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Mecklenburg County approves incentive grants for three firms totaling up to $4.3 million
Summary
The Board approved three Business Investment Program grants — to Avery Express, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Capital Group — endorsing job creation, retention and training commitments. Commissioners debated wage levels, community benefits and accountability measures before unanimous votes.
Mecklenburg County commissioners on June 16 approved three Business Investment Program grants that together authorize county support for expansion projects from a regional freight firm and two financial services firms.
The board approved a five‑year grant for Avery Express (county recommendation up to $2,876,000), an 80% five‑year grant for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (about $790,000 county exposure) and a three‑year 50% grant for Capital Group (about $634,000). Each approval was presented through a public hearing process and adopted by the board during the meeting.
What was presented: County staff described each project’s proposed investment, job creation and community impacts. Avery Express proposed a roughly $239 million investment at a Westinghouse Boulevard site, adding about 211 new jobs and retaining 182 employees; staff said that the project would generate cumulative sales‑tax revenue and net county revenues over five years. Sumitomo Mitsui proposed a new Americas hub in Uptown with 2,000 proposed new jobs and an average job wage listed in staff materials near $165,686. Capital Group proposed a $90 million investment with about 600 jobs and an average salary near $200,000.
Commissioner discussion centered on wages, the kinds of jobs created, and community benefits. Commissioner Rodriguez Mercado noted that many of the jobs at Avery Express “are jobs that allow people who do not have a college education” and emphasized the training and upward mobility aspects. Several commissioners urged staff to monitor whether grant recipients meet hiring, training and wage commitments and to report back on return on investment.
Votes and conditions: Each of the three resolutions passed after the public hearings; staff noted that grant funds are disbursed only after investment is completed, property taxes are paid and jobs are verified. The board authorized the county manager to negotiate and execute contracts for each grant.
Why it matters: The grants reflect county economic development strategy to retain and grow employers in Charlotte‑Mecklenburg, expand workforce opportunities across skill levels and capture tax base benefits for the county. Commissioners signaled a continued focus on accountability — tracking job creation, wages and training commitments tied to incentive payments.
Next steps: County staff will finalize contract terms, verify investments and job creation milestones, and return documentation to the county for any disbursements.
