North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The City of Charlotte has launched a new initiative to prepare small businesses, employers and workers for billions of dollars in upcoming transportation and infrastructure projects.
The Skilled to Build program, announced Tuesday, is designed to expand economic opportunities ahead of an anticipated wave of mobility contracts tied to the voter-approved one-cent sales tax. The tax, approved in November, is expected to generate $19.4 billion over the next 30 years for public transit and roadway improvements across Mecklenburg County.
A major component of the initiative is the Small Business Readiness Fund, which will help local firms strengthen their skills and technical capacity so they can compete for future city contracts. The effort will roll out in three phases: curriculum development, program delivery and ongoing technical assistance.
The Skilled to Build initiative also includes a Mobility Workforce Readiness component intended to expand the pool of workers needed for future transportation projects. The city plans to partner with organizations that can provide training, apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities while connecting employers with job-ready candidates.
Charlotte is seeking grant proposals for talent development programs that support a skilled workforce for transportation infrastructure work. These proposals are due by noon on Jan. 9, 2026.
The city is also inviting applications from organizations that can help expand internships, strengthen job placement opportunities and deliver employee training programs. A key focus will be connecting residents to opportunities in transportation and transit-related industries. Proposals for this phase are also due by noon on Jan. 9, 2026.
More information on the proposal process, including virtual information sessions and application criteria, is available on the Skilled to Build webpage.