  For several weeks leading up to the Coucil vote, there was intense discussion in the city.  One the day of the vote the Council started with a public hearing for which over 100 people signed up to speak.  Each person had one minute, and the forum lasted for about 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Many business leaders supported the RNC citing the economic benefits, while there was considerable opposition among Democrats and progressives citiing Trump's language and positions.  After the public forum, Council members deliberated, making thoughtful arguments for and against hosting the RNC.  The final vote was 6 to 5 for proceeding.

Yes: Tariq Bokhari, Ed Driggs, Larken Egleston, Julie Eiselt, James Mitchell, Greg Phipps.
No: Dimple Ajmera, Justin Harlow, LaWana Mayfield, Matt Newton. Braxton Winston.

A FEW PRESS RELEASES/STATEMENTS
Text of Statement (July 13, 2018)
Dimple Ajmera
City Council At-Large

My stance on the Republican National Convention (RNC).

I just had an opportunity to review the RNC contract today.

After reviewing the contract, I will not be supporting the RNC coming to Charlotte.

This is not a political stance.  Instead it's an economic one.

Taxpayers will be on the hook for the potential liability, unknown risk and exposure.

As an At-Large Councill member, I must look after the interest of all residents and that's my commitment to you!

Yours truly,

Dimple Ajmera
City Council At-Large
MEMO FROM CLT CITY ATTORNEY TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL

Mayor and Council,

I have become aware of a statement released by CM Dimple Ajmera that invokes me. While I don't typically comment publicly on private conversations between me and any one of you, I do feel the need to clarify something about the contract we are working on if the City is awarded the 2020 RNC.

Since 2004, the federal government has provided each city that has hosted a ntaional political convention $50 million to cover security costs, an amount that has proven sufficient for every convention. That said, it is important to consider what would happen if costs exceed the grant amount.

Under the contract as drafted, if the grant proves insufficient, the City would be responsible only for assets that the Chief and City Manger decide to retain for post-convention CMPD law enforcement purposes. Beyond that, the Host Committee would be responsible for cost overruns. Stated more directly, tax payer dollars would be used only to the extent that the City decides to spend more than $50 million, and then only for those items the Chief and Manager believe are useful to CMPD for future law enforcement purposes.

Bob
[Robert E. Hagemann]
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
July 13, 2018
 
Members of the Charlotte City Council:
 
The Charlotte Chamber recommends a yes vote to hosting the 2020 National Convention.

From the Charlotte Chamber’s perspective, this is not about politics. It is about demonstrating that Charlotte is a global city, well prepared to successfully host events of this magnitude. Like the DNC, which generated $163 million in economic impact, the RNC will have a significant impact on our businesses and provide a stage on which Charlotte can shine.

As Mayor Vi Lyles appropriately conveyed in her op-ed to the community Wednesday:

“The RNC’s economic impact on our city’s working class can make a genuine difference in the lives of families. This convention would provide our community with opportunities for employment and business growth. That translates to more people eating in our restaurants and shopping in our stores, new jobs for freelancers and additional shifts for our service industry.”

The Charlotte Chamber believes this is an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate to the world what makes our city unique – our values, compassion for others, willingness to address differences and commitment to improving economic mobility.

The Chamber stands resolute with Mayor Lyles and other business, civic and nonprofit leaders who pledge to make the 2020 RNC Convention the most inclusive and engaging ever.

We’re ALL IN. Are you?

Bob Morgan 
Charlotte Chamber CEO and President

Kendall Alley 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Young Democrats of North Carolina/Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: July 9, 2018
Communications Contact: Lorenzo Pedro

Young Democrats of North Carolina and Mecklenburg County Oppose RNC 2020 in Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina - The Young Democrats of North Carolina and Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County call on the leaders of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to reject any bid to bring the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020.

“Donald Trump’s Republican Party does not reflect the values of our city,” said Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County President Jonathan Peebles. “The City Council and leaders throughout Charlotte should reject any attempt to bring the RNC to Charlotte.”

“This isn’t just business as usual. North Carolina should not sacrifice our values in order to reward a party that continues to spew vitriol and contempt towards people across the state,” said Young Democrats of North Carolina President Anne Evangelista. “Any potential claim to an economic impact from the Convention will undoubtedly be outweighed by the civil unrest and reputational harm we would receive from welcoming Trump’s divisive rhetoric to our community.”
###

Founded in 1928, the Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) is an organization for all registered Democrats age 36 and under, including College Democrats and Teen Democrats. YDNC is one of the oldest political organizations in our state, and is the founding state federation of the Young Democrats of America. YDNC is the official youth auxiliary of the North Carolina Democratic Party.


Mecklenberg County GOP graphic
City of Charlotte
 
2/15/2018
Jordan-Ashley Walker

Charlotte team evaluates options for hosting Republican National Convention

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2018) – The City of Charlotte, working together with key partners and stakeholders, is evaluating options to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.

 This is the first step in submitting a proposal highlighting all that Charlotte has to offer as a convention destination.  
 
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our city, our region and our state to the world,” said Mayor Vi Lyles. 
 
The City of Charlotte hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2012, an event deemed a big success by the DNC. The convention drew approximately 35,000 delegates, media and visitors, becoming the single largest event in the city’s history. The event had an economic impact of more than $163 million. 
 
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) will be instrumental in coordinating information and plans for the proposal, which is due at the end of February. 
 
The Queen City is a city with momentum, where opportunities for arts, culture and recreation abound. Charlotte is also a great place for business growth, as the city was recently ranked No. 1 for new business start-up success. 
 
“People visiting our community will be impressed with the collaboration among our network of private sector, nonprofit and government partners to create an extraordinary experience,” Lyles said. “Our past successes are the foundation for creating a successful event in 2020.”

###
The City of Charlotte provides services to more than 800,000 residents. The City's focus areas are Community Safety, Housing and Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, Environment and Transportation & Planning. For the latest news about city government, visit the Citywide Newsroom. From our website, you can sign up to receive email updates on City topics that interest you through the Notify Me service.