Matthews commissioners review proposed 2025–26 legislative priorities; transportation funding and school planning dominate discussion

Matthews commissioners spent the March 10 work session reviewing a one‑page draft of the town’s 2025–26 legislative priorities prepared by EQV Strategic, focusing discussion on transportation funding, affordable housing and school‑capacity forecasting.

The board did not adopt the priorities at the March 10 meeting; the agenda item was deferred to the March 24 regular meeting so staff can present revised wording and commissioners can suggest targeted additions. Town Manager Becky Hawk told the board the one‑page format reflects feedback from EQV that North Carolina legislators prefer brevity.

Transportation prompted the longest debate. Commissioners and residents pressed for a clearer statement about Powell Bill funding — the state program that distributes gasoline‑tax revenues to municipalities — noting revenue declines tied to higher fuel efficiency and electric vehicles. Commissioner John Urban and others asked that the draft prioritize new funding mechanisms for NCDOT projects, or raise statutory “caps” that limit spending in…