City Hosted Launch for Skilled to Build Mobility Workforce Initiative
Published on September 22, 2026
The City of Charlotte hosted an official public launch of Skilled to Build, a citywide initiative that was created to prepare local businesses and workers for opportunities that will emerge from more than $25 billion in transportation and transit investment generated by the voter-approved one-cent sales tax.
More than 100 participants attended the kickoff event, representing small businesses and industries including construction, higher education, government and nonprofit. The launch focused on the three pillars of the Skilled to Build initiative: Small Business Readiness, Mobility Workforce Readiness and Contract Readiness.
“Today’s successful launch was the beginning of a larger movement to make Charlotte more connected, more competitive and more prosperous through historic investments in transit and transportation,” City Manager Marcus D. Jones said. “This isn’t just about building roads and sidewalks — it is about how our community moves, our quality of life and supporting our small businesses and residents so they benefit from the economic opportunities that are created through this work. Residents and businesses are relying on us, and we want everyone to benefit from this transformative investment.”
City leaders and staff from the city’s Economic Development Department, Office of Workforce Development, Contracting and Procurement Department and Charlotte Department of Transportation presented details on the city’s preparations for mobility projects. Staff also shared information on how businesses can access contracting opportunities and upcoming projects that are expected to begin over the next six months.
Additionally, the city presented details on its gap analysis and strategic efforts to bridge the gap for workers and businesses. Recipients of the city’s first Mobility Workforce Grants were highlighted as well.
The goal of the launch event was to equip participants with information to help them succeed as the city implements its Strategic Mobility Plan. The kickoff also emphasized the need for training providers, small businesses, employers and community partners to align before projects are underway. During the event, City Manager Marcus Jones declared that each attendee is a part of Team Charlotte, indicating that everyone’s work and voice will be a significant component of the overall effort to build a better Charlotte.
The event concluded with a networking opportunity, allowing participants to engage with city staff, workforce training providers and ecosystem partners who provided resource tables.
Skilled to Build was first announced in December 2025. The initiative brings small businesses, workforce development organizations, education and training providers, employers and community leaders together to prepare local businesses, develop workforce talent and connect Charlotte-region employers to the largest local infrastructure program.