Public forum spotlights immigrant fears after federal enforcement, bike advocates urge more funding
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Summary
Residents told council that recent immigration enforcement actions frightened immigrant neighbors and disrupted daily life; multiple bicycling advocates urged increased funding for protected bike lanes and enforcement of parking in bike lanes. A local entrepreneur proposed improvements to the city's 311/CLT Plus experience including Spanish‑language support.
At the start of the Nov. 24 meeting the council heard more than a dozen public commenters on a range of topics that framed the emotional and policy context for the session.
On immigration and enforcement, Donna Eliza Schmidt described how unmarked federal vans and large‑scale operations in the city had intimidated immigrant residents, disrupted English‑as‑a‑Second‑Language classes and reduced attendance at work and school. Schmidt asked council to publish statements in English and Spanish, provide “know your rights” materials on the city website and direct outreach to affected communities. Several other speakers and community organizations praised the council’s decision to authorize emergency short‑term funding to assist families affected by recent operations.
On streets and bikes, Lauren Patterson and Frank Devine—both affiliated with the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee—urged larger, dedicated funding for bike infrastructure, pointing out that protected bike lanes are relatively low‑cost per mile and that the city’s current spending level makes it difficult to meet Vision Zero goals. Devine criticized enforcement and citizen reporting systems for failing to address vehicles parked in bike lanes and called for a working reporting system.
On customer service, Jacob Krasminski and others described an improved three‑one‑one solution with Spanish language support they want piloted in Charlotte to reduce call volume and improve response times.
Speakers combined personal testimony and programmatic proposals: several asked council to prioritize safety in upcoming decisions about how to spend newly authorized road funding under the PAVE Act and to use funds to advance non‑motorized safety and transit access as a clear city priority.
Council members thanked speakers and noted staff follow‑up would be coordinated through city departments.