North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The City of Charlotte has launched Skilled to Build, to prepare local businesses and workers for opportunities that will come from more than $25 billion in transportation and transit funding from a voter-approved one-cent sales tax.
More than 100 participants attended the kickoff event this week, representing construction, higher education, government and nonprofit industries. 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 at the event. “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.”
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.
Also, details were released on a 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 kickoff 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.
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.